Home Events
-
Sponsored Listing
Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival
Grab your friends and come to the Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival! Give your palate a treat, enjoy the tastes, textures and aromas- you will find a new favorite brewery! If you prefer a glass of wine or seltzer – they’ll have that too. Lively music, food, games, brewers panel and more. Come See What’s on Tap! Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Rotary Club.Sat. June 14, 11am-6pmDowntown Fredericksburg Market Square
Recommended
-
Qmmunity
Community
ATX Pet Weekend
This weekend is for the pets: not the kind who eat kibble but the kinky ones who wear neon leather and silicone tails. Coinciding with the newly inclusive Iron Pet title competition, paw-some kinksters all over Austin can join in on a packed three days of education, parties, and plenty of ruff-housing. “Join us for a vibrant celebration that embraces the dynamic world of human pet play,” organizers write, “where you can express your adventurous spirit in a safe and welcoming environment.” – James ScottNov. 8-10. More Info.Multiple locations -
Film
Special Screenings
Austin Polish Film Festival
Over 100 years of cinema has made Poland’s creative output a must-see for the film fan. Lucky, lucky y’all that Austin Polish Society brings the best and brightest new features to screen at a certain other local society. From a new painted animation stunner by the filmmakers behind Loving Vincent (The Peasants) to a psychological thriller period piece pulled direct from Poland’s secret agent Cold War history (Doppelganger, the Double), there’s plenty to whet your moviegoing appetite. Just double check the website before grabbing your ticket, as almost all the films will have Polish audio with English subtitles. – James ScottNov. 7-10 -
Qmmunity
Arts & Culture
Bob the Drag Queen
At the apex of funny, fierce, and famous is one Bob the Drag Queen: winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season eight (aka the only one I’ve actually watched), co-host of Sibling Rivalry with fellow fabo drag star Monet X Change, and headliner of the Paramount Theatre this Friday. Her first-ever solo tour features Bob’s signature stand-up along with a li’l crowd work, a li’l music, and enough personality to bring the house down. Please attend and enjoy; I do NOT want to hear about how ungrateful Austin was while listening to future Bob podcast appearances. – James ScottFri., Nov. 8 -
Arts
Books
Flair Symposium: Literature & Change
An alarming rise in book bans. The further disintegration of the publishing industry. An uncertain future that will certainly be shaped by artificial intelligence. There’s a lot going on with literature these days, which makes right now an exceptional time to chew over all this change. Enter the HRC’s Flair Symposium, an interdisciplinary meeting of the minds that spun out of Fleur Cowles’ Flair Magazine and returns for its 14th (but first post-pandemic) symposium. Keynote speakers include Colm Tóibin (Brooklyn) and Ayad Akhtar (Homeland Elegies). Free and open to the public, but registration is required. – Kimberley JonesNov. 7-9 -
Arts
Theatre
James and the Giant Peach
UT’s Department of Theatre and Dance brings Roald Dahl’s classic story to the stage with live action, puppetry, and more. In this adaptation, New York City tourists – aka you – visit Central Park to see James and his friends and learn how they came to live in a peach pit in the center of the city. All manner of insects help the young boy cross the Atlantic and spin a yarn of found family along the way. The show is open to all age groups. – James RenovitchNov. 7-8 & 10 -
Film
Special Screenings
Luck Presents “Look West”
This two-day film fest is billed as a “celebration of Western cinema and culture” – most fitting, as its focus is on the films of the late screenwriter Bill Wittliff, who penned some indelible entries in the genre, and a portion of its proceeds will benefit the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, the essential archive Wittliff founded with wife Sally to preserve Southwestern culture in books, film, and more. Highlights include a screening of 1980’s Honeysuckle Rose with star Amy Irving in attendance, and a Lonesome Dove marathon capped with a performance by LD scribe Larry’s son, James McMurtry. – Kimberley JonesNov. 8-9Luck Ranch, Spicewood, TX -
Arts
Comedy
Melissa Villaseñor
Okay, first Latina cast member of Saturday Night Live? Check. Incredibly versatile imitation toolbox that includes a stellar Shakira and an awesome Owen Wilson? Double check! But for this writer, the real sauce comedian Melissa Villaseñor possesses is in her extensive voice-acting résumé. She’s got serious animation heavy hitter cred, having given voice to one head of the quad-faced interdimensional being Grob on Adventure Time as well as playing speaking strawberry fashion icon Drude on O.K. K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes. She checks all the boxes, so why don’t YOU check your WALLET for the $24 plus bucks a ticket to her three-day headline show will cost ya. – James ScottNov. 7-9 -
Film
Special Screenings
The World’s End (2013)
