Summer is normally a time for exploring outside, going out with friends, and relaxing. While the pandemic may have put a pause on a lot of social events, there is still quite a bit of fun to be had online. From local chefs teaching you how to cook your favorite restaurant dishes to classes and activities you can do with the whole family- there’s plenty to learn this summer.

Cooking Classes

Whether you’re a cooking novice or you’ve already mastered your quarantine sourdough starter, there are tons of online resources for cooking, baking, and even virtual wine tasting.

  • Yuyo – Chef Maribel from Yuyo hosts free Instagram live classes every Saturday at 8pm. Find her at @cocinamaribel, and meet some of her chef friends from around the world as well!
  • Antonelli’s Cheese Shop – The Hyde Park shop is offering $30 tastings where you follow along live with the Antonellis themselves. Each class has a theme and a Q&A after. Just pick your cheese up curbside (or have it delivered) and book a date online.
  • Intero – Ian Thurwatcher, executive chef at Intero, is offering online courses for up to 6 people via video call. Prices start around $65 and is custom tailored depending on what each customer wants to learn about. Famous for his zero-waste philosophy, you can learn how to properly utilize all elements of your ingredients. You can pick up a kit from Intero or get a shopping list to grab yourself.
  • La Condesa – Chef Rick Lopez is hosting a free series on the restaurant’s Instagram (@lacondesaaustin). He uses his own pantry to make chef-quality comfort foods and creations, as well as share his newest music finds.
  • Pasta Social Club – Head pasta-maker Meryl Feinstein has moved her Austin based Pasta Social Club online to teach 2 scheduled classes each week for $25 each. If you want to learn from her first-hand, she is also offering private classes online for $49. You can check out the upcoming classes and schedule yours here.

 

Arts + Music

We live in one of the most creative cities in the world, so take advantage of it.

  • Austin Creative Art Center – From virtual classes to online camps for kids, you can learn anything from sculpture and ceramics to painting and drawing. Supply lists can be found online, and even ordered through curbside pickup from Jerry’s Artarama.
  • Inspired Minds Art Center – While technically in Buda, this art school has shifted most classes online, and are taught by local artists from around the city. They offer short and long term classes in fine arts, crafts, and even mindfulness and journaling. Checkout their kids classes, teen intensives, and adult classes all on their schedule.
  • Austin School of Music – For people of all ages wanting to learn or hone their musical talents, the Austin School of Music is offering tons of online options. Contact them here.
  • Eastside Music School – Offering private and customized virtual lessons, Eastside Music School is taking new students. They offer free trial lessons, as well as promise to help you learn to play your instrument of choice in 3 months or less.

Kids + Family

Kids home for the summer (and maybe the school year too) may be going stir crazy now, so what better time to try something new and engaging?

  • The Hideout Theatre – This local theater is offering kids improv and comedy classes as well as summer camps. There are several different times and options, you can see them all here.
  • Kids Out and About – Contrary to the name, Austin Kids Out and About have collected a whole list of online courses for kids of all ages. There are theater, dance and voice lessons, coding classes, Spanish and language courses, and tons more.
  • The Thinkery – The children’s museum is offering a new program called Thinkery at Home with instructional videos for activities, recipes, and other adventures you can take at home.
  • Umlauf Sculpture Garden – For something more relaxing, Umlauf offers family yoga every Wednesday via livestream at 11:30am, and a storytime on Thursdays at 12:30pm. Their Facebook and Instagram have all the details for how to watch.

 

We encourage all of our SEED friends to learn something new this summer. It’s still a time for growth and exploration, even if it looks a little different than previous years. Whether it’s learning how to make pasta, or growing into a new home – we’re happy to help.