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We love Buda. We love the Lions Club. We love wiener dogs. And did you know that Buda is the Wiener Dog Capital of Texas? That makes it a pretty good place to take in the sublimely stupid spectacle of a wiener dog race. This year’s races take place over two days, with wiener dog and mixed-breed dachshund contests starting on Saturday at 2pm and 3pm, respectively. Then there’s the finals and trophy presentation on Sunday. Also: a barbecue competition! – Brant Bingamon

Born in 1993 (OMG, me too!), the Austin Butterfly Forum exists to “enrich people’s lives through butterfly conservation and public pollinator awareness,” so says their self description. In celebration of 31 years bolstering the butterflies, ABF hosts a morning social with bevs and light brekkie provided. Attendees will be able to discover butterflies in the local area, check on pollinator-friendly plants, and speak to other lepidoptera lovers about your insectoid passions. Optional but fun: ABF will also hold a late lunch at Live Oak Brewing with a prize raffle. – James Scott

Few acts are as direct a show of support as putting cash money in another person’s hands, and lucky you, Reader, this local Black-owned bookstore is giving you the chance to support Austin’s Black creator community in such a way. Partnered with the pop-up organizers, attendees can shop not only Black artisans’ unique crafts but also celebrate Independent Bookstore Day by snagging tomes off Black Pearl’s shelves. There’s also delicious eats, prize giveaways, and tunes spun by DJ Bloom – so bring the whole family, even the kiddos. Everyone’ll find something to make ’em happy. – James Scott

The 24th annual Dragon Boat Festival takes place at Festival Beach this weekend, hosted by the Asian American Cultural Center. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, and honors Qu Yuan (340-278BC), who was a beloved prime minister of the state of Chu during the Warring States period. He was exiled by a corrupt king and took his own life by jumping into the Miluo River in protest. Legend has it that people attempted to scare away fish and evil spirits from his body by splashing the water with paddles – dragons were thought to be the gods of the river in Chinese culture, so the sport of dragon boating pays tribute to those gods and Qu Yuan. The race is free and open to the public, and the festival will include performances, food trucks, vendors, a traditional lion dance, and the traditional zongzi – steamed rice wrapped in leaves with different fillings. – Lina Fisher

Say, that is a nice Earth you have there. How about you celebrate this fantastic planet with the largest sustainability event in Central Texas? Featuring Austin-area and beyond businesses showcasing their sustainable and eco-conscious practices; activities and exhibitions about environmental issues; an instrument petting zoo; vegan and vegetarian food; and panels discussing ways Austin can bolster our eco-goals. Why, after all that, you’ll give Captain Planet a run for his money. – James Scott

Whether you’re a seasoned con-fidante or this be your first toe into the bottomless pool of pop culture conventions, you’ll enjoy this bite-sized fandom fête from our neighbors in Cedar Park. Ages 1 to 100 can shop comic & artistic vendors, see presentations from local experts, join a drum circle, or enjoy one of many activity stations like board game design, a robot petting zoo, 3D superhero costume design, and a photo booth. Plus: an all-ages cosplay parade! Who will be the most repeated character? This writer predicts it’ll be someone from Jujutsu Kaisen, but you never know. There’ll also be a cosplay contest open to ages 10 and up, with prizes like “Best Book-Related.” – James Scott

A park is more than just green space; more often than not, it is the heart of a community. In the case of Palm Park, first opened in 1933 adjacent to the Palm School, one of Austin’s first elementary schools, it is also a place of historic significance, especially to Austin’s Mexican American population. The city has been deep in community engagement sessions to discuss Palm Park’s redesign and revitalization. On Thursday, Waterloo Greenway will present an updated vision for the park, as well as field more community feedback; a second session takes place Saturday, April 27, at Eastside Early College High School. – Kimberley Jones

Remember the Eighties and Nineties? That was awesome. Relive the radness of those dudical decades at this “premier automotive lifestyle event,” which translates to a day among the coolest cars, the most tubular trucks, and most bodacious bikes from 1980-1999. Period dress is more than encouraged, but with two decades to choose from that shouldn’t be a problem. Pop in your shoulder pads, pull up your leg warmers, or tease those bangs to high heaven and check out the rad rides, live music, fashion contest, and more. – Kat McNevins

Now here’s a field of poppies you won’t fall asleep in à la Dorothy in Oz. Austin neighbor Georgetown fits all types of fun into three days prominently featuring that crimson flower: the red poppy. Friday has artisans hawking their handmade wares alongside food vendors and live music by Dysfunkshun Junkshun. Saturday promises the Poppy Parade and Car Show, where you’ll see red but, you know, in a good way. Then swing around on Sunday to catch any and everything you might have missed. Oh, and feel free to pop in on any of the Red Poppy Stage concerts happening this weekend – you know, because they’re all free! – James Scott

Print media solidarity, always, but tbh, we’re a little intimidated by the extremely cool kids at UT putting out SPARK, an experimental/art/fashion magazine that comes out twice a year with cryptic themes like “Cicada,” “Lux Eterna,” and “Amuse-Bouche.” Celebrate issue No. 22 (“Raw”) at this launch party, featuring custom cocktails, hand poke tattoos, a DJ set by BabiBoi, and cover reveal at midnight. Word to the wise: If you were planning on slouching up in your weekend sweats, take a cue from the dress code – “VERY.IMPORTANT.PERSON.” – and dress for the job you want, not the job you have. – Kimberley Jones

Y’all have been doin’ your spring cleaning, right? Which means, obvi, you have tons of space for trinkets, treats, and handmades. Great news: Future Front TX is bringing over 175 vendors from all over the Lone Star State to the air-conditioned corridors of Distribution Hall for the spring edition of their mega-market. These vendors, also, are all women and LGBTQ+ creatives hawking wares, teaching workshops, servin’ up special menus, and much more. Bring your family, friends, and furry loved ones to this free event – or drop a donation, which’ll help FFTX fund their over $10,000 in micro grants to local creators.: – James Scott