You Grill Girl
Thursday 24, Franklin Barbecue
Girls be grilling, as the saying I just made up goes. Few places will that be truer than this Thursday’s tiara-topped triumph of women and non-binary chefs/grillmasters. Under the theme “Dame Prom,” these feminine forces of Austin’s food world plate up delicious dishes of grilled meats, veggies, and desserts flavored by that all-powerful spice of nostalgia – so expect “Forever Young” on the event playlist. Armed with their spatulas and tongs are Tiffany DeJesus & Janie Ramirez (Dai Due); Alexa Mejia (Emmer & Rye); Sarah MacIntosh (Épicerie); Sarah Petmecky, Amie Brown, and Theo Nesland (Franklin Barbecue); Jackie Letelier (Keveri Grills); Ali Clem (la Barbecue); Daniela & Rosa de Lima Hernández (La Santa Barbacha); Susana Querejazu (Lutie’s); Amanda Turner (Olamaie); Laura Sawicki (Oseyo); Chelsea Fadda (Pecan Square Cafe); Trish Fortuna (Poke Poke); Anna Tauzin (Sweet Treats Bakery); Jam Sanitchat (Thai Fresh); and Carol Huntsberger (Quality Seafood). Sippables crafted by DrinkWell’s own Jessica Sanders and tunes provided by AMA Best DJ Cassandra. – James Scott
BookWoman BookGroup: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Thursday 24, BookWoman & Online
Those literary savants over at BookWoman host both an in-person and Zoom discussion of English author Susanna Clarke’s latest. Now here’s a twist on the “haunted” house, where our protagonist Piranesi is the spirit winding through the halls of this infinite abode. He makes sure the old gods are served, that he avoids floods or crashing waves, and to maintain a good relationship with The Other, a man who presents himself as the holder of all knowledge. But Piranesi’s carefully structured beliefs – in the house, in the gods, in himself – all get shaken when a new visitor comes into his labyrinthine world. Good for those who enjoy bigger-inside-than-outside building stories but prefer standard, non-Danielewskian typesetting. – James Scott
Dana Robinson: “The Middle Distance”
Through May 24, Ivester Contemporary
Ivester Contemporary, that purveyor of meticulously curated duo shows at its Canopy space on Springdale, offers a solo exhibition by Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist Dana Robinson this spring, featuring 12 delicate acrylic, ink, and fabric paintings with ironically punchy names. The surfaces almost recall a scrapbooking sensibility with neon pinks and collaged bits of hand-dyed cloth, but are blurred at the edges like memory. Contrasting Robinson’s strained sensitivity, Texas State alumna Sydney Guzman’s “Under the Moon’s Eye,” running concurrently, asserts a less abstract approach, offering painterly scenes of surreal nature, animals, and the artist herself while exploring similar themes. – Lina Fisher
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
Thursday 24 – Sunday 27, Multiple Austin Moviehouses
Oh, so now you realize George Lucas was right all along. It’s alright, you’re forgiven for your heresy. Twenty years after its original release, the closing chapter of the Prequel Trilogy returns to screen, and its warning from mystical history seems more timely than ever. Who knew that a simple trade war could result in the rise of a twisted dictator who had a secret plan – with a number for a name – to wipe out his opponents and the last traces of freedom? Hey, what’s that sound, is that democracy dying to thunderous applause? Let Lucas’ epic tale of betrayal and space battles remind you that, no matter how dark the day, there is always the promise of a new hope. – Richard Whittaker
Jeopardy! Interactive
Thursday 24, Alamo Slaughter Lane
“Modern Lingo.” “Celebrity Moms.” “TV Roles.” Recent Jeopardy! categories – or, more accurately, a recent evolution of my über-specific TikTok algorithm – have me convinced I could win this legendary trivia game. Now, thanks to a new interactive experience at Alamo Drafthouse, plebeians like myself can find out if we really are as smart as we think. Sitting in the theatre’s seats, not standing at a podium, single players use their personal devices to answer questions concocted by the real Jeopardy! writing team in this quiz game. You won’t win money, but there are prizes. – Carys Anderson
Iana Nikutina: “Many Faces, One Force”
Friday 25, Ao5 Gallery
Presented by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (Branch 147, which represents Austin and San Antonio), Iana Nikutina’s exhibition focuses on the feminine face of activism. Both American and Ukrainian women feature in her portrait series, all of whom represent change in the face of adversity. Check out Nikutina’s bold colorful creations and meet the artist herself at this Friday’s opening reception, celebrating her show’s move from its premiere in Leander to Austin’s own Ao5 Gallery. – James Scott
