Austin, TX

August is such a great month for Austin. Aside from the sweltering heat, of course. There is the Ice Cream Festival, the Hot Sauce Festival, BatFest, and the Hatch Chile Festival.

The first three are gone but this weekend marks the last two. I can’t say why really but I always look forward to Central Market’s Hatch Chile Festival. I love the big roasting barrels they fill with the chilies and roast out in the open air. I love the fat greasy Hatch chile burgers and sausages they sell out front. I love all the Hatch treats you find as you wander through the store, gathering recipes as you go.

The Hatch Chile Festival
When: August 29-31st, 2008
Where: Central Market
$$$: Free (burgers & sausage for sale)

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Batfest is a culmination of two of Austin’s greatest attractions, bats and music. This years event is moving to the 1st Street Bridge. In previous years Batfest was held at the Congress Street Bridge but a local furniture store owner complained that the event disrupted business so the organizers opted to move. It’s my understanding that Batfest will move back to the Congress Street Bridge in 2009 but will only last one day as opposed to being the 2 day event it’s been in the past and will not be held on Labor Day weekend.

BatFest!
When: August 30th & 31st 2008
Hours: Saturday Aug 30th 2 PM until Midnight
Sunday Aug 31st 1 PM until 10 PM
Where: 1st Street Bridge
$$$: Tickets just $5 available day of show at the gate. 10 and under Free with an adult.

Batfest!, Will feature Arts, Crafts, Music, Food, Bat Watching, Children’s Activities, and Educational Displays. Estimated attendance is around 40,000! With Scenic backdrop of Town Lake and downtown Austin. Come out and see between 1.5 and 2 million Mexican Free Tail Bats while shopping for creative items made in Austin. See over 30 bands on two stages.

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Here is one for my wine buddies:

Bordeaux and BBQ
When: Saturday, August 30 2008, 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Vino 100, 3021 South IH-35, Suite 120, Round Rock, Tx
$$$: Free

How many opportunities do you get to sample 30 wines AND get food from the famous Salt Lick? Not enough, I can tell ya! There will even be door prizes.

If wine isn’t your drink of choice then maybe mojitos are more up your alley.

Havana Nights with the Texas Rollergirls
When: Sunday, August 31 2008, 8:00pm
Where: Roadhouse Rags, 1600 Fortview Rd
$$$: Free ($10 suggested donation)

Join the Texas Rollergirls’ own Texecutioners for a minty fundraiser. Celebrate the drink of Cuba with bottomless Bacardi Mojitos. Help our gals get to Nationals in Portland! Learn to make your own Bacardi Mojitos, or sit back and let the rollergirls prepare them for you, and we’ll all cha cha through the night.

If not mojitos, how about beer:

2008 Party in the Park
When: Sunday, August 31 2008, 12:00pm
Where: Waterloo Park
$$$: Tickets are priced at $32.50 in advance and $40 at the door. Kids under 5 are free.

Drink Ziegenback and help Charity? Sounds like a plan to me! This event is sponsored by Ziegenbock and 415 Entertainment and will benefit Young Texas Against Cancer.

Artists performing include:

• Pat Green
• Jack Ingram
• Cory Morrow
• Brandon Rhyder
• Ryan James
• Rich O’Toole

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If you’ve always wanted to have a good gander at the famous Driskill Hotel, this weekend is your chance to do just that!

A Taste of the Driskill
When: Saturday, August 30th, 10am-2pm
Where: The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos
$$$: Free

The 122-year-old Driskill Hotel is saying “thank you” to the citizens of Austin and all of Texas for their support and devotion to the hotel with this community open house. A Taste of The Driskill celebrates more than a century of history as Austin’s landmark hotel, as well as the completion of a $4 million renovation of the property’s 189 guestrooms. Music, ghost tours, wine tastings, food samples, and kids activities are the order of the day. This marks the first Driskill Day, and the party will feature a birthday cake honoring one of the hotel’s most famous regulars: President Lyndon B Johnson on what would be his 100th birthday. LBJ and Lady Bird had their first date at The Driskill. Over the years, he awaited the returns from all his campaigns, including historic wins on the ticket with John Kennedy and then as the presidential nominee himself, at the hotel. As Saturday is also opening game day for the University of Texas Longhorns, the Driskill Bar—consistently named as Austin’s number one hotel bar—is hosting a Texas Tailgate party. Another highlight of the day is the Driskill Pie Bake-off.

I don’t know about you guys but I’ve been really tied up watching the Olympics. I’ll be sad to see the conclusion this weekend but I’m looking forward to the Basketball finals. Watching all that exercising is exhausting. Hmmm, maybe I need to get out this weekend! Here’s a look at what’s happening in and around Austin:

The 16th Annual Bamboo Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 23-24, 2008
Hours: Saturday 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
Where: Zilker Botanical Garden
$$$: Admission is free. Parking fee $3

Everything you could ever want to know about bamboo and more. Jewelry making, clothing, crafts, music and even a live plant auction. The 16th Annual Texas Bamboo Festival is the annual fund raiser for the Texas Bamboo Society Chapter of the American Bamboo Society, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. Proceeds are used to provide research, information, education, assistance to public bamboo gardens, support for bamboo artists, and to bring new varieties to the multi-state region represented by the Texas Bamboo Society.

I have to say that I just love the name of this event:

The Evil Eye Ball
When: August 23, 2008
Where: The Off Center
$$$:

Celebrating 13 years of good fortune, this is Rude Mechs’ annual benefit celebration. The will be a live auction featuring a week’s stay in a fabulous Brazilian resort.

Dance Umbrella presents 10 Minute Max
When: Thursday -Saturday, August 21, 22 & 23, 2008
Where: The GWC Cultural Center Theatre, 1165 Angelina St.
$$$: $12 adults, $10 for DU members & students and $6 for children

The weeks forecast calls for an umbrella - Dance Umbrella, that is, and its annual showcase of short performance works.

19th Annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, August , 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Fall Creek Vineyards, 1820 County Road 222, Tow, Texas 78672
$$$: Free other than reserved luncheon

The annual “Grape Stomp” is a two-Saturday traditional favorite; full of fun and activity for all ages! With great anticipation and excitement, families enjoy winery tours, live local music on the vineyard patio, Castle Bounce, a play house, hayrides, chain-saw ice carving, and, of course, the excitement of your own “bare” feet grape stomping, “I Love Lucy”-style with the video playing, in wine barrels, all free of charge! Receive a free souvenir wine glass with wine tasting. No wonder Fall Creek’s Annual Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival is where YOU want to toast the harvest in the Texas Hill Country! Bring your appetite as Executive Chef Leu Savanh, of famed August E’s Restaurant in Fredericksburg, and notable Texas Culinary Academy Chef Graham Mitchell will be offering a two-course cooking demonstration lunch paired with two glasses of award-winning Fall Creek Vineyards wines at 2 seatings each Saturday, 11:30am and 1:30pm, by reservation/325/379-5361 for $22/person, all inclusive of food and wine!

