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From across the stars comes a tale of familial bonds, cosmic wonder, and donuts. Austin’s own DIY theatre Bottle Alley Theatre Company presents Aurora, written by Chris Fontanes, directed by Trace Turner, and featuring the acting talents of Rosemary McGraw, Cassandra DeFreitas, and Bonnie Lambert. This “transcendent theatrical experience” follows the titular Aurora as she celebrates her 30th birthday by attempting to trek back to her home planet – with inspiration taken from the real 1897 UFO crash in Aurora, Texas. Grab your ticket to this celestial journey, and consider adding on the $20 concessions package: a themed cocktail/mocktail, one Lunchable (pizza or ham & cheddar), and one jelly donut cupcake (GF options available). – James Scott

Recspec Gallery is dedicated to new voices, and the latest exhibit presents an array of vivid “New Worlds” from over 20 artists. Prepare for bold color and even bolder statements: Ryan Sandison Montgomery has a Taylor Swift-inspired work that’s guaranteed to cause a stir. Peruse the possibilities with drinks from Central Machine Works. Creativity and craft beer – what could be better? – Cat McCarrey

If you love twisted fairy tales half as much as Ballet Austin’s Artistic Director Stephen Mills does, then you’ve got to check out their version of fables, from the titular sleeping princess to Red Riding Hood and beyond. It’s Tchaikovsky’s lesser-known but not lesser-written ballet. Combine his score with the lush costumes, scenery, and virtuoustic choreography guaranteed by a Ballet Austin production – it’s sure to be a feast for the ears and eyes. – Cat McCarrey

Win your child’s love through any ice means necessary. That’s right: Disney brings out the big skates for a magical musical experience featuring performances by all the kiddos’ favorites. Does that mean Mickey? Yes, and also Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Daisy, and two little-known royals named Anna and Elsa – plus many, many more characters that’ll make everyone’s faces light up in wonder. Gonna miss this school-night soiree? No worries: These icecapades run through May 12. – James Scott

Central Austinites may not be aware of the treasure just to the east, past Manor a ways. Elgin is known as the Sausage Capital of Texas and the Brick Capital of the Southwest – in fact, the Chronicle’s old office building was once the home of Elgin-Butler Brick Co. On this long weekend, take a short drive to discover Elgin’s charms through art demos and exhibits, vendor markets, and live music performances at a dozen venues, all presented by the Elgin Arts Association. Get the full schedule online, but there’s so much on offer that you honestly can’t go wrong any day you decide to visit the free festival, centered around the walkable downtown area. – Kat McNevins

Year two of this music-market extravaganza – presented by women and nonbinary-led bookers Howdy Gals and local screen printers Goody Bag – levels up from six artists to nine. Featuring Pelvis Wrestley’s shimmering queer pop, Never’s minimalist post-punk, and Alexalone’s dynamic noise-rock, plus Glaze, Ritual, Haha Laughing, S.P.A., Proun, and DJ Vonne, the sonic showcase presents a who’s-who of Austin alternative. Meanwhile, live screen printing, a vendor market, zine swap, and free tote bags (for early birds) lend an interactive flair. Goody! – Carys Anderson

Discover local authors at this inaugural book festival. Central Library hosts authors from all over the greater Austin area – including Travis, Hays, and Williamson Counties – to engage with their community. Meet over 80 participating authors, shop local booksellers, get books signed, and enjoy programs and panels. The festival accommodates all ages and interests: Panels include discussion of horror novels, the creative process, young adult world building, historical non-fiction, and storytime read-alouds for young children. – Madeline Duncan

Find fantasy and magic within this interactive faerie market featuring food, drink, and the phantasmagorical. This event is a collaborative effort from local drag artist Gothess Jasmine’s Amazing Aeffects, LARP tavern the Tiny Minotaur, and national org Black Fae Day, whose work promotes Black representation within high fantasy media. During the day, travelers of all ages may take part in the fun, but after 6pm, the space becomes for adults only – with grownup libations on offer, of course. While the market is free, paid tickets are available for performance piece “Ajeji,” which promises “a ritual-like production that aims to awaken a higher level of awareness and self-love.” – James Scott

