April 12 through 16 – Watch independent films
The eighth annual Indie Meme Film Festival will offer South Asian and Iranian film premieres, Q&As, filmmaker events, audience discussions and parties at the Austin Film Society. The event will have over 25 films from 10 different countries in over 13 languages. There will also be a virtual festival from April 28-May 1.
Event times to be determined.
$100 (regular badge), $200 (platinum badge).
6259 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin.
www.indiememe.org/imff-2023
April 13 – Celebrate local media
The Austin affiliate of the Alliance for Women in Media will host the Trailblazer & Awards of Excellence 2023 Starry Night Gala to celebrate local men and women in the media industry. The event will award media professionals alongside naming a new Trailblazer, or someone with at least 20 years of experience serving their community in support of the organization’s mission to improve media quality.
5:30 p.m.
$120. Archer Hotel
3121 Palm Way, Austin.
www.awmaustin.org
April 16 – Go to a game flea market
Game Kastle Austin will host a flea market for individuals in the community to buy board games and accessories, hobbyist items and more from local sellers. Game Kastle is store that carries board games and figures, and hosts events for local game tournaments.
11 a.m.
Free.
3407 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 800, Austin.
737-209-0169.
www.gamekastle.com/stores/austin
April 22 – Experience pioneer life
The Wells Branch Municipal Utility District will host the 40th annual Pioneer Festival celebrating Texas history and culture. The family-friendly event features educational exhibits and activities related to the 19th century Texas lifestyle, such as butter churning, weaving, blacksmithing and more.
Noon-5 p.m.
Free.
2106 Klattenhoff Drive, Austin.
512-251-9814.
www.wellsbranchmud.com
April 22 – Get creative
ArtsFest will be held at The Arboretum, dedicated to inspiring individuals to be their own artists. The event will feature an art market, demonstrations, live paintings and a roaming caricature artist. There are additional activities for children, including face painting and story time.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free.
10000 Research Blvd., Austin.
512-338-4755.
Eventbrite: Arboretum ArtsFest
April 29 – Have a park playdate
The Austin Parks Foundation will host a playdate at Alderbrook Pocket Park. As part of the Playdates in the Park series running from March through May, the event involves story time, crafts, singing, exercise and more to get children active and support development.
10 a.m.
Free.
Alderbrook Pocket Park, Austin.
512-477-1566.
Facebook: Playdate in the Park at Alderbrook Pocket Park
April 29 – Enjoy barbecue and beer
The Come & Smoke It BBQ Festival will have several specialty smoked dishes by pitmasters from around Texas and beyond with drinks provided by an array of vendors at Windy Point Park. There will also be live music by Justin Langston and others. Tickets include a dish from each chef, entry to the park, parking, live music and free beer while supplies last.
1 p.m.
$75 (general admission), $100 (VIP).
6506 Bob Wentz Park Road, Austin.
Facebook: Come & Smoke It BBQ Fest
April 26-30 – See Disney On Ice
Disney On Ice will bring its Frozen & Encanto tour to the H-E-B Center with appearances from Anna, Elsa and Mirabel as well as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy. The performance will feature ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more.
Multiple showtimes.
$30-$80.
2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park.
512-600-5000.
www.hebcenter.com/events
May 6-7 – Attend The Pecan Street Festival
The Pecan Street Festival will be held in downtown Austin, featuring artisan vendors, live music, kids activities, food vendors and more. The event is the largest free arts and crafts festival in Central Texas with over 300 vendors along Sixth Street.
11 a.m.-10 p.m. (May 6), 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (May 7).
Free.
Sixth Street, Austin.
www.pecanstreetfestival.org
