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 ABC Kite Fest returns to Zilker Park on April 5.
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.
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
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