This week’s edition of What’s Up? Weekly is brought to you by Bright Horizons at Bee Cave, a new early education and preschool center which will be opening in Bee Cave in early 2015! Bright Horizons at Bee Cave will offer Infant, Toddler, Twos, Preschool and Kindergarten Prep programs, in addition to summer camp and holiday care for school age children. The center’s features include a Movement Matters Zone complete with rock climbing wall and ballet bar, Art Studio, large outdoor playgrounds, 21st century technology with a SMART Board and touch screen computers, high-quality curriculum and more. The center will offer full- and part-time child care as well as drop-in/back-up care on a space available basis. Bright Horizons at Bee Cave will be located at 14058 Bee Cave Parkway and will be open from 6:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Monday – Friday, year round. For more information call 512-263-9017 or visit the Bright Horizons at Bee Cave website!
Now, on to what’s happening around Austin this week.
Monday
Baby Bloomers - Monday, June 2 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. To finish off Baby Bloomer’s exploration of the senses, children age 0-3 and their families will take on touch, exploring things soft, slimy, and smooth while engaging in some tactile art. Mr. Louis, one of Baby Bloomers’ favorite Sing-a-long guests, will join the fun. 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.
Mr. Will’s Music Class for Kids – Monday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Will sings classic and original songs just for kids. Check him out upstairs in the Buzz. FREE! Whole Foods Bee Cave, 12601 Hill Country Blvd, Austin.
Signing Storytime and Snack (Round Rock) – Monday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. Join the Baby Signing Time revolution. This class is geared for 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. RSVP appreciated (but not required) by calling 512-388-5048. FREE! Kaleidoscope Toys, 110 N IH 35, Ste 375, Round Rock.
Storytime with Dr. Candra – Monday, June 2 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.
Tech Camp – Monday, June 2 at 2:30 p.m. Learning to create websites doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, even kids can do it with this fun program that allows children to put together their own website with just a simple click and drag function. Participants will learn how to select a theme, add pages, type in text, and post pictures. Children will be able to use and see their working website by the end of the class. Although not required, it is a good idea to bring your own laptop or tablet. Recommended for 3rd grade and up. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Lego Lab – Monday, June 2 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. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 and up. APL – Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd, Austin.
Game Night at Cafe Ruckus – Monday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m. Sorry, Connect 4, Battleship, Fluxx, Ruckus – The Game, and more. Meet a lot of cool people, enjoy a tasty beverage, and play, Play, PLAY. Everyone who wins a board games gets a prize from Toy Joy. Family friendly – all ages welcome! FREE to play. Cafe Ruckus, 409 W 2nd St, Austin.
Tuesday
Storytime and Crafts - Tuesday, June 3 at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a new story each week, followed by crafts related to the story. Juice and snacks will be provided for guests ages 2-5yrs old. Parental supervision is requested. FREE! Whole Foods Domain, Mezzanine, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin.
French Legation Museum Children’s Storytime - Tuesday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. Join in an exciting 30 minutes of reading and play on the museum grounds. Feel free to bring snacks, blankets, and your imagination. FREE! French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St, Austin.
Free Admission to Laguna Gloria – Tuesday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE! Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th St, Austin.
Master Storyteller Bernadette Nason – Tuesday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. Master Storyteller Bernadette Nason will share a story from Australia called “The Singing Snake” as well as a story from ancient Greece called “Arion and the Dolphins” to entertain kids of all ages. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Story Time with CJ the Explorer – Tuesday, June 3 at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy general play time in the play zone both before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Spike’s Whataburger Summer Tour (Round Rock) – Tuesday, June 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet Spike for your chance to win Round Rock Express tickets and prizes from the Express and Whataburger. FREE! Whataburger, 4640 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.
Music with Mr. Will – Tuesday, June 3 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, Ste D-480, Austin.
