What’s Up Weekly: May 5- 9, 2014

Monday

Baby Bloomers – Monday, May 5 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Do you see what I see? Open your eyes wide to see things near and far, big and little. Children age 0-3 and their families will explore the sense of sight. Mr. Louis, a music educator from the Armstrong Community Music School, will lead a fun sing-a-long. Cost: Members $2.50 each / Non-Members $4.50 each. All people attending, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket. Purchase a ticket online as limited walk-up tickets will be available. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.

Mr. Will’s Music Class for Kids – Monday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Will sings classic and original songs just for kids. Check him out upstairs in the Buzz. FREE! Whole Foods Bee Cave, 12601 Hill Country Blvd, Austin.

Signing Storytime and Snack (Round Rock) – Monday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. Join the Baby Signing Time revolution. This class is geared for children 0-5 years and their parents. Amy from the Signing Connection will lead this storytime that incorporates classic children’s books to help you learn basic American Sign Language signs. RSVP appreciated (but not required) by calling 512-388-5048. FREE! Kaleidoscope Toys, 110 N IH 35, Ste 375, Round Rock.

Zumbini Story Time – Monday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. For kids age 0-3 years. Develop your child’s pre-literacy skills in this 30 minute magical musical event. In this story time, participants will explore an age-appropriate book and then sing, dance, and play to build a foundation for a life-long love of the arts. Kiddos and their caregivers will enjoy this bonding and socializing time in a safe atmosphere. FREE but pre-registration is required. The Rhythm Studio, 12129 Ranch Rd 620 North, Ste 310, Austin.

Making Literacy Accessible: StorySign Storytime – Monday, May 5 at 10:15 a.m. Enjoy a storytime featuring an American Sign Language storyteller, signed and vocal songs and fingerplays, and a craft activity. FREE! APL – Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S Fifth St, Austin.

Free Comic Book Day at the Library – Monday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. Comics will be available after 3pm while supplies last at your neighborhood branch of the Austin Public Library. FREE! APL – All branches.

Lions & Tigers & Toys Storytime – Monday, May 5 at 4:00 p.m. Storytime and games every Monday. All ages welcome. FREE! Lions & Tigers & Toys, 4301 W Wm Cannon Dr, E-220, Austin.

Family Craft Night – Monday, May 5 from 6-8:00 p.m. Gather the family and join the Ruiz Library for Mother’s Day Crafts. From the novice to the proficient, FCN will provide crafts and supplies for every member of the family. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.

Free Karate Class (Del Valle) – Monday, May 5. Ages 3-12 years from 6-7:00 p.m.; Ages 12 to adult from 7-8:00 p.m. FREE Karate class with Instructor Frank Selvera, a sixth-degree black belt. Elroy Library, 13512 FM 812, Del Valle.

Game Night at Cafe Ruckus – Monday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. Sorry, Connect 4, Battleship, Fluxx, Ruckus – The Game, and more. Meet a lot of cool people, enjoy a tasty beverage, and play, Play, PLAY. Everyone who wins a board game gets a prize from Toy Joy. Family friendly – all ages welcome! FREE to play. Cafe Ruckus, 409 W 2nd St, Austin.

Tuesday

Storytime and Crafts – Tuesday, May 6 at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a new story each week, followed by crafts related to the story. Juice and snacks will be provided for guests ages 2-5yrs old. Parental supervision is requested. FREE! Whole Foods Domain, Mezzanine, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin 78758

Free Admission to Laguna Gloria – Tuesday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th St, Austin.

French Legation Museum Children’s Storytime – Tuesday, May 6 at 10:00 a.m. Join in an exciting 30 minutes of reading and play on the museum grounds. Feel free to bring snacks, blankets, and your imagination. FREE! French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St, Austin.

Mother’s Day Celebration Puppet Show – Tuesday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m. None of us would be here without our moms. They give us life and love, and they totally deserve a day that’s all about them. So in preparation for Mother’s Day, our famous Practically Perfect BookPeople Puppeteers will be performing a fun and silly puppet show to celebrate all of our magnificent mothers. Arrive early to reserve a good seat. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.

Music with Mr. Will – Tuesday, May 6 at 11:30 a.m. Rock out with local children’s singer, “Mr. Will” Dupuy. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, The Village at West Lake (360 and Bee Caves Rd), 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D-480.

