Free Fun in Austin

Weekend Top 10 FREE Events (May 17-19, 2013)

2013-05-17T10:59:00.001-05:00

Shakespeare in the Park:

The Winter's Tale - Friday, May 17, Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m. Austin Shakespeare presents The Winter's Tale, a dark tale of romance fueled by the contrast of jealousy and joy. Head to the park early for a Samba demo on Saturday and a Tango demo Sunday Night, staring at 7:30 p.m. The production runs Thursdays through Sundays, through May 26, and is free to the public. Check the website for weather updates. Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
Two Gentlemen of Verona - Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at 8 p.m. Join Something for Nothing Theater for a free evening of Shakespeare under the stars. All shows are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket and enjoy the play. Check the Something for Nothing Facebook page for weather updates. Ramsey Park, 4301 N. Rosedale Ave., Austin.

Kids Culinary Workshop - Saturday, May 18, from 10-11 a.m. Join In.gredients for an hour long workshop that will teach your little ones about food, gardening and the joys of cooking. The folks from New Day Community Garden will host an outdoor cooking class for kids ages 6-12, teaching them how to make a simple dip/dressing using in.gredients found in the In.gredients garden and store. After their culinary experience, guests will share, eat and play! In.gredients, 2610 Manor Road, Austin.
Renegade Craft Fair - Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Enjoy a curated, modern craft fair that appeals to all ages and features hundreds of contemporary makers, creators, movers, and shakers. Renegade Craft Fair is free to attend. Download the vendor map here. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin.
O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships - Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Enjoy this annual competition of the best and worst puns with two core events: “Punslingers” and “Punniest of Show.” The 36th Annual Championship featuring music by the Greatest American Heroes and food trucks from the Peached Tortilla and Mmmpanadas. See the schedule here. In the backyard of the O. Henry Museum also known as Brush Square Park, 409 E. 5th Street, Austin.
YMCA Community Splash Day - Saturday, May 18, times vary by location. Join the Y for a free, fun, family day at the YMCA of Austin! Enjoy free swimming, swim lesson evaluations, water safety information, water sports and games, giveaways and more! Check the website for locations and times.
May Fest and Village Mini Fair - Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. Come make a Peep (a 3″ tall doll) and take it for a whirl on the miniature Ferris wheel. Or, if your Peep is feeling very adventurous, take off on the Bubble Blaster – always a wild ride and a hoot! Or go the Peep Disco Dance Hall, or the zip line race course, or the Whirling Fan of Doom (sure to big a hit with the hard core thrill seekers!) – or, well, the list just goes on and on…. Perhaps your Peep is a little more low key, more of a shopper than a thrill seeker – well then, take it on the tour of Peep Homes or to the Village Market and see what simply cannot be lived without! Peep hats, shawls and shoes, pets and exotic animals from far and wide, dishes, tools, furnishings and more. In addition to the Village Mini Fair, there will be live youth music groups, food, various “green” info stalls, and a fun activities for the kids. Austin EcoSchool, 4105 Manchaca Road, Austin.
Art Museum Day - Saturday, May 18. AMOA-Arthouse will celebrate Art Museum Day with free admission and programming at Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center. Visitors are invited to participate in family-friendly, interactive activities throughout the day, enjoy docent led tours from 1-3 p.m. at both sites, and attend Küçük Sinemalar! Experimental Cinema from Turkey, a special film screening in the Jones Center Community Room at 7 p.m. AMOA- Arthouse, The Jones Center at 700 Congress Ave. and Laguna Gloria at 3809 West 35th Street, Austin.
Viva Streets - Sunday, May 19, from noon- 5 p.m. Join the energetic fun at VIVA STREETS! – a free festival that invites you to bicycle, play, get fit, people watch, and celebrate good health. On Sunday, May 19, over two miles of Sixth Street will become a car-free and tobacco-free playground for thousands of Austinites. Sixth Street from Brazos to Robert Martinez Street, Austin.
Esperanza De La Herencia - Sunday, May 19 from 2 - 4 p.m. Each year, PRFDance brings the rich heritage of Puerto Rico to life with “Esperanza de la Herencia,” a performance event dedicated to inspiring Youth. This live music and dance recital showcases cultural arts students and the PRFDance & Jr Company. Free and open to the public. The Emma S. Barrientos Mexica American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, Austin.
Austin Federation of Musician Music Series - Sunday, May 19, from 6 - 8:30 p.m. The Museum is once again bringing live music to the Lone Star Plaza. In collaboration with the Austin Federation of Musicians, this free spring concert series will feature some of Austin’s finest musical acts. This week’s performers are Bob Meyer’s Concept Quartet and Larisa Montanaro. Doors at 5:30 p.m. Bring chairs and picnics, but no alcohol. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress, Austin.

