The Austin Kid's Day Blog

Thanks from the Promoter!

2008-08-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the 2nd Annual Austin Kids Day! I managed to speak to a majority of people first hand and everyone seemed to really enjoy the event, especially the air-conditioning venue! For those of you who know, this past Saturday could very well end up being the hottest day of 2008 on record- at least that's what I heard through the grapevine! But not even the heat could keep over 700 people from getting down at Austin Kids Day to great musical performances by Joe McDermott& The Smart Little Creatures, Aunty E & The Friends, & The Biscuit Brothers!

So thanks to everyone, including the local vendors who faced the heat to bring nice chilled products like Maui Wowi Smoothies, Vitamin Water, Genesis Boost (those things kept me going strong!), Out There Cooking & El Arroyo, Bonzo Crunch & Mystical Magical Michael for their wonderful entertainment, Games2U for their awesome video game theater, Epiphone for providing such a cool backline for the bands to play, DRUMZ for providing the cool world music workshop and instrument petting zoo, Beary Cute Stuffables for their courageous employees who dressed up in the bear costume, Austin Kids Directory & Baby Scoop Austin for their wonderful knowledge of local businesses & always providing happy helping hands, Bright Horizons for their great staff and charitable donations, Saturn for letting everyone hang out in their cool cars, Lauren Portrait Art & JBell Photography for taking such cool photos (which I'm still waiting to see by the way and when I do I will post them for everyone to see!) , 1379 for lending a helping hand and bringing out such cool kids athletic wear, Premier Parking for helping all the patrons find their 'spot', Sock-Hop for the great bouncy houses, Tunes4Me for providing the cool CD's and face painting, KIWI the Clown for providing the great balloon design & face painting, our wonderful sponsors who helped make this whole thing possible- Longhorn Kids Club, Bechtol Golf Designs, UT Golf Club, Steiner Ranch, Stratus, Rogers O'Brien, Bright Horizons, Endeavor, Lincoln Property Company, The Kucera Companies, Audio Visuals, Heritage Title, & The Capital Area Food Bank...and last but not least- The Riverbend Center- you have the best staff of any venue in Austin and you made everything possible, from the wonderful facilities, to the friendly and hard-working staff, to the great volunteers- top notch from bottom to top; and especially thanks to Sharon Dillard, whom without none of this would have been possible! Also, to all of the wonderful volunteers, thank you so much, you are awesome, hard-working, and dedicated and that is so hard to find so I really appreciate all that you did! Thanks.

Thanks again to all the kids and families who came out, and especially to all of you who dressed up for the contest, it was so much fun and ALL of you looked amazing! Stay tuned for news on next year's Austin Kids Day!!!!

There will NOT be an ATM on site

2008-08-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately we could not work out a deal to get an ATM on-site so please plan accordingly. We do apologize, but it is out of our control. Thanks for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

Nurse Station Announcement...

2008-07-31T23:06:00.000-07:00

OK, it's gonna be a heater of a day and just because we will have misting fans, tents, air-conditioning, free vitamin water, ice cream, and just about everything else to cool you down DOESN'T mean that no one will overheat. In the event that you overheat, please head directly inside to the EAST side of the Riverbend Centre to the nurses station where there is plenty of free cold water, cots to lay down on, chairs, and a relaxing environment. There is even a TV so you can watch the show inside! Make sure to thank the nurses and all volunteers for helping out!

A lot of people are asking....

2008-07-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

What DO I get for my money? For a general admission ticket at $12.50, everyone who is able gets to hear and see 3 award winning bands in a state-of-the-art theater, access to free parking, a free video game arcade access (We ALL know how quick any kid can go through a roll of quarters at $10 a pop), free event merchandise like posters, beach balls, & temporary tattoos, free vitamin water while it last, unlimited trips in the bouncy house, sports castle, and inflatable basketball hoops, chances to win prizes & play games like Hula-Hoop, Limbo, meet new friends and interact with other kids, cool magician shows, clown shows, an opportunity to play musical instruments in a setting built specifically for kids, opportunity to dress-up like a rockstar or fairytale princess where the first place winner gets a full day at La Diz Spa (a day spa for kids) and have fun, and so much more - add it up it's pennies on the dollar, think about the big picture and it's priceless!

Don't want to deal with the hustle and bustle of GA seating, claim your own spot in the reserved section and get closer to the action for $24.50.