Metamorphosis Dance Presents The Little Mermaid
Friday 25 – Saturday 26, Penfold Theatre
Of course a dance company called “Metamorphosis” would present The Little Mermaid, one of the greatest shape-shifting stories in the canon. (My top three are Little Mermaid, Swan Lake, and Kafka’s own Metamorphosis.) It makes sense that they would tackle the transformative tale of a mermaid longing to be human. The gracefulness of dance fits well under the sea. Who else but dancers could flow like underwater dwellers? Who else but ballerinas could dramatize the unique torment and romanticism of being willing to trade comfort for unrequited love? Because there’s no Disney-fied dramatics here. Instead of being part of your world, Metamorphosis is showing all the pain and pleasure of Hans Christian Andersen’s original gruesome text. Brace yourself for a not-so-happy ending, shown in the most lovely ways. – Cat McCarrey
Red Poppy Festival
Friday 25 – Sunday 27, Downtown Georgetown
Henry Purl Compton, then stationed in Europe, sent seeds home to his mother after World War I, which is how the red poppy first arrived in Georgetown. Decades later, the flower proliferated enough to designate our northern neighbor the Red Poppy Capital of Texas in 1990, a fact which is annually celebrated at this family festival in Georgetown’s charming town square. This year’s festivities include a parade and classic car show, food vendors, an artisan market, a kids’ fun zone, and live performances from Cory Morrow, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Dysfunkshun Junkshun. – Kimberley Jones
Americana Theatre’s 60th Birthday Party
Friday 25, Yarborough Branch Library
Nestled in the Rosedale neighborhood is a piece of cinema history: Austin Public Library’s Yarborough Branch, which used to be the Americana Theater. From 1965 until its closure in 1987, the theatre played opening venue to films like Henry Fonda’s Rounders as well as pivotal set-in-Austin classic Dazed and Confused. APL celebrates the building’s history with a birthday blowout that’ll take attendees back to the theatre’s Sixties heyday. There’ll be live music from the Soulphonics, retro crafts for all ages, a photo booth, movie snacks, and a screen of The Love Bug. Groovy! – James Scott
The Comedy Film Festival
Friday 25 – Sunday 27, AFS Cinema & Galaxy Highland
From rejection is born success: This is the origin of Austin’s Comedy Film Festival, which started after founder Eric Alan Rousseau received rejections from over 50 film fests. Even after his movie, Lucky Doug, got into the festival circuit, Rousseau felt “comedy films were not a genre well represented in the festival circuit and were instead usually shoehorned into a film festival somewhere.” As you can imagine by the event’s title, comedy takes center screen here: Programming from Friday to Sunday focuses on not only showing submitted comedy flicks but also panels on the practical art of making funny films. Guffaws encouraged, but please: Cellphones should stay silent. That’s not the kind of clown you wanna be. – James Scott
Happy Gilmore
Friday 25 – Saturday 26 & Tuesday 29, Alamo Slaughter Lane, Lakeline & Mueller; Sunday 27 & Wednesday 30, Violet Crown Cinema
Either you grew up with parents who despised the Sandman and all his buffoonery, or you’re me and Happy Gilmore was background noise to half your childhood. (The other half being scored by, of course, Billy Madison.) Since Adam Sandler’s continued and quite lucrative streaming deal with Netflix farts out a sequel to the golf goof this coming July, theatres all over the country – including here in ATX – are screening the off-kilter original. Typical Sandler protag Happy has proven himself too hot for the hockey ice, and in an effort to help his grandmother pay off IRS back taxes, he utilizes his slapshot skills to get into golf. While Sandman obviously shines, this movie’s greatest legend is in the late Carl Weathers as mentor figure Chubbs Peterson, whose golf career – and two-handedness – were cut short by an alligator attack. It’s also the first instance of Julie Bowen as a Sandler love interest, a role she repeats in Hubie Halloween. – James Scott
Austin Opera Presents Madame Butterfly
Friday 25 – Sunday 27, the Long Center