August is hot and it doesn’t get hotter than this weekend with my favorite summer event:

The 18th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
When: Sunday, August 24th, 11am - 5:30pm
Where: Waterloo Park, 12th and Red River
$$$: Admission is FREE with a donation of three non-perishable food items for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

One word of warning for those of you interested in entering a hot sauce in this year’s competition. According to the Chronicle’s website, “If you want the public to sample your fabulous sauce under the tasting tent at the park, you must have prepared it in a commercial kitchen and bring a receipt as proof. Please call Elizabeth Derzco at The Austin Chronicle to find out more about local commercial kitchen opportunities: 454-5766.” The same applies to restaurants.

Featured Musical Acts:
- Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears
- Band of Heathens
- Jungle Rockers
- Fingerpistol
- Girl in the Closet

My advice for this weekend? Stock up on groceries and some movies tonight and then lock you doors and hide inside until tax free weekend is over! Unless you’re a shopaholic you’ll want to at least avoid the outlet mall or any mall, for that matter!

Here are some ideas that don’t involve shopping:

Wait until the sun goes down and slip out to dance under the stars or stuff your face with cupcakes.

Dance Under the Stars
When: Saturday, 16 August, 8pm-12mid
Where: Lucila’s Studio, 1700 S. Lamar
$$$: $5 (kids free)

Bring your musical instruments and dancing shoes, something to sit on the beautiful grass and be ready to have Fun!! Kids welcome.

Munch on cupcakes and help out a good cause. That’s my idea of fun!

KVRX Cupcake Social
When: Saturday, 16 August, 10pm
Where: Carousel Lounge, 1110 E. 52nd
$$$: $5

The money from this show goes to the KVRX Station Survival Fund. There will be the expected live music but also cupcakes for the first 100 partygoers from Polkadots Cupcake Factory.

Moonlight Float
When: Saturday, 16 August, 6:30pm
Where: Texas Rowing Center (across from Austin High School)
$$$: $15, Children, $10

Bring a dish for the potluck and a nonalcoholic beverage for yourself before heading out on Lady Bird Lake on your own floating device. Don’t have your own? Rent a kayak or canoe from the boathouse, and all the proceeds go to the Texas River School and its efforts to get kids on the water. Your destination is the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the bats.

If you feel you must go out, then add some spice to your life and and some shrimp to your belly with the:

Southside Cajun Festival
When: Saturday, 16 August, 6pm-2am
Where: Garrison Park Harbor, 730 W. Stassney #120

Enjoy Zydeco music, a shrimp and crawfish boil and music by Dr. Zog and Clif Tipton & the Blue Squeezebox Band. Mmmm…Cajun food!

Here’s one for you cat lovers:

2008 South Central Cat Show
When: Sat.-Sun., Aug. 16-17, 9am-5pm
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd
$$$: $5

Features 225 cats of all shapes and sizes from around the world. Expect all manner of kitty accouterments, and stick around to find out which feline is the friskiest.

If that’s a bit too slow for you then speed things up with the:

5th Annual Austin Grand Prix
When: August 15, 16 & 17, 8:00am-5:00pm
Where: Iron Rock Raceway, Spirit of Texas Drive
$$$: Free for Spectators

Every year, Iron Rock Raceway hosts their biggest race of the year awarding drivers MEGA CASH! This year, Iron Rock will be awarding $2,500 to podium drivers in ALL TAG classes…that’s $10,000! All ages of kart drivers aging from 5 to 65 years are invited to compete if they own their own kart.

I love to watch skateboarding and if you do, too, then head over to Whole Foods:

Whole Foods Back to School Event
When: August 16, (Saturday) 4:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Whole Foods Market, 525 N Lamar Blvd
$$$: Free

Professional skateboarding demos from No Comply Skate Shop and Satori Movement. Check out the awesome deals on apparel and school supplies in Whole Body. The fashion show begins at 7:30 p.m. Sample some delicious, easy school lunch options from Steaz and Dr. Kracker. Relax in our chill-out and crafts areas, and learn more about a great local organization, Urban Roots.

Last, but not least, in this geek town:

ArmadilloCon 30
When:Aug. 15-17th
Where: Doubletree Hotel North
$$$: 3 day pass $50 at the door

A long time ago, some people who enjoyed the sci-fi genre got together and decided that Central Texas needed a literary sci-fi convention. SolarCon was born. Once those people figured out what they were doing (it took a couple of years), they created ArmadilloCon and it is still running to this day for a whole new fan base.

The primary focus of ArmadilloCon is literary science fiction, but that’s not all we do — we also pay attention to art, animation, science, media, and gaming. Every year, dozens of professional writers, artists and editors attend the convention. We invite you to attend the convention especially if you are a fan of reading, writing, meeting, sighting, feeding, knighting, and all the other things folks do at a sci-f/fantasy convention.

Well, those are my picks. Have a great weekend!

For a look at this weekends music scene, check out Austin Sound.

If you’re a fan of comedy this is a good weekend for you.

Girls Girls Girls presents The Boys of Summer
When: Saturdays at 8:00pm
Where: The Hideout Coffeehouse & Theater, 617 Congress Ave
$$$: General Admission $10

Men are funny. Really funny. And to celebrate that fact, GGG will be welcoming a different male guest star onstage each week for the eagerly-awaited return of The Boys of Summer. For seven Saturdays in July and August, Girls Girls Girls will perform its signature format — a musical comedy created on the spot from an audience suggestion, complete with storyline, songs, and multiple characters — joined by some of the city’s best male improvisers.

Maestro Improv
When: Saturday, August 2, 2008, 10:00 PM
Where: The Hideout Coffeehouse & Theater, 617 Congress Ave

The Heroes of Comedy present ten to twelve of Austin’s virtuoso improv comedians on the Hideout stage, but only one of them will make it to the end of the show. While they play games and improvise scenes, you score them. The low-scoring players will be eliminated after each round. The surviving improviser is declared the winner and Maestro and is awarded a crisp new Canadian five-dollar bill. Only the Funny Survive.

