Stretching from Congress to I-35, Sixth Street housed a 30-year celebration of Austin’s diverse culture, entertainment and business this weekend.

Named after Sixth Street’s former name, the Old Pecan Street Festival provided families time to enjoy a wholesome weekend together and allowed companies to reach out to the local community.

On Sept. 24 and 25, kids experienced a plethora of rides, toys and magic shows while their parents tried exotic foods and commercial goods from all over the world.

Many Austin residents know that by nightfall, Sixth Street transforms into a rapturous affair for adults. This festival changes all that when attractions like Doc Seaton’s Magic Sideshow beguile passersby. Cameron Rivers, master of teleportation, amazed audiences when he not only transported cotton balls from his hand to theirs but also multiplied one of them to five. Gypsy John, an independent performer, astounded with his famous “not-juggling” routines that included balancing acts, midair rope tying and occasional juggling.

If magic didn’t suffice, face painting, balloon animals and a bounce house entertained all present.

The Lego Experience Tour, which made its last stop for the year in Austin, drew the largest crowds. The tour has a mission to inspire creativity and innovation through the free toys and activities it offered at the festival.

When the youngsters were finished playing, exhausted parents visited the delicious food vendors. From dumplings to gyros, the Old Pecan Street Festival housed a plethora of cultural cuisines.

The up-and-coming German-owned food truck, Verts, launched a fresh start at the festival with a Deutsch twist on kebabs and wraps. They boast to be the world’s smallest food truck, serving their costumers from smart cars with two locations on Guadalupe.

If parents chose to make their meals at home, they were in luck. Pasta Moré’s various collection of olive-based sauces are a great addition to any bread, pasta or chicken dish.

Grown-ups who love to have a good drink with their food got the most out of their dollars when they tried Slim Rita’s 100-calorie margarita mix, unmatched by its competitors.

A meal needs a good dessert, and Crepé Crazy made the most delicious, fruity Nutella crepés complete with fresh strawberries and bananas.

No festival is complete without some shopping venues and survival tips. Children loved the adorable stuffed animals parents could buy at the Gift Garden. The ladies had their pick of dresses and jewelry from Wild Gems, whose collection of topaz, amethyst and garnet matches virtually any wardrobe with the jewelry’s chic design.

Arts lovers could choose from a variety of photographs, pottery and even wire art. Lagniappe Glass Works stood out among the other artisans for their glass plates that take on a unique, flowerpot kiln process with dramatically kaleidoscopic results.

Finally, some last minute tips to get the most out of next year’s Old Pecan Street Festival. First, the smartest patrons brought a water supply to beat the scorching temperatures and to save money. Also, shoppers found the best deals on food, clothes, and toys by looking around. Finally, most don’t take plastic, so bring cash. Those interested in attending this twice-a-year festival will have to wait until May.