Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Thursday 25, AFS Cinema
The Austin Film Society teams up with Environment Texas Research & Policy Center to shine a light on environmental challenges facing Texas. Six shorts will be screened including titles like “The Human Side of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw” and “WILDHOPE: Cougar Crossing.” For those looking for another reason to dislike our recent neighbor Elon Musk, there’s “Boca Chica,” which explores the impact of Space X’s launchpad near Boca Chica Beach. Consider us in. – Felicity Guajardo
Country in the Mind: 3 Films by Robert Fulton
Thursday 25, We Luv Video
In this curated screening of experimental filmmaker Robert Fulton’s best-known work – Inca Light, Path of Cessation, and Wilderness: A Country in the Mind – he captures his travels through the Peruvian Andes mountains to the Tibetan Himalayas in a cinematic collage. Since his death in 2002, while in the process of filming Andes to Amazon for the BBC, these films have rarely been screened, so enjoy a rare opportunity to discover his work. Fulton’s style is recommended, says We Luv Video, for fans of Jonas Mekas – the pioneering avant-garde filmmaker known for diaristic, meandering dispatches that inspired a generation of experimental filmmakers to document. – Lina Fisher
Just Mercy
Thursday 25, Paramount Theatre
Bryan Stevenson grew up in the Northeast in the Sixties, starting his education at a segregated school, and was shaped by motivating experiences in the African Methodist Episcopal Church that valued redemption and getting back up after you’ve fallen down. After graduating from Harvard Law in the Eighties, the brilliant young attorney packed up for Alabama to defend the wrongly condemned. An early case was that of Walter McMillan, on death row for murder despite evidence to the contrary and a conviction hanging on the weak testimony of one man. Based on Stevenson’s critically acclaimed memoir, Just Mercy stars Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx as Stevenson and McMillan, respectively. This special evening presented by Tejemos Foundation includes a DJ set by Kay Cali and warms up for a November 17 conversation on social justice with Stevenson himself. – Kat McNevins
Sarah Gailey: Spread Me
Friday 26, BookPeople
I love a story about an unethical scientist lady, and author Sarah Gailey’s delivered that specific dish to me perfectly before in their 2021 novel, The Echo Wife. This time around, they go cosmic in new sexy sci-fi thriller Spread Me, a “darkly seductive tale of survival” that’s like a sexy mix of 1982’s The Thing and 1979’s Alien. Gailey shows up at indie bookstore supreme BookPeople to talk the allure of being penetrated by an alien organism with mod Gabino Iglesias as well as sign copies of their new work. – James Scott
Face/Off
Friday 26, Hyperreal Film Club
I get absolutely giddy seeing Face/Off in the movie listings. Its premise alone is a delight: Hotshot FBI agent (John Travolta) stops at nothing to get lifesaving information, not even swapping faces and identities with a vile terrorist (Nicolas Cage). What could go wrong? Maybe the experimental surgery hadn’t been tested enough, or all the consequences maybe weren’t thought through? Well, that’s what makes it such a great movie, I guess. Strap in because it’s a wild ride you will not soon forget. And since it’s not obvious, based on the top Google result under “People Also Ask” – no, it is not based on a true story. – Kat McNevins
Beerthoven: Take Five
Friday 26 & Sunday 28, Saengerrunde Hall
Hear the music and taste the pastries that’ve kept Beerthoven going through to season 12, kicking off this weekend with two lauded local classical artists. Invoke’s Zach Matteson (violin) and Sohee Kwon (pianist) play a program that includes Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, selections from Bach’s catalog, and work by contemporary composers Christopher Whitley and Sophie Mathieu. Easy Tiger and Lazarus Brewing bring the brews and breads, the enjoyment of which is included in the price of admission. – James Scott
A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant
Friday 26, Stateside at the Paramount
Back before comedians and cartoonists like South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone pierced America’s cultural divide with their devastating humor, there were predecessors who wielded their pens and voices like mighty swords. Prominent among them was Pat Oliphant, the Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist whose influential work over the course of five decades and 10 presidencies appeared on the editorial pages of daily newspapers – the streaming and cable TV media equivalents of their day. Oliphant gets his due in this biographical film profile directed by former Austin resident Bill Banowsky. Following this special screening, Stephen Harrison will moderate a discussion with Banowsky, Lawrence Wright, and Sherri Greenberg. – Marjorie Baumgarten
Intel Lastierre: “Infernal Rebirth Into Hell: Illusions and Realities”
Through January 31, DORF Gallery
Dreams get deconstructed in this exhibition created by DORF Gallery’s inaugural Fellowship in Professional Practice artist. Here, Intel Lastierre asks whether or not the American Dream lives in the journeys of Filipino immigrants, who often are faced with “persistent structures of poverty, labor exploitation, racial discrimination, and inequality” in the pursuit of opportunity. The show, which opens this Friday, centers around a reimagining of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. “Like prisoners chained in darkness,” writes artist Lastierre, “many immigrants face illusions that become their entire reality, only to discover that the ‘light’ outside is sometimes another form of confinement.” – James Scott