For my slam poetry fans, don’t forget this wonderful tribute:

Shannon Leigh Lewis: They Call Me Warrior Tribute
When: Saturday, August 2nd @8pm
Where: Ruta Maya World HQ, 3601 S. Congress Ave
$$$: $10 Minimum Donation

Shannon’s friends and admirers will be gathering at Ruta Maya next weekend to give tribute to Shannon. If you’ve never listened to slam poetry, do yourself a favor and attend. If you’re already a fan, you won’t want to miss it!

Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo
When: July 31st through August 2nd, 2008
Where: Mayfest Hill, Bastrop
$$$: $30 for all 3 nights ($25 in Advance)

Now in its 61st year, this parade, carnival, and rodeo started as a celebration for GIs returning from World War II. The parade through downtown Bastrop takes place on Aug. 2, 10am. See the website for a full schedule of events. Most of the festival’s events are free, including the horseshoe and Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments, the carnival, and the barrel-racing demo.

Fancy something a little edgier? You can’t beat these ladies:

Texas Rollergirls 2008 Championship Bout
When: Sunday, August 3 2008, 6:30pm
Where: Playland Skate Center, 8822 Mccann Drive
$$$: $12.00-15.00

The main event of the evening belongs to the Hell Marys and Hotrod Honeys. In a virtual rematch of last year’s smackdown, these two teams face off again in what is sure to be one of the hardest fought matches in derby memory. The Hotrods have a lot in their favor: not only have they already beat the Hells in a squeaky close game earlier this year, but these undefeated Hotrod women want nothing more than a Golden Skate trophy to call their own. After making four previous trips to the finals, but taking home nothing more than the taste of defeat, these always-a-bridesmaid, never-a bride skaters want to claim what they’ve worked all season for. However, they must run the gauntlet of the Hell Marys to get it! Perpetually underestimated (and perhaps a little divinely blessed?), the 2008 Hells are out to prove that last year’s big win was no cosmic fluke!

Looking for a little musical inspiration? Look no further:

Carolyn Wonderland
…performs at KGSR’s Live at the Lake Summer Concert Series
When: Sunday, August 3 2008, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Lakeway Resort and Spa, 101 Lakeway Dr
$$$: Free

Join 107.1 KGSR for the Live at the Lake Concert Series at Lakeway Resort and Spa! Free Shows on Sundays this summer, with gates opening at 4pm (no earlier!) and LIVE music from 6pm to 8pm in the evening! Bands play by a 3-tiered pool with a swim-up bar, overlooking Lake Travis!! Family friendly location - food and drink available on site. Enjoy Ravenswood Wine - $5 per glass!

Get out, have some fun!

It seems that this is the weekend to embarrass yourself and if you play video games as poorly as I do here is your first opportunity:

Classic Game Fest: Tetris Tournament
When: Friday, July 25 2008, 8:00pm
Where: Game Over Videogames, 911 W Anderson Ln
$$$: Free

The game tournaments will start at sundown (approximately 8:30pm) and run until 10:30pm. Following each game tournament will be a special screening of a videogame-related movie fitting the theme for the night. The movies will immediately follow the tournaments and run until around midnight.

Air Guitar Championships
When: Friday, July 26 2008, 9pm-12mid.
Where: Stubb’s, 801 Red River, 480-8341
$$$:$12-15

Anyone can rock with a guitar, but try it with nothing but air and see how good you look.

Mortified Austin
When: Saturday, July 26 2008, 8:00pm
Where: United States Art Authority, 2906 Fruth St
Cost: $12.00-15.00

The project began in the late 1990s when founder Dave Nadelberg unearthed a notably awkward love letter and began sharing with friends. Formalizing as Mortified in 2002 with co-producer Neil Katcher, the project has since sifted through thousands of volumes of otherwise forgotten notebooks, photos, and envelopes in an effort crack the lid off our cultural shoebox and expose our inner geek. Participants include a wide range of people, from professional performers (comics, celebrities, singers) to total amateurs (architects, ad execs, salesmen) all in the noble pursuit of self-degradation. Personal redemption through public humiliation. There are a million stories buried in the pages of people’s lives. Mortified’s mission is to simply help people find them.

Share the shame.

Austin, weekend, things to do, what’s happening, TX, 7/25/08, 7/26/08, air guitar, tetris, video game, championship, mortified

The H-E-B Austin Symphony 32nd annual July 4th Concert and Fireworks “Celebrate your Independence”

The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks — planned and produced entirely by the ASO — is free and open to the public. Having taken place at Zilker Park for the past six years, the stage for this celebration will return to it original home at Auditorium Shores in front of the beautiful new Long Center for the Performing Arts. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will begin performing at 8:30 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m., ending at 10:00 p.m. Come early, bring a picnic, claim a grassy spot and enjoy the patriotic music of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Concessions will be available on site. (Sorry, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted in the park.)

ROUND ROCK Fourth of July Fireworks and Frontier Days Celebration:
When: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Where: The parade takes place along Main Street and the festivities will be held at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park
3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, Texas
$$$: Free

The combined celebration on July 4 kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade in downtown Round Rock. The parade starts at the First State Bank on the corner of Lee Street and Round Rock Avenue and continues down through Historic downtown Round Rock ending at the Sam Bass Little League Baseball fields. After the parade, head to old Settler’s Park for the Western Traditions themed celebration. Reenactment of the Sam Bass shoot out, free watermelon, arts and crafts, fireworks and more on the agenda.

The city council will be serving free watermelon on a first come first serve basis starting at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. a skydiver will jump into the festival followed by music from the Austin Symphonic Band.

Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival
Where: Lake Pflugerville, Pflugerville, Texas
When: 4:00 pm until dark!
Contact: 512-990-4363
$$$: Free to all
Stay close to home this 4th! Bring family and friends to the Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival on the banks of beautiful Lake Pflugerville. Booths, games, swimming, canoes along with our headliner event, The Corvette Brothers featuring Rockin’Rick! Fireworks at Dark.
Estimated attendees-7500

Georgetown
Where: San Gabriel Park, 1003 N. Austin Avenue, Georgetown, Tx
When: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
$$$: Free

Musical entertainment featuring some of the best local and Central Texas talent will begin at the gazebo in San Gabriel Park at 11 a.m. and continue all day until the fireworks display. More than 80 arts and crafts booths will open at 11 a.m., as well as food vendors and a children’s area with games, activities, petting zoo, train rides, and face painting.

