On the wide expanse of Auditorium Shores Thursday, vendors set up for a musically cultural weekend - the Urban Music Festival. Operators walked the grounds, checking the set up. Everything has to be right when music hits the shores.

"It really serves well to have a family environment whereby your kids can come and play as well as enjoy good music," festival operator Alvin Brown said.

There is plenty of music at the festival. For some it's a chance to shine for a possible recording contract.

The Urban Music Festival is one of many positive aspects to the Texas Relay weekend. Over the past few years the weekend has gotten a bad rap, so community leaders came up with other cultural events.

"I think it's a great idea, because a lot of people come into town. They generate a lot of money for the economy in Austin," festival attorney Rickey Jones said.

A lot of families and young people visit Austin during the Texas Relays, and they're looking for something fun to do. Some, like former UT football player Sergio Kindle, think events like the Urban Music Festival are both wholesome and fun.

"When you come out here to the festival it's going to have a whole bunch of acts that I feel like all ages can relate to and we should have good weather and it's going to bring good publicity to Austin besides the relays," Kindle said.

Other cultural events around town include debates, fashion shows and flea markets. Visit YourRelays.com for schedules and information.