Wondering what’s up around Austin this week? Here are some of the exciting events featured on our Free Fun Calendar!
Happening All Week
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Monday, April 6 – Friday, April 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Exhibit is open until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.) The Ransom Center celebrates 150 years of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with an exhibition for the curious and curiouser of all ages. Learn about Lewis Carroll and the real Alice who inspired his story. See one of the few surviving copies of the first edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Discover the rich array of personal and literary references that Carroll incorporated throughout Alice. Explore the surprising transformations of Alice and her story as they have traveled through time and across continents. Follow the White Rabbit’s path through the exhibition, have a tea party, or watch a 1933 paper filmstrip that has been carefully treated by Ransom Center conservators. The Center’s vast collections offer a new look at a story that has delighted generations and inspired artists from Salvador Dalí to Walt Disney. Read about Katey’s experience here. FREE! Harry Ransom Center, 300 W 21st St, Austin.
Monday
Baby Bloomers – Monday, April 6 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Baby Bloomers is an opportunity for children age 0-3 and their families to experience the Thinkery together in an environment focused on early learners. Guided activities like Storytime, Sing-alongs, and Little Explorers Lab time are designed to engage our youngest visitors in fun learning and investigation. Cost: Members $2.50 each / Non-Members $4.50 each. All people attending, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket. Purchase a ticket online as limited walk-up tickets will be available. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Signing Storytime (Round Rock) – Monday, April 6 at 10:00 a.m. Join the Baby Signing Time revolution. This class is geared toward children 0-5 years and their parents. Amy from the Signing Connection will lead this storytime that incorporates classic children’s books to help you learn basic American Sign Language signs. FREE! Kaleidoscope Toys, 110 N IH 35, Ste 375, Round Rock.
Earth Day Story Time – Monday, April 6 at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate Earth Day with a visit from the recycling truck at this special story time. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.
Storytime with Dr. Candra – Monday, April 6 at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Candra will captivate your children with stories, songs, dances, and games. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste D-480, Austin.
Storytime at In.gredients – Monday, April 6 at 10:30 a.m. Join Sukyi from Fifth Dimension Books – Austin’s Weird, Wandering Bookmobile – along with a Octavia the puppet and her friends, as they bring the joy of reading to children ages 0 to 5. Read, sing, play games, and dance. FREE! In.gredients, 2610 Manor Rd, Austin.
Healthy Texas Week Kickoff Rally – Monday, April 6 at 12:30 p.m. Join IT’S TIME TEXAS to kick off the healthiest week of the year. Hear speeches from Texas legislators, do yoga with Adriene Mischler (Yoga With Adriene), enjoy healthy giveaways and a healthy snack demo. Take a group walk around the Capitol to demonstrate support for policies that protect and further the health of Texans. FREE! South Steps of the Capitol, 112 E 11th St, Austin.
Ray Wylie Hubbard In-Store Performance – Monday, April 6 at 5:00 p.m. FREE! Waterloo Records 600A N Lamar, Austin.
Evening Storytime (Round Rock) – Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. This pajama-friendly reading activity is a fun combination of books, fingerplays, songs, and a short film for preschool children ages 3 to 6. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Meet Professor Dumpster – Monday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. What does home look like in a world of 10 billion people? How do we equip current and future generations with the tools they need for sustainable living practices? With a 33 sq ft dumpster and a team of students and experts, Professor Dumpster is transforming a barely habitable used garbage container into a sustainable tiny home and interactive teaching lab. FREE! APL – North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave, Austin.
Tuesday
Free Admission to Laguna Gloria – Tuesday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE! The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th St, Austin.
French Legation Museum Children’s Storytime – Tuesday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. Gather on the French Legation Museum grounds for Children’s Story Time–an exciting 30 minutes of reading and play. Feel free to bring snacks, blankets, and your imagination. FREE! French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St, Austin.
