The Weekenders, April 11-13 Events for Austin Families

Schoolhouse Rock Sing-A-Long- This monthly evening of songs, prizes and happy-hour specials brings back the old Saturday-morning edu-commercials (remember “Conjunction Junction,” “Interplanet Janet,” “My Hero, Zero”?) for children of the Seventies and Eighties who want to do something nice for the children of today: Proceeds benefit College Forward, which provides educational counseling to low-income high school students. This is the last chance to rock with us this school year, so don’t miss out! All ages welcome, Mother Egan’s Irish Pub, Friday, April 11, 6-8pm. 452-4800. FREE. www.collegeforward.org

Child Safety Training- This event is endorsed by AMBER Alert.com and will include: Simple Break Way Self-Defense Moves, How to Recognize Possible Stranger Dangers, Methods to Deal with Bullies and Child Abduction Safety Tips. We will also have available: Child ID Cards, Fingerprinting Kits, Kidz N Power DVD Series, Refreshments, Balloons and Prizes!Friday, 6:30pm, ATA Martial Arts, 13900 IH-35. FREE! Call 294-3385 or visit www.ataonline.com.

Bengali New Year 1415- An open-air cultural celebration with songs, dances, authentic Bangladeshi food, kids activities including henna and face painting. FREE! Saturday, 10:00am-7:00pm, Richard Moya Park, 183 and Burleson area. Brought to you by BAGA.

It’s My Park Day- An annual community service day focused on improvements to Austin’s park system. Individuals and community groups lead projects ranging from simple cleaning and repair to trail building and playground installation. Kids are welcome to join in the cleanup and makes a great opportunity for them to learn to give back to the community that we live in! Saturday, times vary, citywide. Check website for locations near you and jobs needing to be done. Austin Parks

Healthy Kids Day- Fun and engaging activities to encourage children and their families to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle . Events include fitness testing, obstacle courses, sports skills challenges, bike safety, face painting, arts & crafts, food and refreshments. FREE! Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm. YMCA

Lowes Build and Grow Workshop- Kids will build an ant farm. FREE! Saturday, all locations, 10:00am-11:00am. www.lowesbuildandgrow.com

The Flying Balalaika Brothers- The Russian trio Flying Balalaika Brothers represents Russian folk, crossover to bluegrass and many other international acoustic styles. Originally formed in Los Angeles as a street band, Flying Balalaika Brothers is sure to provide fun & antics as 3 sizes of Balalaikas perform in a style that can only be described as what happens when Russian Caviar meets Texas Barbecue!” Saturday, noon. One World Theatre

The Wonder Ball- The Ball will be a magical evening for girls and their father, grandfather or father figure to enjoy an evening of dancing and fun in a magical enchanted forest setting. Come meet the Wonder Ball Fairy Godmother and the Wonder Ball King and try on Cinderella’s glass slipper! Not only will you have the chance to learn to dance from the Royal Ballroom Dancers, you will also be entertained and amused by court jesters, fairies and members of the royal court. It will be a night that both daddies and daughters will never forget! Saturday, 6:30pm-8:30pm, $100. Palmer Events Center.Wonders & Worries

Art City Austin- Reflecting the city’s vibrant energy, the city’s largest and longest running outdoor art fair offers not only rousing art for many budgets, but complimentary art experiences for all who enter. Discover a temporary art utopia where curious and delightful discoveries await around each corner. Art City Austin is ranked the top art fair in Texas and 20th in the nation. Admission is $8 for adults-under 12 are free. Welcome to art city! Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm. Sunday, 11:00am-6:00pm. Admission $8.00 adults, kids 12 and under free. Art Alliance Austin

Artisan Stroll- The Artisan Stroll is a FREE, family-friendly event in historic downtown Round Rock. Talented artists, musicians and performers in Historic Downtown Round Rock each month, displaying their wares and entertaining strollers. Sunday, 11:00am-5:00pm.

Schlotzsky’s 5k Bun Run- Get ready to run your buns off for the 26th Annual Schlotzsky’s Bun Run 5k on Sunday, April 13, beginning at 7:45 am at South First Street near Auditorium Shores. The Bun Run includes timed, untimed, wheelchair, and canine races, and don’t forget about the Lil’ Bun Run 1k at 1 pm on Saturday, April 12 during the Race Expo, which lasts from 9 am – 6 pm at Auditorium Shores. Need more reasons to sign up for the Bun Run? This year’s course is brand-spankin’ new, the long-sleeve t-shirt features the winning look from the first-ever t-shirt design contest, and and all proceeds benefit Austin Sunshine Camps, YMBL’s program for at-risk and disadvantaged youths!

Just For Mom:

A couple of times a year, I like to rent a canoe by the hour and have some fun on the lake. I’ve never done this without my son, but if you are aching for some alone time with your significant other, this would be a good choice for this weekend. Why? Well, the weather is going to be in the high seventies to low eighties and we all know that it won’t last for long. So get your butt out of the house, with or without your kids and plant it firmly in a kayak or canoe. Make sure you wear sunscreen and a shirt that prevents you from getting one of those awful farmer tans! Here’s a great website with locations and information for rentals.


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