The University of Texas at Austin commencement ceremonies will draw many in the UT community to the Forty Acres on Friday and Saturday. For those who will not be partaking in the pomp and circumstance, here are seven other events to enjoy.
FRIDAY
1. Bike to Work Day
The
event aims to encourage residents to bike to work as well as celebrate bicycle safety and advocacy. An official after-party takes place from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Google Fiber Space, 201 Colorado St., Austin.
7-9 a.m. Free. Various fueling station locations. 512-773-8775.
www.biketoworkaustin.org
2. Friends of Riverside Block Party
Entertainment, games, food, beverages, live music, face painting and prizes feature at the inaugural event that aims to create a sense of community along the East Riverside Drive corridor.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 2015 E. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-363-8022.
www.riversidefriends.com
SATURDAY
3. Austin Take Steps Walk
Hundreds of Austin-area residents walk to raise funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Walkers choose a 1-mile or 2-mile course and enjoy games, activities and food after the walk. Funds raised support patients who are coping with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
10 a.m. $25 donation (additional fundraising encouraged). Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane, Austin.
www.cctakesteps.org/Austin2017
4. Art show and sale
The Lamar Senior Activity Center Art Show highlights the talents of recognized local professional artists and creative, reflective works of beginner and intermediate art students.
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (both dates). Free (admission). Lamar Senior Activity Center, 2874 Shoal Crest Ave. 512-474-5921.
www.austintexas.gov/events
5. Maifest & Kinderfest
The daylong festival features German folk bands, Maypole dancers, dancing lessons and children's activities as well as balloon and kite making. German-style beer tasting includes Spaten Lager, Franziskaner, Spaten Bock and Stiegl Radler.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. $10. German Texan Heritage Society, 507 E. 10th St., Austin. 512-467-4569.
www.germantexans.org
6. Backyard BBQ Smoke Out
Smoke Out plates include smoked pig, baked beans with bacon, coleslaw, barbecue sauce, bread and butter pickles. A slice of cherry cobbler is served for dessert. Stone House, Huck Johnson and the Jackknives, and Steel Betty perform live music.
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free (admission), $15 (Smoke Out plate). 79 Rainey St., Austin. 512-386-1656.
www.bangersaustin.com
ONGOING
7. Barks for Beers
The
fourth annual edition of Barks for Beers continues until May 31. Divine Canines hosts the event by partnering with 30 of Austin’s craft breweries. Participants purchase a special Divine Canines pint glass and may take their glass to any or all of the participating breweries for a free beer. Breweries also host specialty events in support of Barks for Beers. Proceeds from the sale of glasses benefit Divine Canines, which trains therapy dogs.
Various times. $20 (glass). Various locations.
http://divinecanines.org/barksforbeers
