Enjoy a Unique Austin Experience at the Fun Stop 5K & Fest

The Fun Stop 5K & Fest used to be called the "Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5K," and for good reason. It's probably unlike any other race you've ever run in before. Instead of simply carving out a race route and letting runners loose, the 5K's organizers have mapped out a few fun surprises along the way.

Register for the 5K ($32), dress up in your wackiest costume, and join your fellow runners in front of The Long Center on Riverside Drive by 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 23rd. Then embark on your run to get some exercise and enjoy unique pit stops. Zip down the Clif Slip N' Slide, throw back some booze at Tito's Shot Stop, or wade through organic, hypoallergenic foam at the Super Fun Foam Pit. Then enjoy the finish line festival with live music, food, and drink all night long.

Bring Dad to the Road Relics’ Father’s Day Antique Car Show on June 17th

The Central Texas Region Antique Automobile Club of America, also known as The Road Relics, exists to spotlight vintage roadsters and the ways they influenced contemporary cars. To this end, the Road Relics’ Father's Day Antique Car Show unfolds every year.

The 18th Annual Father's Day Antique Car Show is slated to return to the open field at 51st Street and North Lamar on Sunday, June 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exact lineup of autos changes every year, but the show in 2017 attracted more than 350 vehicles, so you can expect a similarly impressive turnout this June. Admission to the show is free, as are a few Father's Day giveaways, so pick up Dad and bring him along to ogle the classic vehicles at the Road Relics' show.

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Go for a Dip at Barton Springs Pool

Have you ever wondered where Robert Redford first learned to doggy paddle? Wonder no more—it was at Barton Springs Pool. Five-year-old Redford was in town visiting family when he took a dip in the three-acre natural pool, which is fed by underground springs.

Now decades later, local kids still take their first swim in the balmy waters of the Barton Springs Pool. Thanks to its natural source of water, the temperature rarely dips below 70 degrees, so it's a popular spot for a dip all year-round. Come and splash around in the pool this summer when lifeguards are on duty. Its depths range from just a few inches to 18 feet, so there's an area that's appropriate for every type of swimmer. After your swim, stretch out on the grass that surrounds the pool and to soak up some sunshine.

Enjoy Blues on the Green Starting May 23rd at Zilker Park

Austin is an epicenter for art, including live music, so it should come as no surprise that summertime brings many opportunities to enjoy concerts in the fresh air. Austin's beloved Zilker Park will play host to one such concert series this spring and summer, called Blues on the Green.

The series encompasses four installments, and the first is coming up on Wednesday, May 23rd. Local radio station 93.3 KGSR has invited The Black Angels to be the artists-in-residence this year, along with opening act Night Glitter. They'll play four shows at Zilker Park, one every month through August. Bring along pets, friends, a picnic, and a blanket to enjoy the evening of live music. According to CultureMap, "No Austin summer is complete without Blues on the Green," so don't miss the series this year.

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Treat Your Mom to Afternoon Tea at The Driskill

If you've been wracking your brain for a fun and unique way to show your mom you care this Mother's Day, consider surprising her with afternoon tea at The Driskill. The Driskill Hotel has long hosted this contemporary teatime experience, and it's offering extra dates in honor of Mother's Day on May 11th, 12th, and 13th.

Call or email The Driskill to grab one of the coveted slots for afternoon tea on Mother's Day weekend ($55 per person), then arrive in the lobby at 3 p.m. That's where you'll enjoy a selection of loose-leaf teas and sparkling wines along with a three-course menu of light French fare. Nibble on finger sandwiches, scones, petit fours, and other pastries as you celebrate your mother at The Driskill. Feel free to linger and savor teatime for as long as you want.

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Shop for Handcrafted Gifts at the Pecan Street Festival

Every spring and fall, the Pecan Street Festival returns to the Sixth Street Historic District in Austin. It brings with it live music, lots of artisan-crafted items, and hot food from the city's most popular chefs. So mark your calendar for the upcoming spring installment of the festival on May 5th and 6th if you don't want to miss the fun.

The main attraction is the lineup of artisans from around Austin and across the country. Hundreds of them line the streets touting one-of-a-kind wares crafted from metal, glass, stone, fiber, and other mediums. After you indulge in some shopping, indulge in hot food. Austin's innovative chefs will dish out everything from crepes to funnel cakes, from smoothies to frosty lemonade. Then enjoy live music presented by some of the best local acts across three stages on Red River, Neches, and Trinity streets.

Don’t Miss the Austin Food + Wine Festival From April 27-29

Austin Ewald of Grizzelda's. Carmen Valera of Tamale House East. Stephanie McClenny of Confituras Little Kitchen. These are just a handful of the illustrious local chefs who will participate in the Grand Taste this year at the Austin Food + Wine Festival from April 27th to 29th.

The Grand Taste + Chef Showcase is a special exhibit that only VIP guests get access to, featuring culinary experts from Austin and Central Texas dishing out their signature eats, as well as wine and spirits. The rest of the festival boasts booths that host chefs from all around the country, many of them the owners of multiple eateries. In addition to crafting eclectic food for tastings, the chefs also host workshops designed to arm foodies with every skill they need to truly enjoy their cuisine and libations.

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Check Out Tricked-Out Hot Rods at The 17th Annual Lonestar Round Up on April 6-7

"It's without a doubt one of the nation's best hot rod and custom events," Rod & Custom Magazine says of the Lonestar Round Up. The 17th Annual Lonestar Round Up is coming back to Austin on April 6th and 7th. Its collection of vintage hot rods and other customized roadsters will be on full display at the Travis County Expo Center.

Parking is free and general admission tickets are just $15, which is a bargain when you consider the huge herd of autos on display. In addition to the beautiful pieces of machinery, the Lonestar Round Up also features loves of live music, a sprawling swap meet, and many local vendors. Don't be surprised if you get invited to a backyard barbecue while you're at the Lonestar Round Up—its energy tends to take over the entire city for the weekend.

Eat to the Beat of Live Music at Evangeline Cafe in South Austin

Evangeline Café offers diners some of the best in Cajun food accompanies by live music. They have a comfortable and exciting atmosphere that allows you to enjoy the company of friends. They offer late night live music two nights a week as well as special events such as Mardi Gras celebrations. Their calendar is always full of familiar names in local music. This combined with excellent food gives you all you need to have a great evening.

Customers are talking about the exciting atmosphere and unique food offered by Evangeline Café. It is the place to be for a night of music, great drinks and quality food. Check out their latest in events and activities when choosing which night you want to pay a visit to Evangeline Café. You don’t want to miss a minute of the fun.

Explore Living Works of Art at the 61st Annual Zilker Garden Festival

The Zilker Botanical Garden celebrates the best of local floral all year round, but each spring, it hosts a special event to herald the arrival of a new season. The 61st Annual Zilker Garden Festival will soon return to the park and bring with it a large roster of artists, extra blooms, and more.

If your windowsill garden could use a few fresh additions, browse the many booths of plant vendors at the Garden Festival. You should be able to find something that jives well with your existing blooms or a standalone houseplant to add to your living room. Peruse the garden-inspired works of art, as well, from ceramics and gardening hats to handcrafted jewelry and clothing. Stop by the Flower Show to check out masterpieces molded from fresh blossoms or take in a live concert with a craft beer and hot food in hand in the Oak Grove.

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