Wondering what’s up around Austin this week? Here are some of the exciting events featured on our Free Fun Calendar. Have an event to add to the calendar? Submit it here.
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Monday
Free Admission to The LBJ Presidential Library – Monday, February 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To ensure President Johnson’s wish for the library to “be available to all,” entrance fees are waived on several days during the year, including Presidents Day. FREE! LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River St, Austin.
Family Date Night – Monday, February 15 from 5-8:00 p.m. Treat someone you love to a family game night this Valentine season. Spend some quality time together, take photos, and take a ride on a beautiful horse drawn carriage. It’ll be a night you won’t forget. No reservations required. FREE! Chick-fil-A Southpark Meadows, 161 W Slaughter Ln, Austin.
Tuesday
Storytime and Crafts – Tuesday, February 16 at 9:30 a.m. Kids ages 2-5 will hear a new story each week. After the book, they’ll do crafts related to the story. Parental supervision is requested. FREE! Whole Foods Domain, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin.
Free Admission to Laguna Gloria – Tuesday, February 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. FREE! The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th St, Austin.
PBS Kids at the Alamo: READY JET GO! – Tuesday, February 16 at 10:15 a.m. The Alamo Drafthouse and our local PBS station are teaming up for a family screening of PBS KIDS’ latest show, along with themed activities and giveaways. Enjoy three episodes from the new show on the big screen. This is an all-ages show with Baby Day rules – noisy young fans won’t be asked to leave the theater. Tickets are available for a $1-$3 donation. Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter, 5701 W Slaughter Ln, Austin.
Armstrong Community Music School Storytime – Tuesday, February 16 at 10:30 a.m. Sing songs with one of the talented Early Childhood Development faculty members from the Armstrong Community School. An Armstrong teacher will engage your child with music and movement, plus they’ll read some stories for you too. Perfect for kids up to 6 years old. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Signing Storytime (Round Rock) – Tuesday, February 16 at 10:30 a.m. This program is a partnership with The Signing Connection. Best enjoyed by children ages 1-6 and their caregivers. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Sensory Storytime – Tuesday, February 16 at 11:15 a.m. This special 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. FREE! APL – Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St, Austin.
Book Circle – Tuesday, February 16 at 3:30 p.m. Settle in for a story or two and some hands-on activities geared towards ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S Fifth St, Austin.
Free Play Gaming – Tuesday, February 16 at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy free play gaming using one of the library’s new video game consoles including the PS4, WiiU, Xbox 360 and more. Smash Bros., MarioParty, FIFA, Rocket League are just a few of the games offered. Come make some new friends and enjoy collaborative and competitive gaming at your library. FREE! APL – Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin.
Family Movie Night: Shaun the Sheep – Tuesday, February 16 at 4:00 p.m. Rated PG. FREE! APL – Cepeda Branch, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.
Lego Lab – Tuesday, February 16 at 4:30 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 – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
PJ Storytime – Tuesday, February 16 at 6:15 p.m. Wear your pajamas, have some milk and cookies, then snuggle in for bedtime stories. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.
Family Laughter Yoga – Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30 p.m. During this fun and invigorating session adults and children will laugh, clap, play, breathe deeply, and stretch their bodies gently. FREE! Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr, Austin.
Pajama Storytime – Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to wear pajamas to this family evening storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Children of all ages welcome. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL – Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr, Austin.
Library Live: Jandek – Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Jandek is the musical project of Sterling Smith, an outsider musician who operates out of Houston. His music is unique, but the lyrics closely mirror the country blues and folk traditions of East Texas. FREE! APL – Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St, Austin.
Astronomy on Tap – Tuesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. This month, Dr. Trent Dupuy will talk about lonely, wandering planets that don’t have a host star to orbit. Dr. Judit Gyorgyey-Ries will discuss how afraid we should all be about killer asteroids (spoiler alert: not very). Almost-Dr. Jacob Hummel will show some amazing movies of astronomical computer simulations and talk about how he and other astronomers try to build the Universe inside supercomputers. There will be games and prizes to test your new-found knowledge. All ages welcome. FREE! The North Door, 502 Brushy St, Austin.
