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!
Happening All Week
Alamo Kids Camp: Space Jam – Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 3. 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. No children under the age of 3 will be admitted (except on Baby Day, which is Tuesday, when all ages are welcome to attend). Families with loud children will be asked to leave. Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter, 5701 W Slaughter Ln, Austin.
Alamo Kids Camp: Curious George – Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 3. 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. No children under the age of 3 will be admitted (except on Baby Day, which is Tuesday, when all ages are welcome to attend). Families with loud children will be asked to leave. Alamo Drafthouse Village, 2700 West Anderson Ln, Austin.
Alamo Kids Camp: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole – Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 3. 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. No children under the age of 3 will be admitted (except on Baby Day, which is Tuesday, when all ages are welcome to attend). Families with loud children will be asked to leave. Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 N US Hwy 183, Bldg F, Austin.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Turbo (Round Rock) – Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 3. The Cinemark summer movie program offers 10 movies throughout the summer for only $1 per ticket, or you can purchase a pass for all 10 movies for only $5 (per person). Cinemark Movies 8, 2132 N Mays St #800, Round Rock.
Summer Movie Series: Night at the Museum – Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. Cost: $1 per person. Southwest Theaters, 13729 Research Blvd, Ste 1500, Austin.
Free Magic Shows – Monday, June 03 – Thursday, July 3 at 2:00 p.m. The Fantastic Magic Camp brings back another year of full-day summer camp at Highland Mall, along with FREE magic shows for the community, all summer long. Summer shows begin at 2:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, until August 21, 2014. A priority seating area will be reserved for Fantastic Magic Camp campers. Highland Mall Center Court, 6001 Airport Blvd, Austin.
Free Admission at the Umlauf – Wednesday, July 2 – Friday, July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Through the generous donations of our community during Amplify Austin, the museum and garden will waive admission fees all summer long. (Please note that the garden is closed on Monday and Tuesday.) FREE! Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E Lee Rd, Austin.
Monday
Baby Bloomers – Monday, June 30 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. This week, friends age 0-3 and their families will be seeing stars–exploring this complex shape and linking the shape to the stars we see in the night sky. ‘Tiny Tails to You,’ Austin’s mobile petting zoo, will pay a visit to bring “Bunnies and Buddies” to the museum for a safe, well-organized petting zoo experience. 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 30 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 30 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.
Hola, Hola! Spanish Camp – Monday, June 30 at 10:30 a.m. ¡Hola, hola! Spanish Camp is fun, interactive and creative; you will want to come back to all of them. 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 & children ages 0-5. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Storytime with Dr. Candra – Monday, June 30 at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Candra will captivate your children with a variety of stories, songs, dances, and games. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste D-480, Austin.
Lego Lab – Monday, June 30 at 1:00 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 – Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St, Austin.
Not-so-Scary Stories with Bernadette Nason – Monday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m. Award-winning storyteller Bernadette Nason will delight your youngsters with a couple of lighthearted scary stories to make hair stand on end with horror and glee. These stories are suspenseful but safe. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin.
Robots Unplugged – Monday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m. Create a low-tech robot using recycled and repurposed materials. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin.
Crafternoon – Monday, June 30 at 2:00 p.m. Drop in for some arts-and-crafts time. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Tech Camp: Build an App – Monday, June 30 at 2:30 p.m. Smart apps can now able to be made without any knowledge of programming! In this camp, kids will learn how to make a basic little app in a few minutes without any coding skills. They will put together a layout, add some buttons, text, and maybe a picture for a logo. Kids will learn how to design an app according to how people will want to use it and should they make a mistake, they can always go back and fix it or create a whole new one. For kids in 3rd grade and up. Although not required, it is a good idea to bring your own laptop or tablet. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Literature LIVE! Presents: Strega Nona – Monday, June 30 at 4:00 p.m. The hilarious tale of a wise old woman, a magic pasta pot, and a foolish young man who learns the hard way that sometimes there really can be too much of a good thing. Based on the book by Tomi dePaola. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd, Austin.
The Wine Down – Monday, June 30 from 5-7:00 p.m. TRACE will be on-site providing food samples while guests enjoy happy hour priced glasses featuring Thorny Rose Wines. Music by Leopold & His Fiction will be emceed by KGSR. Check out pop-up shops and merchandise giveaways from retailers around the 2nd Street neighborhood. FREE! ACL Live at The Moody Theater, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin.
Summer Superhero Film Festival: Iron Man II – Monday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. With the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father’s legacy. Rated PG-13. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.
Family Craft Night (Pflugerville) – Monday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. Fun for the whole family. Parents and children will work together on decorating kits. Materials available while supplies last. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pflugerville St, Pflugerville.
Shadow Puppets at the Library (Round Rock) – Monday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m. Nationally touring shadow puppet artist Matt Sandbank brings his Shadow Factory to the Round Rock Public Library for a show 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 30. This show is best enjoyed by elementary school students ages 4 and up. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Movie Mondays at Amy’s: Where the Wild Things Are – Monday, June 30 at 8:00 p.m. It’s another awesome summer in Austin. Bring the kids out to free outdoor viewings of classic childhood mooovies every Monday night. Movie starts around dusk. FREE! Amy’s Ice Creams, 5624 Burnet Rd, Austin.
Tuesday
Storytime and Crafts – Tuesday, July 1 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.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Turbo – Tuesday, July 1 at 9:30 a.m. The Cinemark summer movie program offers 10 movies throughout the summer for only $1 per ticket, or you can purchase a pass for all 10 movies for only $5 (per person). Cinemark Tinseltown 17, 5501 S IH-35 Frontage Rd, Austin.
Free Admission to Laguna Gloria – Tuesday, July 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th St, Austin.
Regal Summer Movie Express: The Lego Movie & Free Birds – Tuesday, July 1 at 10 a.m. Admission is $1 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. Regal Arbor 8 @ Great Hills, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin; Regal Westgate Stadium 11, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin; and Regal Lakeline Mall 9, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, Cedar Park.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Turbo – Tuesday, July 1 at 10 a.m. The Cinemark summer movie program offers 10 movies throughout the summer for only $1 per ticket, or you can purchase a pass for all 10 movies for only $5 (per person). Cinemark Cedar Park, 1335 E Whitestone Blvd, Austin.
Family Film Festival: The Pirates (Bastrop) – Tuesday, July 1 at 10 a.m. Doors open at 9am; show begins at 10am. Seating is limited. No reservations available. 50¢ per person. Lost Pines 8, 1600 Chestnut St, Bastrop.
Family Film Festival: The Pirates (Georgetown) – Tuesday, July 1 at 10:00 a.m. Doors open at 9am; show begins at 10am. Seating is limited. No reservations available. 50¢ per person. City Lights Theatre, 420 Wolf Ranch Pkwy, Georgetown.
French Legation Museum Children’s Storytime – Tuesday, July 1 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.
Musical Storytime – Tuesday, July 1 at 10:30 a.m. Bring your children ages 0-5 to a very special Musical Storytime presented by The Armstrong Community Music School. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Chinese Bilingual Storytime (Round Rock) – Tuesday, July 1 at 10:30 a.m. The program, geared for ages 3 and up, celebrates Chinese culture with stories, fingerplays, and songs both English and Mandarin. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Somos Amigos Storytime – Tuesday, July 1 at 10:30 a.m. Ann Benson, Founder/Director of Somos Amigos, a parent-child Spanish program, will lead a very special storytime featuring several books en español celebrating El Dia de las Madres – Mother’s Day! One of the featured books is La Llama Llama Rojo Pijama by Anna Dewdney. Ms. Benson will also weave wonderful traditional and original songs and finger plays that will help bring El Dia de las Madres to life for you and your child. There’s always a Spanish lullaby at the end. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Elizabeth Kahura Performance (Cedar Park) – Tuesday, July 1 at 10:30 a.m. (for toddlers) and 11:15 a.m. (for preschoolers). As part of the Summer Reading Club, the Library will host special performers for little ones. Join us as we welcome Elizabeth Kahura for African music and dance. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.
Music for Littles with Gina Chavez – Wednesday, July 1 at 11:00 a.m. Have younger kids? This music program is geared to the young or young at heart. Bring your toddlers and preschoolers and dance the morning away with Indie Latin-folk Songstress Gina Chavez. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. All ages welcome. FREE! APL – Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St, Austin.
Story Time with CJ the Explorer – Tuesday, July 1 at 11:00 a.m. Story Time with CJ the Explorer begins at 11am. Explore the play zone before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Spike’s Whataburger Summer Tour (Round Rock) – Tuesday, July 1 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. Customers and fans can also take part in fun activities and will have the opportunity to win giveaways, prizes and tickets to a Round Rock Express game. FREE! Whataburger, 14310 N IH 35 Frontage Rd, Round Rock.
Music with Mr. Will – Tuesday, July 1 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.
Come & Go Crafts – Tuesday, July 1 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Drop in and get creative with hands-on crafts. All the supplies provided. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.
Music for Kids with Mr. Walter – Tuesday, July 1 at 2:00 p.m. The Music Division of the City of Austin offers a spectacular music series for families featuring a variety of Austin singer-songwriters. Mr. Walter Traggert teaches music to kids at the Armstrong Community Music School. This work inspired his delightful children’s album, Rough Day At The Sandbox, by Walter T. & The Rated G’s. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Cepeda Branch, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.
Not-so-Scary Stories with Bernadette Nason – Tuesday, July 1 at 2:00 p.m. Award-winning storyteller Bernadette Nason will delight your youngsters with a couple of lighthearted scary stories to make hair stand on end with horror and glee. These stories are suspenseful but safe. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin.
Rhythm Path Drums (Round Rock) – Tuesday, July 1 at 2:00 p.m. (ages 5-7) and 3:30 p.m. (ages 8 and up). Come to the library to make some noise! Rhythm Path will be at the Round Rock Public Library to teach children about the culture of West Africa and the power of the drum as a communication tool through hands-on drumming. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Doodle Mania - Tuesday, July 1 at 3:00 p.m. Drawing, stamping and making art in the style of Ed Emberley. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave, Austin.
Literature LIVE! Presents: Strega Nona – Tuesday, July 1 at 4:00 p.m. The hilarious tale of a wise old woman, a magic pasta pot, and a foolish young man who learns the hard way that sometimes there really can be too much of a good thing. Based on the book by Tomi dePaola. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village Center Dr, Austin.
Superhero Training Camp – Tuesday, July 1 at 4:00 p.m. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…You! Transform yourself into a superhero with accessories and feats of awesomeness. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S Fifth St, Austin.
Discovery! Matt Sandler’s Shadow Puppet Art – Tuesday, July 1 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 (4th grade and up). This week, XXX. In A Wild Goose Chase!, Matt Sandler takes the audience to a world filled with dancing pants, guitar rockin’ grandmothers, mischievous spaceships, and many more whimsical images. Poetry springs hilariously to life as soon as Matt’s handmade, expressive shadow puppets hit the screen. This 45-minute program comprises a series of interactive vignettes and verses designed to illustrate several key literary ideas (rhythm, rhyme, imagery, narrative, lyric, moral, etc.) to elementary audiences. A Wild Goose Chase! is sure to excite your young people about poetry and puppetry, helping them to discover and express their own creative voices. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
LEGO Mini Model Build – Tuesday, July 1 at 5:00 p.m. Learn how to build a cool LEGO Beach Van 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, July 1 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. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.
Rhythm on Stage – Tuesday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m. Another summer family favorite – free dance lessons on the Meredith Family Stage in Dell Hall! Learn many different styles of dance, featuring instruction by one of the professionals from Ballet Austin’s Butler Community School. Rhythm on Stage happens the first four Tuesdays in July, and with no cover charge, you have no excuse NOT to come and get your groove on! This week, it’s Zumba with Rebekah Fowler. FREE but RSVP is requested here. The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin.
Hillside Concert Series – Tuesday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m. The annual Hillside Concert Series will begin on July 1, 2014 and will be held every Tuesday evening in July, from 7pm until 9pm. This week, enjoy Nash Hernandez takes the stage at 7:00 p.m. followed by Cinco Dolce at 8:00 p.m. FREE! A. B. Cantu / Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 East 3rd St, Austin.
Movies in Your Park: The Little Mermaid (San Marcos) – Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. Movie begins at sunset. Pre-movie games begin one hour before sunset. Concessions will be available for purchase. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. FREE! San Marcos Plaza Park, 201 N CM Allen Pkwy, San Marcos.
Wednesday
Whole Foods Kids Club – Wednesday, July 2 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, July 2 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.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Turbo – Wednesday, July 2 at 9:30 a.m. The Cinemark summer movie program offers 10 movies throughout the summer for only $1 per ticket, or you can purchase a pass for all 10 movies for only $5 (per person). Cinemark Tinseltown 17, 5501 S IH-35 Frontage Rd, Austin.
Regal Summer Movie Express: The Lego Movie & Free Birds – Wednesday, July 2 at 10 a.m. Admission is $1 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. Regal Arbor 8 @ Great Hills, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin; Regal Westgate Stadium 11, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin; and Regal Lakeline Mall 9, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, Cedar Park.
Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga – Wednesday, July 2 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.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Turbo – Wednesday, July 2 at 10:00 a.m. The Cinemark summer movie program offers 10 movies throughout the summer for only $1 per ticket, or you can purchase a pass for all 10 movies for only $5 (per person). Cinemark Cedar Park, 1335 E Whitestone Blvd, Austin and Cinemark Hill Country Galleria, 12812 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave.
Musical Storytime – Wednesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. Bring your children ages 0-5 to a very special Musical Storytime presented by The Armstrong Community Music School. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Splish Splash Storytime – Wednesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. We all know Texas could use a little more rain. So today we’re putting on our galoshes, doing our best rain dance, and reading The Deep Deep Puddle by Mary Jessie Parker! FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Literature LIVE! Presents: Strega Nona – Wednesday, July 2 at 2:00 p.m. The hilarious tale of a wise old woman, a magic pasta pot, and a foolish young man who learns the hard way that sometimes there really can be too much of a good thing. Based on the book by Tomi dePaola. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.
Superhero Training Camp – Wednesday, July 2 at 2:00 p.m. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…You! Transform yourself into a superhero with accessories and feats of awesomeness. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Hampton Branch, 5125 Convict Hill Rd, Austin.
The Magic of Gusto the Great – Wednesday, July 2 at 2:00 p.m. The Magic of Gusto the Great, is fun, friendly, and amazing. Find out what magic can be found in books when you know where to look. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W Rundberg Ln, Austin.
Tiny Tails to You – Wednesday, July 2 at 2:00 p.m. Presented by Tiny Tails to You, a traveling petting zoo with small & miniature animals. Get some one-on-one time with these adorable little critters while hearing stories and animal facts. This program is for ages 4 and up. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Family Movie: Frozen (Cedar Park) – Wednesday, July 2 at 2:30 p.m. After the kingdom of Arendelle is cast into eternal winter by the powerful Snow Queen Elsa, her sprightly sister Anna teams up with a rough-hewn mountaineer named Kristoff and his trusty reindeer Sven to break the icy spell. Rated PG. Food and drinks in closed-lid containers are allowed. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.
Not-so-Scary Stories with Bernadette Nason – Wednesday, July 2 at 4:00 p.m. Award-winning storyteller Bernadette Nason will delight your youngsters with a couple of lighthearted scary stories to make hair stand on end with horror and glee. These stories are suspenseful but safe. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Air Power – Wednesday, July 2 at 4:00 p.m. Demonstrations and hands-on experiments with aerodynamics and propulsion. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave, Austin.
Music and More – Wednesday, July 2 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, July 2 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 dollar donation. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Krispy Kreme Family Night - Wednesday, July 2 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.
Sound and Cinema – Wednesday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m. Urban Achievers Brass Band will perform a tribute to Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, followed by the film screening on The Alamo’s giant inflatable outdoor screen. Folding chairs and blankets are encouraged. Picnics are allowed, but no outside alcohol may be brought onto the Long Center grounds. The food trailers will be open by 6 pm, and the sunset concerts will begin at 7:30 pm each evening. The movie will immediately follow (after dark). Rated PG. FREE! The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin.
Texas Radio Live – Wednesday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m. Texas Radio Live brings you the very best Texas music with performances from Texas musicians. This week, hear music by Gina Chavez and Giulia Millanta. FREE but donations to support the KDRP Radio Mission are appreciated. Guero’s Oak Garden, 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin.
101X Summer Cinema: Independence Day – Wednesday, July 2 at 8:00 p.m. Arrive early at Central Market with your blankets, lawn chairs and appetites. Food specials in the café. Movies start at dusk (around 8:30) but you don’t want to lose your seat. Rated PG-13. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Thursday
Free Admission to The Blanton – Thursday, July 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Junior Blvd, Austin.
Baca Center Sparklers Revue (Round Rock) – Thursday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. Get your holiday started early by coming to the Centennial Plaza just outside the Allen R. Baca Center on Thursday, July 3, for a real All American Patriotic Celebration! Performances will kick off at 10 a.m. and include singing, dancing, readings, history, sing-a-longs and a grand salute to Old Glory herself. There will be covered seating and giveaways. Everything you need to start your holiday off with a bang. No reservation and no entry fee required, just your patriotism. Bring the entire family! FREE! Centennial Plaza, 301 W Bagdad, Round Rock.
Storytime Tours at the Blanton – Thursday, July 3 at 10:30 a.m. These 30-minute thematic tours encourage young art lovers to look carefully and make connections between art, story, and life. Recommended for kids age 3-7 and their adult companions. Space is limited. Tickets available at the Visitor Service Desk. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Junior Blvd, Austin.
Free Noon Concert – Thursday, July 3 at Noon. Take a 30-minute lunchtime break to hear XXX from XXX. The McCain Duo will be our July 3 concert. Dr. Martin McCain plays trombone and Dr. Artina McCain plays piano. They usually do a little solo work and some together and are fabulous! FREE! Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E 8th St, Austin.
School-Age Special Performer: Mad Science (Cedar Park) – Thursday, July 3 at 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. As part of the Summer Reading Club, the Library will host special performers for kids in grades K-5. Join the fun with Join us as we welcome Mad Science for a fun and interactive science spectacular. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.
Glow in the Dark Dance Party – Thursday, July 3 at 2:00 p.m. Dance to fun music in the dark with glow sticks and make-your-own glow stickers. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln, Austin.
Literature LIVE! Presents: Strega Nona – Thursday, July 3 at 2:00 p.m. The hilarious tale of a wise old woman, a magic pasta pot, and a foolish young man who learns the hard way that sometimes there really can be too much of a good thing. Based on the book by Tomi dePaola. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St, Austin.
Crafternoon – Thursday, July 3 from 2-4:00 p.m. Don’t just sit around bored all summer. Get the DIY bug and create something awesome. 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 – Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St, Austin.
Do or DiY – Thursday, July 3 at 3:30 p.m. This week, Matt Sandbank will present a workshop on shadow puppet art. Ages 10 & up. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Bend it Like Crazy – Thursday, July 3 at 4:00 p.m. Create incredible sculptures, jewelry and mobiles using wire, foil, and chenille stems. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. For ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Dr, Austin.
Yappy Hour on the Patio – Thursday, July 3 from 5-8:00 p.m. Enjoy live music on the dog-friendly patio. FREE! Whole Foods Domain, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin.
Chalk it Up! Children’s Sidewalk Art Contest (Elgin) – Thursday, July 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. The Elgin Parks and Community Development Department sponsors a free children’s sidewalk art contest each July at Veterans’ Memorial Park. Chalk It Up is a program for children ages 3-12. Youth are asked to participate as individuals or in groups (groups are two to four youth.). The event is free. Judges will determine winners based on creativity, use of space, color and imagination. A thirty-minute time limit will be placed on all entries once the event begins. The theme is “Celebrating Freedom in the USA”. Certificates will be awarded to winners in the following age groups:(3-5 yr. olds), (6-8 yr. olds) and (9-12 yr. olds). Chalk provided. Awards for winners. Concessions available. FREE! Veterans Memorial Park, 109 Depot St, Elgin.
Upcycle This – Thursday, July 3 from 6-8:00 p.m. join us for a drop-in crafting workshop. Bring something to work on or participate in our free weekly upcycled craft where we provide the materials. All supplies provided, just bring your imagination. FREE! Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd, Austin.
Unplugged at the Grove – Thursday, July 3 at 8:00 p.m. This year marks the 21st Anniversary of KGSR’s Unplugged at the Grove. This week it’s Joe King Carrasco – The King of Tex-Mex Rock and Roll. FREE! Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
Friday
Alamo Kids Camp: Kung Fu Panda – Friday, July 4. 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. No children under the age of 3 will be admitted. Families with loud children will be asked to leave. Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 N US Hwy 183, Bldg F, Austin.
July 4th Parade & Pool Party – Friday, July 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Have a “fit 4th” by joining your neighbors for a walk /run in El Salido Park to start off the day.The El Salido Trail is approximately a 1 mile loop. Take a couple of laps and start the day burning up some extra calories. Yoga in the Park- enjoy a free yoga session with Karen Davis.
9:45am Organize and line up for the parade starting in El Salido Parking lot.
10am Parade starts at 10am/ Parade ends with Flag ceremony at AMLD CC.
11am-4pm Food Trucks in El Salido parking lot.
11am-4pm Indoor Activities at the AMLD CC hosted by the Senior Center.
12pm-4pm Inflatable water slide and Face Painter Sherri Bassett.
2pm-4pm Pool Party, games, raft races and diving exhibition.
View full schedule of events here. FREE! El Salido Pool, 11500 El Salido Parkway Austin.
Free Admission to the LBJ Library – Friday, July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The LBJ Library will be FREE to all guests visiting on The Fourth of July. Visit the interactive exhibits and watch compelling films about LBJ and Lady Bird. Don’t forget to tour “Sixty From The ’60s,” a retrospective of the 60 most influential individuals of that seminal decade featuring music, clothing, artwork, books and posters, iconic items, and more. FREE! The LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River St, Austin.
Red, White n’ Buda Independence Celebration (Buda) – Friday, July 4 at 9:00 a.m. Children line up in the parking lot across from Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant beginning at 9 a.m. with their decorated bikes, wagons, scooters. Parade begins at 9:30 down Main Street to Buda City Park. Free children’s activities from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the park (bounce house, water slide and magician). Buda Chamber of Commerce will be selling hot dogs. The Buda Fireworks show will be shot off from City Park area beginning at 9:30 p.m. Come join us for another spectacular fireworks display. FREE! City Park, 204 San Antonio, Buda.
Allandale Neighborhood 4th of July Parade – Friday, July 4 at 9:00 a.m. The Allandale Neighborhood Association will host their annual Fourth of July Parade, followed by patriotic festivities and awards for participants. To walk or ride in the parade, meet between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. on Bullard, just south of White Rock, facing Gullett Elementary. The parade begins at 9am and will travel north along Bullard, ending at the Gullett Elementary sports fields. FREE! Gullett Elementary, 6310 Treadwell Blvd, Austin.
Barton Hills Neighborhood Independence Day Parade – Friday, July 4 at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Barton Hills Market at 8:30 a.m. with your decorated bike, stroller, wagon, or pet. The parade down Barton Hills Drive to the Barton Hills Elementary playground starts at 9:00am, where games, cookies, and cold watermelon await. FREE! Barton Hills Market, 1220 Barton Hills Dr, Austin.
Steiner Ranch July 4th Parade – Friday, July 4 from 9-11:00 a.m. The Steiner Ranch family parade will kick off at 9:00 a.m. at the Towne Square Community Center. Children are invited to bring their decorated bikes, wagons, scooters, and strollers to participate in the parade. Other activities will include games and activities, water slide and bounce house, kiddie splash area, chalk and bubbles, and local entertainment. Enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, a DJ, food, prizes and a visit from the Lake Travis Fire Department. FREE! Towne Square Community Center, 12550 County Trails Ln, Austin.
NWACA 4th of July Parade – Friday, July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Parade starts at Waterline and Far West in Northwest Austin, then finishes with fun afterward at Doss Elementary. FREE! Doss Elementary, 7005 Northledge Dr, Austin, TX.
Rosedale July 4th Parade – Friday, July 4 at 9:30 a.m. Join your neighbors at Ramsey Park to celebrate the 4th of July! Gather at the bleachers in the park to decorate bikes, hats, strollers, etc. At 10:00 a.m., promenade around the park. Return to the bleachers for watermelon and a water balloon toss followed by carnival games and baked goods. FREE! Ramsey Park, 4301 N Rosedale Ave., Austin.
Mueller 4th of July Parade & Pool Party – Friday, July 4, 9:30 a.m – Noon. The parade lineup will be at Paggi Square starting at 9:30am, leaving the Square promptly at 10:00 a.m. and heading down Robert Browning then taking Mattie down to conclude at Ella Wooten Park. The MNA will provide refreshments at Ella Wooten where the Pie Contest will be judged at 11:00am and the pool party will be in progress. FREE! Ella Wooten Park, 2047 McCloskey St, Austin.
Fun Fridays – Friday, July 4 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.
4th of July Parade (Cedar Park) – Friday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m. Parade begins at Cedar Park Center traveling down Discovery Blvd. to the Cedar Park Recreation Center. FREE! Cedar Park Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park.
People’s Patriotic Parade (Elgin) – Friday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m. Parade line-up begins at 9:30 a.m. Parade starts at 10:00 a.m. Program following parade at Veterans’ Park downtown. Push, Pedal, Pull and Pets is the theme of the annual parade and celebration held each year on the Fourth of July. It is a fun event for children, pets, adults, seniors and veterans. Everyone is invited to walk down historic Main Street from City Hall to the Veterans’ Memorial Park for a celebration of our nations’ freedom. All non-motorized entries are accepted. Food and fun follow the parade with a short program and a Soap Box Derby exhibition by the local Cub Scouts. FREE! Parade begins at City Hall, 310 N Main St, Elgin.
4th Fest (Wells Branch) – Friday, July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 10 am Parade, starts at the Community Center
11-2 pm Children’s Activities
11-2 pm Caricature Artists
11-3 pm Kiddy Train, Balloon Clowns, Rock Wall, Bungee Bouncer, Dunk Tank, Face Painting, Photo Booth
12-3 pm Games at KF Pool
Live Entertainment Under the Big Tent
11-11:45 am Ian Varella, Ventriloquist
12:30-2 pm Live Music: The Billy Holt band
2:30-3:15 pm Gusto the Great, Magician
3:30-5 pm Live Music: The Billy Holt Band
FIREWORKS Launched from Willow Bend Pool at Dark (around 9:30pm)
FREE! Katherine Fleischer Park, 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin.
July 4th Celebration in the Park (Georgetown) – Friday, July 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided for the entire family throughout the day and finish with a “Spectacular Fireworks Finale” at dark. The festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m. over 80 arts and crafts booths, food vendors, and the Kid’s area will open. Musical entertainment, featuring some of the best local and central Texas talent, will begin at the Gazebo at 11:00 a.m. and continue all day. A “Hometown Parade”, sponsored by the Leadership Georgetown Alumni, will begin at 12:00 noon in the park. Children will have opportunities for games, activities, petting zoo, train rides and face painting in the Children’s Area. The “Fabulous Fireworks Finale” will begin at dark. FREE! San Gabriel Park, 445 E Morrow St, Georgetown.
July 4th Frontier Days Celebration (Round Rock) – Friday, July 4 from Noon to 11:00 p.m. A parade, fireworks, carnival rides, jalapeno pepper eating contest, children’s games, Sam Bass Shootout, Movies in the Park and skydivers are all part of the City of Round Rock’s July Fourth Frontier Days Celebration.
Independence Day festivities will begin with free watermelon at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park and include music from the Austin Symphonic Band. The event also features a pepper eating contest, vendor booths, Sertoma Rubber Duck Races and full-scale carnival rides! Your family will also enjoy the NEW Swifty Swine Pig Races this year. View full schedule of events here. FREE! Old Settlers Park, 3300 East Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.
Pfirecracker Pfestival (Plugerville) – Friday, July 4 from 3-11:00 p.m. View full schedule of events here. Annual free citywide festival and fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. Two stages, vendors on both the north and south sides of the lake, children’s areas on both sides, and the best fireworks show in Central Texas after sundown! Patriotic concert by Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, dance to music From blues to country, pop to patrioticon both sides of the lake after the fireworks. No onsite parking this year Take the shuttle buses from either Hendrickson High School or Pflugerville High School and save parking hassles: “Ride the Bus – It’s a Blast!” No public parking on site. Fireworks show at 9:00 p.m., live bands on both shores after the fireworks for dancing. FREE! Lake Pflugerville, 18216 Weiss Ln, Pflugerville.
38th Annual Austin Symphony H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks – Friday, July 4 from 4-10:00 p.m. Tens of thousands of families will be decked out in red, white, and blue and heading to COTA’s award-winning Austin360 Amphitheater for an amazing event complete with a fireworks display, symphonic patriotic classics, and even a little auto-themed music for the race fans in attendance. COTA will host a variety of fun, old-fashioned July 4th holiday activities, including interactive games and contests for the whole family, starting at 4:00 PM. The orchestra will perform at 8:30 p.m., followed by “mile-high” fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. FREE! Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin.
4th of July Celebration (Cedar Park) – Friday, July 4 from 4-10:30 p.m. 17th Annual 4th of July Celebration with live music, inflatables, prizes, washer tournament, face painting, bingo, free watermelon, carnival games and rides, rock wall and fireworks. Concessions will be available. FREE! Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd, Cedar Park.
Liberty Fest (Leander) – Friday, July 4 from 5-10:00 p.m. Join us in our annual celebration of the 4th of July at Liberty Fest! This is fantastic FREE event perfect for the whole family. There will be live music, food and craft vendors vendors, children’s activities, and Fireworks. This year’s Headliner is Roger Creager.
5pm – Gates Open
6pm – National Anthem and Presentation of the Colors
6:10pm – Bri Bagwell
8:10pm – Roger Creager
9:10pm – Fireworks
9:30pm – Roger Creager encore show after Fireworks
FREE! Future Site of ACC Leander, US 183A & Hero Way, Leander.
Music on the Square Summer Concerts (Georgetown) – Friday, July 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This summer, enjoy live music on the Courthouse Square each Friday night. Pick up dinner at a downtown restaurant or bring your own picnic (no glass please). This week, enjoy great Rock favorites from the past tunes by Jo Ellen & A Box of Chocolates. FREE! Courthouse Square, Georgetown.
Fireworks at the Quarries – Friday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m. Join us for a beautiful fireworks show and celebrate our independence at the Quarries on Friday, July 4. Fireworks start at sundown, but join our Focus College Ministry at 7pm for Frisbee, kayaking, washers and a cookout. FREE! The Quarries Church, 11400 N Mopac Expy, Austin.
For additional fireworks displays throughout the area, check out Heidi O.’s post here.
And, as always, check out the Free Fun Calendar for even more ways to fill your week with fun.