What’s up Austin: The Weekend Line-up for 4/19/08
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
$$$: FREE
The market closes at 2pm but the Living Green Festival will continue until 6pm.
Heart O’ Texas Orchid Society is having it’s 37th Annual Orchid Show and Sale at Zilker Botanical Garden. There will be raffles, vendors and lots of beautiful orchids. It’s going to be a lovely weekend and the Botanical Garden is always a pleasure to roam. Take your kids, take your sweetie, get out and enjoy some fresh air.
Where: Zilker Botanical Gardens
When: April 19 & 20, 2008, 10-5 Saturday, 10-4 Sunday
$$$: $3 parking fee per car
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
$$$: FREE
Camp Mabry will be hosting an American Hero Celebration this weekend. This is a great opportunity to thank a Soldier. There will so many cool things to see and do. I’m talking about rock climbing, bungee jumping, a mechanical bull, war re-enactment and you can even tour the Texas Military Forces Museum for FREE! How cool is that?
Where: Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35 St.
When: April 19 - 20, 2008
$$$: FREE (with photo ID), Free Parking, too
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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