ASO Tuneful Tales brings a woodwind quintet of Austin Symphony Orchestra musicians to Yarborough Library on Friday, July 25; and to Howson Library on Wednesday, July 30, for performances of We Are Definitely Human, a book written and illustrated by X. Fang to tell the story of kind humans helping crash-landed alien beings. Yarborough, at 2200 Hancock Dr., hosts at 1 pm and 1:25 pm; and Howson at 2500 Exposition, at 11 am and 11:25 am. RSVP at austinsymphony.org and to see details of other books set to ASO music and visiting other Austin libraries this summer.
Café Crème Coffeeshop & Eatery has opened at Austin Central Library at 710 w. Cesar Chaavez. The locally-owned coffee shop and bakery also has a location on Oltorf. Hours for the library’s Café Crème are 7 am to 5 am, but plans are to go to 7 am to 9am in the coming weeks when a full menu will also be available. Coffee, cold brew, green tea latte, fresh pastries while you read. See library.austintexas.gov and cafecremeaustin.com
July Fourth Parade and Freedom Fest, a neighborhood project of Northwest Austin Civic Association, kicks off at 9 am at Fare West and Waterline to head to Doss Elementary where Freedom Fest will offer watermelon donuts, tacos, games, prizes, Shotguns Ready music, petting zoo, and booths booths booths. Your pet on a leash is welcome as are bicycles, wagons, manual scooters, tricycles. Email info@nwaca.org if you have a group interested in being in the parade.
Westenfield Neighborhood Park at Enfield and Loop 1 will be renamed for Don Baker, thanks to the efforts of West Austin Neighborhood Group and a coalition of groups, including Muny Conservancy and Clarksville Community Development Corporation. Baker, a professional baseball player who grew up in Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood, was one of the first Black students at O. Henry Junior High in 1961, the first Black baseball player for Austin High, and is buried at Texas State Cemetery. A date for renaming to Don Baker Neighborhood Park has not been set.
Yamas Greek Kitchen + Bar at 5308 Balcones celebrated its two-year anniversary this month, and introduced a new Happy Hour, Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm, with discounted drinks and bites. Yamas, which is a Greek toast to life and family and all good things, serves Monday through Thursday 11 am to 11 pm, Fridays till 12 am, and weekends from 10 am to midnight on Saturday and 10 am to 11 pm on Sunday. See yamasatx.com for reservations and totally beautiful photos. The calamari slays. I’m just saying. And exquisite patio dining.
The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park is hosting free concerts on Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. throughout June. Enjoy jazz music and classical music performed by The Austin Symphony Orchestra. Attendees can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to sit on the Long Center’s lawn at 701 W. Riverside Drive.
Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr., is hosting Story time Safari with Austin Zoo, on July 12 (featuring box turtle) and August 2nd (featuring hedgehogs) at 10:30 a.m. The event will include a short story time, followed by a meet-and-greet with an Austin Zoo animal visitor.
July 4th concert and fireworks will take place at Auditorium Shores, featuring patriotic music by the Austin Symphony, including a grand finale display over Lady Bird Lake. Watch the fireworks show from the Long Center lawn, the South First Street Bridge, Congress Bridge, or Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge.
Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival to be held at the Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, on July 4th. Bring the whole family to enjoy backyard games, local live music, shopping, and dining, and complete the evening with a spectacular fireworks show.
The County Line is celebrating 50 years of serving barbecue in Texas, with its original location, County Line on the Hill (6500 Bee Caves Rd), opening in 1975. Known for its award-winning, slow-smoked barbecue, including ribs, brisket, and spicy German sausage, The County Line is a beloved destination for Austinnites and visitors to the city.