The city is in its prime in April. The lovely spring weather means almost every plant is showing off its most brilliant colors and almost everyone is out and about to enjoy all the city’s parks and spring festivals.
Many of the city’s best festivals take place this month, with world-class events like The Austin Food + Wine Festival and long-time favorites like Eeyores Birthday Party. For athletes, there are few better times to jog along the trails or compete in the Cap10K, which seems to grow every year.
Plus, we have several music and performance arts events that are sure to inspire you and make the whole family smile. So, grab your calendar and sketch out an awesome month full of events. Here are some of our top picks.
April 7-10
Feel like digging into the beauty of language, maybe even have an excuse to say “onomatopoeia?” Well, the Austin International Poetry Festival has you more than covered with 20-plus venues, 30 themed poetry readings, 10 open mics and a printed anthology competition.
When: Various times
Where: Multiple venues throughout Austin
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April 8-10
Rev it up for the motorcycle racing World Championship MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas out at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas. It’s three days of screaming fast bikes leaning hard into the big turns. Plus, COA is the first venue in North America to host both the two-and-four-wheeled World Championships in one year. Go Austin! Tickets start at $39.
When: All weekend
Where: Circuit of the Americas
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April 10
Strap on your running shoes for the state’s biggest 10K race. The route, roughly from Congress Ave. to Auditorium Shores with detours, draws 18,000 or so runners. A related health and fitness expo starts Friday at noon and runs daily through Sunday at 5 p.m.
When: Races start at 7:30 a.m.
Where: The Ann Richards Bridge on Congress Ave.
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April 14-17
Sooth the soul with a little music and dance during the Old Settler’s Music Festival. This year’s party features more than a dozen bands, including the Del McCoury Band, Bob Schnieder and Shineyribs. Plus, the festival features art galleries, a youth talent competition and plenty of delicious eats.
When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Salt Lick Pavillion, 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
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April 15-23
Strut your stuff. Or, perhaps more likely, watch other people show off some of the top fashions on the planet during Austin Fashion Week. It features world-class designers, photographers, hair stylists and, of course, models. The week features dozens of parties and events, so be sure to look for details on their website.
When: Weeklong
Where: Various locations
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April 20-23
You like to laugh. We sure hope so. If the Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival doesn’t get you giggling, then perhaps nothing can. The comedy festival brings together some of the top talent in Austin, along with world famous acts. This year’s headliners include Martin Short, David Cross and Kevin Smith.
When: Various times, mostly evenings
Where: There are nine downtown venues.
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April 22-24
If you love amazing food and savor the subtle differences between some of the world’s finest wines, then this event may already be on your radar. The Austin Food + Wine Festival features some of the world’s top cooking talent and some of the best wines you can find anywhere. The tastings, tips and competitions never end.
When: Throughout the weekend
Where: Auditorium Shores and Republic Square Park
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April 30
If you like the saying Keep Austin Weird, then come be part of it at one of Austin’s weirdest gatherings — Eeyores Birthday Party. It’s a family event with a very hippy vibe — from drum circles to body paint and plenty of beer. The big gathering raises thousands of dollars for local nonprofits, while bringing in some great local musicians and a ton of expressive people.
When: 11 a.m. until dark
Where: Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St.
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