This is one of the best weekends of the entire spring season in Austin. Mother’s Day Sunday falls on May 10, the 51st Annual Pecan Street Festival takes over Hill Country Galleria all weekend, Shakespeare returns to Zilker Park for free outdoor performances, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market runs all weekend, a free concert lights up Moody Amphitheater Friday night, and Lake Travis is calling. Here is everything worth doing from Thursday through Sunday.
#1 Best Thing to Do in Austin This Weekend — Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Before anything else on this list, book this first. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the single best thing to do in Austin this weekend and the most memorable outdoor experience in the entire city. Nothing else this weekend — no festival, no concert, no free event — comes close to the experience you get on Lake Travis on a May morning.
Your group boards a boat that takes everyone across Lake Travis to Zip Island. This private island is accessible only by water, near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on the north shore, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Once on the island, your group spends three hours on five world-class ziplines through the Texas Hill Country. The signature Double Barrel Shotgun sends two people side by side down over 2,800 feet of cable at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above Lake Travis. In May with the lake clear and the Hill Country fully green, the views from up there are genuinely stunning.
After the tour, your ticket includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island. Jump off the boat dock into Lake Travis. Relax in hammocks. Enjoy one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Texas before heading back to Austin for the afternoon and evening events.
The Details
- 5-Line Zipline Tour: $138/person, includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island
- Double Barrel Single-Line Tour: $88/person
- Duration: 3 hours for the full tour plus full-day lakefront access after
- Location: Near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on Lake Travis, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin
- Best For: Groups, families, couples, all experience levels
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures now before your spot is gone.
Thursday, May 7 — Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee
Kick off the weekend early Thursday evening with one of the most uniquely Austin experiences in the city. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin and Lake Austin Calm host Movies on the Lake every Thursday at 8:30 PM. A massive screen is set up right on the water and you can watch from the free deck or rent a paddleboard, donut boat, or two-person lounge float and watch from the lake itself.
Live music plays before the film starts at 8:30 PM. The concession stand serves movie-style popcorn, pretzels, candy, and specialty drinks inspired by the evening’s film. A pop-up bar from Quince Lakehouse runs throughout the evening with frozen cocktails, beer, wine, and hard seltzers.
The Details
- When: Thursday May 7, live music before 8:30 PM, film at 8:30 PM
- Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin TX 78703
- Cost: Free deck seating with RSVP, paddleboard rentals $20, two-person lounge float $30, donut boat $150
- Water Rentals: lakeaustincalm.com
Pro Tip: Water rentals sell out every week before the film starts. Book your paddleboard or donut boat at lakeaustincalm.com now. Free deck RSVPs go fast too so grab yours ahead of time.
Friday, May 8 — Encounter the Light Free Concert at Moody Amphitheater
Encounter the Light is a free night of powerful live music under the stars at Moody Amphitheater on Friday May 8 at 6:30 PM. The Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park is one of the most beautiful outdoor concert venues in Austin. A free Friday night concert under the open Texas sky is one of the best possible ways to start a May weekend in the city.
The Details
- When: Friday May 8, 6:30 PM
- Where: Moody Amphitheater, Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St, Austin TX 78701
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Music lovers, families, anyone who wants a free and beautiful Friday evening
Friday through Sunday, May 8 to 10 — Much Ado About Nothing at Zilker Hillside Theater (FREE)
Austin Shakespeare brings Much Ado About Nothing to Zilker Hillside Theatre, transporting Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy to 1950s Italy and drawing on the cinematic world of Fellini with sun-drenched piazzas, effortless style, and lively music woven throughout. Watch as sharp-tongued Beatrice and sworn bachelor Benedick spar their way through love denial while the romance around them lurches toward chaos.
This is one of the most genuinely Austin experiences available any weekend of the year. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and settle in for a night of wit and warmth under the stars at Zilker Park. It is completely free and runs through May 24.
The Details
- When: Friday May 8 through Sunday May 10 and continuing through May 24
- Where: Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin TX 78746
- Cost: Free, donations welcome
- Website: austinshakespeare.org
- Best For: Families, date nights, anyone who wants a magical free outdoor evening in Austin
Pro Tip: Arrive early to claim a good spot on the hillside. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and a bottle of wine. It is one of those Austin evenings that feels impossibly perfect.
Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9 — Precision Camera Spring Expo
Precision Camera and Video’s Spring Expo is the biggest sale and photo exposition of the season. It runs Friday May 8 from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday May 9 from 10 AM to 6 PM. The event features a business-forward keynote by photographer Vanessa Joy, two days of free classes including sessions by White House photographer David Valdez and concert photographer Christina Feddersen, tax savings on top camera brands, and 10 percent more cash for cameras brought in during the Cash for Cameras pop-up.
The Details
- When: Friday May 8, 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday May 9, 10 AM to 6 PM
- Where: Precision Camera and Video, 3810 N Lamar Blvd, Austin TX 78756
- Best For: Photography enthusiasts, anyone looking for camera gear deals and free education
Saturday, May 9 — Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Saturday is the perfect time to get out to Lake Travis before the afternoon events kick in. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the best outdoor experience in the Austin area and a May Saturday on Lake Travis with perfect spring weather is as good as it gets in Texas.
Your group boards a boat that takes everyone across Lake Travis to Zip Island. This private island is accessible only by water, near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on the north shore. It sits about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Once on the island, your group spends three hours on five world-class ziplines through the Texas Hill Country. The signature Double Barrel Shotgun sends two people side by side down over 2,800 feet of cable at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above Lake Travis.
After the tour, your ticket includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island. Everyone can jump off the boat dock into Lake Travis, relax in hammocks, and enjoy one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Texas. Be back in Austin by afternoon for the Pecan Street Festival and the Art-O-Rama.
The Details
- 5-Line Zipline Tour: $138/person, includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island
- Double Barrel Single-Line Tour: $88/person
- Duration: 3 hours for the full tour plus full-day lakefront access after
- Location: Near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on Lake Travis, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin
- Best For: Groups, families, couples, all experience levels
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures before Mother’s Day weekend slots sell out.
Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10 — 51st Annual Pecan Street Festival (FREE)
The 51st Annual Pecan Street Festival Spring 2026, presented by Thomas J. Henry, runs Saturday May 9 from 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday May 10 from 11 AM to 8 PM at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave. Admission is completely free and parking is free.
The Pecan Street Festival is one of the oldest and largest arts festivals in Central Texas. The juried festival attracts hundreds of local and national artisans offering original handcrafted creations in a variety of mediums, from metal, wood, fiber, clay, leather, glass, and stone to repurposed materials of all kinds. The festival floor spans every medium imaginable — original paintings, sculpture, handmade jewelry, home goods, and prints. Every artist is juried, meaning the quality bar is real. You will not find mass-produced imports here.
Musical acts from up-and-comers to renowned veterans perform on three stages throughout the afternoon and evening. Food vendors are located throughout the festival grounds offering everything from crepes and funnel cakes to smoothies, regional cuisine, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Kids rides and fair food make it one of the best free family events of the entire spring season.
The Details
- When: Saturday May 9, 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday May 10, 11 AM to 8 PM
- Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave TX 78738
- Cost: Free admission, free parking
- Website: pecanstreetfestival.org
- Best For: Families, art lovers, music fans, anyone who wants the best free outdoor event of the weekend
Pro Tip: Arrive when it opens at 11 AM Saturday to browse before the crowds build. The music on the main stage gets especially good in the late afternoon and the festival runs until 9 PM on Saturday, making it an excellent all-day event. The festival asks that attendees bring their own bags, recycle, and carpool to the Galleria.
Saturday, May 9 — Art-O-Rama at the Dougherty Arts Center (FREE)
The Dougherty Arts Center’s Art-O-Rama runs Saturday May 9 from 1 PM to 4 PM, paying homage to the vibrant and inclusive world of street art. From colorful murals, sculpture, and graffiti to busking musicians, magicians, and street poets, art is everywhere in Austin and this event celebrates all of it. Activities include contributing to a large-scale community mural, watching a live graffiti demo by artists, exploring a pop-up exhibit and art installation, making your own screen-printed tote, mini mosaic, and custom stickers. Roaming street magicians and typewriter poets round out the afternoon.
