Spring Things to Do in (or Around) Austin
How and where to take the most advantage of this weather.
By Sarah Marloff, 8:00AM, Thu. Mar. 29, 2018
The weather outside is delightful. Days are getting longer, the air is growing warmer, and wildflowers are popping up everywhere. Spring in Austin is what most summer dreams are made of.
Probably what makes it all the more magical is that we know these springy temps are fleeting. Before long, actual Texas summer will descend upon us – once again plunging Austin into Dante’s ninth circle of hell.
So it's no shock that we think it’s best to capitalize on some serious outdoor time now. We’ve rounded up a bevy of things spring related. So whether you prefer an adventure-filled weekend, cardio-crushing workouts, or simply taking in the spring air and relaxing – nevermind the pollen count – we have it all.
Sherwood Forest Faire
Saturdays and Sundays through April 22
1883 Old Hwy. 20, McDade
$12-22
A family-friendly (medieval) affair complete with jousting, costumes, and turkey legs. Whether you’re watching one of the many performances or sippin’ some mead – that’s basically beer, right? – it’s a great way to soak up some forest air.
Fit Fest
Saturday, April 7, 9:30am-5:30pm
Domain Northside
Free
The Domain NORTHSIDE's spring and summer programming, dubbed NORTHSIDENext, is offering a day of workout and yoga classes on the northside lawn to boost your energy flow. Classes include goat yoga, Orange Theory, and SoulCycle demos, and are first come, first served.
Keep Austin Beautiful Day
Saturday, April 14, 9-11am (an appreciation party follows at Huston-Tillotson University)
Free
What better way to get outside and do some good than keeping Austin looking her very best. Volunteers cover more than 100 sites throughout Travis County and the workload ranges from trash pickup to planting gardens, and restoring wetland habitats.
Hill Country Ride for AIDS
Saturday, April 28, 7:30am-6:30pm
Krause Springs
Donate to ride
Bike-lovers heed the call. Ride the sloping streets of the Hill Country and take in those breathtaking views all while raising money for local organizations helping folks living with HIV/AIDS. End the long day with good cheer and a refreshing dip in the springs.
Wiener Dog Races
Saturday-Sunday, April 28-29
Buda City Park, Buda
$5
The name really says it all. Dachshunds, a.k.a. wiener dogs, compete for fastest pup while onlookers cheer. Fair food and memorabilia available and doxie rescue groups are on-site for potential adopters. Lawn chairs and sunscreen make all the difference.
Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday-Sunday, April 28-29, 10am-3pm
Festival Beach
Free
Head down to Festival Beach on Lady Bird Lake to cheer on beautiful boats as they race across the water. The 20-year-old Austin tradition stems from a 2,000-year-old Chinese festival. Onlookers can peep dance and martial arts performances as well as a dumpling workshop.
Alamo Drafthouse Summer Camp Weekend
Friday-Sunday, May 11-13
Camp Champions, Marble Falls
$250–2,350
Nothing says summer days like overnight camp and these days adult sleepaways are all the rage (apparently). Alamo offers up their own promising “three days and two nights of movies, music and mayhem.” You’ll be bunking with your besties, dancing the night away with DJs, and participating in all sorts of camp activities from swimming to canoeing and even a pirate ship ropes course if you dare.
Shakespeare in the Park
Thursday-Sunday, May 10-27
Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater
Free
Austin Shakespeare returns with their annual play in the park. This year they’re putting on The Merry Wives of Windsor, Texas. Picnics are enjoyable and highly encouraged.
Moonlight Hike
Tuesday, May 19, 8-10pm
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
$15
Honestly, for a floraphile there’s never a bad time to wander the Wildflower Center’s 284 acres, but a moonlight hike offers up an extra level of charm and quirk. Walkers might catch sights and sounds of wildlife (flowers, coyotes, and owls – oh my!) while learning about all the center does. Red light flashlights welcome.
For more spring events and other things to occupy your time check out our revamped calendar and the Main Events page.
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March 8, 2024
Spring Events, Chron Events, Weiner Dog Races, Sherwood Forest Faire, Dragon Boat Races