An eerily everlasting warning about U.S. imperialism, Madame Butterfly shares the story of naval Lieutenant Pinkerton brokering a Japanese bride before leaving her pregnant and alone. It can easily stand for global politics as a whole, while still hitting as a romantic tragedy. It’s exactly the kind of haunting art that inspires a million homages. Puccini’s own music rises and falls like leaves on the wind, from soft chorals to aerobatic arias. Join Austin Opera and prepare to fall in love all over again while listening to the titular Cio-Cio-San. It’ll be a knife right to your heart. – Cat McCarrey
Slow Fashion Festival
Saturday 26, Propaganda HQ
Creative, sustainably minded Texans are bringing their thoughtfully made wares to Slow Fashion Fest. The fashion show and zine launch party brings together local designers and makers like Futurekind, creators of emerging adaptive clothing line Abilitee, and the Era Exchange, a commission-based brand focusing on midsized fashion. Check out accessories and garments made to last from sustainable materials and ethical practices and discover one-of-a-kind locally based brands that are shaping a different future for fashion. – Caroline Drew
Community Voices Workshop
Saturday 26, Asian American Resource Center
By invite of Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre, all bodies big, small, and even from out of town can participate in the development of the dancers’ newest project: Here. Now. Open to all ages – although under-18 participants must have a parent or guardian alongside – this day of movement hosts theatre games, storytelling, and a creative welcoming space for everyone regardless of dance/theatre background. At no cost, too? That oughta get your toes tapping. – James Scott
Eeyore’s Birthday
Saturday 26, Pease Park
One of literature’s saddest sacks has had an annual local birthday bash for the past 60 years. You’d think it would be a downer, but turns out it’s a freewheeling, free-spirited, and free party complete with music – of both the planned and organic jam variety – food, drinks, costumes, games, and more. The event goes from 11am to dusk, with kids encouraged to come before 3pm to get in on all the crafts and other festivities. Everyone is invited to bring un-amplified instruments, find kindred spirits, and lock in a groove. We’re not sure if this is how Eeyore would celebrate, but it’s how Austin does it. – James Renovitch
The Cartoons of Max Fleischer
Saturday 26 – Sunday 27, Alamo Mueller & South Lamar
In the early history of American animation, the only name that came close to the legendary status of Walt Disney was Max Fleischer. But while Disney looked to European fairy tales for inspiration, Fleischer was pure Americana with a subversive twist. His shorts were sinister, chaotic, creative, and sexy, the jazz era given cartoon vibrancy. Without a studio like Disney to archive his work, much of it has been lost or degraded. However, thanks to the efforts of his granddaughter Jane Fleischer Reid and the team at Fabulous Fleischer Cartoons Restored!, his massive back catalog is finally being restored to their lost glory in gorgeous 4K. Catch classics featuring Fleischer originals like Betty Boop and Popeye – and some of the very first onscreen appearances by Superman – in this beautiful and wild trip through Fleischer’s crazy world. – Richard Whittaker
Sunset Valley ARTFEST
Saturday 26, Toney Burger Center
I don’t know about you, beautiful and smart Chronicle reader, but I went to a lot of Aries birthdays this month. While you can always find a special something through patient shopping, one misses the glut of markets held during the winter holidays for offering easier gift grabs. Great news for anyone facing down a stacked Taurus birthday season: The ARTFEST is here! Scoot on down to South Austin to where over 100 artisans have set up in the Toney Burger parking lot. They’ll be hawking all sorts of wares from jewelry to paintings, sculptures to woodwork, and everything in between. And just because you’re shopping for someone else doesn’t mean you can’t also have fun: This free event also promises food vendors, live music, and kids’ activities. – James Scott
Spring Walkabout 2025: “In the Garden”
Saturday 26, the Yard
A stroll down the Yard complex’s gustatory gateways always pleases, especially when they’re presenting a seasonal menu on every venue’s chalkboard. Each distillery, brewery, winery, sake maker, coffeehouse, and all their respective on-site food trucks have designed tasty tributes to this spring event’s theme, “In the Garden.” Featured offerings include St. Elmo’s special lager Meadow Gold, brewed with jasmine & chamomile; Spokesman Coffee’s childhood-inspired Eat Dirt, Tommy, which features chocolate Lick ice cream covered in their house roasted espresso, crushed chocolate cookies, and gummy worms; a THC-infused sake from Texas Sake; or a Chicago dog from Music & Culture Editor Carys Anderson-approved Patty Palace, among many, many other culinary delights. – James Scott