The fireworks display begins at approximately 9 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the McMaster Athletic Fields on N. College Street this year due to the construction of the Recreation Center expansion. Fireworks can be viewed from San Gabriel Park, VFW Park, and other areas in Georgetown.

Leander Liberty Fest
The City will hold its annual Liberty Fest celebration at Crystal Falls Golf Club on Friday, July 4th from 5-10pm. The event features live music, food, give aways, fireworks, and activities for kids.

There will be no public parking at Crystal Falls Golf Club during the event. Instead, a free shuttle service will be offered by CapMetro from the parking lot at Leander High School. Busses will begin running at 4pm.

For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (512) 528-9909.

Cedar Park:

The City of Cedar Park will host its annual Fourth of July Celebration at Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., from 4-10 p.m. July 4. The event will feature live music, laser tag, a washer tournament, prizes and more. H-E-B will provide free watermelon and a fireworks display. For more information, call 401-5500.

Summerfest
San Marcos, Texas
Celebrate our nation’s independence along the banks of the San Marcos River!
Estimated attendees-8000 512-393-5900

Events and entertainment on July 4 at 202 North CM Allen Parkway, include the Firecracker Golf Classic, Children’s Parade and Costume Contest, Hays County Crime Stoppers Ducky Derby, Lions Club Illuminated River Float Parade, music, music, music, and fireworks, of course. Rain or shine; free; no alcohol; coolers subject to inspection.

The 28th Annual Summerfest starts at 4 p.m. A Children’s Parade and Costume Contest starts at 5 p.m. with a Patriotic Program to follow. Pets are not allowed. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. with music after the fireworks display and continuing until 10:30 p.m. Details for San Marcos Summerfest.

Travis Country Neighborhood

Get Ready for the July 4th Parade. The annual Travis Country July 4th Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Knob Oak (off of Trail West). Residents, their children, and pets will be at their patriotic best, because there will be prizes for:

Craziest Hat

Best Decorated Stroller or Wagon

Best Decorated Bike

Most Patriotic Child under Five

Most Patriotic Child over Five

Most Patriotic Family

Most Patriotic Pet (small and large)

Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic
July 4
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater; 16765 Lookout Road, Selma, TX
(210) 657-8300
Music: Country, Rock
Activities:Music Festival
Willie Nelson’s July 4th Picnic moves to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Selma, TX for 2008. Guests include Merle Haggard, Pat Green, Ray Price, Los Lonely Boys, Asleep at the Wheel, David Allan Coe, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Billy Joe Shaver.

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It looks like we have a great weekend ahead. Start yours off early with a little Gaelic music and a beautiful setting by attending tonight’s fundraising event for the Silver Thistle:

“A Midsummer’s Pipe Dream”
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Friday June, 27
Saturday, June 28th, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
$$$: $5

Spend an evening in the rolling hills of Scotland in downtown Austin! Enjoy children’s games based on the Highland Games, walk through the gardens and enjoy art based in the Scottish tradition but immersed in the modern designs of the Umlauf, tap your foot to the music of Gaelic folk musicians and dancers, and cheer on Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums as they prepare for the World Championships in Scotland!

$5 Admission. There will be a variety of vendors, including food and drink, Tshirts, CDs, raffle, silent auction, and much, much more! Tickets are available now at Things Celtic or from your friendly Silver Thistle Band Member. Some of the performers include:

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Do your part to Keep Austin Weird this weekend with the Keep Austin Weird 5k.

6th Annual Keep Austin Weird 5K
delivered by AT&T and H-E-B

All you need to know about date, location, packet pick up and festival weirdness!

Date & Times:
June 28, 2008
3 PM - Gates Open
6 PM - 5K Start Time
RAIN OR SHINE!!

Location: Auditorium Shores

Race Route: Click here for a map of the course. There will be balloon twisters, food, tattoos, music and more!

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I have a soft spot for slam poetry. If you’ve never attended a slam poetry event, you should check one out. If you’ve found yourself wondering what ever happened to passion and opinion, this is where they collide, marry and have babies. Yo, check this out:

Rep Yo City SpitFest
Ruta Maya, 3601 S. Congress Ste. D-200, 745-5589.
$$$: $15 ($12, advance)
6-9pm.

Twelve poets go head-to-head as they rep their respective cities. Renowned international poet via Baltimore Taalam Acey will be the one to beat, but Austin’s own Blacklisted can’t be counted out. Get a discount at the door by bringing three canned goods for the Capital Area Food Bank.

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If you have a hankering to get out and enjoy the fresh air this weekend then you might consider a trip to Sweet Dreams Lavender Farm. Take a picnic, relax in the shade, stroll the grounds, watch the fish. This is a great venue for kids. It would also make a wonderfully romantic date spot and you can even take home lavender cuttings!

Sweet Dreams Lavender Farm
Saturdays, 10am-4pm; Sundays, 11am-4pm, through June.
10600 W. Wagon Rd., 288-7270.
$$$: Free, $4 to cut lavender

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Last, but not least, I really, really want to see this! Who wants to take me?

Seussical The Musical
June 27 - August 10, 2008
R.L. Davis Auditorium, Texas School for the Deaf
Friday at 7:00
Saturday at 2:00 & 7:00
Sunday at 2:00
$$$: $40

ZACH Theatre’s Performing Arts School presents Seussical — a FUNtastical, magical, musical extravaganza based on the books of Dr. Seuss — live on stage this summer! Your family will be enchanted when Seuss’ beloved characters spring to life in this energetic, heart-warming musical featuring classics such as Horton Hears a Who, Horton Hatches the Egg, Gertrude McFuzz, Green Eggs and Ham and of course, The Cat in the Hat! Dr. Seuss’ most colorful characters come tumbling right out of the books and up onto our stage in this joyful gumbo of musical styles, ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel, and R&B to funk! So let your toes tap, your fingers snap, and your imagination run wild! ZACH’s production features Austin’s most talented youth and adult performers in a full scale production guaranteed to delight your children, and make you feel like a kid all over again. Last year’s family show, High School Musical, sold out in record time - so hurry and secure your tickets to this summer’s hit today!

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I’ve been a bit slow getting back into the groove since my return from Seattle. The Cake Club is ramping up for our 2009 Show and that is keeping me pretty busy. Not only that but I have also lined up an incredible class featuring sugar artist, Lorraine McKay. We’re bringing her in all the way from Scotland to teach a figure modeling class.

