Every Day is a
Festival in Austin
As the calendar turns toward Spring in Austin, the city starts rockin' with festival fever. The 79th annual Zilker Park Kite Festival, March 4, decorates the skyline with thousands of high-flying kites. Let the creative energy inspire you during South by Southwest (SXSW) Music, Film and Interactive Festival, March 9-18. Featuring more than 1,400 acts and showcasing music, film and interactive, SXSW is one of the most influential multi-media events in the world.

Whet your appetite at one of the nation's foremost culinary festivals, the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival , March 29-April 1. Sample cuisine from the creme-de-la-creme of Texas chefs, sip red and white varietals from regional wineries and enjoy sizzling Latin flavors. Or skip the entrees and just enjoy dessert during the Austin Chocolate Festival , March 3-4.

Take time to stop and smell the wildflowers, from March through June throughout the Hill Country. Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to spot bluebonnets, winecups and other native species.

Or take the scenic drive along Texas 16, from Fredericksburg north to Willow City. Several wildflower festivals take place this Spring:

  • Wildflower Days Artists & Artisans Festival, March 17-18, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
  • Bluebonnet Blues & Fine Arts Festival, March 30-April 1, Marble Falls, TX
  • Zilker Garden Festival, March 31-April 1, Zilker Botanical Gardens.
  • Burnet Bluebonnet Festival, April 13-15, Burnet, TX.
    For more information on Texas wildflowers and local festivals, call 512-832-4059, ext. 4 or visit www.austintexas.org

    • WHILE YOU ARE HERE
    Discover Austin... for free!
    Uncover Austin's rich history with free guided walking tours, from March through November, of Congress Avenue and East Sixth Street, the Texas State Capitol Grounds and the Bremond Block, featuring a collection of grand Victorian homes. Call the Austin Visitor Center at 866-GO-AUSTIN, or 512-583-7233, for more information.

    Austin Music All the Time

    Beginning February 13, the Austin CVB Music Office presents Austin Music, Volume 6, the newest in a series of compilation albums of Austin music. The limited edition CDs are available for $9.99 at the Austin Visitor Center, Waterloo Records or at www.austintexas.org. Tracks from local favorites Sunny Sweeney, Vallejo, Eric Johnson, Patrice Pike, Pinetop Perkins, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Spoon, Blaze, Haydn Vitera, Jimmy LaFave, Doug Moreland, Kacy Crowley, Voxtrot and Ian McLagan and the Bump Band highlight the collection.

    TOP PICKS

    Come one, come all. IKEA recently opened just north of Round Rock at IH-35, exit 251. The Swedish home furnishings store features a 250,000-square-foot, mega-shopping experience with 50 different room settings, three complete homes, children's play area and restaurant specializing in Swedish foods.




    We hope you find our newsletter informational and helpful. Please feel free to contact us with comments or suggestions.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now Playing in Austin



    Black History Month
    February 1-28
    George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
    Meet celebrated African-Americans at the city's Black History Month event on February 2.

    Carnaval Brasileiro
    February 3
    Palmer Events Center
    The Brazilian bash features samba music, elaborate costumes, dancing and uninhibited revelry.

    The Lion King
    February 15-March 25
    Bass Concert Hall, UT Campus
    Simba, Nala and more favorite characters rule the stage in the Broadway show featuring Oscar winning songs.

    AT&T Austin Marathon
    February 18
    Downtown Austin
    One of the fastest races in the country attracts nearly 11,000 participants from around the world.

    Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo
    March 9-24
    Travis County Exposition Center
    PCRA competitors hit the arena, prize livestock are shown and country headliners perform.

    Texas Rockfest Music Festival
    March 14-15
    Downtown music venues
    More than 180 indie rock acts perform on five stages throughout downtown Austin.

    Capitol 10K
    March 25
    Congress Ave. to Auditorium Shores
    Texas' largest race and one of the nation's top 10Ks draws some 10,000 runners.

    Urban Music Festival
    April 6-7
    Auditorium Shores
    Multiple stages showcase national funk, R&B, soul, reggae and hip-hop acts.

    Texas Relays
    April 4-7
    Mike A. Myers Stadium, UT Campus
    More than 20,000 sports fans flock to Austin each year to watch the track and field athletes compete.

    Eeyore's Birthday Party
    April 28
    Pease Park
    Costume contests, games, music and more highlight a celebration for the popular "Winnie the Pooh" character.

    The American Twenties
    Through July 29
    Harry Ransom Humanities Resource Center, UT Campus
    An exhibit of contemporary literature and art that defined 20th century America celebrates the HRC's 50th anniversary.

    Austin Reggae Festival
    April 21-22
    Auditorium Shores
    Reggae beats and Jamaican food honor Bob Marley's birthday.

    For a complete calendar of events visit www.austintexas.org

    SPECIAL DEALS

    Heat up your holiday with these
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    Need a Room for South by Southwest? These hotels still have rooms available during Austin's world-famous film, music and interactive conference, March 9-18.

    Browse our online coupons for deals on Austin hotels, attractions, restaurants and more.