AUSTIN, Texas — The weekend is upon us and, as always, there are a ton of things going on in the Austin area! From live music to listening parties, there's no shortage of fun activities happening over the next few days.
Here’s a breakdown of just some of the events you can attend this weekend.
Multiple music festivals
The Austin area is really living up to the reputation of "Live Music Capital of the World" this weekend! There are at least four music festivals scheduled in Central Texas starting on Friday. Here's a breakdown.
For nearly 30 years, reggae fans have come together to celebrate their love of the genre and collect donations for the Central Texas Food Bank. The event is the longest-running festival at Auditorium Shores, and this year's lineup includes Stonebwoy, Lila Iké and the Legendary Wailers featuring Junior Marvin, among others. Tickets are available online.
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: Auditorium Shores, located at 900 W. Riverside Drive
The Two Step Inn bills itself as the "World's Largest Outdoor Honky Tonk" and features a packed lineup of country artists, including Cody Johnson, Turnpike Troubadours, Hank Williams, Jr. and many more. There will also be dozens of food and market vendors. Two-day tickets are sold out, but one-day tickets are still available.
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: San Gabriel Park, located at 445 E. Morrow St. in Georgetown
It's time to dance at Hotel Vegas this weekend. The Cumbiadélica Festival kicks off at 4 p.m. Saturday, with all-day performances scheduled on both stages. Cumbia Austin will also be providing a cumbia dance lesson! Tickets are available online.
When: Saturday starting at 4 p.m.
Where: Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, located at 1502 E. Sixth St.
Grab your Vans or your Chucks because pop punk's not dead. The aptly-named festival will feature performances by headliners Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and The Ataris, plus emo and pop punk covers from Van Full of Nuns, more live music from a slew of other bands, food trucks, beer pong and more. Tickets are still available.
When: Saturday starting at 1 p.m.
Where: Buck's Backyard, located at 1750 Farm to Market 1626 in Buda
Swiftie socials
It's a big weekend for Taylor Swift fans. The superstar will release her eleventh album, "The Tortured Poets Department" on Friday. And if you're a Swiftie looking to spend hours listening to the album in public settings, that will be surprisingly doable.
Here are some of the Swiftie gatherings scheduled Thursday evening all the way through Saturday:
- Get It Games Trivia Presents: Taylor Swift Trivia – Thursday 7 to 9 p.m. at The Pitch (registration is 6 to 7 p.m)
- "Eras Tour" Movie Watch & Listening Party – Thursday starting at 7 p.m. at Clive Bar
- The Tortured Poets Department of Austin: A Taylor Swift Album Release Listening Party – Thursday starting at 8 p.m. at Drifters Social Coffee & Cocktail
- Taylor Swift 10 Eras in Drag – Thursday starting at 9 p.m. at Cheer Up Charlies
- "The Tortured Poets Department" Release Party – Friday starting at 7 p.m. at Golden Eye Chocolates
- Taylor Swift Album Release Party – Doors at 7 p.m. Friday at Haute Spot
- "Tortured Poets Department" Listening Party – Friday 7 to 9 p.m. at Vacancy Brewing
- Taylor Swift: "The Tortured Poets Department" Paint Night – Saturday at The Art Garage Brentwood or The Art Garage Oak Hill (both events are from 5 to 8 p.m.)
It's also going to be a big weekend on the Forty Acres. UT Austin is gearing up for its "Made in Austin" weekend, combining events related to the Orange-White spring football game and Family Weekend, when Longhorns are encouraged to invite their families to celebrate campus life.
Here's everything you need to know about the scrimmage and this week's festivities: Texas Football's Orange-White Game is this weekend. Here's what you need to know
When: Activities scheduled at various locations around Darrel K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, located at 2139 San Jacinto Blvd.
Where: Some areas open at 9 a.m. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
Other events happening this weekend:
- UMLAUF Garden Party – Thursday at UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
- Rock the Park: Geto Gala and Lucas Miller – Friday at Mueller Lake Park & Amphitheater
- Texas Stars vs. Manitoba Moose – Friday and Saturday at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
- Austin Independent Book Fair – Sunday at The Far Out Lounge & Stage
- Earth Day Market with Passport Vintage – Sunday at Meanwhile Brewing
- Green Market – Sunday at The Little Gay Shop
- Earth Month Wellness Workshop: Forest Bathing and Sound Bath Healing – Sunday at Zilker Botanical Garden