Bonus Free Celebrations:

SFC Farmers’ Market 10th Anniversary - Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown at the historic Republic Square Park! Enjoy some giveaways and a back-to-back trio of chefs demos, along with customer appreciation drawings, children’s activities, and more. SFC Farmers’ Market downtown at 400 Guadalupe Street, Austin.
Whole Food’s Block Party - Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join the downtown store for a block party! There will be free activities and the store is going to be grilling up a storm! Enjoy live music, free fun for the whole family, local beers, and grilled grub from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. in our front parking lot. (You could also head next door to BookPeople for storytime at 11:30 a.m.) Whole Foods, 525 N. Lamar Blvd.
Texas Capitol Quasquicentennial Celebration - Saturday, May 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. The Texas Capitol was formally dedicated on May 16, 1888, and 125 years later, it still stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people of Texas. This year marks the building's Quasquicentennial, and the State Preservation Board invites the public to help celebrate the Lone Star spirit during a free ice cream social on the south Capitol grounds Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. On Saturday, visitors will enjoy music at the Capitol's south steps provided by the Lost and Nameless Orchestra and four flavors of ice cream generously provided by Blue Bell Creameries. Texas State Capitol, 112 E 11th St, Austin.

Bonus Events in the 'Burbs:

Movies in the Park or Pool:

Kyle Movies in the Park - Friday, May 17, 30 minutes after sunset. Bring along a lawn chair, blanket, and snacks and enjoy Puss in Boots. Gregg-Clarke Park, 1100 W Center St, Kyle.
Leander Movies in the Park - Friday, May 17 at dusk. Often described as a combination of state-of-the-art technology and the nostalgia of the 1950s drive-in, the Movies in the Park series provides families the opportunity to spend time together under the stars while enjoying first run movies… all for free. On Friday, catch a free screening of Wreck-It Ralph. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. Glass containers are prohibited. Friendly pets on a leash are welcome. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad Road, Leander.
Dive In Movie: Brave - Friday, May 17 at 8:30 p.m. This free screening is in conjunction with Night Out at Cat Hollow. Cat Hollow Pool, 8600 O'Connor Dr, Round Rock.

Deutschen Pfest Children's Parade - Saturday, May 18 at 10:45 a.m. Everybody loves a parade...and Pflugerville has two of them on Deutschen Pfest weekend! The parade is held complete with marching bands, community organizations, and community dignitaries. The children’s parade is held just prior to the main parade on Saturday morning. Children dress up in costumes, decorate their bicycles and/or wagons and walk down Main Street. Ribbons are given to with awards for the following categories: best German theme, most decorative wagon/bicycle, most creative entry, funniest entry and youngest participant. The parade starts at the corner of Main Street and Railroad (judging at 10:30 a.m. at Wordyisms). Later in the afternoon, head over to Pfree Splash Day at Gilleland Creek Pool!
Unity Park Community Garden Open House - Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy hands-on gardening demonstrations starting at 11 a.m., learn sustainable gardening tips from seasoned members, take a tour of the gardens and learn how you can be a part of a vibrant community garden experience. Children can make their own eco-friendly paper flowerpot and take home a plant start. Fun for the family and all are welcome. Unity Park Community Garden, 2746 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock.
Dirt Dauber Festival - Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19. Join Eye of the Dog Art Center for two days of clay celebration! Demonstrations on two stages, live music, free hot dogs, and 30 fantastic clay artists. Fun for everyone with a clay play area for the youngsters. Free admission. Music lineup includes Ike Ike Eichenberg, Gorman, Merlin Scott, and the Alex Dormant Texas Swing Band. Eye of the Dog Art Center is located 5 miles from San Marcos at 405 Valley View West Rd.
Hill Country Galleria Events:

Whole Foods 1 Year Anniverary Grill Out - Saturday, May 18, from noon - 7 p.m. Celebrate Whole Foods' 1 Year Aniversary with a fun grill out event! Live music by team member bands, kids activities will include face painters, hula hoops, & bubbles! They will also have a special anniversary cake/cake cutting and champagne sampling toast. Whole Foods, 12601 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave.
Saturday Night Concert Series - Saturday, May 18, from 7 - 9 p.m. Listen to live music by Karen Goh. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave.

