Celebrated here 3 years in a row. Its great. They offer so much for the entire family for an all…read moreday event! Every year they offer: Carnival Rides (strawberry whirl (my fave) a bounce house/slide Carny foods Skydivers Austin Symphonic Band Free Watermelon Live Stuntman Show Rubber Duck Race Firework Show Move in the park after Fireworks and more.. not sure if all other things are every year as the above mentioned are.. A nice atmosphere. Lots to do. The regular park is there as well as the lake. Plenty of porta potties all around. Plenty of vendors to stroll through and see all the different stuff. Plenty of alcohol! At night there are many people wandering about with glow in the dark accessories for sale. Bring your cooler, your blanket, your chairs, your sunscreen and find a nice spot on the lawn.. and enjoy your day! I HIGHLY recommend staying for the movie that is playing... even if you don't want to see it, because the traffic leaving after the firework show is unimaginable! HAVE FUN!

In 2008 Money Magazine names Round Rock, Texas (about 20 miles from downtown Austin) one of the…read morebest small cities in America to live. I can see why. It's very modern and family oriented. It's almost picture perfect. We stopped by the Frontier Days Celebration on July 4th. It's a huge event with carnival rides, pig races, food trucks, and a few other vendors. I believe they had fireworks at night but we were there in the afternoon. The event was very organized and there was plenty of parking. I'd say they drew a crowd in the thousands on July 4th. This is a free event and its' really quite nice. Very nice for families with younger children.

NO inclusivity whatsoever. This parade tries to mimic Los Angeles and San Francisco but you do not…read moresee the inclusivity and intersectionality here and it's shameful. How has this been such a sore oversight for so long? I'm now looking at Austin Pride Parades past and it's the same thing. Do I need to plan this parade myself? From the people and organizations walking in the parade to the spin off events attached to it, you do not see people of color being included and it's shocking. And you can't say that Austin doesn't have people of color. I'm disappointed, Austin.

Sorry Austin but no cigar. It was hot and there was no refuge from the sun. There were only three…read morevendors for alcohol and water. No joke I had zero options to get water other than to wait in line for 20+ minutes. Almost had a heat stroke just trying to get water. If you ever go to Austin pride bring your own food and water or be prepared to wait 20+ minutes for either. It cost $20 to get in and the food options were Corn dogs, Mediterranean or Texmex of which most was sold out less than two hours after the event started. Ultimately if you've gone to a pride in a city or metro area think small town prides when you are coming here and don't expect the food, alcohol and goods vendors you're used to. The people were very friendly but I was burned out after walking around in circles in the heat for four hours. Cupcake was the highlight of the event with her performance and I was not a fan before but after the event it was the most happening thing here. At the end of the day I was let down because I thought Austin Pride would be comparable to a larger city or metro area. If you visit bring water, an umbrella, your own food and a lust for small town festivities.

Not a bad place for Halloween...especially if you want to avoid the "door to door trick or…read moretreating". Took my 2 kiddos there last night and had a pretty good time. Lots of games (free), a bounce house slide (for a $2.00 unlimited all night pass), free hay rides (compliments of the Bastrop Fire Department), lots and lots of people and vendors. A good way to spend Halloween night. Its different, its fun. They have my vote! Over all: Free admission: WONDERFUL Amount of free activities: ENDLESS Duration: 4 hours Candy amount: (if you want it... A LOT) The amount of people volunteering their time for free... PRICELESS! Thanks Bastrop!

