Glassblowing Competition
Thursday 10, The Glassmith
Will The Glassmith’s “Glass Man Standing” stay standing through in-person competition? Will you stay standing at their free dab bar? There’s only one way to find out. Season one of the Glassmith’s weekly glassblowing podcast, Glass Man Standing, crowned glass sculptor Indo as their champion. This Thursday, he’ll take his skills from the Twitch screen to the stage, surrounded, naturally, by a cloud of smoke. We narrowly avoided SB 3’s fate, so it’s time to celebrate. Help the folks at the Glassmith smoke a quarter-pound of wax, play a little bong pong, and have your mind blown by their artist competitors. – Caroline Drew
Eldritch Voyeurs
Friday 11 – Saturday 12, Sterling Stage
As much as H.P. Lovecraft super sucks, it’s impossible to deny the enduring imagery of Cthulhu and legions of tentacled demon gods. Burlesque and pole company Velvet Nox has reclaimed the slimy darkness of Lovecraft’s work, recrafting his everything-phobic ideologies into a queer, sex-positive extravaganza. The two shows create their own mythology, unique experiences that can be taken in tandem or enjoyed as a one-night-only special. Expect a heavy dosage of impressive movement accompanied by a rich world of props and costuming. Velvet Nox commits to the aesthetic, so prepare for a show filled “with wretched infestations of resplendent blasphemy.” Slimy, but oh so satisfying. – Cat McCarrey
Free Pet Support Services
Friday 11, Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center
The Street Dog Coalition’s mission of providing free veterinary care to people experiencing homelessness is essential for multiple reasons. In their own words, the organization acknowledges the “transformative bond” between humans and animals, and understands that our most vulnerable people and pets deserve compassionate care. But free physical exams, vaccinations, parasite control, and spay-neuter vouchers also support the One Health approach, a response to the likelihood that diseases spread when humans and animals come in contact. The coalition offers services – and the Austin Pets Alive! PASS team provides pet food, toys, and clothes – from 10am to 12:30pm at 4430 Menchaca on a first-come, first-served basis. – Carys Anderson
Rituals of Light
Friday 11 – Saturday 12, East Side Performing Arts Center
Ah, yes: the CRONE, who shares characteristics with the hag. She’s the center of Red Nightfall Productions new “narrative film and immersive theatrical production,” which kicks off this Friday with Rituals of Light. This performance introduces CRONE’s mythical ’verse through experimental movement, music, and dance theatre, combined with filmed elements & installations. C’mon, girls! It’s CRONE time. – James Scott
Bring It On: The Musical
Through August 16, Zilker Hillside Theater
Zilker Theatre Productions returns with a crowd-pleaser that will have audiences cheering under the stars. Bring It On: The Musical catapults the drama of high school politics, fierce rivalries, and cheer routines onto the Zilker stage for its annual summer production. As always, admission is free (donations are encouraged), so pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and settle in on the hillside for musical magic. Whether you’re a longtime Zilker fan or new to Austin’s favorite outdoor stage, this electrifying show is sure to lift your spirits, and maybe even inspire a cartwheel or two. – Rebecca Butler
The Wild Robot
Friday 11 & Monday 14 – Wednesday 16, Alamo Lakeline, Mueller & Slaughter Lane
When people talk about nature and nurture, they usually discuss it in relation to how a child will turn out. Adapting Peter Brown’s series of children’s books, director Chris Sanders reverses the question with Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a lost robot who finds herself the guardian of an orphaned goose named Brightbill. But does raising this lost bird mean teaching it the mechanics of flight, like a good robot would, or does it mean learning to imprint the idea of love on her own circuits? This robot in nature is the ultimate fish out of water in this gorgeous and funny story of life in the great outdoors. – Richard Whittaker
Lizzie: The Musical
Friday 11 – Sunday 20, Austin Playhouse
“Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41.” History has definitely put the weapon that dispatched Andrew and Abby Borden in the hands of Andrew’s daughter, even if the courts couldn’t make the case, and so does this wild musical mounted by tuneful theatre company Doctuh Mistuh. Reviving their multi-time B. Iden Payne Award-winning 2023 production with Stella Frye-Ginsberg back as the murderous Lizzie, this Riot Grrrl opera asks the big question: If she did it, then why? – Richard Whittaker
Just for Teens: Chainmail Accessories
Friday 11, Spicewood Springs Branch Library