Pets are the Best Storytime – Tuesday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m. Do you love pets almost as much as you love books? Celebrate your love of dogs, goldfish, cats, guinea pigs, parrots, and bunnies, with a reading of The Octopuppy and other heartwarming animal tales full of barks, squawks, and meows. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Sensory Storytime – Tuesday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. This storytime will feature interactive books, singing, and music, and will incorporate some sensory activities like movement and bubbles. It is geared toward children with special needs, their families and friends. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome FREE! APL – Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St, Austin.
Music with Mr. Will – Tuesday, April 7 at 11:30 a.m. Rock out with local children’s singer, “Mr. Will” Dupuy. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D-480, Austin.
Homeschool Gaming Group (Cedar Park) – Tuesday, April 7 at 1:30 p.m. Homeschoolers ages 7+ are invited to get together and game. Play Minecraft, Roblox, World of Warcraft, and more. The library will provide an Xbox, Wii U, and some laptops, but participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops, tablets, and devices as well. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.
Book Club for Littles – Tuesday, April 7 at 3:30 p.m. This new book club is exclusively for beginning readers ages 4-8. The group will choose an E Fic book for the day. The librarian will begin reading the book, then pass it to a child who wants to read aloud. After everyone who wants a turn to read gets one, and the book is finished, the group will discuss the story. Snacks provided. FREE! APL – Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin.
Storysign Storytime – Tuesday, April 7 at 4:00 p.m. Sign language storytime for deaf and hearing families. All ages are welcome to enjoy stories, songs, plus a craft activity. FREE! APL – Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village Center Dr, Austin.
Discovery! Juggling Workshop – Tuesday, April 7 at 4:30 p.m. The Discovery hands on program explores all sorts of different topics, including science, literature, technology, and more. This week, juggler Matt Tandy will show kids in 3rd grade through middle school his juggling abilities and teach them how to do the amazing tricks as well. This show will be filled with amazing juggling feats, unbelievable body contortions, audience participation, and hilarious comedy. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
LEGO Mini Model Build – Tuesday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. Learn how to build a cool LEGO Mini UFO and take it home – for FREE! One per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store and offer is good while supplies last only. Arrive early if possible as there will be a line. LEGO Store, Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin.
Lego Lab – Tuesday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.
East Cameron Folkcore In-Store Performance – Tuesday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. Formed in the Northeast Austin neighborhood that they’re named after, this eight-piece orchestral group pieces together folk, country, blues, and punk to create a unique sound. FREE! Waterloo Records, 600A N Lamar, Austin.
Pajama Storytime – Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to wear pajamas to this family evening storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Children of all ages welcome. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL – Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr, Austin.
Family Laughter Yoga – Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. During this fun and invigorating session adults and children will laugh, clap, play, breathe deeply, and stretch their bodies gently. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Wednesday
ThunderCloud Sub’s 40th Anniversary – Wednesday, April 8. This year is ThunderCloud Sub’s 40th anniversary. Each Wednesday in April, they will offer an original sub at their original 1975 price. This week’s special is the tuna sub: $1/small or $1.30/large. Limit two per customer. All ThunderCloud locations.
Chicken Big, A Puppet Show – Wednesday, April 8 at 10:30 a.m. Bawk! It’s an elephant! It’s an umbrella! No, it’s a … chicken?! Join Literature LIVE! to see how the chickens in this coop make room for a giant new friend in a less-than-traditional puppet show production of Austin author Keith Graves’ wonderful book Chicken Big. Recommended for ages 4 and up. FREE! APL – Terrazas Branch, 1105 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin.
Ms. Staci Storytime – Wednesday, April 8 at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Staci is back to read some of her favorite stories and to sing some of your favorite songs. Don’t forget your dancing shoes. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Story Time with CJ the Explorer – Wednesday, April 8 at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy the play zone after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @ The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Lisons Ensemble French Bilingual Storytime – Wednesday, April 8 at 3:30 p.m. Bonjour and welcome to this très special French/English dual language story time Join the fun, s’il vous plait, for stories, songs, and crafts in French and English. Children of all ages are welcome but space is limited. FREE! APL – Hampton Branch, 5125 Convict Hill Rd, Austin.
