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Kristy’s Top 10: February 2016

February’s to-do list from 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas.

1. Carnaval Brasileiro

Feb. 27, 8 p.m. to 1:45 a.m.
Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
sambaparty.com

Started in the early 1970s to soothe homesick Brazilian students, Carnaval Brasileiro has grown into a local institution attracting more than 5,000 partygoers. The flamboyant, sometimes risqué costumes donned by attendees go hand in hand with the spirited and celebratory dance atmosphere driven by the Brazilian samba. Are you still trying to picture it? Think Mardi Gras with a Brazilian twist.
Admission is $38.

 

2. City Surf Fitness

1500 S. Lamar Blvd.
citysurffitness.com

It’s one month into the new year, and it seems there’s a general focus on getting healthy. Since a new routine is bound to get a tad mundane after 30 days, City Surf Fitness is the perfect place to reboot your workout. Essentially, it’s yoga on a surfboard. The workouts are designed to test strength and endurance, but also balance and stability. It’s a great way to keep your workouts fresh and fun.
The price for a single class is $22. 

 

3. You’re My Butter Half Mural

2000 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

At the end of the year, United Way for Greater Austin announced it is putting its headquarters up for sale. The side of this building houses the famous You’re My Butter Half mural, a collaborative art project between United Way and Creative Suitcase, a design firm for nonprofits. The mural has become somewhat of a city staple, playing host to engagement shoots and creative Instagram pics. It’s a cute, free spot to visit with your sweetheart come Valentine’s Day, so make time to get your picture taken there while you still can. Who knows how long you’ll have the opportunity? 

 

4. A Night With Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots

Feb. 20, 8 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
tickets.austintheatre.org/single/eventdetail.aspx?p=968

Longtime Austinite-turned-Nashville, Tenn. radio star Bobby Bones will be back in town for a special night at the Paramount Theatre. His band, The Raging Idiots, will headline the event, which also features special guests Ryan Griffin, Brett Young and emcee Radio Amy from {The Bobby Bones Show}. All proceeds will benefit Dell Children’s Medical Global Outreach.
Ticket prices start at $35. 

 

5. Riverdance 20th Anniversary Tour

Feb. 16­ through 18, 7:30 p.m.
The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
thelongcenter.org/event/riverdance-20th-anniversary-tour

Now in its 20th year of production, Riverdance is an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Watch in awe as talented performers draw on Irish traditions of dance and music to create a riveting spectacle of a show.
Admission is $29. 

 

6. Cheer on Austin Marathon and Half Marathon Runners

Feb. 14, 7 a.m.
Downtown Austin
youraustinmarathon.com

Most of us probably know someone running in the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon this year, and they need our support. Having run a marathon and cheered on friends myself, I can say all the random people cheering for you is very motivating and much needed. If you don’t know anyone running in the marathon, make a fun sign and go cheer on all the runners and walkers. 
Admission is free for spectators. 

 

7. Art on the Edge

Feb. 20, 8 p.m. to midnight  
Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
blantonmuseum.org/get_involved/support_the_blanton/art_on_the_edge

This elegant party at The Blanton provides a unique opportunity to view the art museums’ exhibits after hours. Come to support the museum’s educational programs and art exhibitions, and stay for the live music from Memphis Train Revue and DJ Mel, dancing, cocktails and conversation. The black-tie event drew more than 600 people from the Austin community in 2015.
Admission is $100, and $75 of each ticket purchased is tax-deductible.

 

8. Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-a-Whirl Band at Antone’s  

Feb. 12, 8:30 p.m.
Antone’s Nightclub, 305 E. Fifth St.
antonesnightclub.com

A drumstick’s throw away from its old location, the new Antone’s is keeping Austin’s blues and R&B music scene alive with an extensive list of legendary lineups like Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-a-Whirl Band. The new two-story venue officially opened New Year’s Eve and includes a 400-capacity music club and a 300-capacity upstairs venue featuring a private event space and bar. The address may have changed, but so far, the new Antone’s is holding on to its influential status as Austin’s home of the blues.
Admission is $25.

 

9. Austin Helicopter Tours

Bud Dryden Airport, 10301 FM 969
austinhelicoptertours.com

One of my most memorable Austin experiences from 2015 was a helicopter tour over downtown Austin. There’s a whole array of tours to choose from, including a charter flight out to The Salt Lick in Driftwood. Come Valentine’s Day, Austin Helicopter Tours offers a special Valentine’s City Light Tour. With flights passing over the Capitol building, downtown, the University of Texas, Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis and the Hill Country, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Flights start at $93.50.

 

10. Jugglefest XXIII

Feb. 26 through 28
Texas School for the Deaf, 1102 S. Congress Ave.
juggling.place.org/jugglefest

Jugglefest is back for its 23rd year in Austin. As the name suggests, there’s a lot of juggling to be seen here, in addition to games, demonstrations, shows and people riding unicycles. It’s definitely a fun event for the whole family.
Admission is $20 for a weekend pass and $10 for a day pass.

 

 

1. Photo courtesy of Carnaval Austin. 2. Photo courtesy of City Surf Fitness Austin. 3. Photo by Adrian Tapia. 5. Photo courtesy of The Long Center. 6. Photo courtesy of Conley Sports. 7. Photo courtesy of Waterloo Studios. 8. Photo by Arnold Wells. 9. Photo courtesy of Austin Helicopter Tours. 10. Photo courtesy of Texas Juggling Society.

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