Looking for local events in your community? Add upcoming workshops, celebrations and performances to your to-do list.

Feb. 18: Enter a dance contest

Austin Country Dancing is hosting a workshop and dance competition at Wild West Cedar Park. Dancers can compete in categories, such as freestyle and line dancing, and win cash prizes.Feb. 18: Celebrate Mardi Gras

Whitestone Brewery is welcoming the community to celebrate Mardi Gras the weekend before Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras marks the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of the Christian season of Lent. The event will feature beer specials and music from Swing Shift, a band that performs music from the early 1900s through the 1940s featuring instruments such as the banjo, guitar, clarinet and saxophone.Feb. 19: Try Forest Bathing

Jordan Joly, a program coordinator with Families in Nature and a forest therapy guide, will lead a group in forest bathing at Brushy Creek Lake Park. Translated from Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing is the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature to slow down, reduce stress and increase awareness, according to the nonprofit. Registration is required.Feb. 24-26, March 3-5: See Now and Then


Way Off Broadway Community Players will present the play “Now and Then” directed by Bethany Watkin. Written by Sean Grennan, the story follows Jamie, a bartender who is offered $2,000 to sit and have a drink with a customer. The romantic comedy explores the choices people make and those they make them with.
  • 7:30 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sun.).
  • $20-$25.
  • Leanderthal Distilling, 11894 Hero Way W., Leander.
  • www.wobcp.org
Feb. 25: Listen to live music

The Jon Klekman Quartet will play as part of the Cedar Park Public Library’s Music at the Library series. The group is composed of four local jazz musicians who play standards from the Great American Song Book as well as midcentury jazz favorites.Feb. 25: Support community services

Hill Country Community Ministries’ fourth annual Star Struck Gala will include a “Dancing with the Stars”-format competition with guest judge Louis Van Amstel from the TV show. The evening will also include dinner, drinks and an auction. Proceeds support HCCM’s food pantry and efforts to provide financial assistance to those in need.Feb. 27: Revisit a documentary

The Cedar Park Public Library will host a showing of “Good Hair.” In this 2009 documentary, comedian Chris Rock explores the $9 billion Black hair industry. He visits beauty salons and barbershops to talk about popular approaches to hair styling.March 3: Find a new career


The Leander Chamber of Commerce will host the Living Leander Expo. The community and career exhibition provides visitors with history and information about Leander by portraying cultural events, showcasing interactive exhibitions and developments in the community, and educating the city. Attendees can find a new job, explore providers for the services they need or discover what community programs are available.March 4: Watch a bus rodeo

Leander ISD bus drivers will show off their driving skills at John Gupton Stadium, where they will compete against each other by maneuvering their buses through a variety of obstacle courses. Students, families, staff and the community are invited to cheer on their favorite bus drivers. Winners will move on to a state competition in April.March 4: Take a nighttime ride

The Cedar Park Parks and Recreation Department will host a free, family-friendly glow bike ride and party. During the city’s Kaleidospoke event, riders will complete a 1-mile loop at the Cedar Park Recreation Center. The glow party includes a DJ, a light show, LED swings, seesaws and glow performers. Food trucks, bike vendors and healthy treats will be on hand.March 5: Attend a Festival of Colors celebration

Livvie Star Co. and Preksha Events will hold Austin’s Grand Holi Celebration. The event features dance performances, raffles, nonstop music, shopping vendors, food trucks and more.
  • Noon-5 p.m.
  • Free (entry), $25 (parking).
  • 11417 Trails End Road, Leander.
  • 512-553-5342. www.livviestar.com
March 10-11: Celebrate Williamson County


Williamson County will hold a variety of events and activities to celebrate its 175th birthday, including a formal ceremony at 2 p.m., March 10. Entertainment and a laser light show begins at 7:30 p.m. The county will also have activities at the March 11 Market Days on the Square in Georgetown.