Lego Lab – Wednesday, April 8 at 3:30 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St, Austin.
Teen Craft Night – Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m. Make cool stuff! All supplies will be provided. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Community Night – Wednesday, April 8 from 4-8:00 p.m. At the Thinkery, science and families play side by side. Every Wednesday the museum stays open late for families to discover new ideas and learn together. Cost: Admission is by donation only, with a suggested $1 donation. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Krispy Kreme Family Night – Wednesday, April 8 from 6-8:00 p.m. Kids can decorate one FREE doughnut each, plus enjoy crafts, balloons, paper hats, coloring sheets and more. Krispy Kreme, 701 E Stassney Ln and 12586 Research Blvd, Austin.
Texas Radio Live – Wednesday, April 8 from 6-8:00 p.m. Texas Radio Live brings you the very best Texas music with performances from Texas musicians. This week, Patricia Vonne and Carrie Rodriguez & Luke Jacobs perform. FREE, but donations to support the KDRP Radio Mission are appreciated. Read about Catherine’s experience here. Guero’s Oak Garden, 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin.
Music on Main Street (Round Rock) – Wednesday, April 8 from 6-8:00 p.m. Jonas Alvarez performs Latin music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and the entire family. Visit the variety of dining options on Main Street or pack a picnic basket to enjoy the evening of fun and music. Food vendors will be on site. FREE! Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock.
UT Women’s Soccer v. St. Edward’s – Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is FREE to all home spring matches. Myers Stadium, 707 Clyde Littlefield Dr, Austin.
Thursday
Free Admission to The Blanton – Thursday, April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E MLK Jr Blvd, Austin.
Hola, Hola! – Thursday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. Ann Benson, expert in bilingual education, will teach you how to effectively use books as a tool to teach your child Spanish. Each parent will learn to read a Spanish book to their child and take it home for Spanish reinforcement. For parents and their children ages 0-5. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Little Yoga – Thursday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. This 30-minute class allows children ages 3-6 to experience exercise in a mellow environment. With adult participation, they will practice breathing and age appropriate stretching. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.
Free Noon Concert – Thursday, April 9 at Noon. Take a 30-minute lunchtime break to hear a concert celebrating National Poetry & Storytellers’ Month. FREE! Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E 8th St, Austin.
Explorers Club (Cedar Park) – Thursday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. Each Thursday, kids in grades K-5 meet to explore a set of rotating programs. This week, it’s a puppet show performance. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.
Thinkery at the Library – Thursday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. Youth can create electric circuits, learn to craft with redstone in Minecraft, and participate in fun physics activities. Recommended for ages 8-14. FREE! APL – Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin.
Lego Lab – Thursday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Yarborough Branch, 2200 Hancock Dr, Austin.
Japanese Stories – Thursday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. Experience Japanese kids’ tales told in English with puppets, toys, and a lot of imagination. You’ll also learn a few phrases and sayings in Japanese. For school age and up. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.
Lego Lab – Thursday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Cepeda Branch, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.
Crafternoon – Thursday, April 9 at 4:00 p.m. Drop by the library and make a craft while you search for books, movies, and music. There will be paper crafts, easy sewing, and more fun projects for the whole family. The library provides the supplies; you provide the creativity. FREE! APL – Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S Fifth St, Austin.
Hill Country Galleria’s Wine Walk – Thursday, April 9 from 5-9:00 p.m. Get to know the eclectic mix of businesses in the Galleria while discovering great wines from all over the world. This event is open to everyone, so bring your friends, family, groups, or date for a fun way to spend a Thursday evening. Shopping bags filled with exclusive offers will be available to participants while supplies last. FREE! Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – Thursday, April 9 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Glenn Rexach Trio plays Jazz. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – Thursday, April 9 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Latin rhythms by Jonas Alvarez. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Pajama Storytime – Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. Feel free to wear pajamas to this family storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Children of all ages welcome. Seating is limited; please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Movies in the Park: Guardians of the Galaxy – Thursday, April 9 at 8:00 p.m. Movies in the Park is a series of free films brought to you by the Austin Parks Foundation, and presented by the #1 movie theater in America, the Alamo Drafthouse. Dogs, picnics, and lawn chairs are welcome. Rated PG-13. FREE! Wooldridge Park, 900 Guadalupe St, Austin.