The Details
- When: Saturday May 9, 1 PM to 4 PM
- Where: Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX 78704
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Families, art lovers, kids of all ages, a creative free Saturday afternoon
Saturday and Sunday — Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market (FREE)
The sixth annual May Market by Blue Genie Art Bazaar runs every weekend in May including this Saturday and Sunday. The event brings together nearly 200 regional artists and artisans under one roof in a free, family-friendly setting. Browse handcrafted gifts, original art, home goods, and unique makers in one of Austin’s most beloved independent art market experiences. It is the perfect place to find a genuinely one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift before Sunday.
The Details
- When: Every weekend in May including Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10
- Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, Austin TX
- Cost: Free
- Website: bluegenieartbazaar.com
- Best For: Gift shoppers, art lovers, families, a relaxed free weekend morning activity
Saturday, May 9 — Lockhart Rising BBQ Festival at Mill Scale Metalworks
The third annual Lockhart Rising takes place on Saturday May 9 at Mill Scale Metalworks in Lockhart, Texas, about 30 minutes south of Austin. The festival brings together James Beard chefs, Michelin-starred restaurants, World Champion Pitmasters, and Texas Monthly top-ten BBQ joints under one roof for one of the most serious and delicious food events in the entire state. Music performances by Silverada, Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino, and Johnathan Terrell round out the day.
Lockhart is the official BBQ Capital of Texas. If your group loves BBQ at the highest level, this festival is worth the drive.
The Details
- When: Saturday May 9
- Where: Mill Scale Metalworks, Lockhart TX (about 30 minutes south of Austin)
- Best For: Serious BBQ enthusiasts, food lovers, anyone who wants to eat with the best pitmasters in Texas
Sunday, May 10 — Mother’s Day in Austin
This Sunday is Mother’s Day and Austin has no shortage of ways to celebrate mom properly. Here are the best options for making her feel genuinely special.
Outdoor Adventure: Take mom to Lake Travis Zipline Adventures on Saturday morning for the most memorable outdoor experience in Austin. Then treat her to sunset dinner and margaritas at The Oasis on Lake Travis with the best Hill Country sunset view in the city. Together they make the perfect Mother’s Day weekend combination.
Gardens and Nature: The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is at peak bloom in May and one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Austin for a Mother’s Day morning walk. 279 acres of native Texas landscapes, wildflowers, and botanical gardens in a stunning Hill Country setting. Entry is $12 for adults and $6 for youth.
Museums: The Blanton Museum of Art runs special Mother’s Day programming on Sunday including guided gallery tours and family art activities. Admission is $12 for adults and free on Tuesdays. This Sunday it is a special occasion worth the ticket.
Brunch: Olamaie has the best sit-down Mother’s Day brunch in the city. The Hampton Social has the most photogenic Rosé All Day Mother’s Day brunch backdrop in Austin. Ciclo at the Four Seasons offers a stunning waterfront brunch on Lady Bird Lake from 10 AM to 3 PM. All three require reservations well in advance.
Check out our complete Mother’s Day in Austin guide for the full breakdown of everything worth doing for mom this weekend.
All Weekend — The Austin Essentials
No Austin weekend is complete without at least one of these.
Barton Springs Pool inside Zilker Park stays at 68 degrees year round. May weather makes a midday swim here feel like the most Austin thing you can do between events. Entry is under $10 and free before 8 AM.
The Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony emerges at sunset every evening from March through October. After a full day at the Pecan Street Festival or the Art-O-Rama, watching 1.5 million bats fly over Lady Bird Lake at dusk is completely free and consistently spectacular.
The Lady Bird Lake Trail is free and one of the most scenic morning walks in any American city. A sunrise walk before the day’s events gets you moving and gives you a quiet moment before Austin gets loud again.
Blues on the Green returns to Zilker Park this month for its beloved free summer concert series. Check austintexas.gov for this weekend’s schedule and lineup.
The Perfect Austin Weekend — May 8 to 10
Here is how to put the full weekend together.
Thursday Evening: Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee on Lake Austin at 8:30 PM. Book your paddleboard or donut boat at lakeaustincalm.com now before they sell out.
