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.
A long holiday weekend and America’s 250th birthday are giving Central Texans even more reasons to celebrate this Fourth of July. From fireworks over Lady Bird Lake and Willie Nelson’s annual picnic to hometown parades and rooftop parties, there are plenty of ways to spend the day around the Austin area.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest events, from Austin’s signature Star-Spangled Fest to neighborhood traditions and Hill Country celebrations. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place Saturday, July 4.
The main events
Star-Spangled Fest
Auditorium Shores & Long Center, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin’s signature Fourth of July celebration stretches from morning to night as the city marks America’s 250th anniversary. The day begins with The Morning Spin from 10 am to 1 pm, featuring house music, craft coffee, cocktails, local vendors, and food trucks. The evening festival returns at 4:30 pm with kids’ activities, food trucks, and performances by Austin soul-funk favorites Tomar & the FCs, country singer Shelby Stone, a Veteran Recognition Celebration, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual patriotic concert before fireworks over Lady Bird Lake at 9:45 pm. The concert and fireworks will also be simulcast on KMFA 89.5. A number of parking garages are open around the park. General admission is free. VIP Lawn Access starts at $45, while reserved tables and private cabana experiences range up to $2,500. Tickets and VIP packages are available through the Star-Spangled Fest website.
Several downtown hotels and rooftops are offering elevated alternatives to the crowds below along Auditorium Shores.
- P6 at The Line Austin is hosting its “Creole Surf Riot” celebration with live music by Louisiana Surf Department, Creole-inspired food stations, and two complimentary drinks. Early bird tickets start at $75, with general admission at $90.
- The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is celebrating with a waterfront barbecue, curated beverages, and live music by Working Title. Reservations are available from 6-10 pm, with the band performing from 6-11 pm. Admission is $98 per person, plus a 17 percent gratuity. The hotel recommends making reservations in advance, as last year’s Fourth of July celebration sold out.
- Otopia Rooftop at The Otis Hotel in West Campus is hosting a Fourth of July party from 7 -11 pm, featuring specialty cocktails with Still Austin Whiskey Co., a complimentary welcome cocktail, light bites for purchase, and giveaways. Tickets start at $23.18. The rooftop offers skyline views, though organizers note the downtown fireworks display is not visible from the venue.
Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle
Fresh off his 93rd birthday, Willie Nelson returns to Circuit of The Americas for the latest edition of his annual Fourth of July Picnic, a Texas tradition spanning more than five decades. This year’s lineup features Willie Nelson & Family, bluegrass phenom Billy Strings, alternative rock legends Wilco, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Rodney Crowell, Margo Price, and Lily Meola. The evening concludes with fireworks. Gates open at 2:30 pm and music begins at 3:30 pm. Most tickets are priced around $100, with options ranging from reserved seating to pit tickets and VIP packages. Tickets, VIP packages, and the full event lineup are available on Willie Nelson’s official website.
Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave
Families looking to avoid the downtown crowds can head west for one of the area’s biggest free celebrations honoring America’s 250th birthday. More than 40 artisan vendors, carnival rides, water games, and complimentary face painting fill the afternoon before an evening of live music. School of Rock opens the entertainment at 4 pm, followed by CAZAYOUX, Jeska Forsyth, Jo James, and Austin Latin rock veterans Vallejo. Then fireworks complete the event. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The festival runs from 4-10 pm, with fireworks scheduled for about 9:40 pm. Admission and parking are free.
Red, White & Buda
Buda Amphitheater & City Park, 204 San Antonio St., Buda
Buda turns Independence Day into an all-day celebration, beginning with the community’s annual Bike Parade at 9 am. Festivities resume at 4 pm with a DJ, bounce houses, a splash pad, food vendors, a vendor market, cornhole, sand volleyball, and rock climbing. Live music begins with Elle Townley at 6:30 pm, followed by Shinyribs, the Gulf Coast soul and swamp-funk band led by former Gourds frontman Kevin Russell, at 7:40 pm. The evening concludes with fireworks at about 9:15 pm. Admission is free.
