Celebrate Mexican Independence Day, vote for your favorite craft beer or watch the bats take flight with this list of upcoming events in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs.
Zilker Relays
Join the Austin Runners Club for this 10-mile race with teams of four runners. Each team member will walk, stroll, jog or run a 2.5-mile loop. There will also be a Kids Dash for children age 17 and under. Registration includes a Zilker Relays T-shirt, a TacoDeli dinner plate and beer garden access.
- Sept. 6, 6 p.m.
- $300-$360 (team registration)
- Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
- www.austinrunners.org/zilker-relays
The private, nonprofit zoo will host its annual fundraiser that supports the care of the animals. The night will include catering by Gourmet Gals, a cocktail menu by Dripping Springs Distilling and brews from Real Ale Brewing Co. A silent and live auction will take place. Sponsorships from $500 to $5,000 are available until Aug. 15.
- Sept. 7, 6 p.m.
- Tickets from $150
- Austin Zoo, 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin
- www.austinzoo.org
Every night in during spring and summer, Mexican Free-Tail Bats from the largest colony in the world will fly out from their home under Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge. The 18th annual Bat Fest will celebrate these creatures with live music, food and drink vendors, and a kids zone.
- Sept. 7, 3 p.m.
- Tickets from $30; children age 10 and under free
- Congress Bridge, 100 S. Congress Ave., Austin
- www.roadwayevents.com/event/bat-fest
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center will host the 17th annual Viva Mexico event to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. This family-friendly outdoor event will have live mariachi music, ballet folklorico performances, food trucks, a vendor market and art activities.
- Sept. 14, 5-9 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- Oswaldo A.B. Cantu Pan American Neighborhood Park, 2100 E. Third St., Austin
- www.austintexas.gov/page/viva-mexico
The musical benefit will support the Springs Family YMCA. The event will include food, drinks and a performance by musician Shelley King, who was the first woman to be appointed Official State Musician of Texas by the Legislature. Sponsorships are also available starting at $500.
- Sept. 19, 6-8:30 p.m.
- Tickets from $40
- Mercer Dance Hall, 23490 RR 12, Driftwood
- www.austinymca.org/locations/springs-family
The third annual Brews Unleashed is a friendly competition between local breweries that pair a craft beer with a story of an animal at the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas. Attendees will vote on their favorite brews.
- Sept. 21, 6-9 p.m.
- Cost TBD
- Mystic Sky Ranch, 5818 FM 165, Dripping Springs
- www.pawsshelter.org
Coffee lovers can pack their favorite coffee mug and explore this immersive coffee experience. This third annual coffee festival will have coffee exhibitors, roasters and competitions plus food, music and learning sessions.
- Sept. 28-29, event times vary
- Tickets from $24
- Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin
- www.austincoffeefestival.com
The Bullock Texas State History Museum will host a free public celebration for American Indian Heritage Day featuring dancing and drumming performances by Great Promise for American Indians. Texas House Bill 174 designates the last Friday in September to recognize the historic, cultural and social contributions American Indian communities and leaders have made to the state.
- Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin
- www.thestoryoftexas.com
Pretty Princess Parties will make a stop in Austin and offer princess-themed dance parties, sing-alongs, and meet-and-greets for one day at the Palmer Events Center. Guests can choose a one-time slot from three performances throughout the day. Children 12 months old and under are allowed entry for free with a paid adult.
- Sept. 28; 10 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m.
- $25-$35
- Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin
- www.prettyprincesspartiesusa.com