Austin-Area Weekend Guide For Oct. 5-7, 2018

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Plenty of fun things to do this weekend in the Austin area, folks. So without further ado, here are some events you might consider.

FRIDAY, OCT. 5

Austin City Limits Festival (Oct. 5-7, Oct. 12-14)

Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.

One of the biggest musical events staged in Austin, ACL Fest kicks off on Friday at Zilker Park and runs through Oct. 14. Artists performing at the festival are too numerous to mention here but headliners include Paul McCartney (who used to be in a band called the Beatles) and Odesza on Friday; Metallica and Justice on Saturday; and Travis Scott, Arctic Monkeys on Sunday. There's something for everyone at this massive festival. Cost: Three-day passes $255; one-day general admission tickets $100; one-day VIP tickets $450; and three-day VIP tickets $1,100.

Born This Way Baby: Lady Gaga Drag Show

Barrel O' Fun

1911 Aldrich St., Suite 120

Here's what organizers wrote on Facebook: "Mother Monster is back in 'A Star is Born,' and we couldn't be more ready to Just Dance. Join us for this special Drag Show in honor of the one and only Lady Gaga! With performances by Louisianna Purchase, Zane Zena, Noodles, Hentaii, Tatiana Chalula and more! Brave the paparazzi and join us for the free event!" Cost: Free.

Chalk Walk Arts Festival (through Saturday, Oct. 6)

Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad St., Round Rock

"The Chalk Walk Arts Festival is Round Rock’s largest festival for the arts drawing tens of thousands of people to downtown Round Rock over the course of two days," organizers wrote on the event website page. "The highlight of the event are the hundreds of artists who showcase their amazing talents by creating beautiful sidewalk murals. In addition to the sidewalk chalk murals, the Chalk Walk Arts Festival will showcase tons of local artists and artisans, community performers, non-profits, and businesses. PLUS, this year we will be rolling out new children’s activities in the Sprouts Kids Zone, youth performances on the School of Rock stages, and a concert on Friday AND Saturday night!" Cost: Free.

Gruene Music & Wine Festival (through Sunday, Oct. 7)

Gruene, Texas

Enjoy bucolic Gruene (just 46 miles south of Austin) as the setting for a festival featuring food, wine and country and Americana music. Fun events run through Sunday, and attendees can tailor their festival experience depending on whether they prefer beer or wine. "The Gruene Music & Wine Fest began as a one day event in 1986 with the purpose of promoting Texas and Americana music in a fun and relaxed setting while raising funds for the United Way of Comal County," organizers write. "Over the years, it has become a four-day celebration not only of Texas and Americana music, but also a celebration of wine, craft beer, food and gift items handmade in the Lone Star state." Cost: Varies, depending on ticket.

SATURDAY, OCT. 6

Bubble Run

Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Ln,

"If you’ve done a traditional 5K, you know they can be a bit lackluster," organizers wrote on the Facebook event page. "But the BUBBLE RUN™ is like running through Willy Wonka's factory. Clad in white t-shirts, adults, kids and strollers run, walk, dance and play across 3 miles of absolute fun! At each kilometer, participants will run through the Foam Bogs where there is enough colored foam to cover you from head to toe!" The event is from 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $20 to $50.

Ditch The Fest Fest

Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River Street

Since its inception in 2010, Ditch the Fest Fest has been billed as the alternative to the Austin City Limits Festival, more commonly known as ACL. Organizers describe their option as "the playful, alternative festival." A wide array of artists is scheduled to perform, including Alesia Lani, Calliope Musicals, SMiiLE along with comedy from Pat Dean, Chris Hills, Christian Parrish and more. Music runs the gamut from EDM to Pop and Soul/R&B, Rap/Hip Hop to Rock. Cost: $10 suggested admission.

Meat Cute

Hideout Theater, 617 Congress Ave.

"She may be a zombie (or a ghost or a witch) and he may be a human, but that doesn’t mean they can’t fall in love," organizers write. The Hideout Theatre presents its latest student main stage production, Meat Cute, an improvised rom-com (with a horror twist) about star-crossed lovers from different walks of “life”.
Meat Cute is 100%-improvised, meaning each week’s show will be completely different from the next, organizers note: "Using suggestions from the audience and inspiration from source material like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Warm Bodies and Romeo & Juliet, the cast of Meat Cute will weave together a story of vampires/werewolves/demons and the humans who love them before your very eyes." Cost: $10.

SUNDAY, OCT. 7

Hops & Grain’s 7th Birthday

Hops and Grain, Calles St 507

"We'll have our friends from the The Austin Flea & Hops and Grain Party with 15+ Austin hand-made artists and PintHub on-site to share their offerings as well," organizers write on the Facebook event page. "The Food Monger - Fresh and Freestyle will be serving their tasty food including burgers, chicken tenders, buffalo wrap, and beer cheese & beer mustard made with Hops & Grain brews!Plus live music by Empty-Handed Vagabonds from 2-4pm.Pouring over 16 beers with a brand new limited bottle release! The newest variation of Volumes of Funk will be released in 375ml format and available at the tap room only, until sold out. This beer is a mixed-culture saison with raspberries & blueberries and is beyond delightful!" Cost: $20

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