Unplugged at the Grove: 25 Years of Live Music

When Shady Grove held the first season of Unplugged at the Grove 25 years ago, Austin's music scene was still a work in progress. Many of its other now-beloved music venues didn't exist, Austin City Limits wasn't even an idea yet, and South by Southwest was a much smaller fest only a few years old. A lot has changed since that first year of Unplugged at the Grove, but this free fresh-air concert series remains the same.

Come to Shady Grove any Thursday now through mid-September to enjoy the live tunes, no cover necessary. The schedule includes a mix of established artists and up-and-coming bands. On July 19th, Asleep at the Wheel brings the up-tempo country beats that have made them locally famous. Then on August 16th, bluesy guitarist Eric Tessmer will grace the stage. Grab a seat on the lawn or a table and a drink at least 30 minutes before the show begins at 8 p.m.

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Share a Specialty Pie at Home Slice Pizza

Whether you want to grab a slice of pizza to go or dig into a pie at a table just yards from the oven that baked it, Home Slice Pizza can oblige. The locally owned eatery recently debuted a new location in the North Loop where you can enjoy some of the inventive Italian grub that made the original pizzeria such a hit in South Congress.

Try the #7 pizza loaded with chopped clams, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and oregano, and pecorino romano cheese. Savor a slice of pie decorated with quality pepperoni and fresh mushrooms. Or keep it simple with a margherita pizza that features mozzarella, diced Roma tomatoes, and a blend of extra virgin olive oil, basil, and garlic. You can also opt for an overstuffed calzone, a hot or cold sub, or a salad topped with fresh ingredients. And if you decide to dine in, enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of wine on the side.

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Stock Up on Fresh Food at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller

According to the readers of the Austin Chronicle, the Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller is the best farmers' market in the whole city. In fact, the market has garnered so much buzz that it recently debuted a second weekly installment. Now you can visit the Browning Hangar Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. for access to fresh, local food.

Depending on which day you visit the market, you'll find a slightly different lineup of vendors. Many of the vendors are actually producers, the farmers and ranchers who cultivate and raise the products that they sell. For instance, Austin Honey, Engel Farm, and Grass-Fed Beef of Texas all fall under the umbrella of producers. Then there are other artisan vendors who sell everything from handcrafted sunflower seed spreads (Floreli Foods) to vegan muffins (The Sprouted Bakery). Come to the Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller this week to meet the vendors yourself and head home with enough groceries to fill your fridge.

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Celebrate Your Nation at the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks

When the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks returns to Vic Mathias Shores this Independence Day, it's expected to draw crowds. The celebration typically draws about 100,000 people to the lawn of the park to watch the colorful fireworks display.

Show up an hour or so before the show begins at 8:30 p.m. to grab a good spot on the grass. The Austin Symphony will kick off the evening with an upbeat concert featuring some of your favorite patriotic tunes. Then at 9:30 p.m., the fireworks show begins. Sit back and watch the sky explode with sparkly hues as you remember the brave people who fought for freedom all those centuries ago. If you can't make it to the concert in person, listen to it on Majic 95.5 FM instead.

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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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Suerte Puts a Modern Spin on Authentic Mexican Fare

One new fan of Suerte, which just opened in March, likens his experience to savoring a cup of coffee crafted from freshly ground beans at an artisan coffeehouse. Except, instead of coffee beans, the kitchen team at Suerte grinds up corn fresh every morning and transforms it into masa. Then when someone orders a tostada, the chef sears it to-order, resulting in a fresh and authentic meal.

Despite its very recent debut, Suerte already has customers raving about its cuisine. Come to Suerte to try it for yourself and start with a nosh like the potato-quesillo taquitos or the ceviche. Then enjoy one of the larger plates, perhaps the goat rib barbacoa seasoned with a mint-epazote rub or a beet tostada topped with smashed avocado, pickled onions, and peanut-walnut "yum yum" sauce. Complement your meal with a specialty cocktail like the Don Dario, a blend of Blanco tequila, tamarindo, sarsaparilla, and lime.

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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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