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The first night of the annual documentary mini-festival happens to coincide with International Workers Day, and so the programming begins with Union, Martin Dicicco’s reporting on the rise of the Amazon Labor Union. The long weekend’s lineup also features unusual detective work in Seeking Mavis Bacon, musical mayhem in Devo, and comedic innovation in Thank You Very Much, the new biography of Andy Kaufman. Look for several familiar names from the Austin film scene with the local premiere of Time Passages, the newest film from Kyle Henry (Fourplay), edited by Karen Skloss (The Honor Farm) and produced by Jason Wehling (Saturday Morning Massacre). – Richard Whittaker

Feel like getting into sequential art but not quite sure where to start? The annual international celebration of your friendly neighborhood comic store is a great way to get your collection started, or just to pick up a few free issues printed just for the day. Grab Free Comic Book Day specials from Archie, Dynamite, Fantagraphics, IDW, Marvel and more, including a special Star Wars issue, at any of the six participating local stores. And while you’re there, look out for special events like signings, costume events, and sales on regular items. – Richard Whittaker

Did you know the streets Downtown were once all named for trees and rivers? The river names stuck, but eventually they started calling the tree names by numbers in the 1800s – the most famous being Downtown destination Sixth Street, aka Pecan. Celebrate its heritage at this twice-annual street fair designed to showcase local talent and generate proceeds to benefit historic preservation. Stroll along Sixth to shop wares from over 300 artisans, feast on concessions like turkey legs and elotes, and hear music from 30 artists on stages headlined by Lena Luca Friday and the Tiarras Saturday. – Kat McNevins

The soul of Texas is alive and well with Texas Folklife’s Folklorist Next Door podcast. Resist the influx of outsiders by immersing yourself in an exploration of the state’s true roots, from the Lone Star and beyond. Season one covered topics from loteria to quilting to Ukrainian folk music. Season two promises similar eclecticism, which you’ll witness at this sneak peak event. Treat yourself to a taste of Texas folklore. – Cat McCarrey

This editor and her dog Thizz thank our lucky stars for Taurus Academy, the Austin boarder/trainer/groomer/daycare dynamo that celebrates 30 years in business this year. Spaces are already full for Taurus’ free group training class on Saturday (check the RSVP form for last-minute cancellations), but you can still meet the Taurus team at the All About Dogs Market, a newly launched market featuring local, pet-centric vendors and nonprofits. There’ll be adoptable pups on hand, too, so why not enjoy a beer at Meanwhile and make the best decision of your life? – Kimberley Jones

Tell me you didn’t blow ALL your spring savings on Record Store Day, because the Austin Record Convention makes the music industry gouge/record store lifeline feel like a kiddie B-day. Some 300 dealers erecting micro-storefronts on 40,000 square feet of a prime local ballroom approximates the Aztecs’ lost city of gold, El Dorado. More new and used and vintage vinyl in one spot than you’ll glimpse anywhere else on the globe – not to mention CDs, cassettes, posters, T-shirts, and any other music-related pop culture delivery format – rise from tables, booths, and floor boxes like the treasures of Tutankhamun. A $30 early shopper ticket buys a whole extra day Friday, plus early admission Sat.-Sun. – Raoul Hernandez

In a gear-up for Independent Bookstore Day on April 27, Bolm Arts offers up a new exhibit, “Ode to the Book.” Musicians Jade Parx, Jac Carson, Amir Neubach, Liz Emme, and Nico Little will play as visitors peruse a diverse collection of illustrations, letterpress prints, book shrine sculptures, art books, and art made from books. “Elevating them beyond their functional purpose, artists Stephen Dubov, Sandra C. Fernandez, Emily Mitchell, Kyle Schlesinger, Jennie Tudor Gray and Beckette Rivera have created their own unique tribute to books,” writes the gallery. For more bookworm content, check out a talk by author Eric Heisner, a Western-loving screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker who will speak on the Austin Book Trail April 27. – Lina Fisher

In 2019, Taylor Swift began the protracted and public process of securing ownership over her album masters. Caught between signing a bum contract and letting go of her early music catalog, Swift decided to release new recordings of all her previous albums – coining the now infamous phrase, [Taylor’s Version]. Led by host Tara Cotta, the Austin Beer Garden Brewing’s monthly drag brunch cast will give their own “version” of Tay-Tay’s tunes. Enjoy performances by Yvonne D’Amour, Venus Rising, Moxie and music by DJ Lavender Thug. Don’t forget to raise a toast to the woman who got artists paid during Apple Music’s free trials: ABGB’s seasonal honey lager, the Beeginning, seems the most Swiftie sip for your dollar. – James Scott

