Feel the Magic at “The Fine Art of Disney” at ART on 5th Gallery

On July 8 and 9, the ART on 5th Gallery in South Austin invites you to celebrate the opening of one of its most high-profile exhibits, The Fine Art of Disney. On display through August 21, this special exhibit showcases pieces by 10 licensed Disney artists, and you'll likely recognize the characters.

Although these works have never been displayed in Austin before, they feature players from some of Walt Disney's most popular films. He himself had the vision to create these characters and their colorful worlds, and he found the very best animators and artists to make them into a reality. Explore the one-of-a-kind works of Disney art at the ART on 5th Gallery this Friday and Saturday. If you RSVP ahead of time, you'll gain free entry to the opening—so you'll be among the first to ogle the beautiful pieces filled with your favorite heroes and villains.

Grand Opening of The Fine Art of Disney
When: 7 – 10 p.m., July 8 and 9
Where: ART on 5th Gallery, 3005 S. Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704
arton5th.com/calendar/070816-the-fine-art-of-disney-exhibition/
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-fine-art-of-disney-saturday-reception-tickets-26161457624?aff=ebapi

Sahara Lounge: A Historic Spot for Live Music and Libations

In its 50-year lifespan, the building located at 1413 Webberville Road has been the site of various bars and music venues. It started out as the Lincoln Drive-In back in 1962, then transformed into TC's Lounge for the next three decades. In 2011, Sahara Lounge took over the space, and it's been delighting locals ever since.

The Sahara bills itself as a dive bar that captures "Austin as it used to be." That means no pretense, no frills, just good music, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of booze. The Sahara has signature craft cocktails, so grab something sweet when you come here for a show. You can enjoy it out on the patio on a warm Austin night, or stay indoors where you can really hear the live tunes coming from the stage.

Cupcaking Desire: Check Out This Mobile Bakery Near You

The pastry chefs at Cupcaking Desire have been known to create some of the most beautiful cupcakes and cakes in Austin, and they pride themselves on providing exceptional cakes you just can't find anywhere else. Not only are the cakes and cupcakes beautiful, but they are also delicious. Many patrons believe that Cupcaking Desire offers some of the tastiest baked goods in the area.

The made-from-scratch cakes and cupcakes come in a range of flavors, so whether you're craving the lemon raspberry, the chocolate fudge, the snickerdoodle, or the red velvet, you'll be able to your favorite flavors at Cupcaking Desire. Interestingly enough, Cupcaking Desire is actually a food truck—one of the first of its kind in the area—and one of the most sought-after food trucks in Austin at that. You can find Cupcaking Desire just two miles from Folio.

Keep Austin Weird Festival & 5K: Let Your Weirdness Show

There is no better way to celebrate culture and love for your city than to celebrate the things that make you different. The Keep Austin Weird Festival & 5K sets out to do just that. This annual festival will be held on June 25th, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Aside from food and drink stands set up by local Austin vendors, there will be a ton of activities for festival participants to enjoy, like a costume contest and a sideshow that will be introduced to the festival for the first time. The sideshow will feature oddities like big toe wrestling and armadillo racing. There will, of course, also be a 5K race. But this isn’t just any 5K—it’s meant to be the slowest 5K ever, as the course is set up with “fun stops.” Make sure to show up in your weirdest outfit.

Keep Austin Weird Festival & 5K
404 Atlanta Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 524-2953
keepaustinweirdfest.com
www.facebook.com/Keep-Austin-Weird-Festival-5K-121126484577639

Austin City Limits Music Festival: Experience Austin Live

Festival season is officially upon us, and if you live in Austin and are looking to get a taste of the live music near you, check out the Austin City Limits Music Festival. This year, the festival will be held at Zilker Metropolitan Park—just a short trip from Folio—from September 30 through October 2 and October 7 through October 9.

This is the 15th year for the Austin City Limits Music festival. The line up changes every year to attract new people to the show, and this year’s lineup includes big-name musical acts, including headliners Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, and LCD Soundsystem. Festival goers can buy single-day passes or tickets that will give them admission for several days' worth of performances. Food from local vendors will also be available throughout each of the weekends.

Austin City Limits Music Festival
Zilker Metropolitan Park
2100 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6700
www.aclfestival.com
www.facebook.com/aclfestival

Try a Cooking Workshop at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Austin

Have you ever wished you could just go into your kitchen and whip up something delicious from scratch? Well if you’re not a classically trained chef, that’s what Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts is here for. The Austin campus is located just six minutes from Folio Apartments and offers a variety of classes for those looking to better their cooking skills.

