Looking for something fun to do with the family this month? You’ve come to the right place. May is a wonderful time to discover everything there is to see and do in Austin. From outdoor festivals to special evening affairs to weekend long conferences, there’s a little something for everyone. Here are some of the best activities to help you plan your calendar.
Latino Music Month: Celelebrate the wonderful and rich traditions of Latino music in Austin with a month-long festival featuring performances on the Plaza at Austin City Hall as well as other special events. Various venues around Austin, visit www.austinlatinomusic.com for more information about specific artists and venues.
Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival: One of my favorite annual Austin events, the Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival draws more than 300,000 people thanks to its high-quality vendors that sell paintings, sculptures, woodwork, candles, jewelry, cowboy hats, games and more. Seriously, you can find almost everything here. You can also find almost every kind of food, from a bloomin’ onion to funnel cake to fried alligator. Bring the family and wander the streets for hours. It’s one of spring’s rites of passage in Austin. Held on East Sixth Street; (512) 485-3190
Pachanga Music Festival: Expect to find the greatest Latino artists from all genres, including mariachi, Tejano, rock and pop -- at this fun family friendly festival. Plan to spend some time enjoying the music and get ready to bust a move yourself. The wonderful acts ensure that you’ll be moving and grooving. Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.; www.pachangafest.com
The Missy Project Golf Tournament and Auction: This annual event held in early May is hosted by Great Hills Country Club and includes a silent auction, reception, live auction, awards, golf tournament, dinner and more. The event benefits the Brain and Spine Center in the treatment of Brain Aneurysm Disease (B.A.D.) in children. Call (512) 257-9680 for more information.
Wonder Ball: Typically held in early May and hosted by the Parmer Events Center, this wonderful event gives dads and grandfathers the chance to spend a magical evening with the young ladies who have captured their hearts. Expect to find a grand tiara crowning ceremony, face painting, live entertainment, a royal court, fairy miniature horses, dancing, ice cream, arts and crafts, a balloon lagoon and much more. Proceeds benefit Wonders & Worries, a local nonprofit that helps children cope when a parent is diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening illness. Admission is $100 for a dad and up to three daughters and includes dinner, a souvenir photo, a tiara, parking and a magic wand for the girls. Raffle tickets are $5 each and sold only at the event. (512) 329-5757; www.wondersandworries.org
The Writers' League of Texas 2012 Agents Conference: This annual conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Austin Downtown on the Lake in Austin, is wonderful place for aspiring writers to meet editors and agents and learn about what they’re looking for. Expect insight from everyone from newly minted agents to widely known and respected editors and publishing houses. If you’re looking for a networking opportunity, this is it. Cost is $369 for members, $429 for non-members. This weekend event will include panels, lectures, breakout sessions and more.
Free Sunday Concerts by the Austin Symphony: Every year the Austin Symphony’s members present a summer of free Sunday evening ensemble concerts. Held from late May through late August at the Long Center Terrace in Hartman Park, it’s a perfect place for families to enjoy a nice night. Concertgoers often bring picnic fare. (512) 476-6064