Want to bump it up and have a great time? For $39 you get everything above AND cool laminated AKD backstage passes where you can meet & hang out with your favorite artists & see how things work behind the scenes, access to VIP parking, the best seats in the house, and free AKD goodies like posters & t-shirts! Yeah, it's not for everyone but it is available to everyone!

Unfortunately do to ticketing policy and NOT Austin Kids Day- we cannot offer free lap tickets to parents with little ones but what we can offer is a GA ticket for ANY section for your child 2 and under!

I also heard a rumor that there will be goody bags being handed out full of cool surprises!

So no matter which way you look at it, at Austin Kids Day every kid hopefully leaves feeling special, has met new friends, has had an all-inclusive experience, has learned something cool, has been inspired, has seen some fantastic music, gotten some cool merch and free goodies, maybe got a face-painting or crazy balloon design, saw a cool magic show, jumped around in a bouncy house, laughed, cried, pooped & peed!

Get ready to go Bonzo!

2008-07-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

News from the Promoter...

2008-07-28T16:50:00.001-07:00

So people ask me everything you can imagine about Austin Kids Day, and all of the answers I provide are based on one consistent origin, and that is my love and passion for music and the experiences that festivals bring with that. I want to provide an atmosphere for families to enjoy everything from live music to good food and entertainment.

Festivals that are based on good vibes and positive creation create overwhelming experiences for the people who attend them, and anyone who lives in Austin knows about good music... and you've probably traveled a long distance to see some of your favorite bands over the years. Maybe you met your wife or became best friends with someone you never would have otherwise known. Now imagine getting to do that when your 2! That's why there's Austin Kids Day- it's for any "kid" ages 2 to 102! It's YOUR day, so come out and be a kid!

Have you ever been at a festival in the summer and just thought, "Man! I would give anything for a nice padded chair and some good 'ole air conditioning!" Well, if you've ever been to a festival in Texas in the summer then you've definitely said that before! Luckily for you we already thought ahead and at Austin Kids Day you get to go indoors for the main acts! You will get to see 3 awesome performances in the nice air-conditioned theater at the immaculate Riverbend Centre! And folks, if you haven't been here before you are in for a treat! It is gonna be awesome! Another great thing about having the show indoors is that the artists get to pull out all the props and fun surprises so you won't catch a show like any other seen before at Austin Kids Day! And when you are outside, don't worry bout the heat down at Shady Grove, I hear there are misting fans over there...

Everyone's invited and bring a friend, so come do it all- bring 10 cans to donate to the Kids Cafe and get a cool Austin Kids Day Poster, enter the rockstar & fairytale princess dress-up contest, enter the Guitar Hero Tournament for your chance to win your own private Video Game Theater Party brought to you by Games2U, check out great Austin live music by Joe McDermott & The Little Creatures, Austin's very own Rockstar Princess- Aunty E & The Friends, and The Biscuit Brothers. Don't worry about coming hungry because El Arroyo & Out There Cooking are gonna be serving up breakfast & lunch all day and get your health fix on at Maui Wowi & Genesis Boost! Oh yeah, and I can't forget about the parents- come chill out on the deck in the shade, get some great food, go shopping- it's OK cause its Saturday AND its YOUR Day, you won't want to pass up the local vendors, arts, crafts, apparel, and more! Sounds like fun, I'm in! The count-down begins...will you attend? Better buy your tickets now...

Official Announcement: New Festival Map & Schedule!

2008-07-25T17:07:00.001-07:00

Check out the new updates on the schedule & festival map!

Calling All Guitar Hero Participants!

2008-07-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Announcing The Official Austin Kids Day Guitar Hero Tournament brought to you by: Games2U!

Do you have what it takes to claim Guitar Hero champion of Austin Kids Day? Comes to Austin Kids Day to make your mark! Finalists will have the chance to perform like a real guitar hero as finals are broadcast to entire Austin Kids Day Audience at the Games2U Outdoor Theater! Register now for your chance to be the Official Austin Kids Day Guitar Hero Champion!

Divisions:
Boys & Girls Ages 8 & Under
Boys & Girls Ages 9 & Up

WINNERS RECEIVE 2 HOUR PRIVATE PARTY PROVIDED BY GAMES2U!!!

Stop by the Guitar Hero theater at the Games2U Booth and register for your chance to claim Guitar Hero Champion of Austin Kids Day!!!

All entries must have proof of purchase to Austin Kids Day!

Need a Time Out?

2008-07-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Stop by the "Time-Out" area for a little R&R during Austin Kids Day!