Mortified
Friday 26, The Highball
Remember your most embarrassing, deepest, terrifying moments as an angsty teenager. Now imagine reading them aloud to a crowd. Well as awkward as it may seem, Mortified brings a group of brave adults together to read aloud their childhood diaries for three shows of laughter and cringe. Be ready for tales of childhood crushes, gay awakenings, and mean older brothers. And also be ready to provide moral support and encouragement. They’ll need it. – Felicity Guajardo
Hundred Points: Contemporary Graphic Design Exhibit
Through January 1, Visual Arts Center
The posters on the telephone pole, the phone in your pocket, the shirt on your back: Design is in everything we touch. In our visually dominated, culturally mediated world, everything from our park benches to our pizza boxes is crafted to convey experience and identity. What design touches us has been shaped by decades of technological advancements and cultural exchange, all on display in the tactile output and behind-the-scenes stories on display in the Hundred Points exhibit. Signage and typography, film and photography, furniture and architectural installations, all come together to tell the story of contemporary graphic design. – Caroline Drew
Bella Maria Varela: “Blanket Zone”
Through October 25, MASS Gallery
How the spaces marginalized communities live in are enclosed and erased makes for the bulk of artist Bella Maria Varela’s new exhibition at Eastside gallery MASS. Through the utilization of repurposed fleece cobijas and dye sublimation printing, Varela reinterprets the concept of “blanket zoning” into a blanket fort encompassing a re-creation of her childhood home. “Blanket Zone invites visitors to enter, inhabit, and reflect,” writes the artist in a statement collaborated on by Dr. Jonathan Cortez, “physically experiencing how softness and vulnerability can become tools of resistance.” Drop in this Friday for the opening reception. – James Scott
Austin Mediterranean Festival
Friday 26 – Sunday 28, St. Elias Orthodox Church
For over 90 years, the Austin Mediterranean Festival has brought the best of Mediterranean culture to Central Texas. Over three days, taste falafel, shawarma, baklava, wines, spirits, coffee, and more from Lebanon, Palestine, Greece, Eritrea, and Russia. Special musical guest Joelle comes all the way from Lebanon to headline all three nights, capping off full days of music and folk dancing. Pets are welcome, and kids will have plenty to do between the bounce house, games, and face painting. Stop by the bazaar for a handmade treasure or henna drawing, and take a tour of the church to learn more about the Orthodox faith. – Kat McNevins
Janna Garza: “Gulf Coast Gothic”
Saturday 27, Stargazer Bar
Janna Garza’s visual and performance art presents a viewpoint baked in the Texas sun, characters nourished by her punk-rock perspective of the Lone Star State. With the one-night-only, totally free performance of “Gulf Coast Gothic,” Garza shares the joy and melancholy found in that liminal coastal space of leisure and industry. Her languid storytelling presents a place where dreams can fully flourish or wither in weeds, moved along with the ebb and flow rhythm of her voice. Ride along with the recollections of moments so sensorially specific they can’t help but resonate within each listener. Stay for the following Q&A to more intensely explore her creative world together. – Cat McCarrey
Sandwiches of History
Saturday 27, Fallout Theater
In 2018, Barry Enderwick got sent a PDF of ye olde cookbook The Up-to-Date Sandwich Book. Since opening up that 400-recipe-stocked tome, he’s grown a massive audience from TikTok to YouTube to Instagram, who love to watch the sammie-centric gentleman re-create the sandwiches of the past, present, and – via his plus-ups – the future. Barry brings his between-two-bread-slices show to the comedy cellar on Lavaca, featuring trivia battles, Q&As, and a special sandwich making session with Aaron Franklin. – James Scott
First Light Block Party
Saturday 27, First Light Books
This relatively new kid on the bookshop block unfurls its indie whimsy into the parking lot for its second annual birthday party. The daylong event features local musicians, including Tele Novella, Christelle Bofale, Alex Dupree, the Tender Things, Yes Ma’am Brass Band, and Joe McDermott. Local pen wielders also appear, headlined by Lawrence Wright of The Looming Tower alongside S. Kirk Walsh, Corey Miller, Shanteka Sigers, Deb Olin Unferth, Stephen Harrigan, and Eliza Pillsbury. With a variety of brews and eats also on offer, it’s possible you could set up camp in Hyde Park and celebrate all day long. – Flora Belle Farr
Snail Mail Workshop
Saturday 27, Celis Brewery
When’s the last time you practiced your penmanship? Or, sorry, I mean penpersonship – ’cuz everyone could use a little refresher on writing by hand. Stationery seller Gago Baby’s owner Max leads this handmade letter workshop in the spirit of slow, self-created art that’ll send whomever gets your pen pal note into a fit of friendship joy. Snap up your spot before they sell out ($20 each, postage included), and the first beer’s on Celis. – James Scott
Corazón Latino: A Celebration of Heritage
Saturday 27, Pan Am Park
Find rhythm, culture, and community at Pan Am Park in celebration of Austin’s Latino heritage. This full-day event features Tejano icons Grupo Siggno, Lucky Joe, and more. While you’re dancing, keep your eyes peeled for any of the San Antonio Spurs making an appearance. Also check out murals of renowned Chicano artist and Austin native Raul Valdez on Hillside Theatre. Come early for a health fair, or just show up for the concert starting at 1pm. – Catharine Li
