Spring break is fast approaching. Most students are thankful for the time off, but are not sure what to do. Here are five fun activities going on around Austin.
1. South by Southwest
South by Southwest is all about music, film and technology. The event is happening from March 8-17 downtown. Film runs from March 8–16, music from March 12–17, and technology talk from March 8–12.There are many different sections of music and film, such as comedy. Some of the comedians lined up are: James Adomian, Fred Armisen, Anthony Atamanuik, Natasha Leggero, and Emily Heller, who will perform from March 9-16. In another film section there is the Come & Capture Film Factory, from March 9 – 12 at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel Capitol Ballroom Section B, where attendees work with the newest camera technology by competing in a capturing and creating contest.There are bundles of musicians, but just a few of them include Aeroplane, Cambriana, Forever Changes, Lecrae, and Young Fathers. Also, there are speakers on the topics of music, film, and technology, such as Ken Abdo and Catherine D’ignazio. The events are at assorted hotels, restaurants, and other venues downtown.Though prices for the events are quite high, a satellite registration area will be located at 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, open on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and March 8th 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.. http://sxsw.com/2. Rodeo Austin
The annual rodeo is happening March 8-23 at the Expo Center, 9100 Decker Lake Rd, Austin, TX 78724. At the rodeo there are food tastings, carnivals, shopping, pony rides, showdowns and music.
The DJ music – K9 Kings, the food court, kid center, shopping, pig races, and the Wild West Show featuring Tomás Garcilazo run all day, every day. Special events include Mutton Bustin’ Mania, Western Showdowns, and horse shows.
Some of the days have honor days, March 9 is Red Raider Day, March 11 is Longhorn Day, March 16 is Aggie Day, and March 23 is Hilltopper Day. The music happens at Rockin’ A Fairgrounds Stage in the afternoons or evenings.
Two events begin before the official start of the rodeo, March 1 is a cowboy breakfast and March 2 is a BBQ auction and dance. http://www.rodeoaustin.com/
3. Zilker Park Kite Festival
The Zilker Park kite festival is on March 4 at Zilker Park downtown. The festival officially opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. You can bring your dog, your whole family, or all of your friends for free. You can make a kite and then join in on the competitions. Competition starts at 1 p.m., with one just for kids and then others based on highest angle kite, steadiest kite, strongest pulling kites, smallest kite, most unusual kite, and largest kite. http://www.zilkerkitefestival.com/
4. Explore UT
Explore UT is on March 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the UT campus. It is an “open house” of the school for free. There are events, performances, exhibits, lectures and activities for an experience of university life in classrooms and laboratories, studios and performance halls, museums and extensive library collections.
Check out the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum Exhibits, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, and Texas Memorial Museum Exhibits.
Another fun event is the scavenger hunt, starting at 10 a.m. by the The University of Texas at Austin Visitor Center – Littlefield Fountain. The day is filled with fun and learning so stop by. http://www.utexas.edu/events/exploreut/
5. First Thursday
First Thursday is on South Congress from Barton Springs Road to Elizabeth Street, and is all about food, shopping and fun. The event is not only during spring break but on the first Thursday of each month, when the shops stay open until 10 p.m.. There are special sales for stores. Some of the stores are Fancy Boots, The Turquoise Door and Perla’s. http://www.firstthursday.info/
