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Austin, TX
Best Fun Events In Austin This Weekend Of May 2, 2025
Things to Do in Austin This Weekend of May 2, 2025
Our top picks for the Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of May 2
Check out the full list below!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Free Things To Do Austin this Weekend
Spring Pecan Street Festival
Image credit: Pecan Street Festival
Get ready for the Pecan Street Festival, a free, two-day arts extravaganza where hundreds of incredible artisans, both local and national, will showcase their unique, handcrafted wonders.
Aside from enjoying the art, you can groove to nearly 50 of Austin’s best musical acts across three stages and savor tempting treats from thirty diverse food vendors.
The little ones can also dive into a world of kid-friendly fun with rides, a petting zoo, and interactive workshops.
Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Saturday, May 3 – 4, 2025
How Much: Free
CelebrASIA Austin
CelebrASIA Austin will be delivering a wealth of cultural experiences for the whole family, marking 11 years of community and culture at the AARC.
So prepare to immerse yourself in captivating performances, savor delicious offerings from food vendors, and explore engaging exhibits from various cultures all across Asia.
Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 11 am – 3 pm
How Much: Free
La Fete de Cindo de Mayo
Image credit: mexic-artmuseum
Get ready for La Fête de Cinco de Mayo, a dazzling family event where the vibrant traditions of Mexico and France unite. Dive into a day brimming with engaging activities, playful educational games, and captivating performances that will spark joy and discovery for everyone.
Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 9 am – 1 pm
How Much: Free
The Front Market
Prepare to discover unique finds and support local artistry all weekend long at the Front Market! There will be over 150 independent creatives, artists, designers, and small business owners from across Texas South showcasing their crafts.
Where: Rollins Theatre at the Long Center for the Perfroming Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday, May 3 – 4, 2025 | 11 am – 5 pm
How Much: Free
Violet Crown Festival
Get ready for a weekend bursting with flavor, rhythm, and handcrafted treasures at the Violet Crown Festival.
But that’s not all! Prepare for a BBQ showdown as teams from across the city fire up their smokers in a fierce cook-off, vying for the title of BBQ champion. There will also be live music headlined this year by the iconic Dale Watson and His Lone Stars.
Where: Brentwood Neighborhood Park, 6710 Arroyo Seco, Austin, TX 78757
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 10 am – 5 pm
How Much: Free
Things To Do in Austin this Weekend – Friday Events
Annie
Join Annie in a celebration of family, unwavering optimism, and the enduring American spirit in a heartwarming musical that will give you a nice dose of sunshine.
The play is directed by Jenn Thompson, with the unforgettable songs by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin.
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, May 2 – 4, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30
Silent Disco
This weekend, ditch the usual and dive into Quiet Clubbing at The Belmont. You get to choose your soundtrack for the night as three live DJs spin different genres, all while you dance the night away with your glowing LED headphones.
Where: The Belmont, 305 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, May 2, 2025 | 10 pm – 2 am
How Much: $10 – $20
Spring Carnival 2025
Get ready for a weekend explosion of fun in Austin! Prepare to spin on thrilling rides, test your luck at classic carnival games for awesome prizes, and indulge in all your favorite carnival treats just outside the arcade doors.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Inside, you’ll discover a colossal arcade packed with both the latest hits and beloved retro games. And when you need to refuel, Pinballz Lake Creek offers a full scratch kitchen and two bars serving up delicious food and drinks.
Where: Pinballs Lake Creek, 13729 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750
When: Friday, May 2 – 11, 2025 | 5 pm – 11 pm
How Much: Free entry | Rides and games require tickets
Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market
Image credit: Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Dive into the fifth annual May Market and prepare to discover a vibrant collection of unique creations, showcasing the talents of nearly 200 regional artists and artisans.
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, May 2 – June 1, 2025 | 10 am
How Much: Free entry
Texas Burlesque Festival
Houston, prepare for a weekend spectacle of dazzling proportions! The reigning Queen of Tease from New Orleans, Jeez Loueez, alongside Chicago’s Kings of Boylesque, Bazuka Joe and Ray Gunn, and the legendary Lovey Goldmine from Las Vegas, are converging for an unforgettable burlesque extravaganza.
Get ready to cheer, applaud, and encourage these incredible performers as they present tantalizing acts, from classic peels to hilarious spins on pop culture.
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday – Sunday, May 2 – 4, 2025 | 8 pm – 1:30 am
How Much: Starts at $25
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Saturday Events
Austin FC vs Minnesota United FC
Looking for the perfect Austin weekend thrill? Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding action of live soccer. Be part of the roaring atmosphere as you support Austin FC against Minnesota United.