Want more? Check out the Free Fun Calendar!

$3.99 GattiLand Buffet on Saturday

2013-05-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

Gatti-Land Round Rock will offer $3.99 buffets on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. This does not include the cost of a drink, which will be an additional 49¢ for kids and 89¢ for adults.

For more information, visit the Gatti-Land Facebook page.

Gatti-Land Round Rock
1112 N. I-35
Round Rock, Texas 78681
512-255-6699

Culinary Workshop for Kids at In.gredients

2013-05-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

Want to teach your little ones about food, gardening, and the joys of cooking? Head to In.gredients for a free, hour-long workshop on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 10 a.m.

The folks from New Day Community Garden will host an outdoor cooking class for kids ages 6-12, teaching them how to make a simple dip/dressing using in.gredients found in the In.gredients garden and store.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

In.gredients
2610 Manor Road

Austin, Texas 78722

Image credit: In.gredients via Facebook

Play in the Street at Viva! Streets Austin

2013-05-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, May 19, 2013, from noon - 5 p.m., head down to Sixth Street for some good old fashioned daytime fun. Two miles of the street, from Brazos to Robert Martinez Street will be closed to traffic for Viva! Streets Austin, a fun new festival where a car free and tobacco free street becomes a playground for all.

Everyone is invited to bike, play, jog, skate, dance, or even just people watch and celebrate good health. There will also be yoga, Zumba, live music and dancing, rock wall climbing, healthy food demonstrations, soccer, ultimate frisbee, hula hoops, dodgeball, street chess, bike skills rodeo, spinning classes, and more. Pets on a leash are welcome.

Viva Streets Austin is free and open to the public. For parking information, visit this parking map (some parking fees may apply). For more information, visit the Viva! Streets Austin website.

Image credit: Viva Streets Austin

101x Summer Cinema at Central Market

2013-05-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Beginning June 12, 2013, 101x brings back its Summer Cinema, thanks to the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow. The summer movie series features five free movies at Central Market North Lamar, starting at sundown. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs.

2013 Summer Cinema schedule:

June 12 - Can't Hardly Wait
June 26 - The Karate Kid (1984)
July 10 - The 5th Element
July 24 - TBD
August 2 - TBD

Movie lovers are encouraged to vote for the movies they want to see featured. The last two titles are to be determined, and voting is currently open for which 90s era movie will be shown. Vote on the 101x website.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Central Market Cafe, including $2.50 Blue Moons. For more information, visit the 101x website.

Central Market North Lamar

4001 North Lamar Blvd

Austin, TX 78756

Image credit: 101x

Free Bring it Austin Bag Giveaways

2013-05-16T09:24:00.001-05:00

Get your free Bring It Austin reusable bag at events below, while supplies last. Bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Other community bag giveaway events are listed as well.

May 17, 2013 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

Chinatown Center Bag Giveaway

Bring It Austin bag giveaway

10901 N. Lamar Blvd.

Website

May 17, 2013 - 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Bag Giveaway at North Park Shopping Center (Dollar Store)

Bring It Austin bag giveaway

9616 North Lamar Blvd.

May 18, 2013 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

Bag Giveaway at H-E-B

Bring It Austin bag giveaway

H-E-B at 2701 E 7th Street

May 18, 2013 - 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Bag Giveaway at H-E-B/T-Mobile

Bring It Austin bag giveaway

2508 E Riverside Drive

May 19, 2013 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Viva Streets Austin

Bring It Austin bag giveaway event

Sixth Street

Event website

For more information, visit the Bring it Austin website.

You may also be interested in: Free Shred Day

Image credit: City of Austin

Renegade Craft Fair at Palmer Events Center

2013-05-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

The Renegade Craft Fair (RCF) returns to Austin's Palmer Events Center on May 18 and 19, 2013, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. RCF is a curated, modern craft fair that appeals to all ages and features hundreds of contemporary makers, creators, movers, and shakers. Shoppers will find a wide variety of goods including jewelry, custom clothing, pottery, artisanal food, perfume, textiles, and original artwork from fan favorites like Son of a Sailor, Satchel & Sage, BDJ Craftworks, and many more. This year the fair will also host an intimate vintage bazaar pop-up within the fair -- complete with a vintage RV mobile shop.

