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

Weekend Event Guide

Photo by Alison Narro

Holiday weekends call for packed schedules and these selected happenings are certain to keep you busy. Foodie festivals, outdoor films, and a plethora of live music performances are just a few ways to stay entertained in the days ahead. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, May 25

Aaron Franklin's Hot Luck Fest
Big flavors and big cooking stars collide at the return of Hot Luck Fest. The three-day event at various venues including Franklin Barbecue and Fair Market will showcase the best in barbecue and live music. The chef lineup includes Chris Bianco, Crystal Wahpepah, Mashama Bailey, Ashley Christensen, Fermín Núñez, and many more. Live shows are scheduled nightly, immediately following the foodie fun. Visit hotluckfest.com for a full schedule of events and to buy tickets.

Texas Author Series with Cari Clark: Interview with Mark Pryor
Well-known mystery novelist Mark Pryor comes to Chez Zee American Bistro for an evening of dialogue as part of the Texas Author Series programming. The England-based author is best known for his successful Hugo Marston mystery series. Stick around after the conversation to enjoy an intimate Q&A. Get tickets on Eventbrite.

Austin Parks Foundation presents Movies in the Park: Free Guy
Settle in under the stars and in the glow of the silver screen at Gustavo "Gus" L. Garcia District Park. Guests of all ages are invited to a free screening of the 2021 film starring Ryan Reynolds, Free Guy, at this Austin Parks Foundation-hosted film series. Dogs, picnics, and lawn chairs are welcome. Admission is free.

Friday, May 26

Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church presents Austin Greek Festival
Experience and celebrate Greek culture and hospitality at this family-friendly festival. Highlights of the three-day event include Greek cuisine offerings, dance performances, souvenir markets, tours of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, and live music by a band hailing from Greece. Go to austingreekfestival.com

Canopy Projects presents "Here Now" opening reception
Be among the first guests to experience the work of more than 50 artists from the East Austin community at Canopy Austin. The “Here Now” pop-up exhibition includes a range of mediums including photography, sculpture, paint, mixed media, and more. Following the opening reception, this exhibition will be on display through June 15. Admission is free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 27

Zilker Botanical Garden presents Woodland Faerie Trail Opening Day
Whimsical moments and folklore come together in the fields of the Zilker Botanical Garden. Guests to this summer trail kickoff will have the chance to participate in Scottish Country dancing, fairy story time, and activity tables for all ages. They can also learn botanical folklore and tour the Austinite-built faerie homes made in natural materials along the trail. Get more event details at zilkergarden.org.

14th Annual Lone Star Jam
Texas country music takes center stage for two days straight at Round Rock Amp. This year’s Lone Star Jam lineup features more than a dozen performers including Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, Stoney LaRue, Bri Bagwell, and Parker Ryan. Check lonestarjam.net for ticket and schedule information.

Photo by Alison Narro

Indulge in equal parts food and music at Hot Luck Fest this weekend.

Photo by HLK Fotos

Popular Movies in the Park series returns to Austin neighborhoods this spring

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS

Austinites are invited to catch movies in the park and bond with their local community with the return of the Austin Parks Foundation’s popular “Movies in the Park” program from April to November.

The foundation has been running the series for over a decade. All movies on this year’s schedule are perfect for a family night out, with titles such as Free Guy, The Sandlot, Moana, and more. The first event, a showing of Back to the Future, kicks off at Dick Nichols District Park on April 13 at 7 pm.

The "Playdates in the Park" series is only in its second year, and allows Austinite families to gather and bond with their local community. The program was developed in partnership with Creative Action, an arts-based youth development nonprofit. Families can expect to see live music, live storytime readings, arts and crafts activities, and more at these events in April and May. All park playdate events begin at 10 am.

“We’ve seen the sense of community that park-centered events like our In the Park series fosters among our neighbors and attendees,” said Colin Wallis, the CEO of Austin Parks Foundation. “Giving Austinites access to free programming allows for more opportunities to get the community to enjoy our parks and green spaces and provides a safe, fun atmosphere for family and friends to gather.”

