Unplugged at the Grove: A Time-Honored Austin Tradition

Austin's cultural scene has evolved a lot over the last 25 years, but one thing remains the same: Unplugged at the Grove still comes to Shady Grove every Thursday night, April through mid-September. Perhaps more importantly, the live outdoor show is still free. It's already underway this season, so check out the schedule to choose which band or performer you want to see.

On July 19th, beloved Austin band Asleep at the Wheel brings the country-swing vibes to Shady Grove, just as the iconic group has for nearly half a century. Then on August 23rd, well-known blues artist Bob Schneider takes over the stage. The lineup also encompasses many other musical genres, so there's something for everyone on this year's itinerary. The shows start at 8 p.m., but due to limited space, it's recommended that you show up an hour or two early to grab a bite, a drink, and a good spot near the stage.

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Home Slice Pizza: A Labor of Love for Three Foodies

A local journalist and an IT expert/movie producer decided to make a major career change in the early 2000s. The married couple, Jen and Joseph Strickland, wanted to open their own pizza shop. Since they didn't have much experience in the culinary business, they enlisted the help of Jen's college roommate and seasoned restaurateur Terri Hannifin. Together, the trio opened the first Home Slice Pizza in 2005. Today, the homegrown business boasts multiple locations, including a new pizzeria in the North Loop.

Grab a slice or order an entire pie to enjoy at the mom-and-pop shop. Savor something simple like the margherita pizza, which features a layer of mozzarella topped with diced Roma tomatoes and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, plus fresh garlic and basil. When you're craving something more unique, opt for the pie topped with eggplant parm or chopped white clams. The eatery also serves up some subs, calzones, and a handful of salads and apps.

Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller: Visit Austin’s Most Popular Farmers’ Market

From vegan muffins and gluten-free loaves of bread to hard cider and honey wine, the inventory of artisan-made grocery items is expansive at the Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller. That's probably why it's ranked the best farmers' market in the city by the Austin Chronicle's readers—and why it recently added an extra day to the weekly schedule. Now you can visit the market on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Wednesdays 5 to 8 p.m. at Browning Hangar on Airport Boulevard.

Stop by the market to chat with some of the producers who actually raise or grow their own products, like farmers from Good Vibes Urban Farm who cultivate microgreens and herbs or ranchers from Grass-Fed Beef of Texas. Other vendors aren't necessarily considered producers, but they still have a hand in shaping their artisan foods and goods. Snack on hot grub from Austin Pierogi, treat yourself to something sweet from Knotty Nice Bakery, or pick up some tea from Siply.

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Let Freedom Ring at the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks

Every year on the Fourth of July, Austinites celebrate with backyard barbecues, patriotic ensembles, and, of course, fireworks displays. One of the city's most popular Independence Day bashes is the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks—it usually draws more than 100,000 revelers to Vic Mathias Shores on the Fourth of July.

Head to the 41st annual concert this year on Tuesday, July 4th. Get to the park a bit early to ensure you get a good spot near the stage. That's where the Austin Symphony Orchestra will begin the evening with a lineup of patriotic tunes at 8:30 p.m. Then after the rousing concert, stick around for the main event: the awe-inspiring fireworks show. It kicks off at 9:30 p.m. and is sure to elicit oohs and aahs from the crowd. This event is free to attend, no tickets necessary.

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Fun Stop 5K & Fest: A Fun Run With Unique Twists

Most races don't include a foam pit or a slip 'n slide, but the Fun Stop 5K & Fest isn't most races. It's a distinctly Austin experience—in fact, it used to be called the "Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5K." So when you show up for the fun run and festival on Saturday, June 23rd, expect the unexpected.

The run kicks off at 6 p.m. at The Long Center on Riverside Drive. As you jog alongside friends, don't worry about your race time. Make plenty of pit stops to enjoy the fun along the race route. Stop for a shot of tequila at the Ghost Splash Stop or a nip of vodka at Tito's Shot Stop. Zip down the Clif Slip 'N Slide or plow through the organic foam at the Super Fun Foam Pit. Snap a photo as you smooch a pup at the Puppy Kissing Booth or help a friend cool down when you squirt him with a water gun at Super Soaker Street. Then at the festival at the finish live, enjoy live music and food as the evening wears on. Registration is $32 for the 5K and festival.