Attendees can come for the shopping and stay for tunes by local Waterloo Records DJs, as well as life-size games, interactive installations, and workshops by MAKEatx, Class Attire, and, local non-profit, Girl's Guild. In addition, there will be cocktails and food to enjoy while resting on furniture and admiring decor by Loot Vintage. Last, shoppers can capture their finds and good times in the free photo booth by Magnolia Photobooth Company.

Renegade Craft Fair is free to attend. For more information, click here. Download the vendor map here.

Palmer Events Center

900 Barton Springs Rd.

Austin, TX 78704

Image credit: Renegade Craft Fair via Facebook

Free Re-Use Materials for Educators

2013-05-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Are you an educator or do you work for a non-profit organization that could use books, art and craft supplies, toys, and other items?

Treasure City Thrift would like to offer you free reuse materials, between 5 and 6 p.m. this Saturday, May 18, 2013 (following the store's 25 cent sale). A wide variety of items will be made available to educators and non-profits who sign up ahead of time.

Click here to find out how!

Treasure City Thrift
2142 E. 7th St.

Austin TX 78702

Image credit: Treasure City Thrift

Free Single Moms & Military Wives Oil Change

2013-05-16T08:22:00.001-05:00

If you are a single mother or a military wife, Celebration Church in Georgetown would like to change your oil for free on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 8 a.m. to noon. Not only that, but while you wait, you will be pampered! As the oil change team takes your vehicle in for a FREE servicing, you will be spoiled with a FREE manicure, massage, and waxing! Children are invited to enjoy fun activities with the church's Kids Team, so you can truly relax.

Head over here to register.

For more information, visit the Celebration Church website or contact Derick Zwerneman at dzwerneman@celebrationchurchtx.com.

Celebration Church

1202 Rabbit Hill Rd.

Georgetown, Texas

Vote for Your Favorite Free Fun Spots

2013-05-15T17:06:00.000-05:00

Summer vacation is nearly upon us. Kids are counting down to the last day of school and many parents are scrambling to make plans. Three months with no school might strike fear in even the most adventuresome of parent. We could all use a go-to list of the best, local, free entertainment to help round out the schedule, don't you think?

We would like to invite you to help out your fellow parents! Please share your favorite free adventures in the greater Austin area by filling out the ballot below. We will leave the ballot up until the end of May. Then, just before school lets out for summer, we will share the results on Free Fun in Austin. You'll be able to start vacation with a list of the most popular free adventures in town. Hopefully we will all discover some new favorites this summer!

Email subscribers, you can find the ballot here.
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Free Drop-In Teen Club - Summer 2013

2013-05-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Have a teenager you'd like to keep active this summer? The Camacho Teen Club offers high energy mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, caving, archery, digital photography, cooking, art projects, video production, and more. This drop-in program is free for students entering grades 7 - 10. It runs for ten weeks, starting June 10, 2013. Every Wednesday, Teen Club will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., in order to participate in the city wide Teen Club Challenges, held at different locations each week.

Summer Drop-In Schedule (June 10 - August 16, 2013, excluding July 4):

Mondays, from 1 - 6 p.m.
Tuesdays, from 1 - 6 p.m.
Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursdays, from 1 - 6 p.m.
Fridays, from 1 - 6 p.m.

If you sign up before the program begins, you can get the schedule of each week's activities in advance. Registration must be done in person at the Camacho Activity Center (click here for hours). For more information, call (512) 391-1863 or email Erick.Olivares@AustinTexas.Gov.

Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho Activity Center

34 Robert Martinez Blvd.

Austin, Texas 78702

Bike to Work Day on Friday

2013-05-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Join the Austin Cycling Association for Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17, 2013. Ride your bike and get rewards! You can stop at several stations, both to and from work, to get free food (tacos! pizza!), coffee, beer, souvenirs, and more.

Morning hubs, from 7 - 9:30 a.m. (map):

City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street
City-Public Works, Cycle Track Dedication, 1st & Barton Springs
Mueller at Mosaic Apartments, 4600 Mueller Boulevard
Bouldin Creek Café, 1900 S. 1st Street
JuiceLand, 7329 Burnet Road
Wheatsville Coop, 3101 Guadalupe Street

Evening hubs, from 4 - 6:30 p.m. (map):

Bicycle Sport Shop, ‪517 South Lamar Boulevard
Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces Street
Ozone Bike Dept With Austin’s Pizza, 3202 Guadalupe Street
Bike A lot, 4418 Pack Saddle Pass

For more information, visit the Bike to Work Austin website.