I will be taking a class this Sunday with Carol Fouts in Houston. She’ll be teaching a class on making baby shoes in gumpaste.

This weekend is the big Bake for Barack/Bake for Change/Hungry for Change/ sale which appears to be happening at more than one location. The only one I have a definitive location on will be taking place from 9am-3pm at Far West & Hart Lane. If you know of others, please let us know!

If that’s not enough to satisfy your O’bama cravings, you can Bowl-O-bama from 2-6pm at the Saengerrunde Bowling Alley, 1607 San Jacinto, 627-8960 for a mere $7.

If you’re feeling spry, check out the Go Skateboarding Day activities. This is a new event being sponsored by Wahoos Fish Taco, Lowbrow Emporium and the Austin Longboard Club.

Go Skateboarding Day
House Park Parking Lot
1301 Shoal Creek Rd. near 12th Street
Cost: This is a FREE event ALL AGES are welcome

Register at the House Park parking lot

Registration opens 8 am closes 8:45 am

Push starts at 9 am

Route is TBA at event

10 miles to make you smile(s)

T-shirts for the first 50 to register

Event ends at Wahoos where breakfast tacos and awards will be enjoyed

Sick prizes including $150 CASH, $50 Wahoo’s Gift Card, Deck’s and More

For you gamers out there, and I know there are a lot of you here in Austin, the Iron-Man of Gaming is taking place now! Technically this event is taking place in Grapevine but first place is $10k in cash and prizes so it may be worth the drive!

There will be a Rock Band competition, video-game music cover bands, and more to keep the spectators amused. All proceeds go to the Get Well Gamers Foundation that donates gaming systems to hospitals.

When: Thu.-Sun., June 19-22.
Where: Convention Center, Grapevine.
$$$: Competitors: $50 ($25, advance); spectators: $5 (free, advance).

My wine loving friends amongst you may enjoy Vino al Pastor this weekend. Visit nine wineries as you cruise the 290 wine trail through the Texas Hill Country. The Texas Pork Producers Association has teamed up with each winery who have in turned teamed up with top restaurants to tantalize your palate with tempting treats. At each winery you will a glass of wine paired with a specially prepared recipe. At the conclusion of each visit you will receive a copy of the recipe. The wineries along Highway 290 from one mile east of Johnson City to nine miles west of Fredericksburg make up one of the most successful wine travel destinations in the U.S., second only to NAPA.

Each of the wineries will offer their normal tasting and the PORK pairing taste will not cost extra. Participating wineries are Becker Vineyards, Bell Mountain Winery Tasting Room, Chisholm Trail Winery, Fredericksburg Winery, Grape Creek Vineyard, Lost Creek Winery Tasting Room, Texas Hills Vineyard, Torre di Pietra Vineyards, and Woodrose Winery. Wineries recommend that you plan to spend the evening locally (maybe a B&B) and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants. Some of the participating restaurants are August E’s, Cotton Gin (Cabernet Grill), Navajo Grill, Silver Creek Restaurant & Bier Garten, and Silver K Cafe, with more to be named later. For more information call 830-868-2321. Mmmm…. my mouth is watering already!

Those are my picks for the weekend. Get out there, have some fun and enjoy the sunshine!

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Here are a couple of Saturday activities:

A fun idea for mom’s and kids is the “Cookies with Mom” class at All In One Bakeshop. Work together to decorate a beautiful bouquet of cookies that can be enjoyed the next day. For children 6 and up.

Where: All In One Bakeshop
Cost: $55 for Mom and 1 child. Each additional child is $15. No supplies needed.
Saturday, May 10, 2008, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

3rd Annual Pioneer Day in Round Rock

When: Saturday, May 10th, 2008, 10am - 3pm
Where: Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.
$$$: Free

Celebrate Home Sweet Texas Home with the Williamson Museum. The event will include hands-on demonstrations of pioneer activities and games, living history presentations, and the winning posters from the Home Sweet Texas Immigration Poster art contest. A free hot dog lunch will be served at noon and a pioneer-style lunch cooked on site in Dutch ovens will also be available for $3.00 per person.

Mothers Day Arts and Antiques Fair
Where: Whit Hanks, 1009 W. 6th St.
When: Saturday, May 10th, 2008, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

The Arts and Antiques Fair will feature festive tents filled with furniture, decorative items, art, lighting, garden pieces and other home accessories from many of Austin’s most prestigious galleries.

Participating galleries include Hemisphere by Whit Hanks, Pat Monroe Antiques, Jean-Marc Fray French Antiques, JEI Design Collection, House of Lamps and Antiques, Fancy Finds, David Alan Rugs, Shabby Slips, JB Art and Designs, Austin Galleries, Howl Interiors, Kathryn Goodnight Art and Antiques, Zanzibar Home and Gift, Lotus Gallery and Twenty Three 07.

In addition, shoppers will enjoy live music and refreshments from Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream and Seattle’s Best Coffee.

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Sunday Activities:

After the days festivities why not head over to Zilker for “Mother’s Day in the Park”

Sunday, May 11th, 7:00 p.m.
Zilker Hillside Theatre

What better way to close out a great day with Mom than by taking her to a free concert in the park in her honor? The band will perform well-known tunes, including marches and musical numbers, that you and your Mom are sure to enjoy! Get there early to select the best seating .. this concert gets more popular every year.

Or, how about taking mom to Ballet Austin to see Don Quixote?

Don Quixote
May 9 - 11, 2008
The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets are $25-$75 and are available online. Performance times are 8 p.m. on May 9 and 10 and 3 p.m. on May 11.

To dream the impossible dream… The grand story of the adventurous dreamer from La Mancha soars onto the stage with the pageantry and flare worthy of Ballet Austin’s long-awaited inaugural performance at the Long Center.

First performed for royalty in 1869 by the “Father of classical ballet,” Marius Petipa, the exquisite sets and costumes heighten the excitement humor and beauty of this historic ballet.

Perfect for Mother’s Day weekend. We’re not just “tilting at windmills”…Join us as the dream of the Long Center…. is realized!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Wild Basin Walk 9:00-11:00 AM

This two-hour nature hike is a great introduction to the preserve. Learn about the plants, animals and geology o the Basin’s Central Texas Hill Country habitat. $4 or adults; $2 for seniors and ages 5-12. Reservations required.