Where: Q2 Stadium, 10414 Mc Kalla Pl, Austin, TX 78758
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $73
Cinco de Mayo Run: Against All Odds
Join the Run Against All Odds and ignite your Cinco de Mayo spirit alongside a vibrant community. Challenge your limits, embrace resilience, and honor the rich culture of Cinco de Mayo!
Where: Richard Moya Park, 10001 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX 78719
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7:30 am – 10:30 am
How Much: $39
Kentucky Derby Party
Catch every heart-pounding second of “the most exciting two minutes in sports” on multiple screens at Live Oak’s Kentucky Derby Party! Your admission includes a complimentary mint julep and a race chit to predict the top three finishers.
You can also join the contests for best hat and best dressed, so get ready to don your favorite derby attire.
Where: Live Oak, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 4 pm – 7 pm
How Much: $70
Margarita and Salsa Mini Festival
This weekend, Beachside Billy’s is throwing a Margarita and Salsa Tasting Mini Festival that’s sure to ignite your taste buds. For just $45, you’ll get to savor six unique 6 oz margaritas perfectly paired with six distinct and zesty salsas.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Your ticket also unlocks all-day access to the waterpark, complete with a free parking pass. As the sun sets, the party will keep going with a Late Night Pool Party featuring DJ PAPI RICO!
Where: Volante Beach Water Park, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 12 pm – 4 pm
How Much: $45
Synesthesia: An Immersive Audiovisual Dance Party
The boundaries between a party and a performance will vanish this weekend at Synesthesia. Dynamic DJ sets will pulse through the venue, while captivating projection art dances across the walls.
Added to that, there will also be breathtaking aerial dancers and live painters adding layers to this sensory symphony, creating a fully immersive and awe-inspiring experience.
Where: Propaganda HQ, 625 Industrial Blvd, Austin, TX 78745
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 10 pm – 4 am
How Much: $15 Early Bird | $20 Presale | $25 at Door
iHeart Country Festival
Image credit: iHeartCountry
The iHeartCountry Festival is here. Watch out for performances from the legendary Brooks & Dunn, the chart-topping Thomas Rhett, and the unforgettable Rascal Flatts.
There will also be performances from Sam Hunt, the rising star Megan Moroney, the powerful Bailey Zimmerman, and the captivating Nate Smith.
Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $56
Mayday Parade in Concert
Houston, get ready for a sonic blast this weekend! Mayday Parade is hitting Austin in celebration of their fresh album, Sweet, and you won’t want to miss it.
Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $40
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Sunday Events
2025 H-E-B Austin Sunshine Run
Image credit: Austin Sunshine Run
Bring your A-game for a good cause at the Austin Sunshine Run! Lace up your running shoes for the 5K, challenge yourself with the 10K, let the little ones zoom in the Kids K, or even cheer on the Fastest Dog in Austin 5K!
Celebrate your achievement afterwards with food, drinks, and music, all while supporting life-changing experiences for historically underinvested youth in Central Texas through the Austin Sunshine Camps.
Where: Auditorium Shores, 900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 8 am – 10 am
How Much: $40
Jack White in Concert
The legendary Jack White is heading to Austin, bringing the raw energy of his new EP, “No Name.” Prepare for a night of electrifying riffs and powerful vocals that will shake the stage.
Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, May 4 – 5, 2025 | 8 pm
How Much: Not stated
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Travel on your mind? Check out Free and Cheap Events in Houston this Weekend and Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend.
Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.
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Democrats tried to stop a mid-decade redistricting effort, but were unsuccessful. Now, we are starting to see some of the candidates emerging in those newly drawn districts. FOX 7 Austin’s Rudy Koski gives a full breakdown.
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – A shooting on West Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, early Sunday morning, killed three people and injured more than a dozen others, according to the Austin Police Department. APD confirmed one of the victims was 30-year-old Jorge Pederson, a Minnesota man who worked as an MMA fighter for the Med City Fighting Championships.
“You meet tons of fighters and there are people that stand above the rest that you find you enjoy or find the most amusing,” MCFC Co-Owner Matthew Vogt said. “He was definitely one of them.”
According to Vogt, Pederson was also the owner of a Minnesota business called Metro Movers. Vogt said the MMA competitor touched everyone’s hearts since his first day of fighting professionally in Rochester.
“As soon as we met him when it was the weighing time, we just loved the guy already because he had a great mission or spirit about him,” Vogt said. “He was a funny guy and great fighter.”
Vogt told KTTC when he first saw the news that Pederson was killed, he could not believe what he saw.
“I was looking, like, ‘Wait a minute. Is this one of his shenanigans or did something actually happen there?’” Vogt said, recalling the moment he saw a social media post regarding the shooting in Austin. “I confirmed with a few people and I’m just like, sometimes, some things happen that you don’t even like, you don’t even know how to respond to it because it’s just so out of left field that you don’t immediately have a response to it.”