Image credit: Austin Cycling Association

Free Summer Bowling at Showplace Lanes

2013-05-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

This summer AMF is reinstating AMF Summer Unplugged, a free summer bowling program for kids age 15 and under. Kids registered in the program can bowl two games per day, every day, all summer long, through September 2, 2013. Shoe rental is not included.

The only AMF center in Austin is Showplace Lanes, at 9504 N IH-35. Register online at the AMF website. You will periodically get emails reminding you of your free games. To redeem your free bowling games, just have either your name, member ID number, email address, or mobile phone number handy.

Families can also add on an AMF Summer Pass for $34.95, which allows families of up to four ages 16 and up bowl up to two games per day through September 2, 2013. Shoe rental not included.

Showplace Lanes

9504 N IH-35

Austin, TX 78753

Art Museum Day at AMOA-Arthouse

2013-05-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

AMOA-Arthouse will celebrate Art Museum Day on May 18, 2013 with free admission and programming at Laguna Gloria and the Jones Center. Visitors are invited to participate in family-friendly, interactive activities throughout the day, enjoy docent led tours from 1-3 p.m. at both sites, and attend Küçük Sinemalar! Experimental Cinema from Turkey, a special film screening in the Jones Center Community Room at 7 p.m.

For more information, click here.

The Jones Center
700 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
512.453.5312

Laguna Gloria
3809 West 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703
512.458.8191

Free Summer Playground Program - 2013

2013-05-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

The City of Austin's Summer Playground Program is a free, supervised, drop-in program for children ages 6 - 12. Austin Parks and Recreation Department staff offer a fun variety of games, crafts, active play, and science & nature activities for children to enjoy. Children can come and go throughout the day, and all program leaders have been trained in first aid and CPR.

The Summer Playground Program runs from Monday, June 10, 2013 at 9 a.m. through Friday, August 2, 2013 at 5 p.m. All sites will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2013. Drop in care is available Mondays - Thursdays, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Your child can attend multiple playgrounds, but you must register them once at each playground. Registration will be available onsite on your child’s first day of attendance.

Pick any playground listed below and drop your child off on any weekday (excluding Thursday, July 4, 2013). When you drop your child off, be sure to leave them with a morning snack, a sack lunch, an afternoon snack, a water bottle, and sunscreen.

Participating playgrounds:

Balcones District Park - 12017 Amherst Dr. 78759
Oak View Neighborhood Park - 10902 Oak View Dr. 78759
Quail Creek Neighborhood Park - 1101 Mearns Meadows Dr. 78758
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park - 12138 N. Lamar 78758
Bartholomew District Park - 5201 Berkman Dr. 78723
Dick Nichols District Park - 8011 Beckett Rd. 78749
Garrison District Park - 6001 Manchaca Rd. 78745
Kendra Page Neighborhood Park - 2203 Blue Meadow Dr. 78744
Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park - 907 Slaughter Ln. 78748
Franklin Neighborhood Park - 4800 Copperbend Blvd. 78744
Chestnut Pocket Park - 2207 East 16th St. 78702
Civitan Neighborhood Park - 513 Vargas Rd. 78741
Davis-White Northeast Neighborhood Park - 6705 Crystalbrook 78724
Barton Hills School Park - 2009 Homedale Dr. 78704
Ramsey Neighborhood Park - 4301 N. Rosedale Ave. 78756
Shipe Neighborhood Park - 4400 Ave. G 78751

Park sites are subject to change. For more information visit the program website or call (512) 974-3906 or (512) 974-3909.

Image credit: Austin Parks and Recreation Department

Free Activities at Bricks 4 Kidz in Round Rock

2013-05-15T08:15:00.002-05:00

The Bricks 4 Kidz®Creativity Center in Round Rock will kick off summer with free activities for kids! Join the center at two Open House events on Saturday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 11, 2013.

Open House events will include race car building workshops, motorized remote control model building lessons, and creative building time. Families can meet instructors and learn more about summer enrichment opportunities offered at the Bricks 4 Kidz®Creativity Center. Activities are free, but seats are limited, so registration is recommended.

The Bricks 4 Kidz®Creativity Center, located in La Frontera Village, Round Rock, has recently expanded its franchise territory. It now serves families in Georgetown, Pflugerville and Leander, in addition to Cedar Park, Austin, and Round Rock.

Bricks 4 Kidz® summer enrichment classes and camps feature LEGO® Brick building games, crafts and other activities related to the weekly theme. In Bricks 4 Kidz® classes, students build LEGO® Brick models that move!

