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You thought SXSW was the only days-long party in town promising loud music and smelly animals? Then this must be your first rodeo! OK, this one’s slightly more wholesome: Activities include a stock show, pro rodeo, petting zoo, pig races, carnival rides, and your favorite fareground vittles, plus a fresh headliner every day, including Lukas Nelson, Los Huracanes del Norte, Wynonna Judd, and Flatland Cavalry. Too wholesome? Pull on your finest shitkickers and hit the dance hall; there’s a full bar and, Rodeo Austin teases, a “chance to dance with a real cowboy.” Runs through March 23. – Kimberley Jones

Downtown Austin Alliance and Ride Bikes Austin turn a spotlight on the city’s fine cultural offerings with a bike tour to view and hear about murals and installations, with entertainment from the Foxtones and DJ Kay Cali bookending the four-hour tour. For transport: BYOB(icycle) or other wheels, rent a discounted Bird scooter or MetroBike, check out rental options from local businesses, or request a pedicab if you require mobility accommodations. At 10:30am on tour day, grab a snack at the farmers’ market at Republic Square, pick up some swag, and set off to learn all about local outdoor art. – Kat McNevins

After two years creating a space for “making and strengthening community and creative critical action today and tomorrow in the comics, gaming, animation, and multimedia storytelling arts,” Austin’s very own symposium for comic fans of color returns for three days. Explore topics like reinterpreting historical media, current Black comics as interpreted by Black scholars, and “Why Are All the Cowboys White?” All this, and workshops, animation screenings, and plenty of networking opportunities to meet other folks in the graphic narrative field. – James Scott

If you follow Chupie the Chupacabra’s Instagram, this meet & greet is already in your datebook, and if you don’t, put this paper down and give the little nugget a follow, why dontcha. This cat is something else: looks exactly like a chupacabra, horks down tacos and fries like nobody’s business, vibes tough as nails in a denim jacket, and has an absolutely DGAM attitude. Get away from the SXSW hubbub and swing by the always chic Kitty’s to meet Chupie, offer a french fry, and throw some dollars in for Austin Pets Alive! – Kat McNevins

Heading to SXSW? Spruce up your professional portfolio with a new headshot, courtesy of Precision Camera & Video and Canon. Photographers will set up shop at the Convention Center from 9am to 4pm March 10-13. The first three days are exclusive to festival badge holders, but admission is free to the public on the final day. Organizers also promise an “immersive hands-on experience with Canon’s Cinema Line,” if you’re into that kind of thing. – Carys Anderson

What comes to mind first when seeing “Mother Hubbard Fight” might have to do with the nursery rhyme starring the lady with bare cupboards whose dog may have faked his death. But this time, it’s referring to a special program at the historic farm in honor of International Women’s Day, highlighting 1800s protests over the Mother Hubbard style of dress that had baseball players wearing frocks. There’ll also be a display of antique bicycles and a performance of the bata de cola from local flamenco studio Flamencura to complement the history lesson. – Kat McNevins

Since 2016, P-ville has been honoring the mighty pet with a spring break fest dedicated to the creatures that enlighten our lives, from guinea pigs to alpacas. Purr-fect for the whole family, including well-behaved four-legged friends, the party from 2-4pm offers some adoptable animals as well. Guests include House Rabbit Resource Network, Austin Pug Rescue, Luck & Legends Saint Bernard Rescue, and more, with Miss Poppy the Clown bringing entertainment and Peeka Ranch Alpacas offering a “peek-a” some special alpaca friends. – Kat McNevins

Here’s a fun make-it-yourself opportunity: painting your very own terra cotta planters. Join the Gallery ATX and Babe ATX in the crafting tent for their artisan market, Sip and Paint. Ticket purchasers ($20, yo) get a white terra cotta pot, brushes, and a palette of paints with a range of colors to choose from. You may, as you realize that painting a planter is challenging, sip sedatives (in the form of beer) or stimulants (coffee) and jam to the nu funk/tropical house of DJ Dámino. Local businesses will be on hand to offer baked goods, jewelry, paintings, and more. – Brant Bingamon

A special program for visitors ages 0-3 and their families, providing caregivers and early learners the chance to experience the children's museum together. Thinkery will host two storytimes and free play that support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of the earliest learners.

This program from the city of Austin, run by Farmshare Austin, has opened new market locations. There are now six weekly markets around town that sell Texas-grown produce, eggs, honey, and other groceries all at reduced prices. Most major cards are accepted at these markets and if you are a SNAP customer, you can also use your Lone Star card and Double Up Food Bucks. Locations and schedules are subject to change, so check the current info online to find one near you.

Keep Austin Beautiful developed this event to invite Austinites to beautify the areas around their homes and neighborhoods. Pick up some litter, weed a garden bed, or rake some leaves; it’s up to you! Check out the website for details on cleanup kit registration and social media giveaways.

A nighttime shotgun-style nine-hole round made more fun and challenging with glow-in-the-dark balls.

The 15th annual Sherwood Forest Faire begins this Saturday and remains open on weekends from 10am to dusk, rain or shine, till April 21. Over 170 artisans will be peddling their wares and showing off demonstrations of the serious craft it takes to make them, ranging from glass blowers, blacksmiths, potters, and leather armor makers to weavers, jewelers, and visual artists. With over 150 live performances a day to choose from, you could witness full-contact jousting, falconry, swordplay, archery, juggling, comedy, or theatre. We all know the best part of the faire is the turkey legs though – so don yourself a cheeky costume, let the mead flow, and get thee to McDade this spring. – Lina Fisher