From 9am-2pm Saturday, you can apply to be a U.S. citizen in a helpful, supportive environment. They recommend attending an information session first, where attorneys from American Gateways are present to advise on your eligibility, and give you a worksheet that outlines what documents you’ll need for your N-400 application for naturalization. Once that’s done, the first 75 participants in the clinic this Saturday will receive free one-on-one help in filling out their application. Other activities include a resource fair that’ll show you programs and resources for immigrant communities, and the opportunity to practice your citizenship interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you need English classes to help you with your interview, the Austin Public Library offers ESL classes at several library locations. – Lina Fisher

In September, UT-Austin named Darden Smith as its inaugural Songwriter in Residence, providing the musician with a nine-month stipend to lead workshops and concerts at the university. Now, Smith – a UT alum and musician of 35 years, who’s toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks and Joan Baez – debuts Western Skies, a project inspired by pandemic road trips across West Texas. Combining songs, stories, and photographs all accumulated during his travels, Smith and a fourpiece band premiere a real-deal work of musical theatre, complete with direction, lighting, and sound design from Texas Performing Arts. – Carys Anderson

Watching Jonathan Terrell dominate a stage leaves little doubt that the charismatic country-rocker swaggers as one of Austin’s next big breakouts. Until he can kick out a proper follow-up to 2020’s Westward though, Terrell’s last month quietly offered a holdover with a new EP of mostly acoustic tunes. Roughs emphasizes Terrell’s exceptional songwriting – running restless, raw-nerved, poetic highway lines through impeccable melodies and sharp hooks. Terrell locks in a weekly White Horse residency this month featuring support from Harvest Thieves and Sentimental Family Band, but starting with Arkansas’ suave country crooner Dylan Earl. – Doug Freeman

Weighing in at nine members all donning red bucket hats, funk collective Grandmaster might appear to be a cult rather than a band. Its occupation of the Paramount’s Stateside Theatre for the Grandmaster Gala benefits SIMS Foundation and coincides with their debut album release. The LP’s galactic ascension combines a cruising swagger with the space glam of Electric Light Orchestra and bubblegum harmonies of the 5th Dimension. Such a journey is fitting for the historic venue, and sounds like conspiratorial cult gospel. Fellow sonic thespians Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band and Dodo open. – Laiken Neumann

Of course every day is Halloween at Austin’s premier haunted house attraction, but the resident spooks and ghouls couldn’t wait a whole year to invite you into their lair. Get a sneak preview of what will be lurking inside its walls when the haunting season really gets its claws into you in October. – Richard Whittaker

Hurl yourself into the Austin punk scene of 1991 with Her Dog Satan, a recently resurrected vampire thriller shot at the legendary Cannibal Club complete with a score by members of Living Pins, Foot Patrol, the Cherubs, and Butthole Surfers. As the Lone Star State’s two greatest film preservationists, the Texas Archive of the Moving Image and the nonprofit American Genre Film Archive have teamed up to bring this seemingly lost mosh into the city’s underground. Stick around as AGFA unreels other local classics of the era, including Invasion of the Aluminum People (a favorite of Silence of the Lambs director Jonathan Demme) and Student Academy Awards-nominated horror Mask of Sarnath, with its score by industrial pioneers Throbbing Gristle. – Richard Whittaker

Does Texas have the best Star Wars fans? That’s what Alejandro Cabrera examines in his new documentary about how the Skywalker saga has found a particular home in the Lone Star State. From the joy of building your own Jedi costume to the moving story of how the fandom gathered around one of its own in his final days, Cabrera’s film celebrates the best of those that follow the Force. Stick around after the screening for a Q&A and some very special guests. The Bullock is also providing Star Wars-themed craft tables to build your own Yoda ears, or you can just get your photo taken with Mandalorians, Jedi, or droids. Read our interview with Cabrera online at austinchronicle.com/screens. – Richard Whittaker

Looking for somewhere to act out your Pretty Woman fantasies (or Secretariat fantasies, if that’s more your speed)? Come one, come all to Jackalope South Shore’s Kentucky Derby Watch Party. It’s even upping the ante with a best hat contest and in-person Dachshund races. Those dogs are so cute, I guess I’ll forgive the Jackalope for skipping the best part of Derby season: Derby pie. I’ll just drown my sorrows in frozen mint juleps while eating Coney hot dogs and betting on the next canine champion. – Cat McCarrey

It’s no secret that among developed nations, the U.S. is one of the most dangerous for childbirth, especially for people of color. That’s why March of Dimes calls upon the community for a day of fundraising to help close the health equity gap. Join in for a fun family day starting off with the Superhero Sprint for kids and opening ceremonies at 10, followed by an easygoing 1-mile walk around the park at 10:30, then a block party with a live band, activities like yard games and a “bubble zone,” and even Star Wars characters to celebrate May the Fourth. Stop by the remembrance wall to learn more about March of Dimes’ community impact. – Kat McNevins