Summer 2013 themes include Miners and Crafters, Stop Motion Animation, Animal Brickology, Inventions, Space Adventures, Extreme Expedition, Amusement Park, Remote Control Mania, and Model Designer.

Single-day summer exploration classes, and workshops for Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts are also scheduled.

Schedules, instructor information, and registration for Bricks 4 Kidz events are available online.

10th Annual Terra Toys Fairy Tea Party

2013-05-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Tickets are now available for Terra Toys' 10th annual Fairy Tea Party! This year there will be two free parties to choose from: Thursday, June 6 and Wednesday June 12, 2013, both happening from 1-3 p.m.

Design and create your own magical fairy! Supplies and refreshments will be provided. The parties are free, but everyone must have a ticket to attend. Each attending adult may bring up to three children. Free tickets are now available at Terra Toys. Get yours before they are gone!

For more information, visit the event pages on Facebook.

Terra Toys
2438 West Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas

Scholastic Book Fairs Warehouse Book Sale

2013-05-14T11:39:00.000-05:00

Scholastic Book Fairs will host a Warehouse Book Sale on Wednesday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, May 16, from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Educators, including homeschool teachers, are invited to:

Take an extra 50% off permanently reduced red tag items.
Maximize Title I funding and purchase order dollars.
Browse hundreds of items priced at $2.00 or less.
Build-a-BOX for $24.95 plus tax. Fill a box with books from a specially selected collection.

Preferred payment methods are credit cards, checks, purchase orders, and Scholastic Dollars. Note: Items purchased with Scholastic Dollars do not qualify for further discount pricing and will sell at the full cover price.

Skip the sign-in lines by registering online for your Fast-Cart Pass and coupon. Go here, search by zip code to find the Austin event, click the "Sign Up" button, and enter the promo code PDF.

For more information, visit the event website. See the event flyer here.

Norris Conference Center
Pecan Room
2525 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757

Thanks Houston on the Cheap and What to do in San Antonio!

Schulman Theaters Family Film Festival

2013-05-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

Each Tuesday from June 11 - August 20, 2013, Schulman Theaters Lost Pines 8 in Bastrop is hosting their summer Family Film Festival, with $0.50 movies on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. and seating is limited with no reservations. All proceeds benefit the Bastrop Boys & Girls Club. The theater also offers a 12 oz kid's drink and popcorn tub for $3.50.

The 2013 movie schedule:

June 11 - Ice Age: Continental Drift
June 18 - Rio
June 25 - Horton Hears a Who
July 2 - The Smurfs
July 9 - Hotel Transylvania
July 16 - Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
July 23 - How to Train Your Dragon
July 30 - Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
August 6 - Rango
August 13 - Monsters vs Aliens
August 20 - Puss in Boots

For more information, visit the Schulman Theaters Lost Pines 8 website.

Lost Pines 8

1600 Chestnut (corner of Hwy 95 and Hwy 21)

Bastrop, TX 78602

You may also be interested in:

Image credit: City Lights Theater

City Lights Georgetown's Family Film Festival

2013-05-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Each Tuesday from June 11 - August 20, 2013, City Lights Theater in Georgetown is hosting their summer Family Film Festival, with $0.50 movies on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. and seating is limited with no reservations. All proceeds benefit the Georgetown Boys & Girls Club. The theater also offers a 12 oz kid's drink and popcorn tub for $3.50.

The 2013 movie schedule:

June 11 - Ice Age: Continental Drift
June 18 - Rio
June 25 - Horton Hears a Who
July 2 - The Smurfs
July 9 - Hotel Transylvania
July 16 - Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
July 23 - How to Train Your Dragon
July 30 - Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
August 6 - Rango
August 13 - Monsters vs Aliens
August 20 - Puss in Boots

For more information, visit the City Lights Theater website.

City Lights Theater

420 Wolf Ranch Parkway

Georgetown, TX 78628

Austin Public Library Summer Reading Fun

2013-05-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

Registration for SRP'13, the 2013 Austin Public Library Summer Reading Program for youth, will open on June 6, 2013. The program will run from June 6 through August 24, 2013.

Take the SRP'13 challenge! How many books can you read? You decide! Starting on June 6, you can head over here to sign up online. When you return your completed log, you will get a free book.

