April is here, and that means it’s getting a little warmer, more barbeque pits are getting fired up and several of Austin’s favorite annual events are coming up.
The month kicks off with Easter — so a lot of people will be with their families at one of several Easter egg hunts going on in town. Moving deeper into the month, runners will be gearing up for The Capital 10K; food enthusiasts will be getting tickets for the Food and Wine Festival; and creative types will prepare for Eeyore’s Birthday Party in Pease Park.
Whatever you and your loved ones do this month, we hope you’ll find time to check out the colorful wildflowers popping up along the roads and find time for a few fun events.
Now, open a calendar and pencil in a few adventures and events for the month ahead.
April 5-8
The Austin International Poetry Festival is perhaps the largest, non-juried poetry gatherings in the United States. As the name implies, poets from around the globe take part in readings, discussions and networking over the course of a few days. Kirpal Singh, David C. Johnson, Rick Lupert and Regie Gibson are among the featured poets this year. The readings take place at bookstores and venues across the city
When: Various times
Where: Various bookstores and venues
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April 5-8
Sweet rides, live bands and delicious bites. That’s the aim of the Lonestar Round Up. The vintage car show and concert draws hundreds of hot rod enthusiasts from around the country. Southern Culture on the Skids, Los Coast and Ready Betty are among this year’s performers.
When: All weekend
Where: Travis County Expo Center
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April 8
Lace up those sneakers and get ready to run — or just watch. The Capitol 10K is Texas’ largest race of its size and attracts some of the nation’s top runners. Overall, roughly 18,000 people participate. After the race, there’s a big party with live music, food and games.
When: Race starts at 8 am
Where: Congress Avenue Bridge downtown
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April 18-21
The Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival in Austin is one of the place to be if you love a good laugh. Big names at this year’s rendition include David Cross, Mike Birbiglia, Janeane Garofalo and Weird Al.
When: All weekend
Where: Various comedy clubs and bars
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April 19-22
Though Central Texas has a ton of great music and barbecue, one of the best places to get both at the same time is at The Old Settler’s Music Festival. Pack up your camping gear and get ready for bluegrass, jazz and blues music — and plenty of brisket and beans. Among this year’s bands are Bob Schneider, Greensky Bluegrass and I’m With Her (Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan)
When: All weekend
Where: Tilmon, which is about 10 miles southeast of Lockhart
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April 19
Austin has made a name for itself by with a simple phrase — “Keep Austin Weird.” And some of its residence keep it weird at home, too. There are, in fact, enough really weird homes in Austin that there’s a company providing tours of these interesting spaces called the Weird Homes Tour.
When: All day
Where: Various homes
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April 21
Celebrate Earth Day at Huston-Tillotson University, where the whole family can learn about being friendly to our planet. From reducing waste to clean energy, this is an event to turn yourself on to new and innovative ways to create a more sustainable future.
When: Noon-7 pm
Where: Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon
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April 27-29
Spend too much time watching the Food Network? Why not see things that delicious and actually taste them? That’s what the Austin Food + Wine Festival offers tens of thousands of visitors each year. You’ll find world famous chefs, local culinary heros and plenty of things to taste and sip on. Plus, there’s live music and more to sneak in between eating.
When: All weekend
Where: Auditorium Shores, 900 W Riverside Dr, and Fair Market, 1100 E 5th St.
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