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Experience the magic of the fireworks and symphony concert in a unique way with a paddle through Lady Bird Lake via kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.

The Austin Symphony Orchestra will perform patriotic music including the ever-popular "1812 Overture" against the backdrop of spectacular fireworks over Lady Bird Lake. Come early, bring a picnic, claim a grassy spot, and enjoy the show. Concessions will be available on-site; alcohol and glass containers prohibited.

This family-friendly event includes live music from favorite local Austin bands, more than 75 artisan vendors, kids' rides, plus shopping and dining at the Galleria, and the evening ends with a spectacular fireworks show. The event, including parking, is free.

The parade kicks off at 7pm, followed by fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico.

Live music from 7-9, then a fireworks show, then screenings of The Sandlot and Independence Day at 9:30pm.

For more than 25 years, Metamorphosis Dance has kicked off the summer at the Zilker Hillside Theater. This year, despite its many challenges, will be no different. Ballet Under the Stars: The Show Must Go On!, rehearsed and filmed in early June, is now available for viewing.

It's the swanky venue's "most monumental" show yet, featuring works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ai WeiWei, Roy Lichtenstein, and a slew of other creative provocateurs who have subverted the contemporary art world throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Bonus: The closing reception features an artist talk with "The First lady of Graffiti," Lady Pink.

An artist remembers their mother, spinning a modern Mexican Cinderella tale as we follow the trials and tribulations of one woman's journey into motherhood – from her humble beginnings in the town of Laredo, Texas, to her journey to Chicago, and everything between. Written and performed by Carlo Lorenzo Garcia, directed by David R. Jarrott. Note: Now available for viewing on Vimeo.

Kent Burress uses oils to capture the big skies and broad vistas of Texas in a style that often pushes the boundaries between representational and abstract art.

Order from the Amazon wish list to add to the collection that benefits nonprofits Saint Louise House, Literacy Coalition, and Foster Angels. Either send them the items or bring them to the event July 17 with fam-friendly crafts and activities and snacks from Crema Bakery.

For a paw-some summer, register your li'l animal lover for AHS's virtual, hands-on educational sessions, including live shelter tours, dog walks, storytime with shelter pets, crafts, and dance sessions. It's all free, and supplies are provided via pickup or you can get a supply list online. Graduation is Aug. 6-7 and comes with a certificate and swag bag.

This annual event at Vic Mathias Shores near the gorgeous Long Center is a beloved 44-year-old institution due not to nostalgia but, rather, due to its continuing magnificence. (And it's sponsored by H-E-B.) This Sunday concert on the shores is gonna be packed, and traffic will be, ah, it'll be traffic, get me? Just drive safe, OK, citizen? Or be even smarter and ride a bike.

The Austin Police Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, and Austin Fire Department will “battle” it out to see who can recruit the most blood donors; the department to receive the most votes via donors is declared the winner. Donors cast their vote for their favorite first responder and receive a limited-edition “Battle of the Badges 2021” T-shirt. Schedule an appointment online or call 512/206-1266.

Following the sold-out exhibition of Texas Performing Arts' collection of mid-century MGM film backdrops this spring, TPA now presents Behind the Scenes: Hollywood's Sistine Chapel, featuring 18 enormous backdrops from the Art Directors Guild Backdrop Recovery Project that form a nearly complete replica of the Sistine Chapel. See these master illusions in an immersive space designed for personal contemplation and up-close examination

This traveling spectacle of art, a multimedia exhibition currently ensconced at the COTA, uses cutting-edge projection technology to create an engaging journey into the world of Vincent Van Gogh. Repurposing the artist's dreams, his thoughts, and his words to drive the experience as a narrative, this huge installation will move you along projection-swathed walls wrapped in light, colour, and shapes that swirl, dance and refocus into flowers, cafes and landscapes. As a certain Dude might comment, "This is extremely fuckin' trippy, man." Make your reservations now, citizen, and if the price seems a bit steep, hell, you can probably tap your brother Theo for a loaner, amirite?

No, it's not happening right now, citizen, but it's preparing to return this November. Big Medium's humongous socioartistic success of an annual event – the free, self-guided art adventure through dozens upon dozens of local studios and galleries, enhanced by live demos and performances – will now combine the West Austin Studio Tour and East Austin Studio Tour to provide opportunities for artists all over Austin to connect and for the public to experience art safely both in person and virtually. Note: The tour boundaries have been extended to include all 10 districts of Austin for in-person participants, plus a 15-mile radius from the Capitol for virtual participants. And if you're an artist who wants to be part of this action: Applications are being accepted through July 19.

In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, Kwame Brathwaite used photography to popularize the political slogan "Black Is Beautiful." This exhibition, the first ever dedicated to Brathwaite’s remarkable career, reveals the story of this key figure of the second Harlem Renaissance – and the Chronicle's Robert Faires has a review of the show right here.