This is just one millennial’s opinion, but chainmail totally rips. It’s a classic jewelry look that never goes out of style! A younger generation deserves to delight in this art as well, which is probably why Austin Public Library scheduled a teen-centric chainmail workshop. Those in the 13 to 18 age division are welcome to get “Ren Faire ready,” as APL says, by making keychains, earrings, and bracelets using this “ancient weaving technique.” – James Scott
Friday + House Party
Friday 11, Paramount Theatre
A double feature at the Paramount feels like a treat from a bygone era – even more so when what’s showing is two bona fide Nineties summer blockbusters, presented by the Black Auteur Film Festival. After his breakout film role in serious drama Boyz N the Hood, Friday shows off Ice Cube’s comedy chops with a single-day romp following Craig (Ice Cube), who’s just gotten fired for stealing and is trying to make rent, and Smokey (Chris Tucker), his best friend, who’s trying to evade a drug dealer he owes money, alongside the likes of Nia Long, Regina King, Bernie Mac, and more future legends. Then, House Party, at 8:50pm, follows hip-hop duo Kid ’n Play as another pair of buddies with sky-high flattops doing what buddies in the Nineties do best – throwing a house party unbeknownst to the parents. One ticket gets you into both films. – Lina Fisher
LOLA Austin’s We Might Be Struck by Lightning
Friday 11 – Saturday 19, Ground Floor Theatre
Hear me out: What if there was an opera version of a jukebox musical? Think Rock of Ages, but instead of Bon Jovi and Def Leppard it’s full of Franz Schubert and Amy Beach. Local Opera Local Artists, aka LOLA Austin, created that exact classical marvel set against a daringly modern story. Songs from composers both well known (Claude Debussy) and those who deserve more recognition (Alma Mahler) weave together the tale of two women struggling with the depressive vicissitudes of life. Placing the grandeur of chamber opera with the intimacy of modern dance makes this a recital to remember. – Cat McCarrey
Blanton All Day: Summer Dance Series – The Swing Edition
Saturday 12, Blanton Museum
It’s the second weekend of the month, which means it must be time for another Blanton All Day. Free for museum members and kids 5 and under, $20 for adults, and $10 for youth 6-17, this recurring party packs in a ton of activities, including conversations with curators and kiddo craft activities and storytime, plus swing dance lessons from Austin Swing Syndicate and live music by Golden Hour Heptet. If you work up an appetite, food and drink are available for purchase from Yapa Empanadas and Haymaker, or you could pack your own picnic to enjoy on the Blanton’s beautifully landscaped grounds. – Kimberley Jones
Boner Ball Z
Saturday 12, Come and Take It Live
Well, technically the Roman numeral for 10 is X, but who would give up the chance to do a burlesque tribute to Bulma for their 10th anniversary? Extreme erotic variety show Boner Bizarre dedicates their decade b-day to anime in all its beautiful forms – the cute monster mashes of Pokémon, the techno-body horror of Akira, and the shocking sensuality of Goku taking a shower. I saw that scene on my local roller-hockey rink’s TV, and it was the first time I ever saw a man’s naked butt. Hopefully that challenging spirit flows freely through this show. – James Scott
Toy Story + A Goofy Movie
Saturday 12, Paramount Theatre
Longing for the days when your biggest responsibility was choosing the next cartoon to watch? Paramount’s got you covered with a 30th anniversary double feature of Toy Story, Disney’s genre-defining hit, and A Goofy Movie, the strange yet heartfelt fever dream that somehow snuck out of Disney’s vault. This combination is like pairing filet mignon with a microwaved corn dog, and honestly? No notes. Grab a large popcorn, sink into your seat, and let your childhood nostalgia do the rest. – Rebecca Butler
Cuídate: A Summer Group Show
Through August 30, Ivester Contemporary
Every summer, several galleries around town offer new local talents an opportunity to showcase their work in group shows. Ivester now offers the results of its first open call, curated by Assistant Director Savannah Diaz and featuring the work of 29 artists from around the country. Returning local favorites Tom Jean Webb, Eli Decker, Michael Villareal, and Sydney Guzman – whose first solo with Ivester, “Under the Moon’s Eye,” debuted in April – star, along with many new names. The theme covers how we self-soothe (“cuídate” means “take care” in Spanish) – something we all need to find inspiration for in this particularly painful era of history. – Lina Fisher
Patrick Puckett
Through August 3, Wally Workman Gallery
In the sweltering summer months, it’s nice to look at art that echoes what you’re feeling. Puckett’s large-scale portraiture bursts with vibrant colors dripping in Southern-inspired splendor, a warm fever dream of defiant figures. Each subject seems calm and languid at first. But they intensely stare out at the viewer, eyes showing a vivid inner life echoed by the richly imaginative backdrops behind them. Regal and arresting, these are panels to get lost in. – Cat McCarrey
Tesla Regret RESET: De-badge Your Tesla Party
Saturday 12, Double Trouble