If you've had too much heat or the little one's are acting up, stop by the Time Out area inside the Riverbend Centre ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE BUILDING for a break or just hang out, make a pallet and watch a movie. Volunteers will be around if you need help so don't be afraid to ask!

Promo video

2008-07-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT THE NEW AKD PROMO VIDEO!

Halloween in August?

2008-07-14T17:03:00.001-07:00

So what's this I heard about a rock star & fairytale princess costume contest?

Yeah that's right! Break out the costume's early, shake the dust off, or create your own brand new get-up for Austin Kids Day's Rockstar Dress-Up Contest! Don't be Shy!

Categories for the contest are:
Best Dressed Rock Star
Best Dressed Fairy Tale Princess

WINNER OF ROCKSTAR & FAIRYTALE PRINCESS DRESS-UP CONTEST RECEIVE A FULL DAY OF PAMPERING AT LA DI SPA, A SPA JUST FOR KIDS- THAT INCLUDES A FACIAL, MANI, PEDI, AND HAIR!!!

Awesome prizes for everyone! Don't be shy, but be smart! It is gong to be hot outside and cool inside- make sure your costume isn't too constricting or overwhelming that you are affected by the elements! Looking forward to seeing you all dressed up like little rockers!

Staycationing Blues? Austin Kids Day is where its at!

2008-07-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

So I heard on the news last night that gas prices are affecting family's summer vacations! That's a bummer, unless you live in Austin because you have the beautiful lakes, hike & bike trails, shopping centers, live music, and wonderful events like Austin Kids Day to help you enjoy the summer! So if your are hanging around Austin this summer come out to Austin Kids Day for an awesome time!

Got the "Staycation Blues"? Who cares, save gas and head out to Austin Kids Day! A family of four can have a great time and even buy something to eat for everyone at Austin Kids Day for under a $100, which is almost the price of a tank of gas!

All-Inclusive Activities

2008-07-14T16:21:00.001-07:00

Hello everybody- I hope you're getting excited for Austin Kids Day- just around the corner! Tickets are going fast so make sure to get yours today! And speaking of tickets...A lot of people have been asking what they get with their ticket? What activities are included and what are they going to have to pay for, etc?

Well- here's the good news, at Austin Kids Day, the activities are all included with the purchase of your ticket. This is not carnival style where the patron is 'nickle & dimed ' in every place possible. Most importantly- the music is what you buy with your ticket- three incredible children's artists performing in a state-of-the-art amphitheater with full theater production! WOW- You'll have to see it to believe it!
The Disney Princess bounce house and 3-in-1 castle are both free, and there's even talk of adding another bouncy house! The video game theater is free! The magic shows, balloon designs, and instrument petting zoo is all free! There will be soccer balls, footballs, and all kind of fun activities for you to expand some energy! The vitamin water is even free while it lasts! Thanks Vitamin Water! You can even get a FREE Official Austin Kids Day Poster by helping out The Kids Cafe through donating 10 cans of food! If you are really hip on the free goods and can't afford a ticket, volunteer to become an Official Austin Kids Day Ambassador! Send an email to info@austinkidsday.com and become a part of the AKD Team!

Of course there are tons of REALLY cool things that you can spend your money on, because I know it's burning a hole in your pocket! Great gourmet food, customizable "Beary" cute stuffed animals, rock star dress up costumes, ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn, Popsicles, official AKD merchandise, artist merchandise, and so much more! So bring your friends and come on out to Austin Kids Day!

AKD Festival Map

2008-07-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

check out the website to download your map!

FAQ- have questions about the festival? click here

2008-07-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

2008 Dates:
Saturday August 2, 2008
The Riverbend Centre
Austin, TX

Doors open at 9am and close at 4pm

Where is the Riverbend Centre located? And how do I get there?
The physical address is:
Riverbend Centre
4214 N. Capital of Texas Hwy
Austin, TX 78746
www.riverbendcentre.com

The Riverbend Centre is located just over the 360 bridge on the Capital of Texas Highway.

Where can I buy tickets?
Please visit www.AustinKidsDay.com. Also, tickets are available at all GetTix ticket outlets: Run-Tex, Waterloo Records, University Co-op or by phone toll free 1.866.443.8849.

Allowed/Prohibited Items:
Guests and their belongings are subject to search upon entry or re-entry. You can help keep the lines moving quickly by leaving large bags at home.

You may bring in the following:
Blankets
Personal camera equipment (ie: small digital cameras or point-and-click 35mm cameras)
Baby bottles
Yourself!!

