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Events

999 Eyes Surreal Sideshow

It's part freak show, part theatre, and pretty much tailor made for Austin audiences. See this traveling troupe tell a story in a way only they can. 8pm. $15 ($12, advance).

Spider House Ballroom, 2906 Fruth, 480-9562

www.spiderhousecafe.com

Artists & Artisans Festival

This annual showcase of artists and artisans features bowls, greeting cards, photography, watercolors, and more are at your fingertips. Sat.-Sun., March 9-10, 9am-5pm. $9.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse, 512/

www.wildflower.org/artisans

Free Tax Preparation

Go online for a list of locations, hours of operation, a list of forms to bring, and other helpful tips to prepare your tax returns with the help of a professional. Participants must make less than $50,000 a year. Through Mon., April 15. Free.

610-7374

www.foundcom.org/get-financially-stable/get-your-taxes-done/

Pati Jinich Cooking Class

PBS cooking teacher and cookbook author Pati Jinich presents recipes from her new book Pati's Mexican Table – The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking. Reserve by phone for class and signed copy of the book. 12:30pm. $80.

Central Market North Cooking School, 4001 N. Lamar, 512/206-1014

www.centralmarket.com

Rodeo Austin

It's outlasted South by Southwest, but this is the last weekend. More cattle-roping and bull-riding, livestock contests, carnival fun, and kid-friendly events. Oh yeah, Kyle Park and Gary Allan take the stage this weekend. Go online for a complete list of events or to buy tickets and just follow the big, gleaming belt buckles. March 8-23. Fairgrounds admission: $8 ($5, children); carnival: $38 (includes fairground admission); rodeo and concert: $37-175 (includes fairground admission).

Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker, 512/854-4900

www.rodeoaustin.com

SXSW Gaming Expo

The gaming arm of the SXSW fest takes over the Palmer Events Center. Nintendo, Marvel, NASA, and lots of other folks will be supplying the fun and, of course, games. The adults might want to check out some of the panels, but the kids will likely stick to the pro-gaming tournaments and other flashy bits. It's free, there's parking, it's everything SXSW can be without all the hassle. Fri.-Sun., March 8-10. Free.

Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.

www.sxsw.com/gaming

Texture the City: Austin History Walking Tours

Meet behind the Buford Tower. Why? Because it's historic and you'll be walking and learning all about Austin's history for the next 90 minutes. Bring comfy shoes and a thirst for knowledge. Thursdays and Saturdays, 5pm; Sundays, 11am. $15-20.

James Buford Tower & Kitchens Chimes, 200 W. Cesar Chavez, 677-4516

www.texturethecity.com

The Peep Diaries

Novelist Hal Niedzviecki discusses his latest book about how our culture is changing the way we think about privacy, security, and more. 6pm.

5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Rd., 512/391-2305

www.facebook.com/events/467203286667851

Vortex Garden Party

It's a volunteer event in the guise of a party. So, as you help get the theatre's garden looking spiffy both you and the kids will be entertained, boozed up, and fed. Bring a wheelbarrow if you have one. 3-10pm. Free.

The Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd., 512/478-5282

www.vortexrep.org

ONGOING

Barton Springs Audio Tour

Take a self-guided tour of Austin's favorite swimming hole. All you have to do is download the audio files and map from the Save Our Springs Alliance website, and off you go.

Barton Springs Pool, 2101 Barton Springs Rd., 512/867-3080

www.sosalliance.org

Central Market Cooking School

Whether you need to brush up your knife skills or throw together a romantic Thai dinner for two, these guys have you covered year round with an eclectic array of classes spanning all skill levels.

Central Market North, 4001 N. Lamar, 512/206-1000

www.centralmarket.com/Cooking-School.aspx

Community Tax Services

Foundation Communities is providing free tax-preparation services to income-qualifying individuals and households this spring, and it's also offering low-fee refund-anticipation loans. See www.communitytaxcenters.org for hours and details on income qualifications. Free.

2600 W. Stassney

Free Tax Preparation

Go online for a list of locations, hours of operation, a list of forms to bring, and other helpful tips to prepare your tax returns with the help of a professional. Participants must make less than $50,000 a year. Through Mon., April 15. Free.

610-7374

www.foundcom.org/get-financially-stable/get-your-taxes-done/

Helping Hands Center

needs strong, dependable males to help load/unload groceries twice monthly.

Helping Hands Center, 1151 San Bernard St., 472-2298

HOPE Farmers Market

This weekly gathering is part farmers' market, part community meeting, and part arts exchange. Browse the local produce options while learning about local organizations, signing up for wellness opportunities, or participating in a free yoga class. Sundays, 11am-3pm.

Plaza Saltillo, 401 Comal, 512/727-8363

www.hopefarmersmarket.org

Human Potential Center

Join the various gatherings throughout the month. Events range from explorations of meditation practices to discussions of film to dream interpretation. Go online for a complete schedule of meetings.

Human Potential Center, 2007 Bert, 441-8988

www.humanpotentialcenter.org

Travis County Sheriff Volunteers

Victim Services Unit is seeking volunteers who are over 21 and have a reliable car and cell phone to work four four-hour shifts per month for a year. The next training session begins March 18. See website for complete details.

www.tcsheriff.org