Home Events

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

While Downtown enjoys a big slobbery kiss with the behemoth known as South by Southwest, locals may prefer a quieter makeout among Austin area businesses. After all, you don’t have to outsource to get that grindset mindset vibe. Here, in the halls of dadaLab, will be DJ sets by Orya, Tasha, deepvelvet, and NYC’s High Waisted; panels from the folks behind Art Island, the Creative Admirer, Activation Angels, and Safe Circles; and “art experiences.” To attend these enjoyments is free, but to unlock all the fun – like an afterparty featuring even more DJs as well as all-day free drinks – just drop a cool $40 for the VIP ticket. Wait: Is that less or more than a SXSW Platinum pass? I can’t remember… – James Scott

“Self-care pouches” – now there’s a term I’ve never heard before. And perhaps they’re necessary? Let’s assume that’s true and join the Austin Public Library for the latest in its Crafty Adult series – 18 years and up, so sorry kids. This week we’re making zippered pouches with the help of the Library’s Cricuts, a smart cutting machine that can personalize cards, clothing, and the pouch one must carry on their person at all times. “Fill it with fun self-care goodies,” the library recommends. – Brant Bingamon

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

There will be no snoring nor tummy-rumbles this SXSW season, as event organizer Jocelyn Simone has curated a lineup that zaps the soul free from fatigue. Blasting out the windows of Guad staple Hole in the Wall will be over 22 bands “all championing female and queer inclusivity,” or so says Simone’s PR email. Among the lineup are gutter glam rockers Lord Friday the 13th, San-Fran shredmeisters Buzzed Lightbeer, and Canadian punks NOBRO. Crunch, munch, and punch your way to existence beyond earthly needs, my guys. – James Scott

A whole week without school? What is a curious and unoccupied mind to do? Get those kiddos down to the Bullock Texas State History Museum to stave off boredom and give them something to chat about when school’s back in session the next Monday. Each day’s unique spring break activity is included with museum admission and coincides with the current shark exhibit, meaning kids will learn fun facts about the ocean through interactive activities and get up close and personal with some very cool shark stuff such as megalodon teeth. – Kat McNevins

Do you enjoy contemplating the deep questions that come with being human? Join conversations facilitated by Asenath Avinash based on Buddhist books from great teachers to explore these questions and meditate. Drop-ins welcome; no registration required.

You think it’s easy, being somebody’s mother? You think giving birth to another human being doesn’t put your own humanity and purpose under some fierce self-scrutiny? Milwaukee-based artist Aimée M. Everett, in her solo show at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, uses abstraction, minimalist line-making, saturated colors, and melodic compositions to explore “the profound transformations experienced during childbirth and the subsequent journey of self-discovery into motherhood.” Word – or, more appropriately, image – to your mother. – Wayne Alan Brenner

Top off your TuezGayz with this Diamond Dior Davenport-hosted drag show featuring top-notch performances.