Austin’s birthday bash goes virtual

Austin’s birthday party – a commemoration of the 181st year since the Republic of Texas auctioned the first lots in Austin – has taken place at Republic Square for the last two years. This year, the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation is moving the free event online while endeavoring to keep it as interactive and festive as possible. Community members are invited to submit a video of their birthday wishes to the city that “should be as creative as possible while keeping to the family-friendly tone of the event.” Partygoers have the option to purchase a curated picnic lunch from Republic Square’s new Salt & Time cafe or a “birthday party kit” from Toy Joy. The highlight of the event is a livestreamed concert featuring a lineup of local artists curated by Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone of Riders Against the Storm. For more details visit RepublicSquare.org. Saturday, Aug. 15, 6-8 p.m.