Le Cordon Bleu College offers a series of Bleu Ribbon Kitchen workshops—intensive one-, two-, three-, or five-day courses that focus on various culinary skills and cuisines. So if you want to learn how to perfect a Parisian brunch without taking a full course load of culinary classes, check out their workshop schedule. The school also offers a traditional course load for those looking to become professional chefs. Students can choose between learning classic culinary techniques or focus on baking and pastry production.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Austin
3110 Esperanza Crossing
Austin, TX 78759
(800) 736-6126
http://www.chefs.edu/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-cordon-bleu-austin-3

Indulge in Some Doting at Caesar’s Nails & Spa

There's nothing like a margarita and a mani to help you unwind from a long week, and you'll find both at Caesar's Nails & Spa in the Domain Mall. The popular nail boutique has racked up 150 mostly glowing reviews, and patrons make special note of the complimentary glasses of wine and margaritas that come with every doting service at Caesar's Nails & Spa.

A glass will arrive while you're enjoying the popular Heavenly Dream pedicure, which unfolds in one of the spa's massage chairs. Soak up the soothing back massage as your nail technician kneads your feet using hot stones, removes any calluses, and then applies a mud mask, sugar scrub, and paraffin to result in shockingly smooth skin. Finally, she'll wrap hot towels around your toes (infused with aromatherapeutic scents) and carefully apply toenail polish. You can also opt for a gel manicure, request artificial nails, or schedule a waxing session at Caesar's Nails & Spa.

Caesar's Nails & Spa
Domain Mall
3201 Feathergrass Court
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 719-9996
www.caesarsnailsnspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/caesars-nails-and-spa-austin-4

Enjoy Java, Beer, or Both at Two Hands Coffee

According to Two Hands Coffee's mission statement, the Austin cafe is "trying to bring coffee drinkers and coffee growers as close together as possible." To that end, Two Hands' owners source coffee from farms that they know, where workers are paid a fair wage—so you can rest assured that the java in your cup was ethically and meticulously produced from start to finish.

Since opening in January of 2015, Two Hands Coffee has impressed Austinites not only with its java, but also with its regular schedule of special events. Every "Thirsty Thursday" includes live music by local artists, and Wednesdays are Trivia Nights at Two Hands Coffee. One of the big perks of attending an evening event at Two Hands Coffee? The cafe also sells craft beer, which makes for a lively trivia night.

Two Hands Coffee
11501 Rock Rose Avenue
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 520-2822
www.twohandscoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/two-hands-coffee-austin

The Republic of Texas Museum Celebrates an Important Era in Local History

From vintage cowboy boots to historic portraits, the artifacts on display at the Republic of Texas Museum pay homage to a special era in your state's history. For the decade sandwiched between 1836 and 1846, Texas existed as a sovereign country. Although it eventually joined the U.S., the period in time when the Republic of Texas reigned is a point of interest for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, which is why they opened this museum.

The Republic of Texas Museum gives guests a snapshot of what life was like when Texas operated as its own nation. The distinct culture of the era shines in pieces of clothing, works of art, and various other artifacts from the era. So if you want to learn more about local history, head to the Republic of Texas Museum for a quick lesson.

Republic of Texas Museum
510 E. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 339-1997
www.drtinfo.org/preservation/drt-properties/republic-of-texas-museum
www.yelp.com/biz/republic-of-texas-museum-austin

Ramp Up Your Workout at Kor180

If you're the type of person who gets sick of the same workout quickly, Kor180 in Austin will keep you on your toes. The fitness studio isn't far from Folio, and it offers revamped versions of Pilates Reformer and spin classes for athletes who want to take their workout to the next level.

The korFormer classes are based on classic Pilates principles but add an element of interval training to keep your heart rate up and your body moving. Instead of using a standard Reformer, you'll complete class with the help of the studio's signature korFormer, which allows instructors to incorporate different aspects of cardio and strength training. Meanwhile at the Ryde classes, the Power Performance Console stationed atop the handlebars of each bike tracks your ride in a way your typical indoor cycle can't.

Kor180
1611 W. 5th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 243-7955
kor180.com
www.yelp.com/biz/kor180-austin

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