Discovery! Mad Science – Tuesday, June 3 at 4:30 p.m. The Discovery hands on program explores all sorts of different topics, including science, literature, and much more, especially designed for older kids (fourth grade and up). This week, Mad Science will present some exciting science tricks. This program will get children excited about science, with a particular focus on the science of sound. Kids will get tuned-in to learning with exciting demonstrations and experiments including the surprisingly loud Dinosaur-in-a-Can, the glowing Electric Pickle, and a kid-created Thunder Storm. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
LEGO Mini Model Build – Tuesday, June 3 at 5:00 p.m. Learn how to build a cool LEGO Jet Ski model 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. LEGO Store, Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin.
Lego Lab – Tuesday, June 3 at 5:30 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. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 and up. APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.
Hats 4 Dell Children Kick-off Party (Round Rock) – Tuesday, June 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Over the summer, Ana, a local 9 year-old will be providing instruction on how to make knitted hats for patients at Dell Children’s Medical Center using Rainbow Looms. Bring your Rainbow Loom to the Kick-off party, where Ana will show everyone how to make the hats. The library will supply the yarn. Then stop by the Library every Thursday to pick up yarn and share your progress. How many hats can you make? FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Family Craft: Summertime Inspiration Banner – Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. Start your summer off right with this project led by Bernadette Noll. She will walk you through your summer plans and desires to help you create a visual guide designed just for you. The end result will serve as a holding place for your family’s lists of people to see, places to go, books to read, and projects to do. With this hanging in your home, you’ll be sure to get to all the things you want out of your family’s summer, at just the pace you desire. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Wednesday
Whole Foods Kids Club – Wednesday, June 4 at 9:00 a.m. Join Tina for a great story and crafts for the kids. FREE! Whole Foods Arbor Trails, 4301 W. William Cannon, Austin.
Whole Foods Storytime – Wednesday, June 4 at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a story reading, an activity, and a snack! All ages are welcome and parents can participate, too. FREE! Whole Foods Mezzanine, 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
CANTA Spanish Demo Class – Wednesday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m. and at 3:00 p.m. Semillitas de Español presents CANTA: a parent and child Spanish class taught through music and movement for children ages 0-5. Try a demo class prior to the start of the summer session. FREE but registration is required. Semillitas de Español, 12412 Tomanet Trail, Austin.
Joe McDermott Concert (Round Rock) – Wednesday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m. Summer Reading is back, and Joe McDermott is helping the library’s Youth Services staff celebrate. Enjoy the concert, then head across Main Street to the Round Rock Public Library to cool off and pick up some great things to read. FREE! Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock.
Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga – Wednesday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m. Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga is a playful, educational, and relaxing time for babies and toddlers up to 18 months. Learn new ways to connect with your with your baby through movement, stretching and song. Complimentary juice and coffee served. FREE! Millie & Mox, 5145 North FM 620, Ste B110, Austin.
Heartsong Music – Wednesday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m. Bring your children from birth through age seven to this special storytime with Heartsong Music. Each child participates at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening and watching. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Music and More – Wednesday, June 4 at 4:00 p.m. Ms. Mary Beth will enchant you with her guitar and everyone can join the dance party. Recommended for ages 5 and up, but engaged listeners are welcomed. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Community Night – Wednesday, June 4 from 5-8:00 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, June 4 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.
Family Movie Night – Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. Animated science fiction film Iron Giant. Rated PG. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Blues on the Green – Wednesday, June 4 at 8:00 p.m. This year marks the 24th of the annual concert series KGSR’s Blues on the Green, consistently ranked as a top annual entertainment event. Zilker Park will be filled with thousands of people, blankets, lawnchairs, families and music lovers. This week, it’s Saints of Valory with The Wind + The Wave. FREE! Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
Thursday
Free Admission to The Blanton – Thursday, June 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Junior Blvd, Austin.
Story Time with Princess CJ – Thursday, June 5 at 11:00 a.m. Storytime plus general play time before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Free Noon Concert - Thursday, June 5 at Noon. Take a 30-minute lunchtime break to hear Joonhee Cho & Haehee Cho play violin & piano. FREE! Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E 8th St, Austin.
