Friday, Sept. 15
1. Learn about our local watershed
At the 16th annual Mother Earth Day Festival, kids are invited to puppet shows, a giant chess game and the Austin Bat Refuge at Barton Springs. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road. www.motherearthdayfest.com
Friday, Sept. 15-Sunday, Sept. 17
2. See the original star-crossed lovers in Austin
Ballet Austin presents its production of Romeo and Juliet, choreographed by Stephen Mills with live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The performance is approximately two hours and 20 minutes and is appropriate for all ages. 8 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sun.). Tickets: $21-$96. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. www.balletaustin.org
Saturday, Sept. 16
3. Celebrate the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center's 10th birthday
In honor of its 10th anniversary, the MACC, as it's known locally, is hosting an open house and tours followed by a celebration on the plaza that will include live music, dancing and children's activities. 4-6 p.m. (open house), 6-10 p.m. (celebration). Free. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St. www.austintexas.gov/esbmacc
4. 200 whiskey varieties available to taste
At Whiskies of the World, Austinites are invited to taste, pair with food and cigars and chat about more than 200 varieties with other whiskey enthusiasts. 5-9 p.m. Tickets: $120-145. JW Marriott, 110 E. Second St. www.whiskiesoftheworld.com/austin
5. Join UT students at Pluckers' welcome back party
At its Back to School Bash, Austin-based Pluckers Wing Bar hosts The University of Texas at Austin students for the UT vs. University of Southern California football game. Before the game, the Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament returns, and competitors will have a chance to win tickets to the UT vs. Oklahoma University game on Oct. 14. 7:30 p.m. Free. Pluckers, 2222 Rio Grande St. www.pluckers.com
Sunday, Sept. 17
6. Enjoy free access to 39 museums in and around Austin
Today is the 20th annual Austin Museum Day. View exhibits and attend events at the Blanton Museum of Art, the LBJ Presidential Library, Thinkery and the UMLAUF Sculpture Gardens, among many others. Hours and locations vary. Free. www.austinmuseums.org
7. Get your Franklin fix
A fire caused the barbecue joint to close temporarily last month, but Franklin Barbecue owner Aaron Franklin can't stay away from the pit. This first-come, first-served Harvey relief fundraiser will feature Franklin favorites as well as all-day happy hour specials and live music. 11 a.m. until supplies last. $30. The Mohawk, 912 Red River St. www.facebook.com/franklinbbq
8. Grab your kids and swimsuit, and head to Gibson Street
Gibson Street Bar hosts a family-friendly luau featuring live music from the Michael Dillard Band, a hula hoop contest, a 20-foot water slide for guests of all ages, tiki cocktails and pig roast. noon-8 p.m. Free. Gibson Street Bar, 1109 S. Lamar Blvd. www.gibsonstreetbar.com