Part 1 - Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas

Austin, Tx, Things to do, What’s Happening, Mother’s Day, Events, Activities, Wild Basin, Arts, Antiques, Festival, Pioneer Days, Round Rock, Walk, Ballet Austin, Don Quixote, Cookies, All in One, Mom, Park, Zilker

It’s Mother’s Day weekend and if you’re like me you’re still trying to figure out something special to do for your mom. My father solved my problem by whisking my mother off to the casinos in Shreveport. Oh, well. I can still help you out, though.

Let’s start our day out with a few brunch recommendations.

The Driskill’s Mother’s Day Brunch
May 11th

Celebrate Mom on her special day with a gourmet Mother’s Day Brunch at the legendary Driskill Hotel. Assorted salads; homemade breads; breakfast and lunch entrees; omelet, waffle and creperie stations; prime rib and honey bourbon baked ham; grilling station; seafood display and raw bar; delicious desserts including the hotel’s signature 1886 Chocolate Cake, raspberry-swirled cheesecake, Texas Pecan Pie and much more.

Special buffet for children; live music; complimentary champagne & mimosas; and a souvenir family photo for Mom. Seatings from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm.

$58 per person; $24 for children, ages 6-12; and free for children under 6 (tax and service charge not included). Reservations, call 512-391-7121.

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Green Pastures
May, 11th

Green Pastures will be serving a Mother’s Day Brunch as well as a Mother’s Day Dinner. They don’t have their menu posted but their food is always fabulous. Here is a sample of their Sunday Brunch offerings.

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
$50 for adults and $25 for kids
When: 11:00 AM on Sunday, May 11th 2008
Ends: 2:00 PM

Mother’s Day Dinner
Service begins at 6pm
When: Starts: 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 11th 2008
Ends: 10:00 PM

The Alamo Drafthouse presents “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

This is one of my very favorite movies! This Mothers Day they will have three big feasts for you to treat your Mom (or the mother of your kids) to. At South Lamar, Chef John Bullington and company will be bringing back an old favorite - BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S - as a special brunch feast with the most extravagant, urbane, and effortlessly sophisticated menu they can devise. And don’t worry, there will be enough bubbly to go around.

They are also having special Mother’s Day events at all of their theaters, so you can give her exactly what she wants! For the Mother who’s not afraid of a little after-dinner snifter, check out THE THIN MAN Feast at the Alamo Ritz!

Or, if she’s into off-beat modern masterpieces, the RAISING ARIZONA Feast at the Alamo Village is a sure bet.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Crú
Sunday May 11th - Reservations are available from 11am -3pm. Seating is Limited.

Crú: A Wine Bar is presenting a delectable menu of brunch fare on Sunday, May 11. Cru, known for its wine country cuisine as well as its extensive wine collection, will feature a three-course, prix-fixe menu featuring traditional brunch offerings such as Traditional Eggs Benedict as well as favorites such as Pan Seared Ahi Tuna and Sliced Roasted Duck Breast (menus vary slightly by location). Bring the whole family - kids 12 and under eat for 1/2 price!

The Intercontinental Mother’s Day Brunch

Show Mom just how much you care by treating her to a culinary delight. The Intercontinental Stephen F Austin Hotel is hosting its annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday May 11th.

Mother’s Day Brunch in the Capital Ball room. Call 512-721-2008 to reserve your table now. Brunch is $49.95 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Seatings from 10:30 am. The menu looks wonderful. There will be a Breakfast Station with silver dollar pancakes, an Omelette Station, a Salad Station, a Seafood Buffet, a Lunch Buffet, a Carving Station and of course, a Dessert Station!

If you want something a little more low key take your mom to The Steeping Room for a cream tea. This a great mother/daughter venue. You can do a little shopping and then have your cream tea and then do a little more shopping!

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The Eastside Café
2113 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722

Although they have nothing specific listed for Mother’s Day, you just can’t go wrong with brunch at the Eastside Café. The Eastside Café sits on an acre of land surrounded by dozens of pecan trees. One third of the land is home to a gorgeous organic garden. For 15 years vegetables, herbs and flowers have been organically grown and harvested for use in the Eastside Café kitchen.

Part 2 - Mother’s Day Weekend: Things to do

Austin, Tx, Mother’s Day, Weekend, Events, Activities, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Restaurants, Things to do, Places to go

The Capital Confectioners of Austin will be holding their Day of Sharing (DOS) on August 10th, 2008. Headlining the event will be those two sassy sisters from Louisiana, the Two Sweet Sisters. They’ll even be staying on after the DOS to teach a two day workshop on this cake:

The cake is off the cover of their new book which you can purchase at the DOS.

In addition we’ll also have these fine demonstrators:

• Two Sweet Sisters - Diamonds are Forever
• Glenda Galvez - Pearl Edged Bows
• Susie Rasmussen - Airbrush Techniques
• Yvette Humbert - Cowboy Cakes
• Jacque Benson - Beautiful Teacups
• Sallia Bandy - Building Mechanisms into Your Cake, like clock hands that actuall tick!

The DOS is only $35 for a full day of demonstrations and lunch is included! For more information, check out our website.

For a limited time you can sign up for the DOS and the workshop and make 3 monthly payments. That’s an option that will keep your wallet from being hit all at once.

In October we are flying Lorraine McKay in all the way from Scotland! Those of you on YouTube and Flickr will already be well familiar with Lorraine’s work. She’s was a Gold Medal Winner at the 2007 NEC Birmingham International Cake Show which is quite a big deal, I can tell you! If you are unfamiliar with Lorraine’s work, go check it out. Her figure modeling is so expressive. A sign-up sheet will be posted soon.

Last but not least, be sure to mark your calendars for our annual Cake Show. If you think our 2008 Show was impressive, just wait for 2009! Our 2009 Show will be held Feb 28-March 1st.

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I’m very excited to announce that the May/June edition of Mailbox News, a cake idea magazine, has just arrived and with it a bit of a surprise! Inside is a 4-page spread on the Capital Confectioners “That Takes the Cake” 2008 Cake Show. Four pages. We are just so pleased.

Today the club officers met with the Austin Convention Center to discuss having our 2009 Show there. If we decide to do it there we’ll double our space from the 16,000 sq ft we had last year to 32,000 sq ft.

So… what’s happening in Austin this weekend?

