Spring festival season is blooming rapidly and we’ve hand picked some of the best ways to stay entertained outdoors the local way. Chill out at the annual Austin Reggae Festival or mix and mingle at the always-chic UMLAUF Garden Party. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, click over to our calendar.
Thursday, April 16
Umlauf Sculpture Garden + Museum presents Umlauf Garden Party
Stroll the grounds of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum at its illustrious annual garden party. The special “Amore, Garden Party”-themed soiree will feature decadent tastings from Austin's top restaurants. Additional highlights include live music from local artists, a silent auction, a selection of fine wines, and craft cocktails. For outfit ideas, check out this colorful photo collection from 2025.
Moontower Comedy Festival presents Marc Maron
Stand-up comedy titan Marc Maron performs live at the Paramount Theatre as part of the Moontower Comedy Festival programming. He’s best known as one of the pioneers of podcasting and is the host of the podcast WTF with Marc Maron. Most recently, Maron has appeared in the 2025 HBO special Panicked. Select tickets are available.
Broadway in Austin presents Mamma Mia!
The beloved Broadway story of a soon-to-be-bride and her search for her estranged father comes to life on stage at Bass Concert Hall. Mamma Mia! is a fabulous love story told through the music of iconic Swedish pop group ABBA and features hit songs such as “Dancing Queen,” “SOS,” and the title song “Mamma Mia." Shows are scheduled through April 19.
Friday, April 17
Reggae Rise Upp presents Austin Reggae Festival
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park hosts the Austin Reggae Festival for its 31st year of live music, good vibes, and the Jamaican-born genre with activist roots. This year’s lineup includes performances by headliners Original Koffee, Iration, and Stephen Marley. Additional festival acts include artists like Tribal Seeds, Zion Marley, and Fortunate Youth, Protoje, and others. Tickets are on sale now.
Saturday, April 18
Live Oak Brewing presents 29th Anniversary Party
Raise a mug to 29 years of local beer at Live Oak Brewing. Party guests can enjoy live mariachi music performances and a variety of fresh brews including their new seasonal Mexican-style lager La Sombra. Food trucks and a bouncy house will also be on site. Admission is free and open to the public.
Travis County Parks Foundation presents For the Love of Parks Festival
Local green spaces are celebrated as part of Earth Week at the annual For the Love of Parks Festival. The family-friendly event at Richard Moya Park will host pick-up sports, interactive learning station, face paintings, animal encounters, and a new “Park Passport” activity. Festival admission is free.
Two Step Inn
Country music takes over the city of Georgetown with the return of the Two Step Inn. The two-day festival features a packed lineup including some of the biggest stars in the genre. Attendees can enjoy performances by artists like Chris Stapleton, BigXThaPlug, Goo Goo Dolls, Brooks & Dunn, Randy Rogers Band, Muscadine Bloodline, and more in the heart of San Gabriel Park. Festival tickets are on sale now.
The annual Austin Reggae Festival is back this weekend at Auditorium Shores.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri