From storytimes to live music performances, What’s Up Weekly lists all of the events you don’t want to miss during the week with a sneak peek at what’s happening during the weekend!
Monday, April 27, 2015
Baby Bloomers - 9am 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. Members $2.50 each / Non-Members $4.50 each. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Avenue.
Signing Storytime with The Signing Connection (Round Rock)- 10:00am – 10:30am., 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. FREE! Kaleidoscope Toys, 110 North IH35, Ste 375, Round Rock.
Storytime with Dr. Candra – 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.
Baby Play Group at Baby Earth (Round Rock)- 3:30 p.m., We sing songs, play with musical instruments and let babies have lots of interactive, social, free-play time. Since this class is designed for our smallest of customers to socialize, we encourage families with non-mobile, crawling and/or cruising babies to attend. FREE! Baby Earth, 106 E Old Settlers Blvd., Ste D-100, Round Rock.
Cook Learn and Grow (RSVP)- 4:30 p.m.. Join us for a FREE kid’s cooking class with Cook, Learn, Grow! The kid’s cooking school will be stirring up batches of fun with a hands-on Book Cook class! Activities include storytime followed by hands-on cooking of a related recipe. This class is recommended for children in grades K-5. Limited seating; registration required. Register here for the FREE kid’s cooking class! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main Street, Round Rock.
Sensory Storytime (RSVP) (Cedar Park)- 4:30 p.m., Sensory Storytime is geared for children ages 8 and under who are on the autism spectrum, are sensitive to sensory overload, or have sensory integration issues. This class features stories, song and movement activities along with sensory playtime to enhance cognitive and social development. Sensory Storytime is held on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required and limited to 15 families. Registration is open a month in advance. Register at the Children’s Desk, or by contacting Jane Young at jane.young@cedarparktexas.gov or (512)401-5632. FREE! Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discover Blvd.
Paws and Read (Pflugerville)- 6-7 p.m., Independent readers share a good book with a canine member of the Austin Dog Alliance. Grades K – 2. FREE! No registration required. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Street, Pflugerville.
Dia de los Ninos- 6 p.m., Experience the rhythms of Africa through singing, drumming and dancing. We will learn how African musical instruments are used as a means of communication through storytelling and poetry. The 30-45 minute program will be followed by a craft. FREE! APL- University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Lane.
Daddy and Me Storytime- 7 p.m., Young ones and their favorite guy are invited for a special monthly storytime. Together, dads, grandpas, other extraordinary men and their kids will read, sing, craft and laugh—all while developing important literacy skills and having fun. Children of all ages are welcome. FREE! APL- Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Road.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Free Admission to Laguna Gloria- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visit the exhibits and the grounds of the Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria for FREE! The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street.
Explore Music (Round Rock)- 10:15 a.m. Designed to provide children with unique musical experiences, the 30-minute EXPLORE MUSIC class will incorporate group play and interaction, pre-K skills (sharing, following simple directions, attending-to-task, etc.) and dancing/movement to work on gross/fine motor skills. While music is highly motivating, it can also have a calming and relaxing effect. Bring your little ones in Tuesday morning for activities that are designed to be success-oriented and make the children feel better about themselves!! Cost: $5/child, payable directly to the instructor, Rebecca Faulkner. Baby Earth, 106 E Old Settlers Blvd., Ste D-100, Round Rock.
Gymoboree Storytime- 10:30 a.m. Come join Gymboree Play & Music and our very own Miss Alexis in an extra special bubble-filled storytime! We will read two stories, sing songs, blow bubbles, and do a dance with our lovable pal Gymbo, all on top of our fabulous parachute! Don’t miss out on some early childhood fun! FREE! BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
Sensory Stroytime- 11 a.m. Sensory Storytime features 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 abilities and ages are welcome! Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL- Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina Street.
El Dia de los Ninos- 11 a.m. All ages storytime which uses both English and Spanish to present books, rhymes and songs. It differs from a traditional bilingual storytime in that some material is presented in English while other material is presented in Spanish, allowing for a natural transition between stories and activities and exposing children to both languages in an inviting environment. FREE! APL- Cepeda Branch, 651 N. Pleasant Valley Drive.
Music with Mr. Will- 11:30 a.m. His sing-along style incorporates equal parts of teaching and performing for energetic young audiences. Infectious melodies combined with upbeat lyrics make him beloved among pre-schoolers and early-elementary students, who clap, march, jump and dance along to their favorite songs. Plus, the entire family can enjoy the music. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste D-480, Austin.
Baby Day at The Alamo Drafthouse- Movies before 2 p.m. The lights are up a bit, the sound is down a bit so moms and dads can head to the movies without the babies even knowing that they were at the movies. Infants are welcome to these shows, and of course, are allowed in for free. Take some time for yourself, pack up the kids, and head out to the Alamo Drafthouse for some much needed entertainment! Regular admission applies. Please note: Baby day is only on Tuesdays at the Alamo Village, Alamo South Lamar, Alamo Lakeline and Alamo Slaughter.
Crafternoon- 1 p.m. homeschool edition, 4 p.m. for after school. Drop by the library and make a craft while you search for books, movies and music. We’ve got paper crafts, easy sewing and more fun projects for the whole family. We provide the supplies; you provide the creativity. FREE! Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe Street.
Discovery! Madrone Hike- 4:30 p.m., The Discovery hands on program explores all sorts of different topics, including science, literature, technology, and more. Especially designed for our older kids (third graders and up), come back each week and learn something new! Explore the Madrone Canyon Trail with Master Naturalist Jeff Genung. Parents required to attend this hike or be in the library. Children 8 and under MUST be accompanied by their parent or guardian. A liability waiver is required by all participants. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Road.
Pajama Storytime- 6:30 p.m., Feel free to wear pajamas to this family storytime in the evening featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Recommended for children of all ages. FREE! Willie Mae Kirk Branch APL, 3101 Oak Springs Drive.
Dittmar Recreation Center Open House- 6-8 p.m., Come on in and see what we’re all about! Sancks, popcorn and bounce house! FREE! Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W. Dittmar Road.
Tween Scene (Pflugerville)- 6-7 p.m., Tween Scene is a monthly activity open to any kids ages 8-12. This month, tweens will use chalkboard paint to decorate terra cotta flower pots. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Street, Pflugerville.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Sprouts Preschool Program – 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., Bring your little ones to the Family Garden for our weekly Sprouts Preschool program that is geared towards ages 2-6. A Nature Play Guide will lead you through the Family Garden to explore all that it has to offer. Each program will include story time, hands on activity, nature walk and of course, nature play! New program theme each week. Regular admission rates apply. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin.
Toddler Storytime- 10:15 a.m., A storytime program designed for toddlers and their parents, featuring stories, songs, fingerplays, and games. Recommended for children aged 18 months to 3 years. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL- Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village Center Drive.
BookPeople Puppet Show- 10:30 a.m., Today we happily welcome back our fantastically ridiculous puppeteers who will be performing a fantastic rendition of Martina the Beautiful Cockroach! There will be silly voices, great jokes, and lots and lots of laughs – don’t miss it! FREE! BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
Kinderdance at Baby Earth (Round Rock)- 10:30 a.m., KinderDance of North Austin’s Programs encourage children to have fun and gain a love for learning by associating it with something that comes naturally — movement, music, dance, and fitness! Cost for the class will be $5 payable directly to the teacher. Our dance class is an age appropriate dance and creative movement program designed to develop gross motor skills, movement creativity, physical development (flexibility, strength, balance, coordination), tumbling, body awareness and communication skills! Baby Earth, 106 E Old Settlers Blvd., Ste D-100, Round Rock.
Music with Mr. Will – 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.
Story Time with CJ the Explorer – 12:30 p.m., Enjoy the play zone before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @ The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Court.
Books and Babies- 2 p.m., A lapsit storytime program especially for babies and their caregivers. Very short stories are interspersed with songs, rhymes, and fingerplays for babies and parents. A brief playtime follows. Recommended for ages 0-18 months. FREE! APL- Yarborough Branch, 2200 Hancock Drive.
Crafts and Face Painting with GlitteeRee (Round Rock)- 4-6 p.m. Crafts and Face Painting by GlitteRee are included in regular admission. Safari Champ, 1400 East Old Settlers Blvd., # 200, Round Rock.
Community Night at The Thinkery- 4-8 p.m., Enjoy special performances and activities presented by the City of Austin during Community Night on Wednesday, March 25 and April 1. Special programming begins at 4:30. Admission is by donation only. Entry is based on a first come, first served basis. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Avenue.
Krispy Kreme Family Night – 6-8:00 p.m., Kids can decorate one FREE doughnut each, plus enjoy crafts and more. Krispy Kreme, 701 E Stassney Ln and 12586 Research Blvd, Austin.
Music on Main Street: Inside Out Steel Band (Round Rock)- 6-8 p.m., The City of Round Rock brings you Music on Main Street, a FREE music series, from March through May. 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. Prete Main Street Plaza stage, 221 E. Main Street, Round Rock.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Free Admission at The Blanton – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursdays are free to the public. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin.
Preschool Storytime (Round Rock)- 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., This reading activity is a fun combination of books, fingerplays, songs, and a short film or app for preschool children ages 3 to 6. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main Street, Round Rock.
Hola Hola Storytime (Bee Cave)- 10:30 a.m., Hola, Hola is an early literacy Spanish Program for adult and child to foster a love of the Spanish language and Hispanic Culture. It is designed to empower the parent to read simple, Spanish books to the child at home. Come and sing songs, watch video, learn rhymes, play traditional games and hear stories–all in Español! Each family will receive a Spanish songbook to practice at home. You do not need to have any Spanish language skills to participate. All skill levels are welcome! FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Caves Road.
All Ages Storytime- 11:15 a.m., Storytime for children aged 5 and under and their parents, featuring stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and crafts. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL- Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe.
Ballet Austin’s Swan Lake Studio Spotlight- Noon and 6 p.m. Up-close, personal and informal, Studio Spotlight gives guests a preview of the choreography and elements from the upcoming production while it is still in the works. Ballet Austin dancers rehearse excerpts from the show while Artistic Director Stephen Mills and Associate Artistic Director Michelle Martin lead a brief lecture and Q&A. This is the perfect lunchtime break or happy hour activity. The express lunchtime session lasts from 12 – 12:30pm, and features an optional dancer Q&A and costume viewing from 12:30 – 12:45pm. Recommended for ages 11 and older. The happy hour session lasts from 6 – 7pm and features guest speakers and a dancer Q&A. Recommended for ages 11 years and older. FREE! Ballet Austin’s AustinVentures StudioTheater, 501 W. 3rd Street.
Kids Club (Pflugerville)- 3:30-4:15. Children use their imagination to work on different art project every week. Materials available while supplies last. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 – 8. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Street.
Explorers Club Lego Lab (Cedar Park)- 3:30 – 4:00 p.m., Each Thursday, kids in grades K-5 will meet to explore a set of rotating monthly programs. This week’s theme is Exciting Explorations where kids will learn a new skill or try a new activity. FREE! Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discover Blvd., Cedar Park.
Literature LIVE! Presents: Chicken Big- 5:30 p.m. Bawk! It’s an elephant! It’s an umbrella! No, it’s a…chicken?! See how the chickens in this coop make room for a giant new friend in Literature LIVE!’s less-than-traditional puppet show production of Austin author Keith Graves’ wonderful book, Chicken Big! This show is recommended for ages 4 and up. FREE! APL- Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd.
Live Music and Night of Planets at Central Market North- Live music begins at 6:30 p.m. and Planets in the Park at 7 p.m. Meet in the Park and learn about the Greeks’ contribution to our understanding of the universe with Austin Astronomical Society’s telescopes. Daniel DuFourtet performs Greek-influenced Jazz. FREE! Central Market, 4001 North Lamar Blvd.
Pajama Storytime- 7 p.m., Feel free to wear pajamas to this family storytime in the evening featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Recommended for children of all ages. FREE! APL- Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Road.
Unplugged at the Grove – 8:00 p.m. Bring the family down to hear the Nightowls perform for FREE! All ages welcome. Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
The Taming of the Shrew- 8 p.m. Presented by The City of Austin in coordination with Austin Shakespeare. FREE Admission! Showing Thursdays through Sundays at 8pm through May 24th. Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 William Barton Drive.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Sprouts Preschool Program – 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Bring your little ones to the Family Garden for our weekly Sprouts Preschool program that is geared towards ages 2-6. A Nature Play Guide will lead you through the Family Garden to explore all that it has to offer. Each program will include story time, hands on activity, nature walk and of course, nature play! New program theme each week. Regular admission rates apply. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue.
Storytime Art: Flowers- 10:45 a.m. Storytime Art, or StArt! is a great opportunity for your young child to experience art! Storytimes are geared to the 3 – 5 year old preschooler, but some projects could easily translate into a Mommy and Me project for those a little younger. And, of course, anyone older is welcome, as well! Cost is $12 per child, or buy a punch-card and get 6 classes for $60! Please call to register. 512-852-9900. The Art Garage, 11190 Circle Drive, Suite 202.
Story Time with Princess CJ – 12:30 p.m. Enjoy the play zone before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Lego Lab- 4 p.m. With Legos, 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- North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Blvd.
Pre-Cinco de Mayo Celebration- 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and spend your evening at Metz Recreation Center. Families will enjoy FREE games, food, door prizes and Tejano music. Stay after the Celebration to enjoy a Movie Under the Stars! Beginning at dusk, Metz will show Rise of the Guardian on the front lawn. So bring your blankets and chairs! One free popcorn and drink per person. This is a dog friendly event! Bring your pups to the celebration for games and doggie treats! FREE for everyone!! Movie begins at dusk. Metz Recreation Center, 2407 Canterbury Street.
Live Music at Central Market North- 6:30 p.m. Nefesh Joykestra performs Mediterranean Folk music in the Café. FREE! Central Market, North Lamar Blvd.
Shakespeare at the Market- Seating at 6:30 p.m., play begins at 7p.m. Present Company Theatre presents Shakespeare at the Market! That’s right! We are bringing back the much enjoyed event this April & May. Join us on the rooftop plaza every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: April 17th – May 10th. You will be able to enjoy beverages and food items for sale on the plaza, and can always bring up items from the store as well! FREE! Whole Foods North Lamar, 525 N. Lamar Blvd.
Concert in the Park: Suede (Cedar Park)- 7-10 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets as there will plenty of area available. Food concessions will be available, but you are welcome to bring a picnic and your own ice chest. Glass containers are prohibited. Admission is FREE! Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park.
Once Upon a Mattress- 7 p.m. (showings on Saturday and Sunday as well). If you thought you knew the story of “The Princess and The Pea”, you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that it may not have been the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of beguiling songs, but turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are, you’ll never look at the fairy tale quite the same way again! Tickets: $12. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd.
Movie in the Park- 7:45 p.m. Bring blankets and snacks to enjoy while watching Up. FREE! Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W. Dittmar Road.
The Taming of the Shrew- 8 p.m. Presented by The City of Austin in coordination with Austin Shakespeare. FREE Admission! Shopwing Thursdays through Sundays at 8pm through May 24th. Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 William Barton Drive.
A Look Ahead: Weekend Events
Pecan Street Festival- Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3. The Pecan Street Festival is a FREE two-day arts festival held twice yearly in downtown Austin’s Sixth Street Historic District. Taking place the first weekend in May and the last weekend in September, the juried festival attracts hundreds of local and national artisans offering original handcrafted creations in a variety of mediums, from metal, wood, fiber, clay, leather, glass and stone to repurposed materials of all kinds. Downtown Austin, 6th Street.
Dia de los Ninos Celebration: Tales and Tunes from Around the World (RSVP) (Pflugerville)- Saturday, May 2, from 2-3 p.m. Miss Lou-Lou will bring her “Tales and Tunes from around the World” show to celebrate Dia de los Niños. This is a fun and exciting program for families to enjoy together. Lou-Lou is a talented and accomplished musician. Songs accompanied by either 5 string banjo or guitar are always included in her programs. All Ages. Online registration starts 4/25. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Street, Pflugerville.
Greek Festival at Central Market North Lamar- Saturday, May 2. Greek Chalk Art from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. :Renowned local artist Jonathan Horstmann decorates our store-front sidewalks with Passport Greece-themed art. From noon to 3 p.m., local artist from Creative Action help children learn and enjoy the art of working with clay, just like the Ancient Greeks. The fun happens on the Café Deck. Greek Art for Kids where kids can decorate their own Greek bracelets and headbands is also happening on the Cafe deck. There will be Greek wine tasting for the adults and R&B sounds of Akina Adderley on the deck from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Central Market North Lamar Blvd.
Lake Travis Spring Fest- Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The BIGGEST time in the smallest town! SpringFest is back at the Hill Country Galleria! Join us starting at 11am for kids performances on the main stage. Live music starts at 2pm. Artisan shopping all day and a Kidzone that will keep the kids busy for hours. Don’t forget to get your new boat for the season at the Boat Expo. Taste central Texas beer and wine in the BrewHaus/WineStomp tent. Things wrap up with the Cord Carpenter Band starting at 7:30. FREE! Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd.
2015 Wein & Saengerfest (New Braunfels)- Saturday, May 2, from Noon to 10 p.m. Along with wine and craft beer tasting, this event offers a host of entertainment and activities that include continuous live music, a grape stomp, artisan market, food seminars, a Chef’s Showdown, and activities for the kids – culminating with a street dance at Main Plaza! FREE admission. Downtown New Braunfels.
Jewelry Making Workshop for Teens (RSVP)- Saturday, May 2 at 1 p.m. Learn how to make fun, easy jewelry with a unique spin on Shrinky Dinks… not just for little kids anymore. Copy a pattern or create your own. We’ll explore basic jewelry making techniques with tools, wire, and findings as well. Create several pieces of your own! Makes for a great gift and a fun piece to wear! Cost: $15. Tinkering School, 1122 Airport Blvd.
Farmgrass Fest- Sunday, May 3, from 1-9 p.m. Enjoy live music, good food, a kid’s area and lots of fun for the entire family. All the proceeds from the festival will go to an emergency medical fund for farmers in central Texas. General admission: $20, kids 12 and under free. Simmons Family Farm, Niederwald.
Family Fun Day at Art Garage- Sunday, May 3, from 3-6 p.m. The Art Garage hosts a Free Family Fun day where families are welcome to pop in and create crafts, get to know The Art Garage and enjoy in-studio discounts. This month’s theme is Let’s Get Campy. This is a fun, free activity for children to meet the teachers and see some of the fun art projects we will be creating this summer. It is a great opportunity for parents to ask questions, see our studio and meet the excellent team of people who are The Art Garage! Students will have the opportunity to participate in free art activities, and meet Elsa. Parents will have an opportunity to enter to win a free week of Summer Art Camp for their child. FREE! The Art Garage, 11190 Circle Drive.
Heritage House Ice Cream Social (Pflugerville)- Sunday, May 3, from 1-4 p.m. Come tour the historical Heritage House and museum on Sunday, May 3 between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and enjoy an ice cream social with homemade ice cream! There is no cost for this event, so come visit! The Heritage House is located in Heritage Park at 901 Old Austin Hutto Road.
The post Weekday Events: April 27 – May 1, 2015 appeared first on LiveMom.com - Dedicated to building a better village.