It seems like Austin skipped winter altogether this year. And now the Texas wildflowers are beginning to bloom a little early.
It’s a lovely time of year, and it’s also perhaps the city’s biggest month for events. The most obvious one, South By Southwest, will bring tens of thousands of visitors to Austin, including A-list celebrities and corporate executives from around the globe.
But SXSW isn’t the only show in town. Rodeo Austin provides a fun alternative to the crush of activity downtown and a chance to see some of the world’s best riders while giving everyone in the family a little something to enjoy — from food to games and petting zoos.
Now, before you dive in, remember that daylight savings time starts March 12. Let’s break out that calendar and lock in a few fun outings this month.
March 4
The University of Texas sits in the middle of the city helping more than 50,000 students a year reach their goals while producing globally recognized research on a wide variety of topics. Yet, many of us don’t step foot on campus for more than the occasional football game of event. Today, however, the campus has its annual open house, which is a chance for anyone in the community to come see the university, meet faculty and learn more about the school
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The University of Texas campus
More information: https://www.exploreut.utexas.edu/
March 5
Austin’s moderate, breezy spring weather make it the perfect time of year to fly a kite. Hence, the Zilker Park Kite Festival. It’s one of the city’s best family events. You’ll find plenty of competition opportunities, but it’s also a great time to spend with family and friends, sampling bites from local food trucks, playing a few ground-level games and looking to the sky to see some fantastic airborne art.
When: The fun starts at 10 a.m. Contests start at 1 p.m. It closes at 5 p.m.
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Road
More information: https://www.abckitefestival.org/
March 10-19
If you haven’t heard of South By Southwest, you probably haven’t been in Austin for long. During the festival-conference, the city transforms into a hive of high-tech demonstrations, high-level conversations and high-volume music, film and comedy. From up-and-coming bands you’ve probably never heard of to celebrities and, in last year’s case, even a sitting U.S. President, SXSW is one of the world’s most celebrated gatherings of music and business professionals.
When: Nonstop March 10-19
Where: citywide, though largely concentrated downtown
More information: sxsw.com
March 11-25
Rodeo Austin is the city’s top rodeo event with some of the world’s premier riders competing daily. And, aside from the bucking beasts, there are plenty of fun family events with interesting animals, live concerts and livestock shows.
When: See website for detailed information
Where: Austin Fairgrounds, 9100 Decker Lake Rd, Austin, TX
More information: http://www.rodeoaustin.com/events/rodeo
March 31-April 2
If you love local art, the annual art fair put on by Art Alliance Austin is one of the best times to see the hundreds of stunning works put together by local artists.
When: Each day
Where: Palmer Events Center
More information: www.artallianceaustin.org