Wednesday
Healthy Eating Kids Club with Kiely – Wednesday, February 17 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will enjoy a reading of Bee-Bim Bop by Linda Sue Park. FREE! Whole Foods, 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
PBS Kids at the Alamo: READY JET GO! – Wednesday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. The Alamo Drafthouse and our local PBS station are teaming up for a family screening of PBS KIDS’ latest show, along with themed activities and giveaways. Enjoy three episodes from the new show on the big screen. This is an all-ages show with Baby Day rules – noisy young fans won’t be asked to leave the theater. Tickets are available for a $1-$3 donation. Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 N US Hwy 183, Bldg F, Austin.
Tiny Tails to You Petting Zoo Storytime – Wednesday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m. If you’re a fan of chinchillas, bunnies, ducklings, guinea pigs, chickens, and stories then you’re in luck. Friends from Tiny Tails to You Petting Zoo will read stories and introduce some of the cutest, softest, most adorable little creatures in Austin. What a wonderful way to make new friends. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Chinese Story Share – Wednesday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m. Learn Chinese, have fun, and make friends. Stories, rhymes, and songs in Mandarin. Designed for children 2 to 5 years old. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Musical Storytime and Craft – Wednesday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m. Join Miss Vanessa for storytime, songs, and crafts. For ages 5 and under. FREE! Upper East Side, 5811 Berkman Dr, Ste 107, Austin. Update: This week’s storytime is canceled due to illness.
Literature LIVE! Presents: The Selfish Gardener – Wednesday, February 17 at 3:30 p.m. What happens when a band of native plants and insects gets a new neighbor who isn’t very friendly? Will the band get the boot, or will gardener and insect learn to live together? Find out in this musical spin on the Oscar Wilde classic, The Selfish Giant. Recommended for ages 4 and up. FREE! APL – North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave, Austin.
Community Night at The Thinkery – Wednesday, February 17 from 4-8:00 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 donation. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Discovery! Tech Camp – Wednesday, February 17 at 4:30 p.m. This YouTube Scavenger Hunt will teach you how to get more out of using YouTube while also looking for cool things that people have posted. The techniques you learn while searching for hidden treasures will help you get more out of using the website itself. Not only will you learn how to use YouTube better, but you will discover what all those little buttons are for so you can use them to build your own channel. Especially designed for older elementary kids. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Tween Scene (Pflugerville) – Wednesday, February 17 at 4:30 p.m. Tweens ages 8-12 are invited to learn to make their own LED paper flowers. Materials provided while supplies last. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pflugerville St, Pflugerville.
Krispy Kreme Family Night – Wednesday, February 17 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.
Texas Radio Live – Wednesday, February 17 from 6-8:00 p.m. Texas Radio Live brings you the very best Texas music with performances from Texas musicians. This week, Jane Ellen Bryant and Jackie Venson perform. FREE but donations to support the KDRP Radio Mission are appreciated. Read about Catherine’s experience here. Guero’s Oak Garden, 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin.
Library Live: Vellamo – Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. Vellamo combines the rich tradition of Finnish folksong with an appealing “retro” sensibility, creating an exotic and magical acoustic experience. A visit to the world of Vellamo is an enchanting, educational and unforgettable musical journey. FREE! APL – Yarborough Branch, 2200 Hancock Dr, Austin.
David Bowie Tribute Art Show Opening Reception – Wednesday, February 17 from 7-9:00 p.m. Join Jerry’s Artarama for some amazing art, great music, friends, drinks, snacks, and a good ole celebration of wonderful lives. Proceeds from all art sales go to the American Cancer Society, Austin chapter. Admission is FREE! After the opening, the art will be on display through March 30th (or until sold out) during Jerry’s Artarama‘s normal business hours. Jerry’s Artarama, 6010 N IH 35, Austin.
Wednesday Night Star Party at UT – Wednesday, February 17 from 7-9:00 p.m. Every Wednesday night while UT is in session, the astronomy department sponsors FREE public star parties on the top roof of Robert Lee Moore Hall. All ages are welcome, but younger children must be under adult supervision at all times. Please call 512-232-4265 for weather cancellation information. UT Campus – Robert Lee Moore Hall, Southeast corner of Dean Keeton and Speedway.
