You don't have to fly to New York or Paris to experience trending fashions. Austin Fashion Week brings the chic, modern apparel to you. From May 12th to the 21st, the JW Marriott Austin invites local fashionistas to come and see what's coming up this season, as modeled by professionals on the catwalk.

May 13th to the 17th is the best time to visit Austin Fashion Week, as these days hold a little something special. The Moda X Mexico black tie soiree unfolds on Saturday, March 13th at 7:30 p.m. You'll get a sneak peek at what Mexico's up-and-coming fashion designers have been working on. Then over the course of the next few days, local boutiques, salons, and spas will host special events in between fashion shows. Don't miss the fun at this year's Austin Fashion Week. Ticket prices vary based on the event.

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If you're an art enthusiast, Austin is a prime place to be. The proudly weird city is overflowing with art in the form of live music, inventive cuisine, and colorful murals year-round. But if you want a concentrated dose of art, mark your calendar for Big Medium: West Austin Studio Tour on May 13th and 14th as well as the 20th and 21st.

The free art show takes place at Big Medium each year, granting the public the chance to meet local artists and ask them about their work. This year's Big Medium event will draw about 300 artists to the city and open up more than 175 art studios to the public, not to mention 50 art galleries. In addition, nearly 90 temporary exhibits pop up specifically for these special weekends, so don't miss this great event!

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The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) is breaking into the racing scene with its very first race weekend in Austin, the Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown on May 5th and 6th. Jam-packed with auto-centric events that get you up close to the action, the Advance Auto Parts Sportscar Showdown promises fun for everyone.

The Showdown will feature all different types of roadsters from big-name manufacturers such as Ford, Porsche, Audi, and BMW, to name just a few, and you'll be able to see the cars in stunning detail. Race weekend tickets vary in price, depending on the event, but kids under 12 are admitted for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

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