Austin in Texas Music

It’s true that Austin, Texas welcomes everyone as The Live Music Capital of the World® and whenever you’re there you’ll find some live music somewhere. But that’s just the beginning.

For instance, this week, from  Tursday (June 9) to Sunday (June 12) Austin hosts the republic of Texas Biker Rally (ROT Biker Rally), the biggest motorcycle rally in Texas and one of largest motorcycle events in the U.S. The rally features rides, parades and music, and if you miss it this year don’t fret – it will be back next year on the second Thursday in June at the Travis County Exposition Center in Northeast Austin.

Bookmark mid-September for the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park, one of the country's largest celebrations of music. The three-day festival brings the magic of the famed public TV series Austin City Limits outside the studio and into Austin's most beloved park with more than 130 musical acts on 8 stages. 2011 headliners include Coldplay, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder and Arcade Fire. 

A few days later (from September 23 to 30) the Fantastic Fest will screen at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar and various other venues. The nation’s premier genre film festival showcases the best in anime, horror, sci-fi and adventure movies. In years past, Fantastic Fest has presented the world premieres of ‘There Will Be Blood,’ ‘Apocalypto,’ ‘Zombieland,’ and ‘Gentlemen Broncos”.

The Austin Film Festival from October 20 to 27 will be at Paramount Theatre and various locations. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on top-billed films and Indies alike.  

For more information about top events in Texas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Texas. 

For more events in Austin visit http://www.austintexas.org/

Lexington Fourth July

As the Fourth of July approaches, Americans think of ways to celebrate their freedom and independence –– from cookouts, picnics and family gatherings to parades, fireworks and fun.  Lexington, Virginia, is gearing up for a full weekend just like that …. and more!

The exciting lineup of activities for this year’s Fourth begins on Friday, July 1 with “Friday’s Alive”.  The band for the free summer concert, hosted by the Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees, is Fatty Lumpkin, and will be held in Davidson Park. 

The 15^th Annual Rotary BB&T Fourth of July Balloon Rally will kick off on Saturday, July 2, at 6:30pm, with hot air balloon rides and continue until the last balloon ride departs on Tuesday, July 5 at 6:30am. As usual there will be activities for children and families, craft vendors, food, music, hot air balloons and, of course, fireworks.  The events will be held on Virginia Military Institute's Parade Ground. 

The country’s founding will be celebrated with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Monday, July 4, by Mayor Mimi Elrod and a group of citizens.  This event begins at 9:30am at the Veteran’s Memorial in Downtown Lexington.

Later on Monday, July 4 the 26^th Annual Children’s Bicycle Parade will make you smile and cheer with its old-fashioned appeal as hundreds of children decorate their bikes, wagons, tricycles for a parade.  Red, white and blue crepe paper, patriotic garland, balloons, pinwheels and American flags are on display as they roll down Main Street Lexington led by Uncle Sam on a unicycle. Decorating begins at 10am and then Uncle Sam rolls at 11am. 

For more information about top events in Virginia take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Virginia. 

For more information on Lexington visit www.downtownlexington.com