Celebrate Your Dad at the Road Relics’ Father’s Day Antique Car Show

Instead of getting your dad a gift for this Father's Day, plan a special outing together. Take him to the Road Relics’ Father's Day Antique Car Show, a longstanding tradition in your community. Now in its 18th year, the annual Father's Day Car Show brings families together every year around this time.

Bring Dad and the rest of your family to the large, grassy field at North Lamar and 51st Street for the car show on Sunday, June 17th. It kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs for five hours, which should be plenty of time to explore the roster of vintage and classic roadsters. Although the exact lineup changes each year, the previous show drew more than 350 awe-inspiring vehicles—so you should plan to spend the whole afternoon at the show. Admission is free.

Splash Into Spring at the Barton Springs Pool, a Natural Oasis

The Barton Springs Pool claims three acres of Zilker Park's sprawling 358 acres, and it's space well used. The pool has been around for decades—it's even where Robert Redford learned to swim on a family vacation. He was only five years old. The natural pool continues to welcome guests today who want to go for a dip in its warm waters.

Natural underground springs feed the large, long pool, so its temperature rarely goes below 70 degrees. With lifeguards on watch during the summer months, it's a safe spot to practice your backstroke or just go wading in the sparkling waters. From a few inches deep to 18 feet deep, the pool has areas that are appropriate for both new swimmers and seasoned swimmers. Bring along a towel to stretch out on the soft grass, where you can take sunbathing breaks in between laps.

Celebrate Sunshine at Blues on the Green in Zilker Park

Every summer, Austin's Zilker Park reclaims its role as gathering place, festival grounds, and live music venue. Starting on May 23rd, Blues on the Green will return to this sprawling city park in the heart of Austin, led by local radio station 93.3 KGSR.

This is just the first of four performances that The Black Angels will headline along with guest act Night Glitter. The band takes the stage once a month through the beginning of August, delivering fresh-air concerts that showcase their unique style of blues music. Come and grab a spot on the lawn at the free Blues on the Green show, with a blanket or some lawn chairs in hand. You're also welcome to bring along pets, kids, snacks, and, of course, a crew of your friends.

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Suerte’s Early Success Is More Than a Stroke of Luck

Suerte—"luck" in Spanish—began attracting buzz even before it opened in March, thanks to the reputation of chef and restaurateur Sam Hellman-Mass. He'd already established two successful eateries in the area when he decided to buy a storefront on Sixth Street and transform it into Suerte, a colorful and casual Mexican restaurant.

Round up a few friends and head to Suerte for some cocktails and "snackcidents" if you haven't checked it out yet. Share the chips and salsa with Caldera cheddar cheese or the potato and quesillo taquitos. Then enjoy a larger dish, such as the popular green chorizo tlayuda. Its thin and crispy tortilla base features a refried white bean spread topped with queso, almond, pumpkin seeds, and spicy chorizo. Finally, treat yourself to a sweet treat like the tapioca pudding with white chocolate crunch, almonds, and lemon balm anglaise.

Show Mom You Care With a Mother’s Day Teatime at The Driskill

Sunlight streams into the lobby at The Driskill Hotel, drenching its historic accents in a warm and inviting glow. It's easy to see why afternoon tea at The Driskill would be such an enjoyable experience. After all, it's hosted in the lobby. And while afternoon tea usually only happens one day each month, except for around the holidays, The Driskill is making an exception in honor of all the hard-working moms out there. You have three chances to celebrate Mother's Day at The Driskill with afternoon tea offered on May 11th, 12th, and 13th.

Make a reservation for teatime ($55 per person) and come to the hotel lobby promptly at 3 p.m. That'll give you ample time to enjoy the variety of loose-leaf teas and sparkling wines that The Driskill serves at afternoon tea. Nibble on finger sandwiches, flaky scones, and other pastries as you enjoy your leisurely teatime—you're invited to stick around for as long as you like.

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