All manner of watercraft will be on display for your ogling (or purchasing) pleasure. Activities for kids (a live catfish tank) and adults (the marine GPS workshop) help keep things afloat. Thu.-Sun., Jan. 17-20. $8.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez, 494-1128
This is the eleventh year for the annual celebration of the skin arts. Watch the professionals tint skin live and in person in the hopes of taking home the title of Tattoo of the Day. The burlesque, belly dancing, sideshow acts, and mechanical art will help your forget about your aching epidermis. There's even a kids area, although leaving your kids alone at a tattoo festival is just asking for an inked toddler. Fri.-Sun., Jan. 18-20. $20/day, $45/weekend.
Three guest chefs finish out the month in the Supper Friends kitchen: Chef Dustin Koerner presents a Latin Fusion meal on Fri., Jan. 18 at 7pm; Chef Josh Venne's guests will Experience Spain on Wed., Jan. 23; and chef Eric Nelson Brown will prepare Classy Texas Comfort Food on Fri. & Sat., Jan. 25 & 26. As always, reserve by phone and BYOB. $65.
Swoop House at 2Dine4 Catering, 3012 Gonzales, 512/467-6600
The evening begins with a demonstration on how to warm sake followed by a presentation from their Toji on the Texas rice used to make their product. Kids can play in the bouncy fort, Fresh Off the Truck will be selling food, and guests can relax in their own lawn chairs to watch Hiyao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro. 6-9pm.
Take a self-guided tour of Austin's favorite swimming hole. All you have to do is download the audio files and map from the Save Our Springs Alliance website, and off you go.
Barton Springs Pool, 2101 Barton Springs Rd., 512/867-3080
Whether you need to brush up your knife skills or throw together a romantic Thai dinner for two, these guys have you covered year round with an eclectic array of classes spanning all skill levels.
This mobile spay/neuter clinic might be in your neighborhood today. Check www.emancipet.org to find out. Fri.-Sat., check-in begins 8am (first come, first served). Free.
Join the various gatherings throughout the month. Events range from explorations of meditation practices to discussions of film to dream interpretation. Go online for a complete schedule of meetings.
This continuing ed course from ACC seeks to reform political relationships by encouraging tolerance and proving why liberal/conservative labeling is irrelevant. Limited slots available; register now. $120.
Austin Community College Continuing Education, 223-7542
Victim Services Unit is seeking volunteers who are over 21 and have a reliable car and cell phone to work four four-hour shifts per month for a year. The next training session begins March 18. See website for complete details.
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