Springtime is here, and there’s plenty to do inside and out. From the amazing delights of the Austin Food + Wine Festival to the oddities of Eeyore’s Birthday Party, you’ll find events for the whole family this April.
Here’s what’s in store:
April 9-12: 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
April 10-12: 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: Various times
Where: Circuit of the Americas
April 10-18: Break out your best for Austin Fashion Week. The event, now in its 7th year, showcases fashion designers, photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists and, of course, runway models. It’s the biggest fashion show in Texas (so probably the biggest in the Universe).
When: Various times
Where: Venues throughout Austin
April 12: Lace ‘em up for the Statesman Capitol 10K. It’s the biggest 10K race in Texas and brings in about 10,000 or so runners from around the nation. It’s in its 38th year. And, this year, there’s a beer garden at the finish line — whether you run or not.
When: Races start at 7:30 a.m. and it’s all over by noon
Where: Congress Avenue to Auditorium Shores
April 16-19: Punch that banjo, it’s time for Old Settler’s Music Festival. Featuring names like Robert Earl Keen and The Mavericks, this music festival spotlights Americana and roots style music. You can take the drive to Dripping Springs each day or pitch a tent in a family or non-family area. Tickets start at $30 for a single day and climb depending on which days you attend and if you need a camping permit.
When: Music starts Thursday afternoon and goes through Sunday night
Where: 1100 Kingsbury St. Austin, TX 78705
April 25: Eeyore’s Birthday Party! Who doesn’t want to throw on some body paint, play some bongos, sip a few beers and hang out in one of Austin’s best parks? Now in its 52nd year, the annual bash raises money for local nonprofits and is perhaps one of the longest-standing and most visible events that keeps Austin weird.
When: 11 a.m. until dark
Where: Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St.
April 24-26: The Austin Food + Wine Festival has about 25,000 square feet of the best food and beverage from across the nation. You can chow down, watch cooking seminars and much more. It features a chef showcase with many of Austin’s top culinary gurus. Are you hungry yet? Remaining tickets are $250.
When: The grills fire up at about 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Auditorium Shores and Republic Square Park