The school year is already winding down and summer is just around the bend. Aside from Cinco de Mayo parties, what’s one to do this month before Memorial Day weekend arrives and summer comes blazing in?
There are plenty of great options. If you love Austin’s creative spirit and want to meet some of the artists that make it the vibrant cultural place that it is today, consider taking a self-guided tour of artist studios during Big Medium’s West Austin Studio Tour, which runs through two weekends in the second half of the month.
You can also gear up for summer by taking a stroll through the Pecan Street Festival. The arts and crafts celebration on Sixth Street in downtown Austin is one of the best places to find interesting pieces for your home.
Now, open a calendar and schedule in some fun this month.
May 3-7
Latin America is home to one of the world’s most vibrant cultures and some of its more challenging politics. See how documentary filmmakers are capturing the spirit and stories of Latin America during the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival.
When: See website for screening times
Where: Blanton Museum of Art
More information
May 6-7
Cinco de Mayo doesn’t quite fall on the weekend this year. But that doesn’t mean there will be any shortage of parties. You can catch the biggest celebration in Austin at the Fiestas Patrias celebration. Tickets are $10 and give you access to live Latino music all day long as well as access to tons of tasty bites from local vendors.
When: Noon to 9 p.m. each day
Where: Fiesta Gardens Park, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.
More information
May 6-7
The spirit of old Austin springs to life this weekend as Sixth Street reverts to its old name – Pecan Street – for the Pecan Street Festival. The street now famous for its bars and music venues used to be known for its commerce, and that comes back to life and hundreds of artists, craftsmen and vendors fill the street offering shoppers a little bit of everything, including live music and food. The festival is now in its 40th year.
When: All day both days
Where: 6th Street east of Congress Ave
More information
May 12-21
New York might be the heart of the world’s fashion industry. But Austin draws some of the top talent in Texas for Austin Fashion Week. There are dozens of parties and events in addition to the runway shows.
When: Various times
Where: Various locations
More information
May 13-14 and 20-21
Discover how artistic Austin really is during a wide-ranging tour of some of the city’s most interesting design and creative spaces. Big Medium’s West Austin Studio Tour is a free, self-guided exploration of dozens of studies that are typically closed to the public.
When: Check schedules for each location
Where: Throughout Austin
More information