Austin's such a lively city in any way you want it. Because of the influence of the University, the vibrancy of being the capitol of Texas, and the medical center here, Austin is a progressive city, to say the least. It is a stand-alone where the rest of Texas is concerned. The sultry summer brings people outside to sit under umbrellas under shade trees, on patios outside the busy restaurants, and rocking out at nightclubs and hearing live music. A lot of the population spends a lot of time outside at night.

The Barton Springs Pool in the City Park System has been doing something wonderful for several years now and I think it's one of the best ideas I've ever heard of. This pool is a very large spring-fed swimming pool that's open to anyone. Splash Party Movie Nights is something the whole family can enjoy. Every Saturday night in the summer, the Parks Department invites people to come play in the pool while they watch a huge outdoor movie screen that plays the greatest family movies. It begins this summer on June 23 and runs through August 5th. This incredible pool is three full acres–really more a lake than a pool. But it is a bit chilly, mind you, at a constant temperature of around 68 degrees.
Barton Springs Pool
2101 Barton Springs Road (located in Zilker Park)
Austin, Texas 78704

The Parks Department is also sponsoring swimming lessons that teach progressive classed, depending on the level entered. There are over 20 parks where people can sign up for these lessons. There's absolutely no reason everyone shouldn't learn to swim, with all the available classes offered. Two-week sessions of classes will be Monday through Thursday in 30 and 40-minute sessions. The cost is just $50 for the entire two weeks, a bargain in my book. People can register with a brochure obtained at he Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office at 200 S. Lamar or the Aquatics Office 400 Deep Eddy Ave. Or they can obtain a brochure at any Public Library or Recreation Center.

Nobody would want to miss Austin City Limits end of summer music festival and tickets are going on sale this April. This year will offer three days of music from 130 bands playing on eight large stages. This is an attraction that draws people from all over the country and headlines some of the best performers in the music industry. All styles and genres get a hearing at these festivals, from country, blue grass, blues, gospel to alternative and pop rock. Headliners last year have included Willie Nelson and Van Morrison, the Biscuit Brothers, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, to name just a smattering. The web site will have the entire list available by April, so keep posted. People should sign up online to receive their email updates that will announce the lineup and ticket sales. http://www.aclfestival.com/lineup.aspx
September 14-16, 2007
Zilker Park
Austin, TX

http://www.austinfilm.org/
Now for something really interesting this summer there's the Austin Film Society is going to hold movie-making classes for youngsters aged 10-15. These weeklong camps teach hands-on video film making techniques, lectures and demos from professionals and a tour of Austin Studios. It is something that any youth who loves cameras, videos, or just films would go wild over. At the end of the summer the kids' films are given special airing for friends and family. People need to join the organization to sign up for some of the special events, but it's only $30 for a membership.

June 4-June 8 also presents an opportunity for adults to an Austin Filmworks Summer Intensive Workshop in 2007. This is serious business for those who may be really serious about going into film making as a career. Classes are Monday through Friday and the enrollment is limited to just 10 with the minimum age being 16. According to their information the workshop “covers the issues of technology, design, and practical application of technique in a manner that blends bedrock filmmaking techniques with elegant digital tools. This class is a one-week introduction to basic16mm film and digital video pre-production, production, and post-production. Instruction will cover cameras, lenses, film and digital video imaging, cinematography, lighting, audio, writing, directing, and digital non-linear editing with Final Cut Pro.” I'm no video expert, but this sounds like a terrific hands-on learning experience that is a great opportunity for budding producers. Call the Film Society to learn more about registration procedures and the costs at 512-322-0145 or consult their web site: www.austinfilmworks.com.
Austin FilmWorks , 701 Tillery St., Studio A-7, Austin, Texas

I just have to mention something I found that is not for the faint of heart–Texas' only nudie swimming spot on LakeTravis. Hippie Hollow Park allows “clothing optional” swimming at a designated part of the lake. There may be some sharp rocks and this is not family friendly swimming, as one person warned. But all the reviews I read were pretty positive. They pretty much do not like gawkers, however.
Hippie Hollow Park
7000 Comanche Trl
Austin, TX 78732
(512) 854-7275