It's the weekend! You've worked hard to get to this point, so you deserve to play hard, too. We've curated our favorite events happening around Austin for the next few days, from pop-ups to festivals to grand openings—all you have to do is round up your crew. Have a great weekend, y'all!
Fri 3
Wurstfest
Known as the “10 Day Salute to Sausage,” the lengthy family-friendly event just south of Austin proper kicks off today, and features dozens of polka bands, tons of authentic German food and biers, carnival rides and contests. Check out the full schedule here. Fri at 4pm; Sat, Sun at 11am
Lizzo
Looking for some live music on Friday? Check out Lizzo, who's been making some serious waves lately. The Texas-born and Minneapolis-based rapper brings her special brand of hip-hop to Emo's. Fri at 8pm
Sat 4
Texas Book Festival
Jeffrey Eugenides, Mark Bittman, and Jenna Bush Hegar and Barbara Bush Pierce are among the authors, illustrators and chefs taking over the Capitol grounds for this year's annual literary fest. Founded in 1995 by Jenna and Barbara's mom—you might know her better as former First Lady Laura Bush?—the festival is now one of the largest in the country with more than 20 venues, 80 exhibitors, live music, local food and family activities. Sat at 10am, Sun at 11am
Mariachi USA Festival
What could put you in a better mood than a mariachi festival? The country's top mariachi bands will descend on Austin this weekend for this year's showcase featuring traditional folkloric dances and a sing-along fireworks finale. Sat at 6pm
Taste America Austin
Austin is one of ten stops on the James Beard Foundation's foodie tour that celebrates some of the city's best culinary talent. Friday's A Night of Culinary Stars includes a one-night-only benefit dinner prepared by Ludo Lefevbre (Trois Familia, Petit Trois, Trois Mec and Ludo Bird in Los Angeles) along with Tyson Cole (Uchi) and pastry chef Laura Sawicki (Launderette)—truly an evening that won't be replicated in Austin any time soon. Tickets are pricey but the frugal set can still have fun: the tour includes free chef appearances, cooking demonstrations, book signings and artisanal tastings at Sur La Table on Saturday. Fri at 6:30pm
Jim Gaffigan
There are plenty of accolades attached to Jim Gaffigan: Grammy nominated comedian, multi-platinum-selling star, New York Times best-selling author. But going into his show at ACL Live, all you have to know is that he’s pretty damn hilarious. Gaffigan has starred in a number of TV shows (Portlandia, Bored to Death, Law & Order), and we can’t wait to see him bring his trademark TK humor to the Moody Theater. Nov 4 at 7pm
Sun 5
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
More than 30 barbecue joints from around the state are setting up shop on the Long Center lawn for an afternoon of grazing brisket, ribs and sausage. Don't forget to tip your pitmaster. Sun at 1pm