Pocket Park Appreciation Series – Tuesday, May 6 from 3-4:30 p.m. Everyone knows the great neighborhood parks in Brushy Creek, but how much do you know about the pocket parks? Discover Little Village Park during this special story time. Event will also include a bounce castle and craft table. FREE! Little Village Park, 16802 Whitebrush Loop, Austin.

Lego Lab – Tuesday, May 6 at 4:00 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. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 and up. APL – Cepeda Branch, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.

Discovery! Mad Science – Tuesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. The Discovery hands on program explores all sorts of different topics, including science, literature, and much more, especially designed for older kids (fourth grade and up). This week, Mad Science presents Marvels of Motion–all about the fundamentals of moving science. Includes Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion and surprises like egg-tossing and a tablecloth transformation. Discover the science behind some of your favorite Olympic sports and find out why this show is such a “blast!” FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.

LEGO Mini Model Build – Tuesday, May 6 at 5:00 p.m. Learn how to build a cool LEGO Dragon model and take it home – for FREE! One per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store and offer is good while supplies last only. LEGO Store, Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin.

El Día de los Niños ~ El Día de los Libros – Tuesday, May 6 from 5-7:00 p.m. Celebrate children and literature during this special literacy program. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.

Crafty Crew – Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Join Ms. Kristi for a seasonal craft that is fun for kids of all ages. FREE! Westbank Community Library, 1309 Westbank Dr, Austin.

Wednesday

Whole Foods Kids Club – Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00 a.m. Join Tina for a great story and crafts for the kids. FREE! Whole Foods Arbor Trails, 4301 W. William Cannon, Austin.

Whole Foods Storytime – Wednesday, May 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Enjoy a story reading, an activity, and a snack! All ages are welcome and parents can participate, too. FREE! Whole Foods Mezzanine, 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.

Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga – Wednesday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga is a playful, educational, and relaxing time for babies and toddlers up to 18 months. Learn new ways to connect with your with your baby through movement, stretching and song. Complimentary juice and coffee served. FREE! Millie & Mox, 5145 North FM 620, Ste B110, Austin.

Geek the Library Photo Booth – Wednesday, May 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Austin Public Library invites the community to “geek out” at the Geek the Library photo booth. The booth is part of a community awareness campaign to highlight the vital role of public libraries. The campaign introduces the word “geek” as a verb. To geek something is to have a passion for it and to possess a large amount of knowledge about it. Whatever you geek, the library supports you. Stop by, tell the library staff what you geek, and have your photo taken. FREE! City Hall Atrium, 301 W 2nd St, Austin.

Somos Amigos Storytime – Wednesday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. Ann Benson, Founder/Director of Somos Amigos, a parent-child Spanish program, will lead a very special storytime featuring several books en español celebrating El Dia de las Madres – Mother’s Day! One of the featured books is La Llama Llama Rojo Pijama by Anna Dewdney. Ms. Benson will also weave wonderful traditional and original songs and finger plays that will help bring El Dia de las Madres to life for you and your child. There’s always a Spanish lullaby at the end. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.

Music Bats Class with Gene from the Que Pastas – Wednesday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. Based on the idea that music makes every day a little better, The Music Bats encourages young children and their caregivers to spread their wings through music and play. Through singalongs, dancing and hands-on time with instruments and props, Music Bats wants kids and their families to learn one thing in the class: music=fun. FREE! ($10 suggested donation per family.) Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood, Suite 101, Austin.

Dougherty ARTSreach Presents Mr. Pusskins – Wednesday, May 7 at 11:00 a.m. The Dougherty Arts School in cooperation with the Austin Public Library Presents a theatrical production of the children’s book Mr. Pusskins by Sam Lloyd. Join the fun as Mr. Pusskins, a cantankerous and cranky old cat, runs away from his owner to make it on his own. Little does he realize just how much he will miss his owner, Emily. FREE! APL – Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd, Austin.

Paint Me a Story (Georgetown) – Wednesday, May 7 at 11:00 a.m. Community storytelling and art lesson with Miss Melanie and Honey! Ideal for Pre-Schoolers and their caregivers. FREE! All Things Kids in Georgetown, 703 S Main St, Georgetown.

Brown Bag Lunch with Cast Members from War Horse – Wednesday, May 7 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Munch lunch with cast members from Tony-Award-winning War Horse. The Austin Public Library is offering this event in collaboration with Texas Performing Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. Bring your own lunch. FREE! Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe St.

