My friend Jen and I are headed down to Houston this weekend – taking the kids for visits to NASA, the Houston Aquarium, and a bunch of museums – but while we’re gone it looks like we’ll miss tons of stuff that’s going on around Austin. Here are just a few ideas, if you’re looking…
(1) Thomas Carnival – I’ve mentioned this earlier but the carnival is at Dell Diamond from now through March 20, at which point it will move south to Toney Burger Center. If you’re not really into the bull-riding-and-whatnot aspects of the rodeo but you’re still considering taking the kids to enjoy the carny rids and games, I’d recommend checking out the Thomas thing instead. There’s no ugly $7 entrance fee and there should be plenty of free parking – a far cry from the 10-dollars-to-park-100-miles-from-the-fairgrounds slap in the face we found at the Star of Texas Rip-Off Rodeo.
(2) SXSW Auditorium Shores Stage Concert Series – One quick glance at all the long, messy hair and torn jeans on Congress Avenue today and you’ll know – the music portion of SXSW has now begun. Luckily, it’s not all about the badge – to honor those of us locals WITH kids and WITHOUT the almighty lanyard, the good folks at SXSW are putting on a free, family-friendly show at Auditorium Shores all day Saturday. Gates open at 11 and MetroRail is running that day, too, so transport down there should be fairly easy (if a *little* crowded). If I was going to be in town, Sam and I would totally be doing this.
(3) Texas Electric Flight Festival — I would never in a million years have looked this one up but a friend of mine told me about it and I’ve gotta admit, it sounds like fun. I’m pretty sure I’d have a horrible crick in my neck the next day, but both Jason and Sam LOVE airplanes – any kind of radio-controlled “man stuff,” really — so they would probably have a blast. “Open flying” starts at Lester Field on Friday at 10, Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 9 – and admission is free. Maybe a fun thing to check out if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten (air)path.
Have fun, y’all! See you on the flip side!
