Artist Solomon's "Flip Seeds"[/caption]People's Gallery Opening Reception
To kick off the 13th annual People's Gallery exhibition, an opening reception will be held at City Hall this Friday. The gallery is designed to showcase the work of regional artists and to encourage public dialogue, understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts. The presentations will feature a wide array of paintings, sculptures, drawings and other media by nearly 90 artists from across Central Texas. Guests can enjoy live music and light refreshments. Free.
6-9 p.m., Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., Austin. 512-974-2000. www.austintexas.gov/peoplesgallery
Sat., Feb. 25
Austin Alternative School FairCommunity members can visit with some of Austin's innovative learning environment educators at this annual event sponsored by Alt Ed Austin, Whole Foods Market, Free Fun in Austin and the Education Transformation Alliance. Attendees will learn about alternative school options and other educational programs serving students from preschool through high school. Free.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Whole Foods Market rooftop plaza, 525 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.
Health Sciences Open House
Learn more about a career in health care at this open house, hosted by Austin Community College's Health Sciences Division. Current and prospective students can explore in-demand health care careers by touring facilities, viewing demonstrations and meeting with faculty and staff from the division's numerous programs, including nursing, dental hygiene, radiology, sonography and surgical technology. Advanced registration is optional but recommended. Check-in will be in Building 8000, Room 8500.
Austin Community College Eastview Campus, 3401 Webberville Road, Austin. 512-223-5766. Free. www.austincc.edu/healthcareers
The Girl Day STEM Festival where elementary and middle school students can engage in a variety of activities and hands-on educational experiences.[/caption]Girl Day STEM Festival
The University of Texas' Women in Engineering Program will host more than 8,000 children, parents and educators from cities across Texas for its 16th annual Introduce a Girl To Engineering Day and Girl Day STEM Festival. The daylong event is filled with activities that engage elementary and middle school students in hands-on educational experiences in science, technology, engineering and math like designing a balloon-powered car and watching physics and chemistry in action. Free.
11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Cockrell School of Engineering Complex at The University of Texas, 105 W. 27th St., Austin. www.girlday.utexas.edu
Fifth Annual Fais Do-Do & Gumbo Cook-Off
The annual cookoff hosted by Farmhouse Delivery is back with gumbo, beer and live Cajun music. Celebrate Mardi Gras with a gumbo cooking competition and a dance party. All proceeds benefit the Brighter Bites nonprofit, which aims to puts fresh fruits and vegetables into families' hands. If interested in competing at the cookoff, email [email protected]. Tickets are $25 at the door.
1-5 p.m., Rain Lily Farm, 914 Shady Lane, Austin. 512-529-8569. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.
Sun., Feb. 26
Love is in the Share Farmraiser
Farmshare Austin will host an evening of local food, beverages and music to support Farmshare Austin's programs to strengthen the local food economy and improve access to affordable, healthy and fresh foods throughout the community. A pig roast and vegetarian sides will be prepared by Austin chefs. Barn Owns, a square dance band, will provide entertainment. General admission is $75. Tickets can be purchased here.
5-8 p.m., Saengerrunde Halle, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin. 512-337-2211. For more information, email [email protected]
