Now that winter is gone and warmer days are ahead, I’m out of hibernation, and will be spending more time outside to explore what Austin has to offer — which is a lot. Here are my top picks for April!
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Jo’s 16th Annual Easter Pet Parade & Costume Contest
It’s that time of year again! Come out and celebrate and help raise some money for Austin Pets Alive! Lots of FREE activities for the whole family including a bouncy house, local vendors, the Easter Bunny, cotton candy and of course, Pets in Costumes! There will also be live music from the Andrew Nafziger Trio and the parade will be led by the Dead Music Capital Band.
When: April 4, 2015 11AM – 4PM
Where: Jo’s Parking Lot, 1300 S. Congress Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: Free, register here for the costume contest
April Open Canopy
Every first Saturday of the month, studios and galleries at Canopy welcome the public to view current exhibitions and studio work. Open studios include Big Medium, Sa-Tén Coffee and Eats, Son of a Sailor, and more
When: April 4, noon – 6PM
Where: Canopy; 916 Springdale Rd, Austin, Texas 78702
Tickets: Free
Austin Food & Wine Alliance’s Live Fire!
Live Fire! once again will showcase a chef congress featuring protein royalty from all over the Lone Star State, highlighting the talent, skill and commitment to Texas’ beef, cooked over live fire by award-winning chefs.
When: April 9, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m
Where: Salt Lick BBQ’s Pecan Grove Pavilion, Ranch to Market Road 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
Tickets: $85; buy here
Waller Creek Pop-Up Picnic
The third annual Waller Creek Pop-Up Picnic invites Austin to come spread your blankets, sit with your neighbors, listen to music, and enjoy a wonderful night on the banks of Waller Creek. Chefs from some of Austin’s most beloved restaurants include Sway, La Condesa, Home Slice Pizza, Lucy’s Fried Chicken, and St. Philip. Unique drink pairings will be included in baskets from Jeffrey’s, Justine’s Brasserie, Elizabeth Street Café, La V, Uchi/Uchiko, and Weather Up. Texas barbecue baskets will be available from Franklin BBQ and The Salt Lick. Gardner and Lenoir will provide vegetarian picnic basket options, and a children’s picnic basket will be available from Patricia’s Table. There will also be a limited number of baskets from Easy Tiger available for walk-ups.
When: April 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Palm Park, 711 East 3rd Street
Tickets: $30 to $150; buy here
Austin Food + Wine Festival
My top pick for April! Presented in partnership with founders Charlie Jones, chef Tim Love, restaurateur Jesse Herman and FOOD & WINE, Austin Food + Wine Festival will host more than 40 events over three days at Auditorium Shores and Republic Square Park, including hands-on grilling demonstrations; expanded interactive fire pits helmed by an all-star lineup of chefs; Grand Tasting tents offering food, wine and cocktail tastings; live musical performances; chef tastings; book signings; and much more.
SEE ALSO:
15 Best Bites At Austin Food & Wine Festival
Talking Tacos with A Taste of Koko
A Taste of Koko’s Best Butler Park Bites
When: April 24 – 26, 2015
Where: Auditorium Shores
Tickets: $250 for Weekend Passes, buy here
LifeWorks’s 10th Annual White Party
Austin’s most anticipated party keeps getting better, resulting in sellout crowds the last 9 years. Since our début at The Long Center, record crowds of 700+ of Austin’s philanthropic and socially caring gather to meet, mingle, and give back by supporting the mission of LifeWorks.
When: April 24, 2015, 8PM – midnight
Where: Long Center Terrace
Tickets: $175, buy here
UMLAUF 17th Annual Garden Party
For one night this April, the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum (UMLAUF) will transform into a secret garden, filled with sights, sounds, and tasty treasures waiting to surprise guests at every turn. Joining Event Chair Ashley Holt and Co-Chair Leah Lee, Paul Qui and Deana Saukam will help further elevate the evening, serving as honorary chairs of the 17th annual Garden Party, featuring guest artist Lance Letscher. Held every April, the beloved fête benefits the organization’s award-winning educational and outreach programs and the long-term restoration project of Charles Umlauf’s home and studio.
When: April 23, 2015, 6:30 – 9:30pm
Where: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd., Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: $125-$150; buy here
Uncle Billy’s KUTX Live Free Music Series
Uncle Billy’s is happy to announce its KUTX Live Free Music Series throughout the month of April from 2PM-6PM with The Digital Wild. Enjoy a craft beer on the patio while DJ Mixer Rogers plays starting at 2PM and the band performs at 4PM. It’s free and open to the public.
When: Month of April, 2 – 6pm
Where: Uncle Billy’s, 1530 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Tickets: Free; RSVP and VIP table here
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