MCFC confirmed there is an online fundraiser dedicated to supporting Pederson’s family. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $10,000 has been raised.
“He was someone that always could make anybody laugh,” Vogt said. “Support his family through the fundraiser and take a look at his Instagram especially to see how funny he was.”
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Copyright 2026 KTTC. All rights reserved.
A voter heads into the Ben Hur Shrine polling place in Austin as early voting begins for the March primary elections in Texas, Feb. 17, 2026. Voters can cast their ballots to decide who represents Republicans and Democrats in the November midterm elections.
Voters will decide if U.S. Sen. John Cornyn gets to keep the seat he’s held for more than two decades and which candidates will likely take a slew of redrawn congressional seats meant to give Republicans an edge. The races could decide control of Congress.
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TEXAS VOTER GUIDE 2026: What’s on the ballot in Austin on March 3?
Plus, there are multiple statewide office openings for the first time in more than a decade. And voters will decide who will challenge Gov. Greg Abbott as he seeks a record fourth term in office.
U.S. Senate
After more than two decades in the U.S. Senate, John Cornyn’s political career hangs in the balance.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has led most of the public polling leading into the election, as he campaigns on a Make America Great Again platform that seeks to paint the more establishment Cornyn as out of touch. Further complicating Cornyn’s path to reelection is U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston, whose campaign has focused attention on Cornyn’s 74-years of age.
The primary is expected to be one of the tightest statewide races in recent history, with most political observers predicting it will go to a runoff.
On the Democratic side, two of the party’s fastest-rising stars are facing off in a race that has largely been a contrast of styles.
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U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a 44-year-old former public defender, has cast herself as a partisan fighter who is unafraid to go toe-to-toe with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
State Rep. James Talarico, a 36-year-old former middle school teacher in San Antonio, skyrocketed to national fame last year by leaning into his Christian faith and warning that Republicans are trying to use religion as a wedge by pushing such legislation as requiring public schools to post placards of the Ten Commandments.
Attorney General
The race for attorney general has become one of the most closely watched elections this cycle after Ken Paxton opted to leave the job to run for U.S. Senate, opening up the seat for the first time in more than a decade.
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A crowded field of candidates is vying for the job and raising eye-popping totals. It’s become the second-most expensive race for political ad spending in Texas after the contest for U.S. Senate.
On the Republican side, state Sens. Joan Huffman and Mayes Middleton, former DOJ official and former Paxton aide Aaron Reitz, and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy are competing.
Public polling has shown Roy ahead, but more recent surveys indicate Middleton is gaining ground.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, for whom both Roy and Reitz worked as chief of staff, is backing Roy, while Reitz nabbed his own major endorsement from Paxton.
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The Democrats gunning for a chance to be the state’s top lawyer include former federal prosecutor and FBI agent Tony Box; lawyer, mediator and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski; and lawyer and state Sen. Nathan Johnson.
Jaworski and Johnson have emerged as early leaders, but many voters were still undecided, public polling showed.
Comptroller
The fight to run Texas’ top financial agency features an expensive GOP brawl. Gov. Greg Abbott is backing his ally Kelly Hancock, who is currently serving as acting comptroller, against former state Sen. Don Huffines, an antagonist of the governor’s who has lined up support from grassroots activists. Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick is running, as well, with support from the oil and gas industries.
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Democratic state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt of Austin appears to be the favorite for her party’s nomination and faces former Houston ISD trustee Savant Moore and Houston resident Michael Lange.
The winner will have an outsized role in Abbott’s property tax-slashing agenda should he win a fourth term in office. They will also oversee the state’s new $1 billion private school voucher program.
Agriculture Commissioner
Three-term incumbent Sid Miller is battling beekeeper and entrepreneur Nate Sheets, who has the endorsement of Gov. Greg Abbott and several Republican lawmakers.
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Miller, a onetime rodeo champion, has won the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who made his choice known in a social media post after his visit to Corpus Christi on Friday.
Congressional District 31
U.S. Rep. John Carter of Georgetown is facing a crowded field of Republican primary challengers, including a one-time TV pitchman as he pushes for a 13th term in Congress.
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Carter has President Donald Trump’s “complete and total” endorsement.
His GOP challengers are: businessman Abhiram Garapati, who has challenged Carter three times before; Army veteran William Abel, who was among Carter’s 2024 opponents; Elvis Lossa, an Army veteran who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq; Steven Dowell, a former member of the Army’s military police; Vince “Shamwow” Shlomi, who hosted offbeat infomercials for cleaning products; and Valentina Gomez, a former collegiate swimmer who two years ago made an unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination for Missouri secretary of state.
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