Austin Weekend Guide: April 11-13

Austin's got that weird energy this weekend. Free kites at Zilker, Texas' largest 10K on Sunday, live blues at Antone's, and farmers markets all weekend. Pop into what sounds good and skip what doesn't.

🪁 ABC Kite Fest — Free at Zilker Park (Saturday Only)

The ABC Kite Fest turns Zilker Park into one of the best free events of the year on Saturday, April 11 from 10 AM to 5 PM. This is the 98th year of the festival, making it the longest-running kite festival in the country — started in 1929 by the Exchange Club of Austin. Expect around 50,000 people showing up with kites, lawn chairs, and kids.

There are kite-flying contests throughout the day (Highest Angle Kite, Most Unusual Kite), a MossFest children's concert from 10 AM to 1 PM, free bounce houses, and food vendors all over the park. Admission is completely free. Round-trip shuttles from South Austin run for $5/person if parking near Zilker isn't your thing.

🏃 Statesman Cap10K — Sunday Morning

The 49th Annual Statesman Cap10K is Sunday, April 12 with an 8 AM start. This is the largest 10K in Texas and sixth largest in the country — over 10,000 runners covering 6.2 miles through downtown Austin. The course runs from the Capitol grounds and finishes with a Finish Line Festival featuring free massages, live music, food vendors, and a kids' zone.

If you're not running but want to spectate, the course goes through some of Austin's best streets. If you are running, packet pickup is at the Palmer Events Center on Friday April 10 or Saturday April 11. Register or get more details at cap10k.com.

Saturday Morning Pick

Hit up TFM at Bell on Saturday morning from 9 AM to 1 PM at 200 South Bell Boulevard in Cedar Park. Fresh vegetables, local cheese, and actual musicians playing while you load up your basket. Head there early before heading to Zilker for the kite fest.

Brunch Worth the Wait

Skip the Insta-famous spots and head to Jacoby's between 10 AM and 2 PM. Their chorizo migas and chicken fried steak with waffles are the real deal — Texas-focused and thoughtfully made.

If you want something more low-key, Qi Austin's dim sum brunch is the move. Cilantro-shrimp and basil-chicken dumplings, local produce, no tourist markup.

Live Music This Weekend

Friday night at Antone's Nightclub, catch Eliza McLamb on her Good Story Tour with Tombstone Poetry. Doors 7 PM, show 8 PM, 18+. Antone's has been Austin's home of the blues since 1975.

Saturday night: The Jazz Room — A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans at Antone's. Same setup: 7 PM doors, 8 PM show, 18+.

For the big stage show, George Strait plays Moody Center on Saturday. Check Ticketmaster for tickets.

Sunday Chill

After the Cap10K wraps up, Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller runs 10 AM to 2 PM at Branch Park Pavilion. Good for spectators and runners alike once the race is done. Shop slow, grab a coffee, let the weekend wind down properly.

Local Hidden Gem

Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden Sunday morning 10 AM to 3:30 PM. Picnic tables, 200+ craft beers, grill running all morning. Honest backyard cookout energy — worth it after a long run or a long weekend.

💡 ATX Weekly Tip: Use the Events Near Me filter in the ATX Weekly app to find the Cap10K finish line festival, the kite fest, and live music all in one place this weekend.