� The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts (1700 S. Lamar) hosts an open house and information session about its professional culinary programs. RSVP at www.naturalepicurean.com or call 476-2276 for more info. Saturday, May 7, 10am-noon.

� The second annual Hill Country Wine & Music Festival takes place on the grounds of Wildseed Farms (Highway 290 West, seven miles east of Fredericksburg). Enjoy a day of live music, wine tastings, cooking demos, and artisanal food sampling among the scenic wildflowers. A $20 ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, five wine tastings, cooking demos, and food samples. Saturday, May 7, 11am-9pm.

� Head Downtown to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports at two Kentucky Derby watch parties. At Vince Young Steakhouse (301 San Jacinto), $50 gets you Kentucky Hot Browns, fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, and Maker’s Mark mint juleps along with a raffle ticket to benefit the Ride On Center for Kids. Saturday, May 7, 2-6pm. Over at TenOak (409 Colorado), there will be a big hat contest and pricey mint juleps made with Woodford Reserve small-batch bourbons benefiting Austin Pets Alive!. Saturday, May 7, 4pm.

� Treat Mom to a toast at the three-course Mother’s Day luncheon at Fall Creek Vineyards near Tow (www.fcv.com) catered by chef Rob McMahon of Austin Catering. $39 per person; make necessary reservations at 325/379-5361. Saturday, May 7, with seatings at 11:30am and 1:15pm.

This article appears in May 6 • 2011.

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