Special events will be happening at area library branches June 17 through July 27, 2013. There will be something for everyone, from toddlers to teens: mysteries to solve, magnet science fun, marionettes, puppets, tap dance, live raptors, local music, cowboys vs. ninjas, stories, arts and crafts, a DIY clothing swap, cosplay and a glow-in-the-dark dance party!

For more information please call 512-974-7400 or visit www.austinsummerreading.org.

You may also be interested in: 2013 Summer Reading Programs

Food Allergy Awareness Week Events

2013-05-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

May 12 - 18, 2013 is the 17th Annual Food Allergy Awareness Week. Join Austin Families with Food Allergies at a free event this week:

May 14-18, all day - Food Allergy Awareness Week at Natural Grocers. Visit the activity table and mention Austin Families with Food Allergies to receive a prize. 3901 Guadalupe location only.
Thursday, May 16 at 6 p.m. - Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW) Twitter Party! RSVP here. The hashtag is #foodallergy.
Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - “Healthy Gluten-Free Living” Seminar and Health Fair at Natural Grocers (10515 N. Mopac Expressway). Seminar from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and Tasting Fair from 11:30-2:30 p.m. Pam Grove will be teaching basics for the healthiest approach to gluten/allergen free living with meal planning and shopping tips. Door prizes and free samples! Last chance to catch the Art Contest art on display at Natural Grocers- Guadalupe location only.
Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. - Food-free Family Storytime at Round Rock Library (216 East Main Street, Round Rock, Texas 78664). This interactive program includes a variety of activities such as books, fingerplays, music, movies, and puppets. Go here for details.

Austin Families with Food Allergies is a support group of parents located throughout the Austin-metro area raising children with food allergies. The Austin Walk for Food Allergy is organized by Austin Families with Food Allergies in conjunction with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).

Check out their Facebook page this week for updates!

Free Splash Day on Saturday - 7 Locations

2013-05-14T09:15:00.001-05:00

YMCA of Austin is hosting Splash Day on Saturday, May 18, 2013, a community-wide celebration of their outdoor pools. Visit a Y near you for swimming and activities - the pools at participating YMCA locations will be free and open to the public!

The event flyer mentions seven Austin-area locations, but I called the branches and could only confirm that these six will be participating:

Northwest Family Branch YMCA - Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Northwest Family YMCA is kickin' off Summer with a splash... Splash Day! Join the Y for the grand opening of their NW Outdoor Pool. Enjoy a variety of fun family games and summer safety tips. Don't forget your sunblock and bathing suit! Splash Day activities include: outdoor pool, skin safety tips, bounce house, beach volleyball, dinosaur sandbox, bubble station, face painting, family games and prizes, food and drinks. Free with one canned food donation. 5807 McNeil Drive Austin, TX 78729.

Hays Communities YMCA - Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebrate the opening of the outdoor pool. The fun in the sun will include a bouncy house, games, food, and of course swimming! This event is open to the public, so don't miss it. 465 Buda Sportsplex Dr. Buda, TX 78610.

Southwest Family Branch YMCA - Saturday, May 18, from 1 - 3 p.m. The outdoor pool will be open for all to enjoy. 6219 Oakclaire Dr., Austin, TX 78735.

East Communities Branch YMCA - Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Check out the interactive playscape pool. (512) 933-9622. 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin, TX 78723.

Bastrop YMCA - Saturday, May 18, from noon - 3 p.m. Only free until 3 p.m. (after 3 p.m. you have to pay). Call 512-321-3740 for more information. Bastrop State Park Pool.

North Austin Branch YMCA - Saturday, May 18, from 1 - 3 p.m. The Y will be offering sample swim lessons (times listed on the flyer below) and water volleyball at Splash Day. 1000 W. Rundberg Ln. Austin, TX 78758.

And one bonus Splash Day, not associated with the Y, but also happening on Saturday:

Pfree Splash Day at Gilleland Creek Pool - Saturday, May 18, from 1 - 8 p.m. 700 N. Railroad Ave., Pflugerville, TX 78660.

You may also be interested in: 28 Free Pools in Austin

2013 Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Discounts

2013-05-13T19:23:00.002-05:00

Hey, the sun is out! Are you ready for water park season? If you want to get a jump on the crowds, and the admission price, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is offering a weekday discount starting Thursday, May 16, 2013. Only Blastenhoff and Surfenburg will be open during these discounted days. From Thursday until the full park opens on June 1, 2013, excluding Memorial Day, visit on a weekday and admission will be $28.99 for kids (ages 3 - 11) and $35.99 for everyone else (12 and up). Kids under 3 always get in free. This deal can be purchased at the gate. Go here to see the operating hours for these Surf & Save Days.

