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One thing I’ve loved about newer theatre or museums is the space given for land acknowledgement – statements about the ancestral roots of the space being used. Space that was not always ours, but taken. The Blanton’s latest exhibit tackles that question, but pushes the boundaries. It’s not just about what Native America was, but what it can be. Curator and lauded artist Wendy Red Star has assembled nine other Native artists to create a rich exploration of what life in America is today. Shown through a variety of mediums, something is guaranteed to resonate with the audience. Whether it’s the photos, paintings, videos, or multimedia works is up to you. – Cat McCarrey

Hoo-wee! Does anything feel better than a dip in the pool during a hot Texas summer? While some among us may be privileged to own private watering holes, most of us get to enjoy the great Austin PARD’s work at the 44 public aquatic facilities to choose from this summer. You’ve got regional, neighborhood, and community pools; a wading pool; splash pads; and the crown jewel: Barton Springs. Check austintexas.gov/pools-splashpads for up-to-date info on which pools are open, what their entry fee is, and whether you have what it takes to be a public pool lifeguard. Now, outta the way if you don’t wanna get wet: I’m gonna do a cannonball! – James Scott

Running till August 16, Xavier Alvarado’s solo exhibition at 2324 Gallery features one of the most enduring themes in art: love. Raised in Texas “with deep Trinidadian roots,” as he notes on his website, Alvarado has collaborated with big names like Austin FC and Louis Vuitton, and his work spans multiple different media from painting to installation. With both new and old pieces in the show, Alvarado emphasizes “the transformative power of sharing in relationships and communities,” the exhibition text reads. Alvarado says this body of work “represents the heart’s capacity to connect, give, and enrich others” and “invites reflection on how sharing shapes our experiences of love and deepens our understanding of the heart.”– Lina Fisher

A delightful night of dance starts with an intro to authentic Argentine tango (no experience or partner needed) with Gustavo Simplis, and continues with two hours of social dancing with DJ G.

Now here’s a little something for the birds: Lady Grackle Birdbreath invites all weekday warriors to Oilcan’s for “a night of drag marathon insanity.” Flap your wings on over, birdy-pop!

Matilda: an important work for all nerdy kids who felt on the outside because they could read at an eighth grade level in fifth grade; a testament to Danny DeVito’s talents both behind and in front of a camera; and a very American adaptation of the very British Roald Dahl classic. Just as relevant today as it was in 1996, Matilda argues for the important interior life of children and their right to exist outside of their parents. Imagine if the Wormwoods showed up to an AISD meeting upset over the Genderbread Person, or if Trunchbull was throwing kids around at one of Greg Abbott’s beloved charter schools … what a world. Thankfully, there’s still plenty of Miss Honeys in the world – some of whom I’m sure are taking their kiddos to see this wonderful picture. – James Scott