The Austin Parks Foundation’s 2023 Movies in the Park lineup includes:

April 13 at 7 pm – Back to the Future at Dick Nichols District Park
April 27 at 7 pm – Lego Batman at Dove Springs District Park
May 25 at 7:30 pm – Free Guy at Gus Garcia District Park
June 29 at 7:30 pm – The Sandlot at Govalle District Park
September 29 at 6:30 pm – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, location to be determined
October 26 at 6:30 pm – Hocus Pocus at Mueller Lake Park
November 10 at 6:30 pm – Moana at Mabel Davis District Park

The 2023 Playdates in the Park schedule is:

April 12 at 10 am – Garrison District Park
April 29 at 10 am – Alderbrook Pocket Park
May 10 at 10 am – Armadillo Neighborhood Park
May 27 at 10 am – Patterson Neighborhood Park

More information about the Austin Parks Foundation and the "In the Park" series can be found at austinparks.org.

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CEO of nonprofit that heads Amplify Austin steps down for more family time

She lives here, she gives here

If Austinites love anything, it's local businesses, and one nonprofit does more than any other on getting customers and their favorite businesses together to give back. I Live Here I Give Here (ILHIGH), the organization that heads Amplify Austin and supports fundraising efforts for Austin nonprofits, has announced that its CEO, Courtney Manuel, will be stepping down from her position effective June 30, 2023.

Manuel has been the CEO for five years and has been instrumental in driving the expansion of the nonprofit's other programs, like Giving Tuesday and the Big Give She is staying involved in some capacity, but stepping down to spend more time with her family.

The nonprofit amplifies giving in Central Texas by connecting individual donors and volunteers with local causes they support. The community-wide programs make giving possible for everyone, often by driving donations through purchases at favorite local businesses.

During her tenure, Manuel led I Live Here I Give Here in raising $118.9 million cumulatively since 2007. The strategic partnerships she built in corporate giving led to more transparency in the process with the creation of Growing Good — a corporate giving tracker — and a partnership with the City of Austin's Corporate Engagement Council. She also set a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategy and grew BIPoC representation within the organization.

Manuel shared a sense of achievement in the non-profit’s accomplishments during her tenure in a press release, saying, "I am incredibly proud … especially [of] surpassing $118 million raised for the Central Texas nonprofit community."

She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead I Live Here I Give Here through a pandemic. “I love this organization and foresee a bright future ahead for it and the next leader lucky enough to serve at the helm.”

The ILHIGH board has initiated a thorough search process to identify a new leader who will continue to advance the nonprofit's mission. Manuel will serve as a consultant to assist with this transitional period. The board of directors, staff, and volunteers expressed their deepest gratitude to Courtney Manuel for her remarkable service.

"We are in a stronger place today due to Courtney’s time as CEO, and we are grateful for her fearless leadership over the last five years," said board chair Jackie Sekiguchi. “Courtney’s commitment to a smooth transition will ensure the continued success of this organization and the communities who rely on our programs.”

This departure shouldn’t change much about the organization itself. The board of directors, staff, and volunteers of I Live Here I Give Here remain committed to advancing the organization's mission and building on the foundation that Manuel has established over the past five years.

More information about I Live Here I Give Here is available at ilivehereigivehere.org.

Breathtaking Hill Country hideaway is one of Vrbo's top 10 vacation homes in the country

RIVERFRONT OASIS

A magnificently hidden home located just an hour away from Austin has been chosen as one of Vrbo's "Vacation Homes of the Year" for 2023. It was the only Texas home chosen out hundreds of thousands of private residences on the vacation rental site.

The Vacation Homes of the Year showcases several popular homes throughout the country (with the occasional international spot) that range from "idyllic lakeside escapes to cozy mountain retreats and desert paradises." In all, two homes are based in California, and one each in Arizona, North Carolina, Oregon, New York, Florida, South Carolina, Idaho, Colorado, and Mexico.