Free neighborhood parades and hometown traditions
Northwest Austin Civic Association
Austin’s largest neighborhood Independence Day parade happens in the North Austin Civic Association, at the 53rd annual Fourth of July Parade and Freedom Fest. The festivities begin with a community breakfast at 7:30 am, followed by the parade at 9 am. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson will serve as grand marshal as decorated bicycles, antique cars, marching bands, community groups, and the popular Ladies Lawn Chair Brigade wind through Northwest Hills before the Freedom Fest continues with family activities.
Members of the Northwest Austin Civic Association’s Arm Chair Brigade gather with parade grand marshal Council Member Alison Alter before the neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July parade in Northwest Austin.Alison Alter/Facebook
Cedar Park
Cedar Park’s Sparktacular returns to Milburn Park with live music, carnival rides, inflatables, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Georgetown
Georgetown’s celebrations last all day with amusement rides and games, a kiddie parade, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, live music, and a fireworks show to round it all out.
Lakeway
Lakeway’s Fourth of July Celebration begins with its annual parade at 8:30 am, followed by family activities before the city’s evening fireworks display.
Leander
Leander is getting things started early with Liberty Fest on July 3. There will be live music and food, plus activities for kids and fireworks to end the day.
Pflugerville
Pflugerville’s Pfireworks lights up Typhoon Texas with live music, food vendors, family activities, and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.
Round Rock
Just north of Austin, Round Rock’s Frontier Days begins with the annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade at 8:30 am along Mays Street. Giant helium balloons, festive floats, marching bands, and community groups kick off a full day of carnival rides, pig races, live music, and festival food before the evening’s fireworks show.
America250
Want to keep celebrating America’s 250th birthday? The Fourth of July is only the beginning of the nation’s yearlong semiquincentennial celebration.
Texas America250 exhibit
Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos St.
This exhibit next to the Texas Capitol spotlights the Lone Star State’s outsized role in American history through historic photographs, maps, artifacts, sheet music, state records, and other treasures from the State Archives. From cowboys to astronauts, and from Beaumont to Big Bend, the exhibit explores how Texas helped shape the nation. The exhibit is on view throughout 2026.
Other things to see at the archives include:
For even more, the Texas America250 events calendar lists celebrations taking place across the state throughout the year.
“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with the team at NRP and our focus on the Affordable Housing market in
The transaction represents Safehold’s second transaction with NRP in
Safehold established a dedicated Affordable Housing team in 2025 and has continued to expand its investment into the sector. Additional information is available at www.safeholdaffordablehousing.com.
About Safehold:
Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) is revolutionizing real estate ownership by providing a new and better way for owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings. Having created the modern ground lease industry in 2017, Safehold continues to help owners of high quality multifamily, affordable housing, office, industrial, hospitality, student housing, life science and mixed-use properties generate higher returns with less risk. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT), seeks to deliver safe, growing income and long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders. Additional information on Safehold is available on its website at www.safeholdinc.com.
About The NRP Group:
The NRP Group is a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder, and manager of best-in-class multifamily housing with a mission to create exceptional rental housing communities for individuals and families, regardless of income. Since its founding in 1994, NRP has developed more than 62,000 apartment homes and currently manages over 30,000 residential units. Through its disciplined approach to vetting opportunities, NRP has established a track record of delivering impressive returns for investors. The company’s formidable size and depth of talent provide the experience and infrastructure necessary to execute developments of varying degrees of complexity and scope in both urban-infill and suburban locations, including market-rate, affordable, mixed-income, and senior housing. The NRP Group has been consistently named a largest developer and builder in the U.S. on the NMHC “Top 50” lists, the Top 5 on the Multi-Housing News’ “Top Multifamily Developers” list, named a Top Affordable Housing Developer by Affordable Housing Finance, and has won three NAHB Pillar awards since 2020 for Development, Construction and Ones to Watch. The NRP Group has become the top multifamily developer in the U.S. that creates both affordable and market-rate housing at a national scale. Based on over 30 years of experience and expertise, NRP provides construction and property management services to outside owners and developers. For additional information, visit www.nrpgroup.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/safehold-closes-second-affordable-housing-ground-lease-in-texas-302809796.html
SOURCE Safehold
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – During a Texas Senate Business and Commerce hearing Wednesday, lawmakers heard invited testimony examining soaring property and casualty insurance costs. Testimony focused on the need for more affordable options and the need to address the role of AI.