There is a new event taking place in Austin this year. It’s called The Luna Fest ATX and is brought to Austin by the creators of Sol Fest ATX. The new Fest will take place at the US Art Authority located next door to, and owned by, the Spider House. The evening will begin with the presentation of diverse visual art to a live music background. Many artists of diverse mediums and influences present their pieces individually and collectively; consequently, with their art becoming a part of the whole event layout. The night of this Midtown extravaganza provided by Spider House will continue with the sultry cabaret performances of some of Austin’s most gorgeous women, to the musical prowess of some of Austin’s best bands. Electronica, Funk, Rock, Jazz are just some examples of variations within, and are sure to create an optimal aesthetic experience.

Luna Fest ATX
When: May 3 2008, 11:00am - Sunday, May 4 2008, 2:00am
Where: United States Art Authority, 510 W 29th St
$$$: $12.00

Are you NORML? Nah, didn’t think so. Even so, Texas NORML is holding it’s Pot-Luck for Pot-Love Festival this weekend in Zilker Park. Is this the perfect Austin event, or what? NORML & Outgrow Big Bro are calling for citizens of Texas to break the silence and march for re-legalization of responsible marijuana use! The event will incorporate live music, a march to the state Capitol, and a pot-luck picnic at the Pecan Grove in Zilker Park. Festivities begin at 10am, in Zilker Park’s Pecan Grove, moving to the south Capitol steps from 1 to 4pm, and finishing with a pot-luck for pot-love back at Zilker Park from 4 to 9pm.

Texas Cannabis Crusade & Pot-luck for Pot-love

When: May 3 2008, 10:00am
Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road
$$$: Free

Growing up as a military brat I always looked forward to the Air Shows. If you like Air Shows then you should head out to Temple, Tx, this weekend for the Central Texas Air Show. The schedule looks fantastic! This is a great family event and there will be lots of great military planes doing stunts as well as music and food, too.

Central Texas Airshow
Where: Draughon-Miller Central Texas Airport, Temple, Texas
When: May 2-May 4th
$$$: See Website

For over 30 years the Biannual Old Pecan Street Festival has provided Central Texas residents a family friendly venue to collect arts and crafts from local and national artists and artisans, experience live music and take part of a long standing Austin tradition. The Old Pecan Street Festival not only supports local artists and vendors but gives back to many of Austin’s most beloved charities as well as preserving Old Pecan Street (6th Street). Celebrate the Old Pecan Street Festival’s 30th Anniversary this weekend!

The Spring Festival

Where: Downtown Austin on 6th Street
When: May 3, 08 11AM - 10PM & May 4, 08 11AM - 8PM
$$$: FREE

Handmade Austin Women presents the third annual “Art in the Garden” this weekend before Mother’s Day. Handmade Austin Women are dedicated to unique design, and the highest quality in handcrafted work. Art in the Garden 2008 offers a beautiful array of fine art that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, stunning jewelry and fashion. This year they’ve grown to ten studio artists with four musical acts. Refreshments served. This would be a good opportunity to look for something cool to buy your mother for Mother’s Day.

Art in the Garden
When: Saturday 10 to 6 and Sunday 11 to 4
Where: Ginko Studios

There is a lot happening this weekend but those are my picks. It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful and hot weekend so get out and have some fun!

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I’m not sure what you have planned for the weekend, but mine is going to be busy! Today and tomorrow I will spend the day cleaning house (What, can’t you tell?) Tomorrow I have to find time to also bake a birthday cake. I’m planning on re-making that Chocolate Chambord Cake I mentioned in my previous post. All this cleaning and baking is in preparation for a surprise birthday party I’m throwing for my brother on Sunday. Saturday we are driving to Waxahatchie to meet my family at the Scarborough Renaissance Fair. There are two renaissance fairs in Texas (though there used to be three), Scarborough and the Texas Renaissance Festival which is located in the Houston area. There are good things about both. What I like about Scarborough is that it’s a manageable size for a day out. There is good food, lots of great acts and you leave happy and tired having seen everything there is to see. The Texas Renaissance Festival is big. Very big. If you get there late in the day you can get tired just walking from your car to the entrance. However, it doesn’t start until October and the weather is generally fairly pleasant by then and much more conducive to wearing layers of heavy garb. Scarborough started April 5th this year and will end May 26th. April and May are pretty unpredictable, weather-wise. This year the weather forecast says it will be in the low 80s. Not too bad. Fingers crossed! I’ll be honest here, I go for the food. The fun thing about the renaissance fair is all the great food….on a stick! We often joke that one of these days they’ll figure out a way to serve soup on a stick. That day may not be too far off. After all, they did learn to serve coke on a stick! Yes, you heard me right. The fine folks at the Texas State Fair serve fried coke on a stick. Smooth spheres of Coca-Cola-flavored batter are deep fried, drizzled with pure Coke fountain syrup, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry. Served in souvenir contoured glasses. Heck, I’d try that!

If you’re not looking to go out of town this weekend why not hit the Living Green Festival and the Earth Day Market. I’m really bummed that I’m going to miss it! There are all sorts of fun activities planned, including chef demos and live music and it’s kid-friendly. Take home some wonderful locally grown produce while you’re there!

Where: Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe
When: Saturday, 19 April 2008
$$$: FREE

The market closes at 2pm but the Living Green Festival will continue until 6pm.

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Heart O’ Texas Orchid Society is having it’s 37th Annual Orchid Show and Sale at Zilker Botanical Garden. There will be raffles, vendors and lots of beautiful orchids. It’s going to be a lovely weekend and the Botanical Garden is always a pleasure to roam. Take your kids, take your sweetie, get out and enjoy some fresh air.

Where: Zilker Botanical Gardens
When: April 19 & 20, 2008, 10-5 Saturday, 10-4 Sunday
$$$: $3 parking fee per car

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While you’re out and about in the Zilker area, check out the South Asian New Year Festival at Zilker Park. There will be dance, music, food and more. Not to mention an opportunity to explore another culture.

Where: Zilker Hillside Theater, Zilker Park
When: Saturday, April 19th, 2008, 11:30-9:30pm
$$$: FREE

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Camp Mabry will be hosting an American Hero Celebration this weekend. This is a great opportunity to thank a Soldier. There will so many cool things to see and do. I’m talking about rock climbing, bungee jumping, a mechanical bull, war re-enactment and you can even tour the Texas Military Forces Museum for FREE! How cool is that?

Where: Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35 St.
When: April 19 - 20, 2008
$$$: FREE (with photo ID), Free Parking, too

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Another event I’ll be sad to miss this weekend is one of my favorite events, The International Gem & Jewelry Show. This show is a gem and jewelry lover’s paradise. Rows and rows of every imaginable gem you could dream of along side rows and rows of settings. All at a fraction of what you’d normally pay.