Texas' Hill Country Riverfront Hideaway is tucked away on five acres of land bordering the Pedernales River in Dripping Springs. The home spans 2,150 square feet with an open-concept living area, three spacious bedrooms, two lavish bathrooms, a modern chef's kitchen, fireplace, and a breathtaking wrap-around terrace.

Floor-to-ceiling windows complete the space, allowing guests to take in all of the tranquility the Hill Country has to offer. With the home's 430 feet of river access, visitors can enjoy escaping the city and relax into the views of the vast canyon below.

Dripping Springs Riverfront Hideaway Imagine a getaway to this Hill Country paradise. Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property is within a half hour drive to many of the finest wineries, breweries, and must-see outdoor recreation spots in nearby Dripping Springs. Fredericksburg is only an hour's drive west for those wanting to put a greater distance between them and downtown Austin.

The average nightly cost for the riverfront oasis is $475, making it an ideal destination for small groups, a family trip, or a couple's getaway.

Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The Hill Country Riverfront Hideaway was the only Texas home chosen on Vrbo's list.

Expedia Brands president Jon Gieselman shared in a press release that there were plenty of eye-catching homes to wade through for the report.

"This year’s Vacation Homes of the Year range from an urban oasis and a cozy ranch home under $400 a night to a beachfront estate that can sleep the whole family and more," said Gieselman. "Every single Vacation Home of the Year has a beautiful view, and combined boast seven private pools and fire pits, eight hot tubs and even five putting greens."

The full list of Vrbo's 2023 Vacation Homes of the Year are:

No. 1 – The Oasis Estate in Palm Springs, California
No. 2 – The Happy Roadrunner in Phoenix, Arizona
No. 3 – The Chasestone in Lake Norman, North Carolina
No. 4 – The Contemporary Gem in Manzanita, Oregon
No. 5 – Ocean View Oasis in Montauk, New York
No. 6 – The Riverfront Hideaway in Dripping Springs, Texas
No. 7 – 30A My Way in Rosemary Beach, Florida
No. 8 – Port of Call in Isle of Palms, South Carolina
No. 9 – Salmonfly Lodge in Victor, Idaho
No. 10 – Trestle House in Winter Park, Colorado
No. 11 – Villa Luna Nueva in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

More information about Vrbo's 2023 Vacation Homes of the Year can be found on their website.

Whataburger weighs in as healthiest cheeseburger in the nation

THEMS EATIN' WORDS

With its love of greasy enchiladas, gluttonous fried steaks, and fat-speckled brisket, Texas isn’t always known as a healthy eating mecca. But it turns out that one locally beloved dish isn’t as unhealthy as one might think.

Inspired by February’s American Heart Month (albeit belatedly), Gambling.com decided to dig deep into which fast-food burger was best for the ticker and the body overall. What that has to do with online slots is anyone’s guess, but perhaps open-heart surgeries are not conducive to risk-taking.

Surprise, surprise, surprise! Local favorite/ food cult Whataburger took the top slot, earning honors with its standby cheeseburger. Assumably, the gambling site considered the mustard-slathered original, eschewing calorie bombs like bacon slices and creamy pepper sauce. Where’s the fun of Whataburger if you can’t get it just like you like it?

To arrive at the rankings, Gambling.com analyzed each burger for sugar, fat, salt, and calorie content per ounce. Each metric was given a one to ten score that factored into the final report card shared with content-hungry food journalists everywhere.

Coming in a close second was In-N-Out’s cheeseburger, a comforting fact for Texans who enjoy complaining about Californians. Rounding out the top five were Checker’s Checkerburger with Cheese, Culver’s ButterBurger Cheese, and Del Taco’s del Cheese Burger.

For those trying to make better eating choices, that list should give some pause. Yes, Whataburger beats out other fast-food faves, but it was competing against a chain that literally toasts all their buns in churned cream. Health is a relative concept.

Elsewhere on the list was another Texas darling, the No. 6 ranked Dairy Queen. Apparently, all that “hungr” is being busted by a hefty dose of sodium. Yes, we will take fries with that.

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