As songwriting powerhouse and True Believers veteran Jon Dee Graham recovers from spinal surgery, a group of pals will convene to lend a hand at two separate benefits. Hole in the Wall Saturday slate is jam packed with Graham’s friends and longtime collaborators – Alejandro Escovedo, James McMurtry, Jack Ingram, and many more – from the afternoon til bar close. And a free show at Meanwhile Brewing Sunday has a bill of eight “mini-acts” including Matt Giles and Andrew Duplantis pulling double duty from the day before. Music heals, but friends and donations don’t hurt either. – Abby Johnston

Celebrate this out-of-town cidery's birthday along with the opening of their new Lost & Found taproom. Enjoy tarot, a vendor market, food trucks, and the freedom to bring your leashed dogs.

Nothing goes together like alcohol and axes. This Mother’s Day weekend, a ticket to Urban Axes comes with a mimosa and one-on-one coaching lesson. Celebrate Mom by throwing axes and drinking glasses. Urban Axes provides your first drink – after that, it’s BYOB. The social throwing event allows for up to six throwers aged 12 and up. If your party is less than six, you may share a throwing booth with other moms and families. – Madeline Duncan

How many dykes is too many dykes? Sorry, that’s a stupid question: There’s never enough dykes. Such is the wisdom of drag performer Bobby Pudrido’s birthday party title. A thousand dykes packed into the slim space of Red River haunt Chess Club means no matter where you look, you’ll be among cool people. Tunes from DJ Chorizo Funk flow until midnight, with room for everyone to “[chill], dance, vibe, scissor,” as Pudrido puts it in their Insta post. “Do what u want (legal stuff).” We here at the Chronicle endorse doing whatever you want (legal stuff). – James Scott

While the Old Settler’s Music Festival sorts itself out with a planned 2025 return and sale of their current festival grounds, the 145-acre ranch in Dale hosts a slimmed-down Spring Pickin’ Party of local favorites. The three-day campout congregates around a single stage, with Friday celebrating the return of Uncle Lucius’ soulful country sound alongside Kalu & the Electric Joint and Hot Club of Cowtown. Saturday springs the eclectic grooves of songwriter Keller Williams and mighty Tomar & the FCs, as well as a reunion of the South Austin Jug Band, while Sunday wraps with new supergroup trio Wonder Women of Country.: – Doug Freeman

All of mom-kind is welcome at this party – plant moms, dog moms, that mom friend, etc. No matter the mom, they'll enjoy Independence Brewing's beer-mosas, Golden Tiger's special edition bfast smashburgers, plant, pottery, and pup-wear vendors, and the lovely Lucky Dog Tarot reading your four-legged friend's fortunes.

Never know who you’ll run into at a homegrown touchstone like the Bullock’s yearly pachanga. A decade ago, as parents of a yearling, my wife and myself joined a sea of families from across the state rooting and hootin’ for Texas prodigies burning up temporary stages. Accordionists of all ages, shapes, and sizes squeeze – for free – inside and out of the massive history temple, this year with Rodrigo Gonzales, Jayden Bucio, Adiel Vazquez, Alyssa Villarreal, Ruby Acosta, and many more. That long-ago spring, we ran into the daughter of an exclusive bilingual daycare couple and our two-year wait turned to two months. – Raoul Hernandez

If my Spotify were “wrapped” today, the Point’s “Leaving” might chart as my most-played song of 2024. It’s a magical, two-chord, tropical soul groove where the Hammond organ of Joe Roddy and electric guitar of Jack Montesinos speak back-and-forth, taking turns blowing their tops, without ever abandoning the highlife riff. Another pre-album single, “Mrs. Kind Eyes,” lands a cupid arrow of dub with bedroom pop sensibilities. Together, they grip intrigue for the young trio’s new record Maldito Animal – crystallizing the raw live sound of 2022 standout Berto’s Banquet. The platter’s producer, Beto Martinez, joins release festivities with his Peruvian-inspired groove unit Money Chicha. – Kevin Curtin