Preservation Austin Homes Tour
Saturday 26 – Sunday 27, Various locations
Do you like peeping into other people’s cute abodes, but know society frowns on it? Lucky for you, Preservation Austin gives you a pass this weekend to tour 10 houses (five each day) without any of the shame. Take a look back at the various styles and eras of local architecture while you internally judge some folks’ design choices. There is an admission fee, but Saturday promises a special free walking tour that looks at the work of pioneering Black architect John S. Chase. – James Renovitch
Prizer Presents: “Highway Lights”
Saturday 26, Sertodo Copper
Last month, Prizer Arts & Letters announced their new nomadic model as well as a slew of neat shows highlighting the model’s perks. As Prizer director Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon put it to the Chronicle, “Instead of being tied to one space, we can now activate locations that best serve each project …. The setting itself becomes part of the story.” Such is the case with their upcoming collab with Montopolis composer Justin Sherburn: a sunset performance of his ambient chamber project “Highway Lights,” featuring accompaniment by cellist Sara Nelson (Austin Symphony Orchestra). Along with the transcendent sounds and East Austin’s evening sky will be visuals designed by Paul Baker (Vision System), which event copy says will “[envelop] the venue in shifting light and movement.” Entry is donation-based and the venue is ADA-compliant. – James Scott
La Maleta de Maebelle (Maebelle’s Suitcase)
Saturday 26 & Saturday 3 – Sunday 4, Dougherty Arts Center
Beloved literacy booster Reading Rainbow often highlighted books whose protagonists were unusual, and the 108-year-old Maebelle – protagonist of the Tricia Tusa picture book as well as its stage adaptation of the same name – fits that descriptor well. She works as a hatmaker up in her treehouse, where she makes friends with a fretful fowl in Binkle, a bird struggling to migrate. When she offers him her suitcase from her own migration from Colombia, Maebelle and Binkle share memories as well as discover the power of letting go. Presented by Glass Half Full Theatre, the Kiko Villamizar-scored show is recommended for ages 5 and up. – James Scott
Greater Austin Book Fest
Saturday 26, Central Library
Sure, it’s the prettiest time of year to be outdoors, but bibliophiles know the natural world’s got nothing on the wonders to be found inside a book. Austin Public Library celebrates the vibrant community of authors, illustrators, and readers we’ve got here by putting them all in one place – specifically, the Central Library’s Youth & Family Atrium – for a full day of free readings, signings, and panel discussions on topics like the research process, writing and illustrating for children, world building, and romance & erotica. Participating authors include Kate St. Clair (The Ptolemy Project), Jeanette Horn (Play, With Knives), Kasim Josey (Seeds of Ayé), L.K. Latham (Midnight Whispers), and Jack Woodville London (Dangerous Latitudes); see the full lineup at library.austintexas.libguides.com/GABFest. – Kimberley Jones
Royal Goth Art Prom
Saturday 26, ICOSA Collective
Art deserves funding, as evidenced in this week’s Chronicle cover story. And what if, for your funding efforts, you also got to enjoy a dark moody party? ICOSA takes over the Canopy space for their second annual Art Prom fundraiser, which helps keep their ongoing programs, you know, ongoing – like the front-facing Window Dressing or the sonic Soundscape. Dress in your best regal goth looks for a night of drag by Pam Dulce and the Trans Era, a photo booth, tarot readings, and special art exhibition deals like their 100 for $100, where you can purchase original 5×7 works from 100 local artists. General admission starts at $25, which includes an open bar, but drop $50 and you’re privy to the hour-early VIP preview – and a handmade gothic mum! – James Scott
Independent Bookstore Day
Saturday 26, Austin’s indie bookstores
