Capital Metro runs free shuttle buses to the picnic from the Texas Department of Transportation building at 35th Street and Jackson Avenue in Central Austin. Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta Gardens, Fiesta Beach Rd. This is a major fiesta both north and south of the border, celebrating Mexico's demand for independence from Spain. In 1810, on September 15, Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Mexican priest now hailed as the Father of Mexico, rang the parish church bells in the town of Dolores Hidalgo and summoned the Mexicans to support his call for freedom. But like the U.S. July Fourth celebration, serious history and fun are combined on Diez y Seis.
Mariachi bands perform, folkloric dancers celebrate their heritage, and everyone eats really well.
Austin's celebrations center on Fiesta Gardens, on the shores of Town Lake in East Austin. There are ceremonies in Austin on the actual day of the holiday, but the fiesta is usually carried over to the weekend closest to the 16th with events on several consecutive days. Check the local newspaper for details. The number above is for events held at Fiesta Gardens. In past years free admission has been given to festivalgoers who donate school supplies.