Apr 20 Big Idea Day
8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
208 Barton Springs Road, Hyatt Rygency
512-928-8010, bigaustin.org
Celebrating and honoring the entrepreneurial spirit, BiG IDEA Day, helps the small business community make the right connections. Two BIG speakers include the luncheon keynote address by Dr. Randal Pinkett, this year's winner of Donald Trump's Apprentice The BIG BREAKFAST features Gary Hoover, world renowned author and founder of BookStop and Hoover's online will discuss "8 Keys to a Successful Business." Networking opportunities abound throughout the day. Invest in your future at bigaustin.org.
Apr 20-23 International Poetry Festival 
Various locations throughout and around downtown
aipf.org
Austin Poets International Poetry Festival - "a dynamic, inclusive environment that celebrates a passion for language, cultural diversity and self-expression." That's the poetic description of this event. Go to the web site to learn more about how you can perform and participate.
Apr 22 Earth Day - Diggin' It 
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org
"Diggin' It" at this week's Austin Farmers' Market will sprint to life with live music, an "earth-friendly" garden workshop and a cooking demo starring April's spring crops - potatoes, young squash and green beans. The Kid's Patch will feature a digging bed, recycled craft making and a petting pen. Every week the Market downtown features fresh and local vegetables, herbs, cheeses, eggs, meats, breads, honey, flowers, prepared foods, drinks and artisan crafts. Free admission and easy parking.
Apr 22 Austin Rocks! 
Celebrating Local Music & Fashion
5:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tambaleo, 302 Bowie
(512) 407-8232, rareaustin.com
Sponsored by RARE Magazine, Austin Rocks Live Music and Fashion Show celebrates the local music & fashion scene to benefit the Austin Music Foundation You'll see performances by some of Austin's most talented musicians with local fashion and styling from the city's top boutiques and salons center stage. Tickets are $10 and are available at frontgatetickets.com, as well as all participating boutiques and salons. Tickets will be available at the door for $12.00. Food will be provided by El Arroyo.
Apr 22 It's My Park Day! 
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Various locations throughout Downtown and Austin
(512) 477-1566, austinparks.org
Join this half-day community service event to beautify Austin's most beautiful spots. Volunteers will meet at parks (over 30) throughout the city to repair facilities, clear trails, plant flowers, improve playgrounds. Lots of good fun with your neighbors. To view the complete list of projects or to register to volunteer, please visit: austinparks.org.
Apr 22-23 City Wide Garage Sale
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
cwgs.com
Austin's Largest Antique, Collectible & Vintage Marketplace Where Everything Has a Story. Times: Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Admission: $5.00, under 12 FREE.
Apr 22-23 Orchid Growers Seminar 
Exhibit and Plant Sale
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Zilker Botanical Gardens, 2220 Barton Springs Road
hotos.org
Sponsored by the Heart O' Texas Orchid Society, the day includes lectures to help experts and novices alike enjoy the wonder of nurturing among nature's most beautiful flowers. You'll also get free handouts designed for the beginner, along with good information, and answers to all your questions answered. No charge for the seminar or exhibit, just come and learn. There will be a few vendors available with plant sales, and to help answer questions. Seminar - 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Exhibit and Plant Sale - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Apr 25 Vision for Central Texas Rail Seminar
8:00a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Austin Convention Center - Ballroom A, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
aiaaustin.org
What's the vision for a Central Texas rail system? How have rail systems performed across the country? What are the alternatives to rail? What are the downsides?
Join Austin's civic leaders and national, regional and local rail experts for this important community conversation.
Registration is $25. Register on-line at www.aiaaustin.org or in person (7:30 AM). Seating is limited so register NOW!
Apr 25 Rap Artist & Journalist to Rap 
7:30 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org
KLRU Engaging Speakers Series/06 - In this moderated panel discussion, rap artist Chuck D and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Leonard Pitts will discuss culture, social issues and race. University of Texas professor and author of Hip Hop Matters, S. Craig Watkins will lead the conversation. As the founder of Public Enemy, Chuck D. is one of the most colossal figures in the history of hip-hop. He is also a respected voice on the American cultural landscape and hosts a weekly show on Air America Radio. Leonard Pitts is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and authority on black America and popular music, who recently wrote "The Rap Against Rap: It Celebrates Ignorance." Talk about engaging! Learn more about the fireworks display at klru.org/spark/chuckd.html.
Looking Ahead - May 17 Stewardship Awards Luncheon 
Hyatt Regency Austin.
(512) 916-6037, envisioncentraltexas.org
Register now for the Inaugural Envision Central Texas Community Stewardship Awards Luncheon. This exciting event will recognize and honor the innovative people, projects and processes that are addressing the growth challenges facing our region. We're exploring ways that will move us closer to a vision for our future that preserves and enhances our natural resources, economic vitality, social equity, and overall quality of living. Award categories include: New Development, Redevelopment, Pioneer, Public Planning and Policy and Raising Public Awareness. Register now at envisioncentraltexas.org. Sponsor tables of 8 are available, as well as single tickets.
Totally Austintacious
Apr 22-23 West 6th St. Artist's Market709 W. 6th
(512) 698-8099, 6thstreetmarket.com
The West 6th Street Artist's Market is a festive outdoor art fair, featuring a variety of work by independent artists from Austin and Central Texas. Open every Sat. & Sun, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