Friday Evening: Encounter the Light free concert at Moody Amphitheater at 6:30 PM. Then Much Ado About Nothing at Zilker Hillside Theater after dark. Both completely free.
Saturday Morning: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. Book the morning tour and be back by midday. Book now at laketraviszipline.com before Mother’s Day weekend slots sell out.
Saturday Afternoon: Art-O-Rama at the Dougherty Arts Center from 1 to 4 PM (free). Then the 51st Annual Pecan Street Festival at Hill Country Galleria from 11 AM to 9 PM (free). Browse the Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market for Mother’s Day gifts.
Saturday Evening: Much Ado About Nothing at Zilker Hillside Theater under the stars. Free.
Sunday — Mother’s Day: Brunch at Olamaie or The Hampton Social. Then a morning walk through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Evening at The Oasis on Lake Travis for sunset dinner and margaritas with the best lake view in Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions — Things to Do in Austin This Weekend
What is happening in Austin this weekend May 8 to 10 2026?
This weekend in Austin includes the 51st Annual Pecan Street Festival at Hill Country Galleria on Saturday and Sunday (free), Much Ado About Nothing at Zilker Hillside Theater (free), the Blue Genie Art Bazaar May Market (free), Encounter the Light free concert at Moody Amphitheater on Friday, the Dougherty Arts Center Art-O-Rama on Saturday, the Lockhart Rising BBQ Festival in Lockhart on Saturday, and Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee on Thursday. It is also Mother’s Day weekend on Sunday May 10. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the best outdoor activity of the weekend.
What is the best thing to do in Austin this weekend?
The best thing to do in Austin this weekend is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures on Saturday morning. You board a boat to a private island on Lake Travis and spend three hours on five world-class ziplines including the Double Barrel Shotgun at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above the lake. After the tour your group gets full-day access to the private lakefront property where you can jump off the boat dock into Lake Travis. Tickets start at $88 per person. Book now at laketraviszipline.com before Mother’s Day weekend fills up.
Is the Pecan Street Festival free this weekend?
Yes. The 51st Annual Pecan Street Festival Spring 2026 is completely free to attend with free admission and free parking at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave. It runs Saturday May 9 from 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday May 10 from 11 AM to 8 PM. More details at pecanstreetfestival.org.
What is Much Ado About Nothing at Zilker Park?
Much Ado About Nothing is Austin Shakespeare’s free outdoor production at Zilker Hillside Theater. The show runs Friday May 8 through Sunday May 24 and is completely free with donations welcome. Austin Shakespeare transports the play to 1950s Italy with live music, cinematic staging, and the full warmth of the Texas evening sky as a backdrop. Bring a blanket and a picnic.
What is Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee?
Movies on the Lake is a community movie night hosted every Thursday on Lake Austin by Mozart’s Coffee Roasters and Lake Austin Calm, starting at 8:30 PM. Deck seating is free with an RSVP. You can also watch from the water by renting a paddleboard for $20, a two-person lounge float for $30, or a donut boat for $150. Water rentals sell out every week so book in advance at lakeaustincalm.com.
What should I do for Mother’s Day in Austin this weekend?
The best Mother’s Day in Austin starts with a Saturday morning at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures for the most memorable outdoor experience in Austin. Follow with sunset dinner at The Oasis on Lake Travis. On Sunday take mom to brunch at Olamaie or The Hampton Social and spend the afternoon at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. See our complete Mother’s Day in Austin guide for everything worth doing this weekend.
Make the Most of Your Austin Weekend
Austin is doing exactly what it does best this weekend. Free festivals, free Shakespeare under the stars, free concerts, world-class BBQ, outdoor art markets, Mother’s Day brunch, and the best outdoor adventure in the city waiting for you on Lake Travis Saturday morning.
Start by locking in your Saturday morning. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures now at laketraviszipline.com before Mother’s Day weekend slots sell out. Then RSVP for Movies on the Lake at lakeaustincalm.com for Thursday night.
For more Austin inspiration check out our guides to the Best Things to Do in Austin TX, Best Things to Do for Mother’s Day in Austin, and Best Things to Do on Lake Travis.