You may NOT bring in the following:
Umbrellas, in the event of rain, festival will all be moved indoors
soft-sided coolers
Baby strollers - there will be a check station
portable collapsable chairs
Glass containers
Cameras with detachable lenses are prohibited
Alcohol
Weapons of any kind
Illegal substances
Food or beverages
Skateboards, scooters, or personalized motorized vehicles
Fireworks
Pets (except service dogs)
Video equipment: No video recording will be allowed
Audio recording equipment
No illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed
Unauthorized solicitations, handbills, sampling, give-aways, etc.

Contact Info:
Questions for Austin Kids Day?
Contact us via email at info@austinkidsday.com or call us the AKD Hotline 1.800.961.7661

Are strollers allowed within the festival grounds?
Strollers are no allowed within the festival grounds, but there will be a stroller check that you can use to check your stroller for the day or temporarily. There are three stroller checks- see the map for specific locations.

Re-entry/Ins and Outs?
Re-entry is allowed as long as your ticket is in hand, you have a stamp, or wristband.

Food:
Food is not allowed to be brought in, however there is going to be tons of great food for you all day so no one goes hungry or thirsty. El Arroyo and Out There Cooking has joined forces to bring you an expansive menu with options like Chicken Salad wraps, cheeseburger sliders, falafel & hummus veggie wraps, french fries, tasty treats, cotton candy, snow-cones, ice cream and much much more!!

Lost and Found:
If you misplace something during the day of the festival, please feel free to email us at info@austinkidsday.com or call the AKD hotline at: 1.800.961.7661

Cash & Credit Cards:
Credit card purchases are allowed for tickets, merchandise, and select vendors; however, credit cards are not allowed to purchase food or beverages, but have no fear we are working very hard to get an ATM on site. In other words, bring extra cash to keep yourself hydrated, purchase food, memorabilia, merchandise, tickets, etc.

Transportation and Parking:
FREE General Admission Parking, Valet Parking, and VIP Parking Available.
Please refer to the site map to familiarize yourself with the parking situation.

Map:
Attached you will find a detailed map of the festival grounds. Please download and print out so you will be prepared to find your favorite activities!

Opening Time?
Doors open promptly at 9am and the performers start rocking at 10:30!! So don’t be late!!

Error in my shipping address?
Get Tix is your source for ticket and shipping information, please contact them at: 1.800.443.8849 or visit their website for more information www.gettix.net

Rock-Star Dress up Contest?
Dress up as your favorite Rock Star, Musical Icon, & Fairy Tale Princess for the chance to win fun prizes and stand where the stars perform on the big stage!! Be sure to sign up from 9-12 for a chance to show off your great costume. This includes you too parents! And if you don’t bring your cosutme, head over to Pigtails & Crewcuts to get a dress-up package!

Categories for the contest are:
Best Dressed Rock Star 5 & under
Best Dressed Rock Star Ages 6 & Up
Best Dressed Fairy Tale Princess 5 & under
Best Dressed Fairy Tale Princess Ages 6 & Up
Best Dressed Parent
Best Overall Costume

Wheelchair Availability?
The Riverbend Centre is wheelchair accessible with direct car drop-off, elevators, ramps, concrete sidewalks and additional seating for wheelchairs.

Info for smokers?
There is no smoking on all grounds of the festival, indoor or outdoor. You will be subject to a fine if you smoke and asked to leave the property.

Autograph Signing?
After selected artist performances, they will be upstairs for 30 minutes taking pictures and signing autographs with all of you* and throughout the day you may catch your favorite star wondering around the festival grounds!
*subject to change without notice

When can we arrive? When do we have to leave?
Doors open promptly at 9am so make sure to show up at 8:45 for a good parking spot. There will be lots of in-and-out travel through the day so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot by either parking in general admission, VIP, or using the Valet Service. Activities end at 4pm.

How is traffic going to be handled?
Travis County Sheriff’s Department will provide traffic control. Parking attendants will guide you once you enter the parking lot.

Will tickets be available for purchase at the front gate?
Of course!! When you arrive, if you have not purchased a ticket, you will be directed to the box office through the East or West entrance where you will purchase your tickets, and THEN you will be allowed into the festival grounds!

Can you tell me where I can check the status of my ticket, how I can change my mailing address etc...
Get Tix is your source for ticket and shipping information, please contact them at: 1.800.443.8849 or visit their website for more information www.gettix.net

Can you send me info on becoming a vendor at Austin Kids Day 2008?
There is still time to become a vendor, but spots are running out fast!! Please contact chas@austinkidsday.com if you are interested in becoming a vendor.

