Can't Afford a SXSW Wristband

It's been a very cool and rainy February here in Austin.  At least we haven't had the snow lots of the country has had.  The good news is that lake levels are on the rise which is a great sign for the summer!  Now things are starting to warm up and the sun has been shining.  March is around the corner and there are tons of things to do in Austin!  It's almost as if they know we've been cooped up all winter and need a bunch of fun things to do to renew ourselves!


For those of you who've lived in Austin more than a few months (or even if you don't live in Austin), you know that March is the month for Austin's largest and most anticipated festival - South by Southwest (SXSX).  Originally a music festival putting indie bands and recording industry reps into contact, the festival now includes a large and impressive film festival, as well as a video gaming/design component.


SXSW tends to overshadow the other events taking place in March, but there's plenty of other things going on as Spring comes to Austin for those who can't afford the wristband this year.


March 2 -- Texas Independence Day Celebration

March 3 -- FREE Outdoor Yoga at Republic Square Park (I hope this is still going on. At the time I wrote this I can't find an updated website)


March 4 -- First Thursday


March 5 -- FREE Cowboy Breakfast (This is one of those events I always want to attend, but forget about until I hear about it on the local morning news, and by then it's too late!)


March 5 -- Austin Executive Women's Golf Association 2010 Kick-Off Wild West Casino Night


March 6 -- It's My Park! Day


March 6 -- Explore UT


March 6 -- Sunshine Gardens Plant Sale


March 6 - 8 -- Texas Independence Day Celebration


March 7 -- Zilker Kite Festival


March 7 -- Lunafest -- short films by, for, about women


March 8 -- International Women's Day Celebration (Women's Global Network: Austin)


March 10 -- FREE Outdoor Yoga at Republic Square Park


March 12 - 21 -- South by Southwest (SXSW)


March 12 - 27 -- Rodeo Austin


March 13 - 14 -- Artists and Artisans Festival - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center


March 14 -- Daylight Savings Time Begins (Set clocks forward 1 hour)


March 15 - April 30 -- Wildflower Days


March 17 -- St. Patrick's Day Festival


March 17 -- FREE Outdoor Yoga at Republic Square Park


March 20 -- SPRING Begins!!!


March 20 -- Austin Music Awards


March 24 -- FREE Outdoor Yoga at Republic Square Park


March 27 -- Earth Hour (Not an offical event here best as I can tell but it's an easy thing to do and interesting experience -- especially if you have kids!)


March 27 - 28 -- Zilker Garden Festival


March 31 -- FREE Outdoor Yoga at Republic Square Park


If you can't find something on the list that interests you, call me and hopefully the weather wll let us play golf!

Need a Valentines Idea in Austin, TX?

Looking for someplace to take that special person for dinner on Valentines Day?  Here are some restaurant ideas!  (With thanks ot Tiffany Stillwell at Patten Title)

1. Opal Divines: 700 W. 6th -- 512.477.3308 -- Beer Dinner:  $65/couple includes 2 salads, 2 Filet steaks, & shrimp plates wtih sides, Grand Marnier Strawberries Romanoff Dessert & 6 beers!
2. Broken Spoke: 3201 S. Lamar -- 512.442.6189 -- Affordable feast of grilled  or chicken-fried steaks, $8 cover Dale Watson & an evening of two-stepping!
3. Manuels:  310 Congress -- 512.472.7555 -- Enjoy upscale Mexican food & everyone receives a complimentary glass of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.
4. Reed's Jazz & Supper Club:  9901 Capital of TX Hwy N. -- 512.342.7977 -- A jazz lover's dream date.  At $65/person you receive a fine dinner & get to enjoy the entertainment of Lucky Strikes, a fabulous swing jazz band.
5. Judge's Hill Restaurant:  1900  Rio Grande -- 512.495.1857 -- Enjoy a fabulous 4-course prix-fixe menu in one of Austin's most romantic settings for $49.50/person
6. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood:  401 Congress Ave. -- 512.236-9600 -- They'll be offering their regular menu, but are giving people the opportunity to pre-order roses for the table.  A single rose with a vase is $15.
7. Mizu Prime Steaks & Sushi:  3001 RR 620 S. -- 512.263.2801 -- for $100/couple, you get a 3-course prix-fixe menu with complimentary aperitif for ladies; for $30/couple you also receive a full wine pairing.
8. Max's Wine Dive:  207 San Jacinto Blvd. -- 512.904.0111 -- For $99 you receive the James Bond Valentine Special which includes a bottle of Bollinger Rose Champagen, 2 bottles of wime & chocolate-covered strawberries.
9. Hudson's on the Bend:  3509 RR 620 N. -- 512.266-1369 -- Enjoy an extravagant 6-course dinner for $200/couple.