The Best February & March 2023 Events
13 Things We Love in February & March Besides SXSW
Words by Alison Bryce
Valentine’s at the Drive-In
Now-February 16, times vary
Grab your loved one and head to a special evening at Starlite just in time for Valentine’s Day. With a lineup full of dramas and romantic comedies such as The Princess Bride and The Notebook, the drive-in is sure to have a movie for all couples to enjoy. The special date night movie at the drive-in includes snacks for $40.
2015 E.M. Franklin Ave. | bluestarlitedrivein.com
Disney’s Aladdin
February 14-19, times vary
Wishing for some family-friendly entertainment? Consider it granted! Bass Concert Hall will host a thrilling musical retelling the classic story of Aladdin, heightening this favorite tale with the magic of Broadway. Disney fans of all ages won’t want to miss this theatrical spectacle. Tickets range from $45-$150.
2350 Robert Dedman Dr. | texasperformingarts.org
OUTsider Fest
February 15-19, times vary
Witness creativity intersecting with powerful commentary at OUTsider’s annual festival and conference at East Austin’s VORTEX. This community-hosted LGBTQ+ festival features performances, art, music, and much more from local artists and academics. Festival badges are on sale now starting at $49.
2307 Manor Rd., #2135 | outsiderfest.org
Justin Howl
February 23, 6-8pm
Grab a drink and enjoy live music at Cherrywood Coffeehouse as Justin Howl takes the outdoor stage. Justin Howl is an internationally touring blues and roots singer, songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player. His second album, a solo acoustic project titled Wanderlust, was released in December 2020, and this is a chance to witness it live.
1400 E 38th ½ St. | justinhowl.com
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat
Feb. 24 – April 23, times vary
Rescheduled from last season, the newest take on a favorite story, Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat is coming to ZACH Theatre. The 45-minute show begins with Sally and her brother stuck at home in the rain, when a Cat comes knocking at the windowpane, bringing along mischief and mayhem for the two to sort out. Tickets begin at $16. 1421 W Riverside Dr. | zachtheatre.org
FUSEBASH
February 25, 6-10pm
Join Fusebox for their FUSEBASH Cloud 9 Teen for its 19th year with performances from a variety of artists, a riveting live auction, mind-blowing food, and other-worldly cocktails. All proceeds from FUSEBASH 2023 go directly to paying artists, designers, and technicians. Full table reservations are available for $3,500, while individual seats will be available for purchase closer to the event.
1500 E 4th St. | fuseboxfestival.com
Community Black History Cookout
February 26, 2-5pm
Celebrate Black History Month at Austin Public Library Carver Branch. With live music, free food, competitive games, crafts, and entertainment, this free celebration is full of activities the whole family can enjoy.
1161 Angelina St. | library.austintexas.gov
Earth Paints & Mineral Pigments Workshop
March 2, 7pm
Learn the basics of earth minerals and the pigments they produce as well as how to utilize different binding agents to create your own unique artistic mediums including inks, paints, and even crayons. Tickets are $35, and one drink token is included with admission.
1505 Town Creek Dr. | eventbrite.com
Soil Kitchen
March 4, 10am-2pm
Collect a sample of soil from your garden or yard and head to Pop-Up ATX at Givens Recreation Center for the next Soil Kitchen event. Soil Kitchen is an annual event that provides a free opportunity for food growers to test their soil to see what nutrients may be lacking or if any harmful heavy metals are present. Eligible soil samples are collected during the event and sent to certified experts who screen and test the soil.
3811 E 12th St., #1936 | austintexas.gov/soilkitchen
All Things Food
March 12, 9:30am-8pm
Enjoy part of SXSW without having to leave the Eastside. All Things Food at SXSW, curated by Food Tank and Huston-Tillotson University, offers a variety of bites for all meals of the day. In addition to the food, guests will enjoy hearing from more than 25 luminary speakers discussing the most pressing food system topics as well as themed film viewings and fireside chats.
900 Chicon St. | eventbrite.com
Rosedale Ride
March 25, 8am
Register to ride your bike by yourself or with a group to help raise funds for Austin’s only public school exclusively for children with multiple disabilities and profound needs. Riders can register on the day of the event; however, early registration is encouraged. Registration fees range from $25 to $70.
13000 Harris Ridge Blvd. | p2p.onecause.com
ABC Kite Fest
April 1, 10am-5pm
Get outside and fly a kite at the 95th Annual ABC Kite Fest. Open to everyone and free to enter, the annual kite contest and showcase may be the largest event of the festival, but those in attendance will also have access to an off-leash pet zone, live music, bounce houses, rock climbing walls, face painting, and more.
2207 Lou Neff Rd. | abckitefest.org
BBQ Austin
March 3-4, times TBA
Experience the tasty part of Rodeo Austin at BBQ Austin where teams from all over Texas come together to put their pitmaster skills to the test. Aside from the barbecue, visitors can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, shopping, a Jr. Pitmaster Contest, BBQ Austin University, and a carnival. A general admission ticket is required for entry into BBQ Austin, and paid parking is also available.
9100 Decker Lake Rd. | rodeoaustin.com/events/bbq-austin
