The day's activities are free and include a children's carnival, petting zoo, games, live music and a barbecue cookoff. The idea here is to emulate the small-town celebrations many of us remember from the past. From 11 AM to 4 PM there is a Picnic in the Park at City Park on Hurst Creek Road. There are games for kids and live entertainment. Look for details on shuttle buses in the Austin American-Statesman 's roundup on Fourth of July activities.
Admission is free.
Nelson is renowned for his concerts, and no one gets shortchanged when he takes to the stage. Over the years, the picnic has changed locations, so it is wise to keep an eye on local music coverage in the media for prices, admission and ticket numbers. It is an event that is popular, and concertgoers from all over Texas come to hear Willie sing, so book tickets in advance. In case you had not noticed, Texans are very proud of their heritage and enjoy not only celebrating their own roots, but also dipping into the ethnic melting pot to create truly Texas traditions. To sample the great variety of ethnic folkways that helped form modern Texas, the institute celebrates with this annual festival.