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Unique Hill Country tasting room leads this week's 5 most-read Austin stories

Senza Maeso tasting room Ryan Gitman and Jay Gitman

It doesn't get much more eclectic than the Senza Maeso Tasting Room and Bar. Even the spirit served is unusual. Photo courtesy of Likeness Studio

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that list here.

1. Unique spirit made in the Hill Country inspires eclectic new tasting room. Senza Maeso is made from the South American cape gooseberry, a relative of the tomatillo with a similar paper lantern-like husk.

2. Austin feels right at home at its 10 best neighborhood restaurants. Few places impact a foodie's day-to-day as much as their favorite neighborhood restaurant. Here are 10 chosen by our Tastemaker Awards judges.

3. Where to drink in Austin right now: a clarified cocktail menu and new Texas bourbon. It can be hard to keep up with what's going on in Austin's bar scene, so we've rounded up the most refreshing releases, events, and news.

4. Austin wildflower pro says this season will be great for bluebonnets. Texas bluebonnets will soon return for spring 2024. And according to experts, it looks like this year could be a "superb" bloom.

5. Eclectic inn hosts hyperlocal festival before SXSW that's free for Austinites. Inn Cahoots is hosting its inaugural Austin Local Live (ALL) Fest from March 1-3. The twice-a-year scheduling happens a week before both SXSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend

The ABC Kite Fest returns to Zilker Park on April 5. Photo courtesy of the ABC Kite Fest
Sip and sample more than 200 whiskeys at Fair Market on April 5.Whiskey Riot Festival
Broadway musical Hamilton comes to Bass Concert Hall this weekend.Photo by Joan Marcus

The spring season brings a fresh bundle of local-approved activities to pique every interest. Sip spirits at Whiskey Riot, or enjoy the breeze at the ABC Kite Festival. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, April 3

Broadway in Austin presents Hamilton
The story of America’s creation is retold with a modern twist at Bass Concert Hall. This hit musical tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and features music by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The program will include popular songs such as “My Shot” and “Alexander Hamilton.” This production is suitable for audiences 10 and older. Following opening weekend, performances are scheduled through April 6.

The Paramount Theatre presents Ladysmith Black Mambazo
South African, all-male singing group Ladysmith Black Mamabzo performs live at the Paramount Theatre. The group is well-known for their multiple Grammy Award-winning records and their harmonies on Paul Simon’s renowned Graceland album. Theatre members can enjoy a special cocktail hour before the concert. Select tickets are available now.

Cap City Comedy Club presents Nicole Byer
Comedian and actress Nicole Byer performs a series of stand-up shows at the Capitol City Comedy Club. Byer is best known for her role on the NBC comedy Grand Crew and as the host of Netflix’s competition baking series, Nailed It! She recently released her debut solo special for Netflix, Nicole Byer: Big Beautiful Weirdo. Performances are scheduled through April 5.

Saturday, April 5

ABC Kite Fest
A time-honored Austin tradition is back for the 97th year of high-flying, family-friendly fun at Zilker Park. Kite flyers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike are invited to take in the gusty seasonal weather and enjoy the Austin skyline. Festival highlights include a kite showcase, a community kite contest, a pet zone, a children’s concert, MossFest, and more. Admission is free.

Greater Austin Clay Studio Tour
Clay art and artists are celebrated on full display at more than 20 locations across Austin. This two-day, self-guided studio tour will feature demonstrations, workshops, markets, and more from more than 100 participating local clay artists. Admission is free and open to the public. Plus, check out this studio opening on the tour.

Two Step Inn
The Two Step Inn country music festival returns to Austin for a weekend of programming at San Gabriel Park. Highlights of the two-day event include live performances from some of the biggest stars in the genre. Headliners include Sturgill Simpson, Miranda Lambert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nelly, Diplo presents Thomas Wesley, and Treaty Oak Revival. A limited number of general admission tickets are available.

Whiskey Riot
Hundreds of whiskey brands come together at Fair Market for a spirited day of events. Whiskey Riot attendees will get to sample over 200 whiskies from Texas and beyond, meet with master distillers, and discover unique whiskey craft cocktails. This year’s featured brands include Balcones, Highland Park, Compass Box, Starlight, and more. Get more details on Tixr.