Thursday, Aug. 3 Local shops and restaurants host 1st Thursday Night in Buda Buda does not wait until Friday to start its weekend. Buda’s Red Door, Little Bluebird, Tavern on Main, Brooklyn's Down South and Willie’s Joint Bar and BBQ invite locals join them for their 1st Thursday Fun night for shopping specials, food deals and music. Free. Aug. 3., 5-10 p.m. Downtown Buda. Tanger Outlets San Marcos celebrates going back to school Tanger Outlets San Marcos is putting on a TangerKIDS Back to Cool Playtime event at the outlet center’s playground. From 10 a.m.-noon, there will be free food, drinks and activities for children and their families. Adults in attendance have a chance to win a $100 Tanger gift card and receive coupons and giveaways. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Tanger Outlets, 4015 S. Interstate 35, San Marcos. 512- 396-7446 Saturday, Aug. 5 Local vendors set up shop for Market in the Park Buda Area Chamber of Commerce organizes Market in the Park for people to explore local vendors while walking along Buda’s historic downtown greenbelt. The event features chamber members, farmers, artisans, antique dealers and musicians. Free.  Sept. 2,  9 a.m.-3 p.m. Market in the Park is brought to you by the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Buda Greenbelt. 319 Main St., Buda. 512-295-9999. www.budachambertx.com Midsummer Carnival: Family Fun Day at Spring Lake Enjoy the last days of summer at the Meadows Center's Midsummer Carnival. Families can experience doing environmental activities, games and crafts and taking photos in a photo booth. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Meadows Center, 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos Hill Country Homesteaders’ Fest Learning something new and give back to charity at the Hill Country Homesteader's Fest. Over a dozen vendors will set up booths to sell their goods and educate people about their crafts through demonstrations and samples. When done shopping, listen to some live music, play games and bid on the silent auction. All proceeds go to the Crisis Bread Basket. While the event is free, the organizers ask that people donate items like peanut butter, jelly, apple juice, cereal, canned vegetables, tuna, chicken and tomato products, soups, canned or dry beans, rice and canned milk. Free (Donations welcomed). 3-7 p.m. The Wildflower Country Inn & Event Center, 900 FM 32, San Marcos. www.thewildflowercountryinn.com/hill-country-homesteader-s-fest