Increased costs
Amanda Crawford, the Commissioner of Insurance at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), acknowledged the reality of rising insurance costs for everyday Texans.
“The past few years have been very, very difficult. The average annual homeowner premium in Texas has increased from under $2,000 in 2020 to over $3,500 today. It’s a 79% increase in six years. That is a tremendous burden for Texans, especially for a necessary product like home insurance,” Crawford told lawmakers Wednesday.
Crawford went on to clarify that this increase can be attributed to increases in home values and claim costs related to severe weather.
“Annual homeowners’ losses averaged 5.5 billion from 2015 to 2020, rising to 9.1 billion from 2021 to 2025.” Crawford went on to say that “Last year alone, the National Weather Service recorded 902 hailstorms in Texas. The next closest state, Kansas, had 375.”
Holding insurance companies accountable
Crawford clarified that the TDI requires insurance companies to elaborate on their filings to ensure that Texans are not subject to unfair practices and prices.
“My expectations are that every rate filing submitted to TDI gets a careful review. We examine every statutory filing for statutory compliance. We verify the math, we scrutinize assumptions, we make them show their work”
According to the Texas Insurance Code, the rate review process conducted by the TDI does not explicitly focus on affordability.
“There is not a purpose in there around affordability. It is about driving market competition. It’s about making sure they’re not excessive, but then they’re also adequate. And it’s about having market forces drive the rates that are filed. So I think that’s an interesting perspective when you look at it, because that really frames the whole rate review process as it has been put into law.”
Insurance company officials say they are also focused on affordable costs.
“Our industry is not just saying, hey, legislators go fix all this. We are working all the time to bring down costs. It’s a good business decision because it helps us be more competitive,” said Scot Kibbe, the Vice President for State Government Relations at the American Property College for Insurance Association.
Concerns of price surveillance
Senator Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, questioned whether insurance companies may be using technological advances, such as AI, to participate in price surveillance, a tactic to maximize profits.
“It sounds like, to some extent, every industry, with the advent of technological advantages we didn’t use to have, is able to create a special price just for you to find out your breaking point,” Johnson said.
David Bolduc with the Office of Public Insurance Counsel noted that there are protections in statute against companies charging different prices for the same coverage. But he added that the practice can be difficult to detect.
“I don’t know that TDI has the ability to monitor that. I mean, we hear about it,” Bolduc said in response to Johnson. “I think, if you could do something in statute that would allow us to report it, or would allow TDI to take action about it, that might be useful in terms of monitoring it,” Bolduc added.
Earlier this month, the TDI released a “use of artificial intelligence” bulletin to set expectations on how “regulated entities will govern the development, acquisition, and the use of AI technologies in their operations.”
Crawford says this bulletin will help address price surveillance concerns by reminding companies of Texas Insurance codes related to unfair discrimination and deceptive practices.
“That’s one of the reasons for putting out the AI bulletin, the expectations and the consumer protection around the use of that data, and what they are using that for,” Crawford said.
Potential solutions
Bolduc called on lawmakers to reexamine AI’s role in the industry. He also asked lawmakers to look into making coverage changes more transparent.
“It might be useful to continue looking for ways to be transparent about coverage changes. Notices of material change don’t seem to be working particularly well in the sense that we get a lot of phone calls from people saying they don’t understand what happened to them,” Bolduc said Wednesday.
Billy Crocker, Senior Vice President of Alliant Insurance Services, says the best way to fix pricing is to drive up competition between insurance companies.
“I think creating a lot of competition is the best way to drive this down, both for personal and business lines,” Crocker told lawmakers. “And then that brings the opportunity for access.”
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