The first time I attended the Danger Derby at Blue Genie was last year and I have to say this year…read morewas so much better. This is a free Austin event that is open to anyone of all ages! For all of you that don't know what the Danger Derby is allow me to elaborate! It's an extreme pinewood derby hosted by Blue Genie Art Industries every year during the East Studio Tour. There is quite a bit of parking located within the canopy lot, on the street or in the surrounding neighborhoods. Also, some of the studios were open so, if you didn't get a chance to go on the tour you can take a minute to appreciate some art by local artists. If you wish to enter a car into the race you can stop into Blue Genie and purchase your kit and register your car on-line. The track runs from the rooftop of Blue Genie to the ground, winding cars through obstacles including a swinging anvil, flames and blades. The event has an alcohol sponsor so; we all know what that means: Free drinks! Last year it was sponsored by Deep Eddy but, this year it was Tito's, East Ciders and I believe Live Oak Brewery. The lines aren't very long but, if you are like me, come prepared with some beers in your purse or bag. Also, please remember to tip your bartenders! Blue Genie was also screen printing T-shirts for sale on-site. There were also a handful of food trucks/vendors on-site this year which was a nice change. There was also an opportunity to buy VIP tickets and have perfect viewing of the races, small bites and booze included in the ticket price. This is a dog friendly event however; some of the dogs were irritated with the fireworks that were going off. There were announcers this year and music playing in the background throughout the event. There is also an after party located at Gourmands down the street! I had a great time last year however, I feel like Blue Genie really stepped up and took this event to the next level this year!

I love that Austin is a thriving urban city that promotes being eco-friendly. Coming from Northern…read moreCalifornia we promote recycling, re-useable bags, biking/public transportation to work. etc. If I was lived in Austin then this would probably get 4 stars but since I was staying Downtown and had to cab it out there and bike- it certainly wasn't worth $30. I enjoyed: - Free Admission - The plentiful food trucks- tried Yeti- Frozen Custard and that was good - Petting Zoo ($3) with baby goats, pigs, roosters, bunnies, etc. - Free re-usable bags Continue to be Earth Friendly Austin!

If you are a vintage car and truck fan, this is the place!! Annual event always held in Austin…read more Huge car show with car people coming from all over. 1915 to 1965's amazingly and lovingly restored. Swap meet for those looking to trade. All sorts of booths for every taste and age. Just a solid family 2 day event. Recommend!!!

Lone Star Round Up is a pretty cool experience if you don't mind the traffic and the crowds, of…read morecourse. Everyone is pretty energized to see what kinds of cars and trucks show up. And the owners are bringin' it too! Chevy, Ford, Dodge, rebuilt, custom made, you name it. I also saw a celebrity: Tow Mater!

Larger and more comprehensive than I thought it'd be. If you're interested in learning about…read moreBastrop, this is the best place to start. A lot of history and artifacts to view here. I'd recommend watching the intro video as well (it's a little cheesy but quite informative). Reasonable admission fee ($5). Friendly staff.

There is so much history in Bastrop. Our tour guide, Ron was exceptional. He gave us so much…read moreinformation. Truly an asset to the museum. If you take a walk around Main Street, you need to make this one of your stops if your s history buff like me