Do or DiY – Thursday, June 5 at 3:30 p.m. Create glitter and matte designs to iron onto a t-shirt. Patterns will be available for guitars, drums, rockstars, and more. Bring your own shirt, please. Ages 10 & up. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Mario Kart 8 Release Party (Round Rock) – Thursday, June 5 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. See a demo of the new Mario Cart 8 for Wii. Other games and Mario themed crafts will be available to play. Pizza and drinks for first arrivals. For ages 8 and up. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
X Games Takes Over Downtown Austin - Thursday, June 5 at 5:00 p.m. Celebrating 20 years of X Games, ESPN will kick off the inaugural event in front of the iconic State Capitol building. Fans can get up close to the action at the Skateboard and BMX Vert competitions. Tony Hawk & Friends will put on a 30-minute demo before the BMX and Skateboard Vert finals. In addition to Hawk, the demo will include Skateboard and BMX legends and current athletes, including Mat Hoffman, Neal Hendrix, Kevin Robinson, Kevin Staab, Elliot Sloan, Alex Perelson and more. See full schedule of events here. FREE! 10th St & Congress Ave, Austin.
Yappy Hour on the Patio – Thursday, June 5 from 5-8:00 p.m. Enjoy live music on the dog-friendly patio. FREE! Whole Foods Domain, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin.
Upcycle This - Thursday, June 5 from 6-8:00 p.m. Want to get organized? Come to this monthly craft night and show off how you’d get organized. You can make something as simple as a folded book to hold your mail or try to construct something from books. All supplies provided, just bring your imagination. FREE! Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – Thursday, June 5 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. South American Community Ensemble Kunitan. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – Thursday, June 5 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Latin/World beats from Jonas Alvarez. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Romeo and Juliet (Round Rock) – Thursday, June 5 at 8:00 p.m. Performances take place in the amphitheater of the Centennial Plaza. Audiences are welcome to arrive early with their own food and drink, or to purchase it from the concessions tent. For middle school ages and up. FREE but donations are appreciated. Round Rock Amphitheater, 301 W Bagdad Ave, Round Rock.
Something for Nothing Presents Shakespeare’s Hamlet - Thursday, June 5 at 8:00 p.m. Shake out your picnic blankets for a night of Shakespeare under the stars. Something for Nothing Theater will perform Hamlet with minimal props, costumes, and lighting, focusing on storytelling and the rich language of Shakespeare. Performed by a cast of 9 actors, featuring Jon Cook as Hamlet, Hamlet concludes at a brisk two hours. FREE! Ramsey Park, 4301 N Rosedale Ave, Austin.
Unplugged at the Grove – Thursday, June 5 at 8:00 p.m. This year marks the 21st Anniversary of KGSR’s Unplugged at the Grove. This week it’s Austin songwriter and musician Shakey Graves. FREE! Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
Friday
Alamo Kids Camp: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole – Friday, June 6. Verify showtime before heading out. All Alamo Kids Camp screenings are FREE! Tickets are available at the box office on the day of the show, and seating is first come, first served. Only children age 3 and up are permitted to attend. Alamo Drafthouse Village, 2700 West Anderson Ln, Austin.
Alamo Kids Camp: Mary Poppins - Friday, June 6. Verify showtime before heading out. All Alamo Kids Camp screenings are FREE! Tickets are available at the box office on the day of the show, and seating is first come, first served. Only children age 3 and up are permitted to attend. Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 N US Hwy 183, Bldg F, Austin.
Yoga Story Time – Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. Join us for a Story Time Yoga adventure every Friday at 9:30! We will stretch, read and breathe. All ages are welcome. FREE! The Little Yoga House, 1211 Parkway, Austin.
Interactive Story Time (Round Rock) – Friday, June 6 at 9:30 a.m. (0-18 months) and 10:30 a.m. (19 months – 4 years). Interactive story time gets little ones moving. From hopping around to one story to using scarves to animate another, everyone has a great time. FREE! BabyEarth, 106 E Old Settlers Blvd, Ste D100, Round Rock.
CANTA Spanish Demo Class – Friday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. Semillitas de Español presents CANTA: a parent and child Spanish class taught through music and movement for children ages 0-5. Try a demo class prior to the start of the summer session. FREE! Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood, Suite 101, Austin.
Fun Fridays – Friday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. Sing! Dance! Play! Fun Fridays is a fun musical and entertainment hour featuring local Austin musicians. Complimentary refreshments will be served. FREE! Millie & Mox, 5145 North FM 620, Ste B110, Austin.