Yoga in the Park – Wednesday, May 7 at Noon. Yoga Yoga is proud to offer an all level Hatha Yoga class to participants at Yoga in the Park. Please bring your own yoga mat to class. FREE! Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe, Austin.

Crazy by Design: Understanding the Tween and Teen Brain – Wednesday, May 7 at Noon. Did you know that teens are sculpting a brand new brain during adolescence? Did you know that adolescents and adults use their brains to solve problems in very different ways? So it shouldn’t be surprising that parents and teens often don’t see eye to eye on important issues. This is a basic introduction to parenting strategies for tweens and teens without all the drama. FREE! Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr, Austin.

Downton Abbey Tea Time – Wednesday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. Gather to watch an episode from season four, drink a cup of tea, and enjoy some good company. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.

Lego Lab – Monday, May 7 at 3:00 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. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 and up. APL – Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin.

Reading Dog – Wednesday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. Handler Holly with Dog Chula will be at Laura’s Library to read with kiddoes or visit with them. Pre-readers and readers are welcome. No registration is required. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.

Community Night – Wednesday, May 7 from 5-8:00 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 dollar donation. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
AdvertisementKrispy Kreme Family Night – Wednesday, May 7 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.

Wine Down Wednesday – Wednesday, May 7 from 6-8:00 p.m. Event stations will be set up in four designated locations throughout the shopping center, each serving a different wine selection paired with small bites and live music from local Austin artists. Guests are encouraged to sign in and pick up an event guide at the registration table near Amy’s Ice Cream. FREE! The Arboretum,10000 Research Blvd, Austin.

Family Movie Night: Napoleon Dynamite – Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. A listless and alienated teenager decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home. Rated PG. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.

Strike Out Hunger with the Round Rock Express (Round Rock) – Wednesday, May 7 at 7:05 p.m. Help Strike Out Hunger with the Capital Area Food Bank by bringing two H-E-B branded canned goods in exchange for a FREE lawn ticket to watch the Express take on the Omaha Storm Chasers. Dell Diamond, 3400 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.

Thursday

Free Admission to The Blanton – Thursday, May 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Junior Blvd, Austin.

Little Yoga – Thursday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. This 30-minute class allows children 3 to 6 years old to experience exercise in a mellow environment. Children and their adults will practice breathing and age appropriate stretching. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.

Story Time with Princess CJ – Thursday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m. Storytime plus general play time before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.

Free Noon Concert – Thursday, May 8 at Noon. Take a 30-minute lunchtime break to hear Felicity Coltman perform Chamber Music. FREE! Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E 8th St, Austin.

Yoga in the Park – Thursday, May 8 at Noon. CorePower Yoga strengthens, balances, detoxifies, and exhilarates the body and mind. CorePower Yoga classes will have you moving, breathing, and sweating. No matter your age, strength, or flexibility level, CorePower Yoga meets you where you are. Please bring your own yoga mat to class. FREE! Wooldridge Park, 900 Guadalupe St, Austin.

Explorers Club: Super Science (Cedar Park) – Thursday, May 8 at 3:30 p.m. Each Thursday, kids in grades K-5 meet to explore a set of rotating programs. This week it’s Super Science. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.

Story Crafternoon: Mother’s Day Cards (Pflugerville) – Thursday, May 8 at 3:30 p.m. Children listen to a story and make and take a craft. For children in grades K-5. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pflugerville St, Pflugerville.

Anime Club – Thursday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. Kids ages 12 and up gather to watch and discuss anime films. This month: xxxHolic (Rated TVPG) FREE! APL – Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St, Austin.

Yappy Hour on the Patio – Thursday, May 8 from 5-7:00 p.m. Enjoy live music on the dog-friendly patio. FREE! Whole Foods Domain, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin.

Music on Main Street: Milk Drive – (Round Rock) – Thursday, May 8 from 6-8:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and the entire family to hear some bluegrass from Milk Drive. Visit the variety of dining options on Main Street or pack a picnic basket to enjoy the evening of fun and music. FREE! Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock.

Live Music at Central Market North – Thursday, May 8 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Giulia Millanta blends her native Italian music with Americana sensibilities. Free! Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin.

Free Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It – Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m. In celebration of its 30th Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park, Austin Shakespeare will bring new actors and company alumni together in a RenFaire-style production of As You Like It. Audience in costume welcomed. FREE! Zilker Hillside Theater,‎ 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.