Held this year at the great space/venue that is Shady Springs Party Barn, I would liken the Gettin'…read moreSauced BBQ Fest to the grandiose Texas Monthly BBQ Fest albeit on a MUCH smaller scale and a LOT less expensive (don't get me wrong - I LOVE TMBBQ FEST, see my review). The Sauced Fest was just that great! The space located in East Austin, is surrounded by farmland, complete with the fresh smell of manure and hay. Free parking was a breeze, located directly adjacent to the venue. Check-in and follow the little sign - "BBQ Barn." Ample space! Live music playing, tons of covered and decorated picnic tables, plenty of space on the grassy hills to sit and chill. Several beer vendors (~7, inc. one Cider) set up in one area. Went to grab a brew before heading for the Q and somehow ending up "manning' the @InfamousBrewing table when Josh needed a BR break...and stayed until the beer ran out. ;) Always eager to help out a bud, and was actually fun. I haven't been a "salesperson" in a while....and of course I saved the last cold can for myself. Lol! BTW - each wristband purchase (GA or VIP) came with 3 drink tickets - no "pay for beer." Holy least expensive event effort! Headed toward the BBQ "Barn." Think screened in, worn wooden house with two separate rooms and plenty of space to peruse. Didn't expect too much. It was supposed to be "samples" with an emphasis on the assorted BBQ and hot sauces produced by the vendors. Um, yes...and no! A few joints only offered sauce, some offered their sauce with a small sampling of meat(s)...and then there was Opie's, who handed out a complete serving of delish brisket and jap sausage without any sort of sauce at all because "good BBQ doesn't need sauce." Thanks for a great start! There were a lot of my other favorites there. I have been on a sort of Q-Quest this past year and I realized it might be turning into a little "problem" when at least 4 of the pit masters and crew recognized my hubster and I and chatted us up. That explains that extra 10 lbs - for realz! Louie Mueller's sauces were yum and I scored a free koozie. Cooper's was present with plenty of meats and sauces (FYI - there has been a delay on the opening of their Austin location, but coming soon!). Mark and his SLAB crew were in the house providing samples of their previous award-winning sauces with a bit o' brisket, including their amazing "Backyard Red Sauce" that yes, they are currently in the process of bottling and getting ready to sell retail. Can't wait! Black's had their sauces for sale, but they had so nicely gifted me one at the recent TMBBQ Fest that I haven't had the chance to open yet, so I didn't buy any. The inevitable at these sorts of things....Yes...it happened again!! My hubby and I both hit the brick Q wall and painfully (sinfully) had to throw a few pieces of BBQ away that we simply couldn't handle. Bottom line, the BBQ Barn offered far more than mere morsels - we exited completely indulged and stuffed to the rim! Thank you so much to everyone who was present and presented! About an hour before the Fest ended all but Middleton had run out of beer, which wasn't a problem at all. Three hours was just the perfect amount of time to drink, eat, chat, and chill! Shout out to CarmelaS, her friend Jackie, BrandonC, and KymS, oh, and RobM for of course making the event even better! All for the meager general admission price of $15 p/p. Oh, and add $6 for a Getting' Sauced pint glass. Money and a wonderful Sunday afternoon VERY well spent!!! We'll certainly be back next year! NOTE: Pre-tickets were sold via Living Social (even through the event site). The LS deal, nor the event website, stated exactly how things would work with the beer. The purchase price included admission to the BBQ Barn and also included three beer tickets. Great deal! But, none "for sale." It seemed like people were getting "just stupid enough" at the end, so maybe three is the perfect number. ;)

This was the second annual Gettin' Sauced BBQ festival, where you could get a sample of BBQ from…read moreeach vendor if you bought a wristband. I have to say, there was a crowd, but not as many people as other festivals (ie. Hot Sauce Fest). I arrived early because I wanted to STEAK out at Franklin's, and told my friends to MEAT me inside. I think that is the only time I will ever be first in line at Franklins. People are crazy for waiting hours and hours in line for BBQ. Speaking of crazy lines, once the festival was in full stride, them lines got ridiculously long. Props to the people manning the stands for keeping the lines moving. Well, this was a crazy hot day to have it on, and a lot of people ended up crowding inside Independence Brewing Co's garage bay where they had beer and fans set up. The few dogs I saw looked downright miserable, because they had to walk around on the hot concrete. I think one person threw up near the entrance. :\ Overall, I feel that the festival was headed in the right direction, but definitely still has a few kinks to iron out. It is only their second year doing it, after all. One BBQ stand (J Mueller) ran out of meat about 30 minutes after 3. Not sure if someone forgot to pack a cooler of meat or if it was just poor planning. Suggestions for improving the festival: Push it to a later date. A 90 degree day sure beats a 108 degree day. Also, put out more benches for people to sit on. And maybe have a first aid tent, because there will be some heat stroke/heat exhaustion cases. Having this event on a grassy area would allow more people to bring their dogs. I understand that having this event at Independence Brewing Co probably saved some $$, but there definitely needs to be more shade/seating. Also, maybe holding it at a different time, like 10-1 would help with the heat. 3-6pm is just the hottest part of the day. Things I did like: generous sample portions, crowd size wasn't overwhelming, diversity of sauces, free beer samples/Honest Tea/Big Red, door prizes, live music (Sour Bridges), people watching, signs directing people to the event and having enough parking.