Music Forever Music Together – Friday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m. This program presents developmentally appropriate music and movement curriculum for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the adults who love them. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.
Friday Performance @ Laura’s – Friday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m. This week’s performance will be by percussionist Len Barnett and storyteller Catherine Whiteman. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament – Friday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. Are you ready to brawl? Compete in the 2014 Super Smash Bros Brawl Summer Tournament. All dates are seed tournaments for the Championship Finals on August 9. Super Smash Bros Brawl is rated T for Teens by the ESRB. All ages welcome at this tournament. FREE! APL – Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin.
Lego Lab – Friday, June 6 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. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 and up. APL – North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – Friday, June 6 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. All-female acoustic trio The Carper Family Band play Americana and Bluegrass tunes. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate - Friday, June 6 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Appalachian Folk music by Lost & Nameless Orchestra. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Friday Family Fun Night: Staci Gray (Round Rock) – Friday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. The whole family will enjoy this performance by Staci Gray, an Austin-based children’s performer, whose original music gets kids to sing, dance, and be just plain silly! Admission is 1 food item PER PERSON for the Round Rock Area Serving Center. Kaleidoscope Toys, 110 N IH 35, Ste 375, Round Rock.
Summer Reading Kick-off Star Party – Friday, June 6 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Discover the wonders of the night sky with a Star Party from Austin Astronomical Society and get the first chance to pick up summer reading logs and event schedules. FREE for all ages. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr, Austin.
Etsy Craft Party – Friday, June 6 from 7-9:00 p.m. Create some awesome projects using old photographs. Burlap Bag will provide materials and old photos, but feel free to bring some fun photos as well. C.R.A.F.T. will be there teaching one of the awesome projects available. Light drinks and snacks will be provided. All ages are welcome. FREE but please RSVP here. The Burlap Bag, 502 West 30th St, Austin.
That 70s Concert – Friday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. An Austin Civic Orchestra tradition, no summer would be complete without the Pops Concert in Zilker Park. You might be lucky enough to be selected as guest conductor through a raffle. This year’s musical selections are pieces popular in the 70s. Enjoy a wide array of familiar musical selections including songs from Barry Manilow, Led Zeppelin, Saturday Night Fever, and more. FREE! Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
Movie Night: The Nut Job – Friday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. Get cozy under the stars for a night of fun featuring The Nut Job. Rated PG. FREE! Whole Foods Arbor Trails, 4301 W William Cannon Dr #800, Austin.
Romeo and Juliet (Round Rock) – Friday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. Performances take place in the amphitheater of the Centennial Plaza. Audiences are welcome to arrive early with their own food and drink, or to purchase it from the concessions tent. For middle school ages and up. FREE but donations are appreciated. Round Rock Amphitheater, 301 W Bagdad Ave, Round Rock.
Something for Nothing Presents Shakespeare’s Hamlet - Friday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. Shake out your picnic blankets for a night of Shakespeare under the stars. Something for Nothing Theater will perform Hamlet with minimal props, costumes, and lighting, focusing on storytelling and the rich language of Shakespeare. Performed by a cast of 9 actors, featuring Jon Cook as Hamlet, Hamlet concludes at a brisk two hours. FREE! Ramsey Park, 4301 N Rosedale Ave, Austin.
Movie In The Park: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure – Friday, June 6 at 8:30 p.m. Remember the old drive-in movies on the big screen? Well, Dittmar Recreation Center is having a “flashback.” This is an opportunity to enjoy Pee Wee’s Big Adventure on the big screen in the middle of the park. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Family friendly and FREE! Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W Dittmar Rd, Austin.
In her life before kids, Emily held jobs as a zookeeper, a middle school teacher, and a tour bus driver in the wilds of Montana–not one of which prepared her for the adventures of motherhood. Now she’s living the good life in Austin with her husband, two sons and a Great Dane. When she’s not off gallivanting with her boys, you might find Emily baking up a mean batch of cupcakes, recalling obscure 80s song lyrics, or dreaming of peace and quiet.