It’s like finally removing that old, extremely regrettable tattoo. You thought it’d be the best idea until suddenly the world (or just you) changes and it becomes the worst. This time, it’s the Tesla logo on the EV you bought before DOGE went down. So instead of slapping the “I bought this before Elon went crazy” sticker on your bumper as proof of disapproval, you could join ResistAustin this weekend in letting you cut ties with Musk – for good. – Levi Langley
Slide & Selected Plymptoons With Bill Plympton and Don Hertzfeldt in Conversation
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13, AFS Cinema
Why settle for one icon of indie animation when you can have two, and on back-to-back nights no less? That’s what we have to look forward to this weekend, when AFS Cinema screens two evenings of scratchy, grotesque, and mordantly funny animation from the Oscar-nominated Bill Plympton (“Your Face,” “How to Kiss”) followed by Plympton in conversation with Don Hertzfeldt (World of Tomorrow). Saturday provides a rare opportunity to see Plympton’s 2023 Western comedy Slide, while Sunday collects a number of shorts, self-selected by the animator. – Kimberley Jones
Carrie R. Moore: Make Your Way Home Book Launch
Saturday 12, Black Pearl Books
In concise prose, Carrie R. Moore presents 11 intimate portraits of Black life in the South in her debut short story collection, published by Tin House. Her tales weave contemporary dilemmas into tangled tapestries of cultural history and familial legacies, and her work is informed by rigorous research and a thoughtful approach to representation evident on every page. Moore is joined in conversation by author, mentor, and Michener Center Director Bret Anthony Johnston to welcome Make Your Way Home to bookshelves. Hear more about Moore and Make Your Way Home’s journey from notebook to paperback in next week’s cover story. – Caroline Drew
Local Queer’s Sirens & Sailors Boat Party
Saturday 12, Highland Lakes Marina, Volente
Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey doesn’t come out until next year, but Local Queer ATX will explore the famous story’s themes at a steamy sapphic summer boat party. Do you identify more with the alluring, mysterious charm of the siren, or the bold swagger of the sailor? Find out on an epic journey complete with sultry jams, themed games and swag, and THC bevvies from sponsor CaliSober. It’s on Lake Travis, but the siren’s song promises passion as deep as the ocean! – Kat McNevins
Art in ATX: Summer Circus
Saturday 12, Empire Control Room & Garage
Big-top’s coming to town this weekend thanks to fine art collective the Gallery ATX. They’ve summoned the absurd for a night featuring live immersive performances by clown troupe Fou Fou Ha! Austin, band haha Laughing, and embarrassment artist Andie Flores. But this is, you know, a BIG top, so expect a whole trainload of fun including live music, a costume contest, bounce house, and an oddities market. – James Scott
X-Men + Charlie’s Angels
Sunday 13, Paramount Theatre
Two jewels of the Aughts’ cinematic crown tarnished by their directors being, in this writer’s opinion, total creeps, it’s better when praising these blockbusters to focus on the other talent involved. In X-Men, audiences first tasted the manna that continues to be Hugh Jackman as that hirsute Canadian mutant – grizzled with a heart of gold. Charlie’s Angels gave millions of young sapphics their onscreen awakening via the top-tier babe triad of Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu, as well as a taste for spycraft. Catch both on the big screen at the Paramount this weekend, and recall why we all still yearn for the millennium. – James Scott
Pets & Flowers: Wood Charm Painting Workshop
Sunday 13, Vacancy Brewing
Wood-n’t you like to brighten up your living space with a handmade craft honoring your pet? Well, you’re in luck, because Carlie Arts is putting on a workshop to create charming wood slices painted with images of your beloved pet, or someone else’s furry friend if you’d like to make it a gift. Before the class you can email a photo that Carlie will use to draw portrait templates, and the rest is up to you! It’ll be a lovely afternoon of crafting and meeting new friends, and you’ll go home with a darling keepsake. – Kat McNevins
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Sunday 13 & Wednesday 16, Alamo Slaughter
Revisit the Oscar-sweeping classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest on the big screen as part of the film’s 50th anniversary celebration. Jack Nicholson stars as the rebellious R.P. McMurphy in this haunting, darkly funny adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel, set inside a mental institution where conformity and control rule. Don’t worry, you don’t need to have seen the recent prequel series, Ratched (with Sarah Paulson as the titular nurse/tyrant), to enjoy the original film. – Rebecca Butler
Want to see all of our listings broken down by day? Go to austinchronicle.com/calendar and see what’s happening now or in the coming week.
This article appears in July 11 • 2025.