Unplugged at the Grove: Jamestown Revival – Thursday, April 9 at 8:00 p.m. Help celebrate 22 years of free, live music by kicking-off the season with Austin’s own Jamestown Revival! Join KGSR every Thursday for 24 consecutive weeks at the iconic Shady Grove for one of Austin’s longest running free concert series. FREE! Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
Friday
Yoga Story Time (RSVP) – Friday, April 10 at 9:30 a.m. Join in a Story Time Yoga adventure where participants will stretch, read, and breathe. All ages are welcome. RSVP requested here. FREE! The Little Yoga House, 1211 Parkway, Austin.
Songs & Stories with Kim Lehman – Friday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Celebrate national Drop Everything And Read Day with fun filled stories performed by Kim Lehman. FREE! Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr, Austin.
ImprovEd Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew – Friday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Love or Dominance? One of Shakespeare’s most hotly contested, yet widely performed, stories is brought to life by a troupe of youth players aged 8-13. Filled with girls dressed as boys, boys dressed as girls, and slapstick humor, help determine if Love or Dominance rules the day. You’ve never seen Shakespeare quite like this! For kids of all ages. FREE! Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 W 18th St, Austin.
Taste of Austin – Friday, April 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This two-day, family friendly event will feature foods native to the city of Austin. A variety of culinary treats, professional chefs, and appliance brands will be showcased. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, delicious food, games and prizes. FREE! Factory Builder Stores, 9715 Burnet Rd, Bldg 7, #100, Austin.
Story Time with Princess CJ – Friday, April 10 at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy the play zone after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Mobile Food Pantry – Friday, April 10 from 3-5:00 p.m. East Austin Children’s Promise, in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, hosts one of the largest mobile food pantries in Central Texas at Southwest Key’s El Centro de Familia. ALL families are eligible to receive food available: no ID required and there are no income or zipcode guidelines. You may also get help applying for Food Stamps upon request. FREE! Southwest Key, 6002 Jain Ln, Austin.
Rebate Austin! – Friday, April 10 from 3-6:00 p.m. Rebate Austin! is a one-stop shop where you can learn about all the residential rebates and freebies that apply to Austinites. Come meet the folks who offer Austin rebates and learn how to apply! These rebates can make your life more sustainable and save you money. FREE! APL – Hampton Branch, 5125 Convict Hill Rd, Austin.
Lego Lab – Friday, April 10 at 3:30 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Terrazas Branch, 1105 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin.
Music in the Park – Friday, April 10 from 6-8:00 p.m. Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy music by Rich Restaino and the Obits. FREE! Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – Friday, April 10 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Latin music by Cienfuegos. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – Friday, April 10 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Swing with the Waller Creek Vipers. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Head for the Hill’s: Free Music Fridays – Friday, April 10 from 7-9:00 p.m. Hill’s Cafe is excited to announce the return of a live, local music series to the historic Hill’s stage. This week, Warren Hood performs. A special backyard menu will be available for purchase. Family-friendly and FREE! Hill’s Cafe, 4700 S Congress Ave, Austin.
Movies in the Park – Maleficent (Leander) – Friday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Help kick off Leander’s Movies in the Park season! Movies begin at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. Glass containers are prohibited. Friendly pets on a leash are welcome. Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad, Leander.
Movies in the Park – Planes: Fire and Rescue (Cedar Park) – Friday, April 10 at 8:00 p.m. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Food concession will not be available, but you are welcome to bring a picnic. Rated PG. FREE! Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd, Cedar Park.
Check out the Free Fun Calendar for even more ways to fill your week with fun.