Unplugged at the Grove – Thursday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m. This year marks the 21st Anniversary of KGSR’s Unplugged at the Grove. Bring the family down to hear singer-songwriter Charlie Mars. FREE! Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.

Friday

Mother Earth Day Festival at the Springs – Friday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This Festival is designed for environmental awareness and fun, especially relating to Barton Springs and Barton Creek, with a special emphasis on water conservation. Every activity is made to ensure that kids and families have a great time and an interactive learning experience. Live music by Sara Hickman, Bill Oliver and the Otter Space Band, and the Ortega Superstar Choir. FREE! Barton Springs,‎ 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.

Yoga Story Time – Friday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m. Join us for a Story Time Yoga adventure every Friday at 9:30! We will stretch, read and breathe. All ages are welcome. FREE! The Little Yoga House, 1211 Parkway, Austin.

Interactive Story Time (Round Rock) – Friday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m. (0-18 months) and 10:30 a.m. (19 months – 4 years). Interactive story time gets little ones moving. From hopping around to one story to using scarves to animate another, everyone has a great time. FREE! BabyEarth, 106 E Old Settlers Blvd, Ste D100, Round Rock.

Dos Mundos Montessori Playdate – Friday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. Dos Mundos Montessori is hosting a playdate for children 18 months – 6 years. Expect an authentic Montessori and Dual Language experience from two co-leads: Isis Martinez and Robin Schulle. FREE but pre-registration is required. Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood, Suite 101, Austin.

Fun Fridays: Staci Gray – Friday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. Sing! Dance! Play! Fun Fridays is a fun musical and entertainment hour featuring Austin musician Staci Gray. Complimentary refreshments will be served. FREE! Millie & Mox, 5145 North FM 620, Ste B110, Austin.

Spanish Book Reading at Preescolarte – Friday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m. Join Ms. Susy and Ms. Aileen for Spanish books, Spanish songs, and some fun art. FREE! Preescolarte, 8305 W Hwy 71, Ste 100, Austin.

Reading Dog – Friday, May 9 at 3:30 p.m. Handler Neel and Dog Joey will read with kiddos or visit with them. Pre-readers and readers are welcome. FREE! Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr, Austin.

Live Music at Central Market North – Friday, May 9 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Vocalist Danielle Reich performs Italian folk songs. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.

Willie Velasquez Day – Friday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. The Boy Made of Lightning: Willie Velasquez, American Hero is a children’s story of how one boy changed the world because he listened to his calling. Author Bárbara Renaud González will give a presentation on the book and on voting rights pioneer Willie Velasquez. FREE! ESB-MACC, 600 River St, Austin.

Shakespeare at the Market: Much Ado About Nothing – Friday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. Promoting the philosophy of “accessible & sustainable art,” Shakespeare at the Market is a FREE event, with an educational and entertaining pre-show (“The Shakespeare Field Guide”) before the performance. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring a blanket or short chair, and stop by the prepared foods department to pick up a picnic tailored for this event. A suggested donation of $10-20 is encouraged for those who are able to support. Guests are encouraged to RSVP here. Whole Foods, 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.

Movies in the Park: Hook (Leander) – Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. Often described as a combination of state-of-the-art technology and the nostalgia of the 1950s drive-in, the Movies in the Park series provides families the opportunity to spend time together under the stars while enjoying first run movies. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. FREE! Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S Bagdad Rd, Leander.

Free Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It – Friday, May 9 at 8:00 p.m. In celebration of its 30th Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park, Austin Shakespeare will bring new actors and company alumni together in a RenFaire-style production of As You Like It. Audience in costume welcomed. FREE! Zilker Hillside Theater,‎ 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.

Movies in the Park: Frozen (Cedar Park) – Friday, May 9 at 8:15 p.m. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic dinner. FREE! Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd, Cedar Park.


 

 

In her life before kids, Emily held jobs as a zookeeper, a middle school teacher, and a tour bus driver in the wilds of Montana–not one of which prepared her for the adventures of motherhood. Now she’s living the good life in Austin with her husband, two sons and a Great Dane. When she’s not off gallivanting with her boys, you might find Emily baking up a mean batch of cupcakes, recalling obscure 80s song lyrics, or dreaming of peace and quiet.

 

 

Catherine Prystup
About Catherine Prystup 2157 Articles
Catherine Prystup founded LiveMom.com out of a desire to build a better community for Austin-area moms. She has three children, ages seventeen, eight and three years old.