Eeyore’s Birthday Party is the second longest-running event in the Capital City. | Photo by Sean Loyless via Wikimedia Commons
Thanks for noticin’, Austin. Beloved festival Eeyore’s Birthday Party will return to Pease District Park for its 60th celebration this Saturday, April 26.
Yes, the Eeyore we’re talking about is the pessimistic, often-gloomy donkey seen in the “Winnie the Pooh” series. So, why do Austinites come together to celebrate a fictional character at this free, day-long festival? Donkey us started.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party looked pretty groovy in April of 1978.
The first celebration dates back to 1964 and was organized by Lloyd Birdwell, a UT Austin student who was eager to find a reason to skip school and enjoy the spring weather.
At the time, Birdwell’s English class was studying A.A. Milne, the author of the original “Winnie the Pooh” series. Birdwell and a group of classmates were brainstorming themes for their end-of-the-year party and thought of Eeyore, who they believed was always sad because residents of the Hundred Acre Wood forgot his birthday.
Harry Potter Trivia | 7 p.m. | Pinthouse Pizza - Ben White | Free | Gather your pals and study up at Hogwarts for this quiz centered around the wizarding world.
“The Psychology of a Murderer” | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $29+ | Fans of true crime won’t want to miss this analysis and Q+A with forensic psychologist Dr. Rachel Toles.
Thursday, April 24
Lounge Sessions: 25th Anniversary Edition | 6-8 p.m. | Hotel San José | Free | San Antonio-based rapper Wes Denzel will perform an intimate show in the courtyard to celebrate the hotel’s silver anniversary.
“FEAST.” | Thursday, April 24-Saturday, May 17 | 7 p.m. | Hyde Park Theatre | $25+ | This immersive theatre experience invites you to dinner hosted by an ancient magical creature disguised as a middle-aged lady in a “Beowulf” retelling.
Friday, April 25
Earth Day Clean Up | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lady Bird Lake | Free with RSVP | Roll up your sleeves and help beautify the lake by picking up trash on a boat or walking along its shores.
Dîner en Blanc | 6-10 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden | $125+ | Join this all-white party with an outdoor dinner, open bar, and live music by Marshall Hood.
Saturday, April 26
Greater Austin Book Fest 2025 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Austin Central Library | Free | Head to this literary celebration to meet 70+ local authors, get books signed, shop for new reads, and sit in on various panels + workshops.
Save the date: Your summer social calendar just got an upgrade
Presented by Omni Barton Creek
Summer has never looked so good at Omni Barton Creek. | Photos courtesy of Omni Barton Creek
Kick off your best summer yet with Omni Barton Creek’s Summer in the Hills — a vibrant event series featuring live music, barbecue, and family-friendly festivals, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Texas Hill Country.
Just a short drive away, the resort is your go-to destination for family-friendly fun, live music, culinary delights, and relaxing getaways.
Every weekend brings a new way to connect — whether it’s live music during Barton Creek Live: Unplugged, gourmet bites and fireworks at their Red, White & Blue Barbecue, or artisan markets and family fun at Barton Fest. Pro tip: Some events require a reservation.
At Omni Barton Creek, thoughtfully curated experiences and warm Texas hospitality come together to create a summer worth remembering.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat or a weekend full of music and memories, Summer in the Hills at Omni Barton Creek is calling.
Skipjack Oyster, a new seafood restaurant, will open inside Westin Austin Downtown this fall. The Carolina coast-inspired eatery will feature a raw bar + daily oyster selections in a newly renovated space that was formerly home to Stella San Jac, which will close on Friday, June 27 after 10 years in business.
Travel
Want to get some fresh air at the airport? An outdoor patio previously reserved for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders is now open to the public. The terrace, which is located at the east end of the Barbara Jordan Terminal, features lounge chairs, benches, tables, restrooms, and speakers for announcements. (KUT)
Number
28,500. That’s how many new positions were added to the local job market in 2024, according to a new Opportunity Austin report that analyzes job growth and unemployment. The Capital City ranked the No. 5 fastest-growing major metro in the US with a growth rate of 2.1%.
Civic
Early voting for the Saturday, May 3 general election is underway and runs through Tuesday, April 29. Take a look at a sample ballot for Travis County, which includes a general election in Cedar Park and special elections in Bee Cave. Find your nearest voting location. (Austin American-Statesman)
Community
Speaking of Pease Park... the city of Austin installed new paid parking spaces near the green space on Parkway between Enfield Road and Kingsbury Street. The new regulations — aimed at improving safety + parking options in the area — are in effect now. Enforcement officers will begin citing vehicles on Thursday, May 1.
Plan Ahead
Mark your calendars, foodies. Hill Country Galleria will host its inaugural Wine & Food Festival benefiting the Wine & Food Foundation on Saturday, May 31. Tickets include a passport that will guide attendees through the outdoor mall, with stops at shops, restaurants, and food trucks offering fine wines and light bites.
Sports
Draft week is heating up in Houston, and head coach DeMeco Ryans said the Texans are on the prowl for the best players available. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
When you design your kitchen in 3D, you know what you’re getting before the hammering starts. See every color and finish in front of you with Lowe’s Style Studio, Austin’s new immersive, free-to-try virtual customization tool. Here’s how it works.*
Shop
These cannabis gummies keep selling out — just one can get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off with code FIRST20.†*
Featured Deal
Psst — This week, spend $55+ online at Clinique and get a free eight-piece kit with code GIFT. We’re eyeing: a new Almost Lipstick and best-selling mascara.*
Category
Eat
🍽️ Two is better than one
Put the cherry on top of your Ezov x Este dinner experience with Ezov’s labneh cheesecake. | Photo by Mars Tello
Restaurant collaboration series are all the rage in Austin right now, and we’ve found three upcoming dinners for foodies to experience in April. Psst — be sure to secure reservations.
Uptown Sports Club x Texas Food & Wine Alliance | Sunday, April 27
Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue is the mastermind behind this family-style fundraiser with a patio raw bar, a martini bar by Tito’s Vodka, deviled eggs, steak tartare, nightcaps, and music by DJ Bjorn.
Ezov x Este | Wednesday, April 30
Chef Fermín Núñez and Chef Ale Kuri of Este will team up in the kitchen to serve eats from Ezov’s regular dinner menu + exclusive dishes for one night only.
Emmer & Rye x Uchi | Wednesday, April 30 James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole of Uchi is the next guest in Emmer & Rye’s “Breaking Bread” series. Don’t miss the guest chef’s version of the restaurant’s classic sourdough bread service + a few special dishes.
The Buy
A 100% leak-proof tumbler. The Hydracy Soulmate boasts a sleek design (read: it’s cup holder-friendly), three layers of insulation to keep your drink cold for 24 hours, and is dishwasher safe.
City Editor Figi and I are headed to The Wheel South this afternoon for happy hour, and I’m excited to try on-site eatery Side Eye Pie for the first time. If you’re also in the mood for a slice, dig into our guide to great pizza in Austin.
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