Home Events

Picture yourself in an ancient cathedral, with the dulcet tones of a classical choir resonating as you are bathed in natural light. Talk about transcendent! That’s the vibe at Cloud Tree’s Ambient Music Series, taking guests on a rejuvenating musical journey every Thursday in June. Austin Cantorum kicks off the series with its meditative and illuminating chamber choir music, set against a calming backdrop with gorgeous acoustics. – Kat McNevins

The impeccably named MuthaGoose is the collective brainchild of artists Jill Garcia and Kim Phu. They are two of the baddest muthas around, debuting their collaborative creativity with the sly, wry, “Luster Woo” exhibit at the Butridge Gallery in the Dougherty Arts Center. Both are well-versed in playing around with mediums, crafting sculptures and paintings created from all manner of found or upcycled items. For “Luster Woo,” MuthaGoose present their nostalgic-but-modern takes on women’s issues. On Wednesday, Jill Garcia will be present for the artist reception, answering questions about the duo’s process. Check out these indelible visuals highlighting how the more things change, the more things stay the same. – Cat McCarrey

Past, present, and … Futurx, the latest and final installment of ProyectoTEATRO’s cabaret trilogy covering 500 years of Latin American history. In this part, the multi-talented cast brings to life “the political-toxic relationship between the United States and Mexico, the American Dream, the druglord underworld of Latin America, and the mysterious mermaids of the gulf of Mexico,” as the event copy states. How do they do it? Why, through theatre, music, sketch & improv comedy, and dance: elements which blend together and create an out-of-this-world spectacle inspired by very of-this-world history. – James Scott

Art and … math? Not as improbable as it may seem, especially when seen through the veil of fantasy. And that’s exactly what artist/gallerist/therapist Deanna Miesch does. Compiling works inspired by 1800s mathematician Edwin A. Abbott’s imaginary world of Flatland (with touches of fellow mathematician Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, of course), Miesch presents reality with a fanciful twist. Her visuals show our world, blurred or tilted a little askew. It’s easy to see portals to another world in every line and angle. What dimensions will you discover? – Cat McCarrey

This annual celebration of Black culture hosts community events, business conferences, and industry panels, while six days of music promise sets by Sukihana, NOOK Turner, Kirko Bangz, and more.

Long before Juneteenth became America’s newest federal holiday (ca. 2021), Black rodeos celebrated the holiday in East Texas. Bestselling Austin author Sarah Bird’s new book combines archival photos with essays by Bird and sports historian Demetrius Pearson, exploring the oft-overlooked history of these rodeos. Hear from Bird at back-to-back author events: a High Noon Talk at Bullock Museum Wednesday and a conversation and signing at Central Library Thursday, 7pm. – Kat McNevins

Tapestry Dance Company offers tap classes for hoofers of all levels. Catch your breath at one of the many film screenings, panel discussions, and music performances.

Hurrah! It’s the only good thing about summer – sorry to summer-enjoyers – come back once more. Austin Public Library’s summer reading program runs from June 1 until Aug. 10 and challenges readers of all ages to get 20 minutes of reading done a day. They’ve also got activity badges you can earn – fun biz like using APL’s seed library, making a DIY nature journal, attending any of APL’s free events. Finish 10 reading hours and three activity badges to earn prizes like a free book (kids 0-17) or a camping mug (adults). But isn’t the real reward the great books you read along the way? – James Scott

Gather the picnic blankets and lather on the sunblock: The Long Center and ACL Radio’s free outdoor music series returns to the lawn every Thursday through Aug. 15 (except July 4).

Theatre by any other name would be as sweet, but … there’s just something about the name “Shakespeare” that screams all the world’s a stage and we’re just living in it. And nothing screams Shakespeare more than Romeo and Juliet. Submerge yourself in a true Shakespearean experience with his famous star-crossed lovers. Tickets are free, but make sure to snap up a reservation before you head out. Feel the romance, the tension, the sorrow, in person. Besides, the Curtain Theatre’s outdoor setting is the perfect place to bask in the bard. Shakespeare and starlight?: A winning combo. – Cat McCarrey

How long does it take to become legendary? There’s no real answer, but local kiki houses Lepore and Juicy Couture have brought legend status to first Thursdays in just about two years. Tonight they celebrate this anniversary with a mini ball presented by sexual health heavy-hitters ASHwell and the Q Austin, meaning there’s money, honey. Competitors can win up to 150 bucks in ballroom categories like Majorette and Sex Siren. Legendary Akasha and BabiBoi Juicy are in the DJ booth, and the legendary Natalie Lepore is your master of ceremonies. –James Scott

Thanks to Seventies funk band War, the word “lowrider” often calls to mind the unforgettable sax riff of the band’s 1975 No. 1 single. But lowrider can mean a snazzy customized car with hydraulics or a person who works on such a vehicle, and the culture around these cars has strengthened Mexican American communities in the Southwest since the Forties. Learn more about them at this exhibit featuring an interactive touchscreen mural, cars and bikes on display, and stories about the people who make lowriding a community. A member reception takes place May 18. – Kat McNevins

That's right: Cap City Comedy Club, the longtime cornerstone of Austin's comedy scene for nearly four decades is at a new venue in the Domain. And here's Valerie Lopez with a closer look at what's in store for the scene via the venue. Click for details!

Traveling in Mexico, you frequently encounter changarritos – portable food carts or tienditas run by hardworking entrepreneurs. The carts usually operate outside of any formal regulation and, in that way, mirror the resilience and creativity of Mexican culture. In 2005, artist Máximo González appropriated the concept of the changarrito as a way for artists to take their work directly to the people. The idea came to Austin’s venerable Mexic-Arte Museum in 2012, with dozens of artists displaying art and interacting with the public outside the Downtown gallery. The concept is back and will run through August. – Brant Bingamon

Esther's Follies – Austin's not-so-secret weapon in the fight against ennui – the comedy gem that still dazzles this growing urban hub – returns to the weekly live and in-person stage of their club on Dirty Sixth, the whole troupe bringing back old favorites and debuting a new program of hilarity with topical, ripped-from-the-headlines sketches and musical numbers. And you do need a laugh or two, right about this time, don't you, citizen? (And how about a margarita to go with that?) We'd add that the mind-boggling illusions of magician Ray Anderson are a bonus in the night's clever spectacle … but, the way that arch maestro conjures mystery and delight, "bonus" would be an insult.