Is there any way to volunteer for AKD?

Have you ever wanted to be a part of a great festival that benefits children, families, local business, artists, and the greater Austin community?

Look no further than the 2nd Annual Austin Kids Day, Saturday, August 2, 2008 at The Riverbend Centre! No job is too big or too small that you can’t take action to help out a friendly hand by becoming an Official Austin Kids Day Ambassador!

What are the opportunities for volunteers?

By becoming an Austin Kids Day Ambassadors you have the opportunity to work the festival in an area of your interest, which include the following categories:

Patron Meet & Greet
Festival Map & Vendor Location Assistance
Ushers
Ticket takers
Merchandise booth administrators
Beverage, Food, & Retail Vendor assistance
Stage hands
Runners
Logistics specialists
Lost & Found & Info Booth Administrators
Parking assistance
On-site coordinator assistance
Stroller Check Administrators
Bouncy House Administrators
Promotions Team members
Street Team Members to pass out flyers & posters around Austin
Food Bank Station Administrators

What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer?

FREE admission to Austin Kids Day
FREE breakfast
FREE Vitamin Water
FREE event T-shirt
Special Privileges and Access

When do we have to show up?
Saturday, August 2 from 8am-4pm

What types of jobs/departments could I be working in?
see above

Will I be assigned to cleanup detail?
yes

Is there a street team to promote AKD, if so how do I join?
Yes! If you are interested in becoming a member of the street team, email info@austinkidsday.com for more information!

Do volunteers get to see the show?
when applicable

Can I request to work with a friend?
of course!

What if my question isn’t answered here?
send your question to info@austinkidsday.com or call the toll free hotline at 1-800-961-7661 and we’ll do our best to answer your inquiry!

Current Vendors at Austin Kids Day

2008-07-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

What types of other Vendors will be on-site?

El Arroyo & Out There Cooking will be providing excellent gourmet food and tasty treats for the kids for BREAKFAST & LUNCH! check out the menu online. Beverages to be served are: Coke, Diet Coke, Water, Root Bear, Sprite, and more...

Pigtails & Crewcuts will be providing rock-star dress ups, kids haircuts, retail clothing, costumes, and so much more.

Beary Cute Stuffables- will be providing a great workshop where kids can create their own stuffed bear and make magical wishes comes true!

Longhorn Kids Club- will be offering information & registering new members.

DRUMZ - will be presenting on-site world music drum demonstrations, lessons, educational materials, merchandise, and a “musical petting zoo.”

Sock-Hop - will be providing inflatable moonwalks and obstacles for everyone to enjoy!

The River 102.3FM & KASE101 - will be providing radio call-ins and promo support!

Games2U- will be proving a 40’ trailer equipped with HiDef Flat Screen TV’s featuring X-Box 360, PS3, & Nintendo Wii.

Austin Kids Directory - stop by to pick up a copy and learn about businesses and events in our area that can benefit your family!

Covert Saturn - will be on-site featuring several cars from their very green marketing campaign- RETHINK! You could drive away in a Saturn today, visit Covert Saturn!

Austin Fire Department- will be on site providing safety lesson and information

Vitamin Water- will be onsite giving away free samples

Bright Horizons- will be onsite raising awareness worksite child care, early education, and work-life consulting services.

Lauren Portrait Art- will be providing professional photography services for families all day, which include two very special sitting sessions from featured AKD artists!

2008-07-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

Notes to the patrons 7.10.08

2008-07-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

In a question directed to the Austin Kids Day Hotline.....As an official representative for Austin Kids Day I can tell you that we are all about giving back to the kids and the community and creating an environment where kids can be kids and families can have fun, shop, learn, create awareness for 501(c)3 organizations, play games, interact, and just have a good 'ole Texas Time! There is also a food drive for Capital Area Food Bank- bring 10 cans and receive a FREE event poster!

If you are not familiar with the Riverbend Centre, check it out- http://www.riverbendcentre.com/ it is the most amazing venue! We can take advantage of the indoor & outdoor space to keep the heat a non-factor. This strategic format allows a greater experience for the patron.

Welcome to the Austin Kid's Day Blog!

2008-07-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the AKD blog, where you'll find postings about this exciting event coming up on Saturday, August 2nd.

Austin Kid's Day is a full day of entertainment, with games, food, and live music by Aunty E, Joe McDermott, and The Biscuit Brothers!

Stay tuned to learn more, and check out our website at www.austinkidsday.com!

See you on August 2nd!