MISCELLANEOUSFAST FORWARD SKATEBOARD TOUR will present the Hook-ups Back-to-School Tour at Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park. See the pros in action and get their autograph. Fri, Sept 12, 4-6pm. 257-1080.
JACK DANIEL'S DISTILLERY is celebrating the 147th birthday of Jack Daniels at Dallas Nightclub, 7113 Burnet Rd. The celebration will feature an appearance by Lynne Tolley, official whiskey taste-tester and great-grandniece of Jack Daniel. Fri, Sept 12, 9-11pm. 615/780-3383.
THE 19TH ANNUAL DIEZ Y SEIS DE SEPTIEMBRE CELEBRATION, sponsored by Fiestas Patrias of Austin, will be held at Fiesta Gardens. Commemorating Mexico's declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, the fiesta offers a broad cross-section of cultural activities, including musical entertainment, a re-enactment of the famous "Grito de Independencía," the coronation of scholarship winners, ballet folklorico, mariachis, a carnival, and more. Sept 12-26, Fri, 5pm-midnight; Sat, 1pm-1am; Sun, 1pm-11pm; Mon & Tue, 5pm-11pm. 477-4436.
SACRED STORIES AND SONGS OF THE SPIRIT will be led by Shamaan Ochaum Climbing Eagle at NiaSpace, 2810 S. First. With drum and flute, feather and mask, Ochaum will take participants from the desert fortress of Masada to the Island of the moon. $8 adults, $3 children. Sat, Sept 13, 8pm. 443-3013 or 452-4941.
THE 1997 BARTON CREEK SHOWCASE OF HOMES, a benefit for the Austin Museum of Art, will be presented by Barton Creek Realty and Austin Home & Living magazine at The Woods at Barton Creek, Phase II. The event features five spectacular homes built by Austin's premier builders with refined interiors provided by members of the American Society of Interior Designers (Austin Association). Tickets are $12 Tue-Fri; $14 Sat & Sun. Group rates are available. Sat, Sept 13-Sun, Sept 28. 495-9224, ext. 23.
AUSTIN RODEO FEST '97 will make its debut at the Travis County Exposition Center. A variety of fun activities will be featured for the whole family. E-mail: creative@ktc.com. Sept 19-21. 830/997-8515.
BEYOND BORDERS is an after-school program for kids ages 3-11, designed to promote the Spanish language and culture. Volunteer teachers, teaching assistants, and members for the board of directors are needed. The program is currently seeking non-profit status, and needs volunteers to assist in their quest. Call Julia Rapoza at 916-0900.
AUSTIN COMMUNITY GARDENS has garden plots available for fall at their Sunshine Gardens location, 4814 Sunshine Dr. Plots are 20' x 20' and rent for $40 a growing season (six months). The cost of rental covers water and plenty of compost. 458-2009.
THE NATIONAL WILDFLOWER RESEARCH CENTER offers weekly Interior Tours at their location, 4801 La Crosse Ave. The tour, led by a docent, will take you through the Director's Suite, Administration Offices, and many other areas normally closed to the general public. You will see quilts from the covered wagon era, maple furniture from the Civil War, and an impressive collection of old and contemporary East Texas pottery. Fridays, noon. 292-4200, ext. 128.
LA TABLE FRANçAISE, a French conversation group, meets weekly at Quackenbush's, 2120 Guadalupe. http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~kamal/unetable.html Wednesdays, 5:30pm. 453-2813.