Just when you thought your to-read list was safe, another celebration of independent literary biz comes a-knocking. You know the deal, Chronicle reader, intelligent sophisticate that you are: Special deals and events will be popping up at all your favorite indie booksellers across town. That includes BookWoman’s signature “mystery bundles,” Reverie Books’ hour-by-hour genre sales, and Black Pearl Books’ libro.fm giveaway and new T-shirt design reveal. Check out the socials of your favorite indie spot to see what they’ve got going on, and make sure to support them after the special day’s done, too. – James Scott
BioBlitz
Saturday 26, Holly Shores
This Earth Day, don’t forget about the little guys! By that we mean the bugs, the birds, the lichen and fungi and other plants that make up our delicately balanced ecosystem. For Holly Shores’ third BioBlitz, the Trail Conservancy invites the community to help identify and catalog all these little guys to create a comprehensive list of the area’s biodiversity as part of the City Nature Challenge. Join to explore the area and help out for what’s essentially a nature walk on steroids, and meet local experts and other fans of all the little things that make our big world so neat. – Kat McNevins
Earth Day Jubilee
Saturday 26, International Shores
Ah: Zee Earth. Our round, blue & green marble, whose special day was last Tuesday but like most of us, she’s calling this a birthday week filled with planetary parties courtesy of the Trail Conservancy. Topping off the whole shebang is Saturday’s Jubilee, where this natural queen gets her flowers on the Butler Trail. There’ll be a maker’s market from Austin Flea, recycled crafts by Austin Creative Reuse, a native wildlife Skins and Skulls program by Austin park rangers, giveaways by Austin Resource Recovery, a pizza pop-up from Carter Bros. Pizza, and baby goats! Plus, live music performed by Midnight Snack, Strawbitty Yops, and Audacy radio. – James Scott
CAMP Film Festival
Saturday 26 – Sunday 27, Paramount Theatre
This intriguing new indie festival is a bit of a mystery, but offers a few numbers to wet your whistle: 2 days, 10 shorts, 1 feature, 8 workshops, 5 music performances, and 1,000 creatives in the heart of Austin. Filmmaker Natalie Lynn (travel doc Borderless), short-form creators Gawx and Jake Frew, and Patreon CEO Jack Conte are a few of those 1,000 creatives, and if that strikes you, grab a $65 weekend pass to get access to all the films and four panels (Studio Passes are sold out). – Kat McNevins
Pup Crawl ATX
Through April 30, Dog House Drinkery, MUTTS, Yard Bar & the Watering Bowl
Some people call Austin the Live Music Capital, and others call it the blueberry in Texas tomato soup. But Austin’s real claim is being Dog City, where everyone and everywhere’s got a pup running around. Closing out their monthlong fundraising tour is the Austin Dog Park & Bar Alliance with the second annual Pup Crawl. For $39, you get a Pup Pass – which nets you and your pooch entry and a drink at each participating park. Full disclosure, the Chronicle will be popping up this Sunday at the Watering Bowl to participate in the paw-some event. Sunday is also the last day that Central Texas Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be on-site, so come wolf down a few pints while helping support a good cause. – James Scott
Through Her Lens
Sunday 27, Hyperreal Film Club
Recent festival throwers ConnectHER and Austin’s own Palestinian and intersectional discussion group Watermelon Film Club partner up with microcinema Hyperreal Film Club to show a series of Gaza-made short films. These are cinematic stories told from the perspective of Palestinian women and girls, several of which screened last month at ConnectHER’s film fest. Following these short films will be a discussion led by Dr. Aman Odeh, whose firsthand experience as a Palestinian doctor and pediatrician provides an up-close understanding of Gaza’s devastation. Tickets are free, but grab yours soon as space is limited. – James Scott
Haute Seat
Sunday 27, Cheer Up Charlies
Self-described as the OFFICIAL drag brunch and vendor market, this Embry Officially hosted event hits every last Sunday. Of course there’s fabo drag, provided by cast members Sir Beau Elliot and Harlot, and special guest Louisianna Purchase at their April kickoff, but what else makes this party so dang haute? Take a seat – if you can handle the heat – because there’ll be a vendor market featuring vintage, handmade, and more from local makers like Age of Aqueerius, Purple Moss Vintage, Mary Jae, Peg Bunny, and Add Daddy. What more could send off this springy little month? Maybe a DJ set by Lavender Thug? Well, wouldn’t you know it … – James Scott
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 April 25 • 2025.
