Summer fun never looked so whacky. Now that the kids are out of school and everyone is in full summertime fun mode, Austin brings out some of its most interesting events.
Run in the goofiest costume you can come up with at the Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K or bring out your inner rebel at the Republic of Texas Biker Rally. And, of course, the X Games, which are now in their last year in Austin, provide an opportunity to see some of the most daring athletes on Earth.
Got your calendar ready? Let’s dive right in.
June 2-5
Calling all adrenaline junkies. The high-flying X Games kick off Thursday, June 2, with flat track motocross racing and a concert by The Reverend Horton Heat. And it only gets crazier from there out with gravity-defying freestyle bikers and skateboarders, along with dozens of other events, concerts and food galore. This is the last hurrah for the X Games in Austin. After launching here in 2014, the X Games announced this will be its last year in Austin, canceling their last year of a 4-year contract.
When: From 7:30 p.m. on Thursday until about sundown on Sunday evening
Where: Most events are at the Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd.
More information: http://xgames.espn.go.com/xgames/
June 4
Beer and cheese go together like, well, beer and cheese. It’s a perfect fit, and you won’t find more variety of either of those delights at one party than at the Texas German Bier and Kase Festival at Sholz Garten near the Capitol. Grab a few grilled cheeses and a pint or two from local vendors while soaking up some great local music.
When: 5 p.m., Saturday
Where: Sholz Garten (Austin Saengerrunde), 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
More information: http://www.txgermanbierfestival.com/
June 9-16
Break out your leather and rev up your engine for this year’s Republic of Texas Biker Rally. The annual event is the largest gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts in the state. You can, of course, ride. Or you can set up and check out the parade downtown and check out a big lineup at the ROT Rally concert. The parade is Friday night when the city closes off 54 square blocks for a big parade and party. This year’s concerts include The Cult and John Kay & Steppenwolf and Robby Krieger of the Doors.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday night
Where: Downtown on Friday and most other events at the Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane
More information: www.rotrally.com
June 18
Texas celebrates Juneteenth each year to commemorate Emancipation Day that marks the end of slavery. Austin’s celebration features a 2K walk and run, parades, music and games. The celebration also includes the Miss and Little Miss Juneteenth pageant.
When: The walk/run starts at 9:30 a.m. The parade is at 10 a.m. and the celebration in the park starts at noon.
Where: Rosewood Park, 2300 Rosewood Avenue
More information: www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com
June 25
If you like to mix some hilarious goofiness with your exercise, the Keep Austin Weird Fest and 5K is one of the top picks of the year. Thousands of Austinites put together extravagant and funny costumes and run, skip and dance their way through downtown. Don’t look for many Olympic caliber runners here — this one is all about the good times. The festival, which features all sorts of tasty treats and beverages, starts at 3 p.m. The running, dancing, walking 5K starts at 6 p.m. Tickets for the festival are $17.50. Proceeds benefit the Capital Area Food Bank, and kids get in free.
When: 3 p.m. for the festival; 6 p.m. for the 5K
Where: Veterans Park, 404 Atlanta St. (Near Deep Eddy Pool)
More information: www.keepaustinweirdfest.com