Can't go during the week? We've rounded up some more deals for you to take advantage of this summer. For reference, the standard online price for one-day general admission (12 - 54 years) is $47.99 and $37.99 for kids and seniors (3 - 11 & 55+ years). Two day admission when purchased online is $68.99 for general admission and $52.99 for children and seniors.

Admission to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels includes the use of all water attractions, inner tubes, body boards, and other ride vehicles along with the picnic facilities and tram services between the East and West sides of the park. Life jackets and children’s inner tubes with bottoms are also available (supplies are limited). Parking is free.

The deals:

Afternoon Discount - Visit after 3 p.m. and admission drops down to $28.99 (ages 3 - 11) and $35.99 (12 and up). Not available online.
Girl Scouts Discount - Discounted Schlitterbahn tickets are available at the Austin Girl Scouts shop. General Admission for ages 3-11: $34.99; General Admission for ages 12-54: $43.49; Girl Scout Days Admission, June 9-21: $32.99. For more information, contact the shop at (512) 490-2316 or AustinShop@gsctx.org.
Boy Scout Days - May 26 – June 9 - 21 and August 18 - 25, 2013 . Boy Scout Days tickets are available for purchase from Schlitterbahn. Orders must be received 3 weekdays prior to your visit. A minimum order of 4 tickets and proof of membership is required. An advance ticket purchase is required as Boy Scout Days tickets are not available at the gate. Click here for the 2013 Scout Day Order Form.
Military Discounts - Military Discount tickets are available for purchase from select installations, as well as directly from Schlitterbahn Group Sales. Although rates may fluctuate slightly per base, the rate for tickets valid every day should not exceed $42 for 12 year olds and up and $34 for 3 to 11 year olds. For the best value, plan to visit on a Sunday. Sundays at Schlitterbahn are dedicated to soldiers. This season, all ages pay the child rate on Sundays. For more information, click here.
Group Discounts - There are several group discounts available, including Surf and Save School Days (May 16, 17, 20 – 24 and 28 – 31), where you can order tickets for groups of at least 15 for $29.99 plus tax. The group afternoon discount, starting at 3 p.m. throughout the 2013 season, is $28.99.
HEB - Purchase tickets at Guest Services (or in the section of the store where gift cards are displayed) for $33.99 plus tax (ages 3-11) and $43.99 (ages 12 and up). 2013 Season Passes are also available for $95.99 for a child or senior and $135.99 for general admission.
VisitSanAntonio.com Coupon - Print a coupon for $2 off full-price all-day admission. Limit of 5 tickets per coupon.
Stay at The Resort at Schlitterbahn - Book a Stay and Play package and admission to the park will only be $3 per person per day. As an additional perk, resort guests can enter Blastenhoff an hour before the park opens to the public and beat the long lines that form later in the day.
Join the Schlitterbahn Mailing List - Sign up on Facebook to receive updates on promotions from Schlitterbahn.

Coming soon:

Buy tickets at Lakeline Mall, Barton Creek Square, or The Domain - Simon Fun Packs are slated to go on sale at Simon malls on Monday, May 27, 2013. Give Guest Services a call to make sure the packs are available before heading over there. They do usually sell out. Simon Fun Packs are $80 and include two General Admission Schlitterbahn tickets and a $25 American Express gift card (a $120.98+ value). The tickets are good for the 2013 season. Lakeline Mall - 512-257-7467. Barton Creek Square - 512-327-7040. The Domain - 512-795-4230.
Support the Y and save - Schlitterbahn has offered special pricing for friends of the YMCA each summer. Last year, you could get admission, a souvenir cup and one free drink for $32.99 per person - a savings of up to $21 - by purchasing tickets online through a special YMCA link. This year's tickets will need to be used June 19 - 21, 23 - 28 & 30, 2013, which are Schlitterbahn's annual 'Water Safety Days'. Keep an eye on the YMCA news page for the announcement that tickets have gone on sale.

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Free Breakfast Item from New Torchy's Tacos

2013-05-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Torchy’s Tacos is ready to heat up Round Rock, with a new hot spot opening on Thursday at 2150 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Stop by on opening day, Thursday, May 16, 2013, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., to get one free breakfast item!

You can also visit anytime during opening day and enter a raffle to win free tacos for a year. Yes, please!

Click here for more information.