Thursday
Homeschool Day at The Bullock – Thursday, February 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a day of exploration and learning reserved specifically for homeschool families. Learn about space exploration with activities geared toward STEAM learning and receive free educator resources. Museum exhibitions and all drop-in activities are FREE for homeschool families all day. Special classes are available for a small fee. View class details here. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin.
Third Thursday at The Blanton – Thursday, February 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In addition to offering free admission, The Blanton is open late and offers a variety of activities from yoga to live music. Find the complete schedule of events here. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin.
Hola, Hola! Spanish Camp – Thursday, February 18 at 10:30 a.m. 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 and their children ages 0-5. FREE! Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr, Austin.
Art Lab for the Littles – Thursday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m. Do a playful art project geared towards the littles ages 3-6. There will be paint, glue, and other messy art supplies provided. FREE! APL –Terrazas Branch, 1105 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin.
Sensory Storytime – Thursday, February 18 at 11:15 a.m. This special 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. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.
Free Noon Concert – Thursday, February 18 at Noon. Take a 30-minute lunchtime break to hear a classical guitar concert by Nicolas Emilfork. FREE! Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E 8th St, Austin.
Lenten Concerts at Noon – Thursday, February 18 at Noon. This popular series of FREE concerts brings outstanding chamber musicians to St. David’s lofty Bethell Hall overlooking downtown Austin during the liturgical season of Lent. This week, the Austin Baroque Orchestra performs. St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin.
Literature LIVE! Presents: The Selfish Gardener – Thursday, February 18 at 3:30 p.m. What happens when a band of native plants and insects gets a new neighbor who isn’t very friendly? Will the band get the boot, or will gardener and insect learn to live together? Find out in this musical spin on the Oscar Wilde classic, The Selfish Giant. Recommended for ages 4 and up. FREE! APL – Yarborough Branch, 2200 Hancock Dr, Austin.
Free Play Gaming – Thursday, February 18 at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy free play gaming using one of the library’s new video game consoles including the PS4, WiiU, Xbox 360 and more. Smash Bros., MarioParty, FIFA, Rocket League are just a few of the games offered. Come make some new friends and enjoy collaborative and competitive gaming at your library. FREE! APL – Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S Fifth St, Austin.
Explorers Club (Cedar Park) – Thursday, February 18 at 3:30 p.m. Each Thursday, kids in grades K-5 meet to explore a set of rotating programs. This week, it’s a special puppet show. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.
Pajama Storytime – Thursday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to wear pajamas to this family evening storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Children of all ages welcome. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Celebrate Urban Birds – Thursday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. Austin Public Library and Travis Audubon’s Speakers Bureau invite you to celebrate the amazing birds you see everyday. FREE! APL -Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – Thursday, February 18 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Singer-Songwriter Chase Gassaway. FREE! Central Market North, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – Thursday, February 18 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Jazz by Yaniel Matos Trio. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Friday
Just Between Friends Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sale (Pflugerville) – Friday, February 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Just Between Friends hosts their events in clean, well-organized venues where shoppers can find all they need for their family at substantial savings. Merchandise is inspected to insure only high quality items will be sold. You can find clothing, toys, baby equipment, strollers, high chairs, cribs, joggers, nursery gear, sporting goods, maternity wear, baby carriers, play yards, play sets, coats, shoes at great savings, usually far below retail prices—often 50-90% off. $3.00 admission, or FREE with this coupon. Hawaiian Falls Event Center, 18500 N SH 130 SVRD SB, Pflugerville.
Music with Mr. Will – Friday, February 19 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.
Carrie Rodriguez In-Store Performance – Friday, February 19 at 5:00 p.m. Celebrate the release of Lola, the brand new bilingual album by Carrie Rodriguez and the Sacred Hearts. FREE! Waterloo Records, 600A N Lamar, Austin.
This Little Light of Mine: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hammer – Friday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. Screening with discussion and Q&A led by Dana Pedersen in collaboration with the Carver Library. Light refreshments will be served. FREE! George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – Friday, February 19 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Big Band Jazz by Rhythm Congress. FREE! Central Market North, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – Friday, February 19 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Western Swing by Lady Be Good. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Check out the Free Fun Calendar for even more ways to fill your week with fun.
The post What’s Up? Weekly (February 15-19, 2016) appeared first on Free Fun in Austin.