Are you tired of exploitative bosses and low wages? Fear not – the Austin chapter of Democratic Socialists of America is hosting a labor fair advertising union jobs this weekend. Local unions such as IBEW, TSEU, and AFSCME will be recruiting for open positions and training programs available to everyone from fresh high school grads to experienced professionals. The fair doubles as a celebration of May Day, the May 1 holiday that commemorates U.S. workers’ 1886 struggle for the eight-hour workweek. “Today, unions fight for better pay, stronger benefits, fair treatment and respect, and democratic control of your workplace,” writes DSA in a press release. “Union jobs have 20-30% better pay and tend to have better benefits and safer workplaces. Texas has low union density, but it is rising due to efforts like this.” Grab a kolache and listen to local bands Pony Soprano, Medieval Snails, Ama, Gummy Fang, and Provoked Emotions as you browse work opportunities. – Lina Fisher

This annual celebration of Star Wars doesn’t have a light side and a dark side, but it does have afternoon activities for the kids, including a costume parade and contest, and becomes adults-only after dark with themed drinks, a lightsaber battle, and more. This year, nonprofit event organizers Silver Leg Creative are fundraising for SAFE Alliance, so get that $10 donation ready – and remember, Imperial credits are no good here. – Richard Whittaker

Does anybody know the words to “Dual of the Fates”? Don’t panic if all you know is the dum-dum-dums from “The Imperial March”: You’re still welcome at either of these karaoke bases, both of which will be decorated in keeping with this most stellar of days. There’ll be themed cocktails, mocktails, cutouts for photo ops – and, of course, karaoke. – Richard Whittaker

Do you think Peggy Hill would like the Rhinestone Rodeo? I’m mixed: On one hand, she’s iffy on drag – but her tune would deffo change once she sees the talents of performers Owie, Sir Maxim, and Brigitte Bandit. She did once have a poor experience with a beer company – “Beer and Loathing,” season six, episode 16 – but Independence Brewing’s gold star Native Light lager would definitely impress a certified genius such as herself, not to mention her propane-loving plus one. Okay, I’ve convinced myself: Peggy Hill would definitely be at Rhinestone Rodeo, dancing it up to DJ Boi Orbison’s honky-tonk hits and showing off her finest Western wear in the Shiniest Star contest. Don’t worry, though, she’s not real, so you’ll actually have a chance at the trophy yourself – plus two tickets to June’s Majestic Ball and a gift certificate to Independence’s private karaoke stash lounge. Ho yeah! – James Scott

If you’ve ever seen a homemade Stormtrooper costume, you know that Star Wars fans are crafty. And if you’re any kind of collector, you know that finding those classic toys is tougher than wrestling the ears off a Gundark. Luckily, the twice-monthly Taylor Market Days is celebrating Star Wars day this year with a special themed vintage and makers fair at Old Taylor High. Come in costume, take part in the lightsaber battle and jump to lightspeed on the Millennium Falcon bouncy house – oh, and there’ll be 50 stalls to browse, as well as the best beer garden and cocktail bar this side of Oga’s Cantina. – Richard Whittaker

The therapy dogs of Divine Canines are a force for good, with 110 teams who visit thousands of Texans of all ages to help with emotional, psychological, and cognitive issues of all kinds. But who says they can’t have some fun with all that great work? Kick off the monthlong Barks for Beers fundraiser with this suitably themed day party at the Brewtorium complete with stalls from the Austin Flea Market, themed food and drink, a fundraising raffle and, at 3pm, the Em-Paw-Rial March Dog Parade & Costume Contest. There’s no better time for your poodle to channel their inner Wampa! Don’t forget, there will be fundraising events and specials at 31 Austin breweries and brewpubs, all the way through May. – Richard Whittaker

Bright lights, big screen, and burlesque: These are the ingredients chosen to create the perfect night out this weekend. Join Jigglewatts members Something Blue, Ruby Joule, and Alexander the Great alongside host Selma Bawdy as they sparkle inside Doc’s Drive In’s speakeasy. They’ll be bringing the usual class and sass out to this Buda gem for 20 bucks a ticket. But those tickies go quick, so make sure to grab yours before it shimmies right on outta your grasp. – James Scott

Everybody wants to be a honky-tonk band these days, so it only makes sense that the Nude Party is setting up shop at Sam’s Town Point for a three-day run of live recordings. The North Carolina-born septet built their own studio in the Catskills for last year’s third album, Rides On, with the LP licking the Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers and a ramshackle throwback psych-folk jangle. Before striking camp at STP, the band unloads their ragged Seventies vibes and explosive live show on a daytime set at new Martindale hot spot Duett’s. – Doug Freeman

In the pandemic, time was our friend: The longer we could wait, the better the chances a cure could be found and we could all be together. But for Kyle Henry, time was the enemy as his mother’s dementia accelerated and stripped away years of memories. As part of the AFS Cinema Doc Days season, Henry returns to Austin from his home in Chicago with Time Passages, his new and deeply personal documentary in which he reconstructs his family history and his mother’s memories through the family’s archive of Kodachrome film footage. Stick around for a Q&A with Henry, editor Karen Skloss (The Honor Farm) and producer Jason Wehling (Saturday Morning Massacre). – Richard Whittaker