Local Events – March 2016

Written By Christy Merritt

Here are some upcoming spring events in Austin, Texas to enjoy with your family and friends in March 2016:

Texas Independence Day Parade & 5K – March 5

Texas Independence Day Parade & 5K in Austin celebrates all things about the great state of Texas and its independence. In addition to the 5k run up Congress Avenue and a lively parade, the family-friendly event features a Capitol Celebration in the Capitol Rotunda, a ceremony at the Joseph and Susanna Dickinson Hannig Museum and festive displays of Texas pride. The 5K begins at 8:00 a.m. and the Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5^th. celebratetexas.net

Explore UT Event – March 5

The University of Texas at Austin will hold their annual “Open Door” event for the public on Saturday, March 5^th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This free event offers a full program of activities and attractions including special exhibits, talks in a diverse range of subjects, a campus scavenger hunt, various tours and hands-on research activities and demonstrations. Bonus – providing your kids with a glimpse what it is like to be on a college campus. exploreut.utexas.edu

Zilker Kite Festival – March 6

Go fly a kite at the annual Kite Festival on Sunday, March 6^th, at Zilker Park in beautiful downtown Austin. The event is free and features kite-flying contests and a make-your-own kite workshop. If your kids get tired of watching the kites in the sky they can participate in all sorts of activities on the ground such as rock wall climbing, bungee jumping and face painting. There will also be food booths from local vendors. abckitefestival.org

South by Southwest – March 11-20

South by Southwest, or SXSW, was created in 1987 to spotlight Austin’s eclectic music scene and bring international interest to the city. SXSW since has exploded, growing in size and scope every year and becoming an annual must-attend event for creative leaders worldwide. What originally started primarily as a showcase for music, the festival now also incudes film and interactive portions as well. There is never a dull moment during SXSW – in addition to all the educational and networking events, there are tons of parties, concerts, comedy showcases, amazing food options, gaming events and so, so much more. This year both President Barak Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be giving keynote speeches. Austin will be definitely be bustling during these ten days in March. sxsw.com

Rodeo Austin – March 12-26

Rodeo Austin has been preserving western heritage in the Austin area since 1938. What began as a stock show with 16 animals, has since grown into one of Austin’s premier events, featuring a top 10 Pro Rodeo, daily concerts, a world-class livestock show, mutton bustin’, bull riding, and more. There is also a fair with a petting zoo for little ones, carnival rides and games, fair food favorites, a Wild West Show and shopping. rodeoaustin.com