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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

The history of world cinema teems with “new waves” that symbolized electrifying new directions – in technique, in the kinds of stories being told, and in the people doing the telling. In Taiwan, that New Wave revved up in the early Eighties with Edward Yang at the wheel. Austin Film Society’s new Essential Cinema presents a rare look at Yang’s filmography, which has grown in stature since his early death at 59 from colon cancer. Series kickoff Taipei Story (1985) stars Hou Hsiao-hsien, fellow titan of New Taiwanese Cinema, as a former star baseball player stuck in the past and at odds with his more modern-minded girlfriend, played by Tsai Chin, a pop singer who would become Yang’s first wife.   – Kimberley Jones

A day of family fun at a classic carnival raises funds for the Cowan Elementary PTA, which has gathered some fabulous prize packages for raffle: “Waterslide Palooza” includes a one-night stay at the Kalahari in Round Rock; “Austin Family Fun” comes with tix to an Austin FC game, the Austin Zoo, and $100 at Pinthouse; and “Adult Staycation” offers a stay at Colton House, brunch at Ciclo, and massages at Mantis. Bonus prizes will also be awarded at the carnival featuring games, bounce houses, a petting zoo, food trucks, and more. – Kat McNevins

At 8:30pm local time, Earth Hour will return for its 17th annual request that people around the world turn off their lights. It’s also a call to recognize the precarious position that our planet is in. The Earth Hour website has ideas for power-divested activities in case your addiction to electronics is that overwhelming. We’re not gonna pretend it won’t be difficult for our toddler-like attention spans. But it’s the least we can do for, ya know, the survival of our species. – James Renovitch

Do your favorite pants have a fallen hem or missing button? Got a broken blender gathering dust? Keep those items in rotation and out of the landfill with this free clinic from the amazing folks at the public library. Skilled coaches will guide you through your repair journey, to which you must only bring up to two items, parts you might need to make the fix, and a curious mind. They’ll have sewing machines and some tools on hand if you need, and they’ll even accept drop-offs for volunteers to try their hand at fixing. Get all the details online. – Kat McNevins

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.

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