Decease & Desist: A Sketch Comedy Revue
Saturday 27, ColdTowne Theater
Money, money, money: It’s sooooo funny in a rich man’s world. At least that’s what I’ve been told by a certain Swedish pop group and that’s what’ll hopefully hold true for this sketch show. Directed by Anthony Ellison with cast members Abby Lincoln, Garrett Rojas, Lauryn Ingram, Mallory Hynes, Matthew Stoner, and Zac Carr, this fast-paced funny time features capitalism critique along with coffin talk as the performers dig into “death, money, and the strange ways they keep showing up in our lives.” – James Scott
Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico: Bodas de México
Saturday 27, AISD Performing Arts Center
You don’t need to know the bride or groom to take this road trip through Mexico’s traditional wedding dances with Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico. Bodas de México journeys through eight Mexican states – Nayarit, Yucatán, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Guerrero, Sinaloa, and Jalisco – exploring each region’s distinct flair and customs through dance, costume, music, and storytelling. With special appearances by Hernández Ballet Folklórico and Mariachi Jalisco, the show is like a wedding in itself: a heartfelt celebration of tradition, family, and love. – Caroline Drew
AISD Special Education Transition Fair
Saturday 27, Bowie High
Unsure of what comes after high school? At this fair, Austin ISD transition services will help special education students and their parents make the move toward adulthood less daunting. Learn from community organizations about education, employment, and independent living opportunities that fit each student’s wants and needs. Enjoy a light breakfast and free Kona Ice for the first 100 attendees. – Riley Walsh
Reji Thomas: “Through the Looking Glass”
Through October 31, New East Arts Gallery
Multihyphenated artist Reji Thomas has been an influential fixture in Austin’s arts scene since opening her glass studio, Pine Street Station, in 1979. Though the Eastside gallery space and studio space closed nearly a decade ago, Thomas is ever active. A curated collection of her paintings, screenprintings, glass workings, and mixed-media pieces will be on display at the East Austin Cultural Center’s New East Arts Gallery this fall to give the public a glimpse into this storied arts leader’s varied work and singular aesthetic philosophy. – Caroline Drew
Hannah Spector: “if you stare at a cowboy’s face for long enough, it turns into a sunset”
Through November 16, Women & Their Work
Multimodal artist Hannah Spector presents a reimagined West Texas in this immersive installation of sight and sound. By placing queer identity against the rugged desert landscape, Spector explores the American West mythos through video installation, photography, ceramic sculpture, and etchings – ultimately creating a new future “that disrupts gender norms, power systems within language, linear notions of time, and limiting means of self-expression.” Come to the opening reception on Sept. 27 and help bring even more life to the landscape. – Catharine Li
Trinket Swap & Mini Market
Sunday 28, Amy’s Ice Creams South Austinville
Labubus and Smiskis and Calico Critters, oh my! For those who fill their windowsills with tiny doodads and their bags with an alarming number of keychains, this trinket swap and market is perfect. Participants have the opportunity to trade their blind-box duplicates, purchase something new for the collection, or make their own at the DIY booth. You can even show your undying allegiance to accessories with a matching tattoo of your latest acquisition at the flash tattoo booth. – Gianna Ivy
Ghost Almanac
Sunday 28, Hyperreal Film Club
Everyone loves a clip show – little sampler platter-style bites of cinema that give you the goods without the backstory. Who needs the lore anyway when you’re getting your Halloween season screening curated by chamber music masters Montopolis? They’ve put together a selection of classic horror film scenes into an 80-minute movie mixtape, featuring a special soundtrack from ol’ Montopy’s vintage synth enthusiasts. You’ll shout; you’ll scream; you’ll groove from beyond the grave! – James Scott
Video Store Crush: Kyle MacLachlan
Sunday 28, We Luv Video
The clerks at out-of-time North Loop video store We Luv Video celebrate the changing of the seasons by voting on their favorite film heartthrobs; of course they’ve deemed Special Agent Dale Cooper Mr. Fall! In addition to an entire shelf dedicated to Kyle MacLachlan’s often-spooky (but joyously varied) filmography, on display throughout September, the shop wraps the month with a $5 screening of The Hidden, Jack Sholder’s 1987 sci-fi horror classic starring the actor as … well, a different FBI agent, investigating a different paranormal case. Sip some coffee or film a TikTok or two in Kale’s honor. – Carys Anderson
Recess for Revolution
Sunday 28, Red Salmon Arts
With grocery prices being what they are, it might be smart to save up some dollars finding other ways to source food. Come get your hands dirty, learn how to grow your own, and hang out with other gardening rookies. Experts school you on the basics of the craft before participants swap seeds to get the growing started. Perhaps in a couple of years, you’ll be the next farmer in the farmers’ market. – Laura Rivera
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 September 26 • 2025.