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 18
Steven Raichlen and Aaron Franklin
A veritable God of grilling—he wrote The Barbecue Bible, after all—Steven Raichlen is joined in conversation by Aaron Franklin to discuss his new book, Project Fire, a celebration of contemporary cooking over a flame. Fri at 7pm
Kendrick Lamar
The first rapper to win the Pulitzer Prize is joined by SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, SiR, Lance Skiiwalker and more from the Top Dawg Entertainment label on this North American tour that stops at the Austin360 Amphitheater at Circuit of The Americas. Fri at 7:30pm
SPiN grand opening
Austin's very first ping pong social club is opening this weekend, a 9,000-square-foot space that features 14 Olympic style ping pong tables, a full-service bar and restaurant, a patio and local artwork. Be sure to RSVP here if you want to come to the opening party tonight. Fri at 9pm
Sat 19
The Color Run
Wear a white shirt in this untimed race and see what you look like at the finish line—runners are doused in different colors at each kilometer. The fun continues after you cool down with a party complete with music, dancing and—of course—more color. Sat at 9am
Bird Bird Biscuit Pop-Up
Before this new biscuit sandwich joint opens on Manor, it’s hosting a pop-up down the street at Thunderbird Coffee and slinging Dough Doughs to accompany that latte. Think doughnut holes but made with biscuits, and tossed in the requisite cinnamon and sugar. Available until they sell out. Sat at 9am
WEST
Back for a second weekend, WEST returns as a city-wide (well, at least on the west side), self-guided art crawl. Galleries, studios and private homes are open to the public on both Saturday and Sunday for pure art appreciation. It's truly one of the best ways to see Austin's artistic talent come alive in one weekend. Sat & Sun at 11am
Renegade Craft Fair
Austin’s largest craft fair returns for another weekend of exceptional local makers selling jewelry, apparel, ceramics, prints and more. Stock up on birthday presents, Father’s Day presents and just-because presents. Sat & Sun at 11am
Festival of Good
About a dozen Austin vendors selling handmade leather goods, ice cream and more are on deck for this second-annual festival that blends model home tours—this is a mixed-use community after all—and yard games, live music and dog adoptions. Sat at 11am
Dirtybird BBQ
Dirtybird BBQ started as a picnic in San Francisco but has since evolved into a full-on festival featuring music, BBQ and plenty of partying—and it's coming to Austin on Saturday for the very first time. DJs Justin Martin, Will Clarke, Ardalan, Worthy and more will be spinning beats; an additional $20 fee will also get you a full plate of delicious BBQ. If you're a true fan of house music—and a BBQ fan at that—this is one solid way to spend a Saturday. Sat at noon
Sun 20
Austin Chicken Wing Festival
The second annual Austin Chicken Wing Festival is offering wings from more than 15 local restaurants and chefs, all of whom are competing for the titles of “Best Chicken Wings” and “Best Chicken Wing Inspired Dish”. Choose between a Little Wing ticket (unlimited wings) or a Hot Wing ticket (one hour of early entry, unlimited wings and access to the VIP section) and get ready to chow down. Sun at 1pm
Cochon555
Cochon555 is back! This year, five Austin chefs will have one week to prepare six dishes using every bit of a whole 200-pound heritage breed pig for this national nose-to-tail cooking tour that crowns a prince or princess of Porc (that's pork en français). The 2018 chefs include Abril Galindo Lopez and James Flowers (TRIO), Ben Runkle and Louis Ciola (Salt & Time), Fiore Tedesco (L’Oca d’Oro), Gabriel Erales (Dai Due Taqueria) and Nathan Lemley and Sarah Heard (Foreign & Domestic). Don't worry if you're not feeling pig feet—a salami snack bar, pop-up bakery and beef tartare tasting are among the alternative options. Two beverage competitions will be taking place as well, pairing punches and wine that pair best with the event's dishes. Sun at 5pm