Where: The Palmer Event Center
When: April 18-20, 2008, Fri 12-6, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5
$$$: $7

Well kids, those are my picks for the weekend. The biggest problem I see is choosing which event to attend! Whichever you do, get out and breathe some fresh this weekend as we celebrate Earth Day.

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There is nothing like staring at the pages of Tastespotting to make you hungry! I decided I’d better stop looking and see what the heck is going on this weekend.

One of my favorite Austin places, the Zilker Botanical Garden, is having it’s 51st Garden Festival this weekend. Too bad I’m going to be tied up helping my friend, Adam, pack up his apartment. It sounds like just my cup of tea, too. There will be over 100 vendors selling plants, garden accessories, herbal products, jewelry, art, and food, there will be something for everyone.

When: March 29 & 30, 2008, 10 am - 5 pm
Where: Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, 477-8672 x12.
$$$: $5 (free, kids under 12; $3, parking).

The Sri Atmananda Memorial School is hosting a LanternFest this weekend. This family-friendly evening of music, art, and lantern-making ends with a twisting, twinkling, twilight parade around the grounds of the old Perry Mansion.

When: 4 p.m.-Dark, March 29, 2008, School Open House from 5:00-6:00pm
Where: Sri Atmananda, 4100 Red River, 470-8372.
$$$: Free.

The Statesman Capitol 10,000, the largest 10K in Texas and an annual rite of spring in Austin, Texas, is this weekend. In its 31st year, the Capitol 10,000 attracts the silly to the serious and has become a fun, festive tradition for the whole family! We’ve got you covered, whether you want to walk, jog with your friends or run a PR and win your age group! You sign up for the category that meets your needs. All categories participate in the 10K.

When: Sunday, March 30 2008, 8:00am
Where: Congress Ave and Barton Springs Rd
$$$: $20.00-35.00

For those of you who are dog lovers, there is the Round Rock Dog Park Grand Opening. The City of Round Rock will open their community’s first dog park. This event will be held at the new 1.5 acre “Round Rock Dog Depot” located in Lake Creek Park, behind the Lake Creek Pool facility in Round Rock from 10am- noon. There will be door prizes, vendor booths, giveaways and the opportunity to meet other dog lovers in the community! The park is the only place in Round Rock that your dog can run around leash free! For more information call 512-218-5540. Please no treats at this event.

When: Saturday the 29th of March, 10am- noon
Where: 800 Deerfoot Drive (behind Lake Creek Pool)
$$$: Free

If you’re in the mood to get out of town, how about the Tomball German Heritage Festival. German Festival celebrating German heritage on the Downtown streets of Tomball with carnival, 5 stages of live music and dancing, food, beer, kids area, 150 vendors, arts crafts, antique district, heritage center, German church, fireworks, and much more.

When: March 28 - March 30, 2008, Friday 6-10 Sat. 10-10 Sun. 10-6
Where: Old DownTown near Depot and railroad on Main St. fm2920, Tomball, Tx
$$$: Free

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These restaurants would be my picks among those offering Easter brunch:

Eastside Cafe
Sundays from 10am to 3pm.

If you’ve never eaten at Eastside Cafe then this is a perfect opportunity. Their food is fresh and delightful due to growing their own vegetables and herbs. Although I’ve never sampled their brunch fare I can’t imagine it would be less than wonderful. The brunch menu is making me wish I wasn’t headed to Dallas for Easter! I do imagine that you’ll need to call ahead for reservations, however. (512) 476-5858

Green Pastures

Easter brunch buffet: $50 for adults and $25 for kids Easter Egg Hunts at 12 and 2 o’clock
When:

* Starts: 11:00 AM on Sunday, March 23rd 2008
* Ends: 2:00 PM

Beautiful setting. To be safe, call for reservations. (512) 444-4747

The Driskill
Sunday, March 23rd

The Brunch: Easter Brunch, complete with complimentary champagne and accompanied by live music, is served on the hotel’s Mezzanine, with seatings from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There will be a special menu for kids.

The event will include carving station with rosemary prime rib, leg of lamb and baked ham; an omelet and waffle station featuring omelets to order and Belgian waffles with whipped cream and fresh berries; a creperie station; and traditional breakfast and lunch entrees, along with a cold seafood display and raw bar. For the first time, this year’s brunch will include a commal grilling station with coriander-crusted ahi tuna prepared on a flat griddle. It’s all followed up by a big selection of desserts, including the hotel’s signature 1886 Chocolate Cake.

Price: Prices are $58 for adults, $24 for children ages 6-12 and complimentary for children under age 6. A special children’s buffet is available.

For buffet reservations:
• call 512-391-7041

Chez Zee American Bistro
Easter Sunday March 23rd from 9am – 3pm

The Easter Brunch Buffet will be in the Gallery

The Brunch: Crème Brulee French Toast, Zee Migas, Fruit, Potatoes, Ceasar Salad, Eggs Benedict, Juice, Coffee, Tea, Italian Cream Cake, Chocolate Decadence

Bar: Cash Bar

Reservations : Not required, not accepted – FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS ONLY

Price: $24.95 per person for adults and $12.95 per person for children under 12

Other Details:

Clowns and magicians all day long on Easter from 9am-4pm, Easter Egg Hunts 7:30 AM and 1:00PM in the garden.

Crú Celebrates Easter With A Special Brunch!
Sunday March 23rd - Reservations are available from 11am -3pm. Seating is Limited.

Crú: A Wine Bar is presenting a delectable menu of Easter brunch fare on Sunday, March 23. Cru, known for its wine country cuisine as well as its extensive wine collection, will feature a three-course, prix-fixe menu featuring offerings such as Flank Steak Frittata, Alaskan Salmon Cake Benedict and Herb-Scented Roasted Leg of Lamb (menu varies by location). Bring the whole family - kids eat for 1/2 price!

Please call for reservations:
Cru Austin - (512)-472-WINE (9463)

Easter Brunch with the Easter Bunny
When: Sunday, March 23rd, 11am-2pm
Where: Renaissance Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd
$$$: $49 adult, $19.95 age 6+
Info: (512) 795-6100

In addition to the outstanding appetizers, delectable main dishes and tantalizing desserts the Renaissance will host the Easter Bunny who will be available from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for the enjoyment of children of all ages. The wildly popular annual Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 1:00 p.m., where kids can search high and low for candy and other treats courtesy of the Renaissance Austin.

For more fun Easter things to do this weekend, look here.

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