› Earth Day Happy Hour Benefit Concert Activities to benefit Rainforest Partnership at this party include live music, a raffle, custom cocktails, food from food trucks, zero waste demos, an interactive art experience, and a petting zoo. Fri., April 19, 5-9pm. Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey, 469-0400. $50. www.rainforestpartnership.org.
› Aquasana Green Garage Initiative Aquasana encourages Austinites to gather up items that don’t belong in household recycling – think batteries, used motor oil, antifreeze, and paint – and let the Green Garage Initiative safely dispose of them for you. Sat., April 20, 8-11am. Four Hands Warehouse, 2020 W. Anderson.
› Vaca y Vino This Argentine-style party offers beef cooked over live fire complemented by wines from Argentina, all to benefit the Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance. Sun., April 21, 1-4pm. Bridges Ranch, Bridges Lane, off FM 150, Wimberley, 512/791-5745. $100-125. www.vacayvino2013.eventbrite.com.
› Wine Me Dine Me Dinner Series Owner and winemaker Gerry Rowland of Ramspeck and Cenay Wines will be on hand to discuss the pairings of his wines with the multicourse dinner. Reserve by phone. Mon., April 22, 6:30pm. Cafe Josie, 1200-B W. Sixth, 322-9226. $75 (all-inclusive).
› Bake Me a Cake! Donate $50 to benefit TexARTS at this tasty fundraiser, which includes lunch, a cake decorating demo, and your own cake to decorate. Sun., April 21, 1:30pm. Mandola’s Italian Market, 12815 Shops Pkwy. #400, Bee Cave, 512/600-8500.
› Barman’s Fund Benefit Bartenders will donate all their tip money for basic-needs shopping funds at the Austin Children’s Shelter and Safe Place. Tito’s Vodka will also sponsor $5 cocktails. Sun., April 21, 5pm. Drink.Well American Pub, 207 E. 53rd, 614-6683.
› Give 5% to Mother Earth Many local restaurants are among the more than 200 Austin businesses donating 5% of gross sales to a group of seven nonprofits in honor of Earth Day. Eat, drink, and shop at businesses listed online. Mon., April 22. www.austingive5.org.
This article appears in April 19 • 2013.