Smart and nerdy comedy-horror Shaun of the Dead reinvigorated a genre in 2004, followed by Hot Fuzz and then The World’s End in a loose trilogy dubbed “Three Flavours Cornetto.” The wrap-up about pub-crawling pals dealing with an alien invasion screens here, complemented by something special tapped by always excellent brewery Austin Beerworks. Don’t miss the opening short film: a laugh riot called “Side Quests” by stellar locals Ben Weaver and the hilarious Aira Juliet, who stars as someone distracted from the pursuit of romance by chaotic side adventures. – Kat McNevinsFri., Nov. 8 -
Community
Sports
UT-Austin Men’s Basketball vs. Houston Christian
The men’s basketball squad plays its home opener after beginning the season against Ohio State in Las Vegas on Monday. There are multiple new faces as head coach Rodney Terry welcomes a slew of talented transfers to the program. Forward Arthur Kaluma (14.4 PPG at Kansas State in 2023-24) and Jordan Pope (17.6 PPG at Oregon State) head a solid transfer class that should boost the Longhorns’ offense. The team also adds five-star freshman guard Tre Johnson, who finished as the No. 5-ranked prospect in the 2024 ESPN 100. – Derek UdensiFri., Nov. 8
All Events
-
Arts
Visual Arts
"Native America: In Translation"
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 McCarreyAug. 4-Jan.5 -
Arts
Theatre
Luna
Who doesn’t like having friends? They’re great! So great, in fact, that Ramón Esquivel’s play for younger audiences is all about how to make friends. Luna follows Soledad, a daughter of migrant farm workers whose nomadic life makes stable friendships a difficult prospect. Though books, the stars, and her namesake – aka, the moon – keep her company, the play centers on Soledad’s meeting two peers who, much like her, are searching for connection. Bring the kids to this wonderful stage production directed by Mateo Hernandez, but be warned if you’ve got fidgeting young folks: This here play’s an hour without intermission. – James ScottThrough Nov. 16 -
Music
-
Music
-
Community
Events
Austin International Folk Dancers
Join AIFD for an evening of dances from around the world with no experience or partner required.Fridays, 7-9:45pm. $5 (under 18, free). -
Arts
Visual Arts
“And the valley froze over”
When describing his six-film saga, director George Lucas described the multi-generational history of the Star Wars world as being “like poetry. They rhyme.” Much mocked, I actually find this a nice way to explain the repetition history tends to have – exemplified even better, TBH, in artist Enrique Figueredo’s woodcut pieces on view at Flatbed. These pieces utilize images of historical Spanish missions to convey timeless themes: economic struggles, religious turmoil, war. Figueredo also unveils three new altarpieces from his Federación Venezolana de Bobsleigh. series that takes inspiration from, as the show copy states, “the artist’s childhood fantasy of piloting a make-believe bobsleigh team at the Winter Olympics.” – James ScottThrough Nov. 30 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Caustic Room”
Audio art mixes with light at this new show from Vermont-born “musician, artist, bookbinder, juggler, woodworker, and dungeon master” Cooper McBean. Through a series of tones bounced off resonating panels as well as into an illuminated pool at the center of Recspec’s shipping-container venue, McBean’s work creates reflections that light up the space. These – the titular “caustics” – can be manipulated by the gallery’s audience through adding their own little hums and hahs into its atmosphere. Check out this mix of water, light, and sound on its opening night, Nov. 8, or during the second week of the Austin Studio Tour. – James ScottFridays-Sundays. Through Nov. 23 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Elevate”
Visual texture does more than garner interest – it ignites the brain, allowing for overwhelming emotional reactions. Artist Anya Molyviatis is a master at creating exactly that with her exploratory weavings. According to the exhibit statement, the work is designed to transform “material and color into expressions of weightlessness.” Indeed, the woven panels typically work in one hue, or a slightly related color story, the variations in thread tone precisely placed to make the panels feel like a portal. Where do they go? That’s up to the viewer. Float along a blue wave into depths of sky or ocean. Enter into an orange and pink sunscape. Sink into the woven world of Molyviatis. – Cat McCarreyThrough Nov. 23 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Ethica Naturalis”
A more thematically dedicated writer might have written this whole listing in wingdings or emojis as a way of conveying the connection between illustration-forward storytelling via this show’s subject – emblem books, aka a collection of allegorical images – but alas. Y’all got me instead. Local garage-based gallery GLHF hosts a collective art show featuring artists Eli Decker, Ario Elami, Christopher Miller, and Teppla taking inspiration from one particular emblem book: Ethica Naturalis, whose illustrations personify natural elements. Attend opening night this Friday, Nov. 8, and see these artists express the eternal power dynamic between man and nature. – James ScottThrough Dec. 14 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Heirlooms” by Sara Hirneisen
Reader, I must be honest: I am writing about this event 99% because the photo the gallery sent me is fascinating. In keeping with artist Sara Hirneisen’s sculpture use of casting, the object in question bears 10 plaster-cast fingers piked onto metal prongs and carries the title Finger Rake. I’m obsessed with Finger Rake, which makes sense given Hirneisen’s show is all about holding items in reverence. Playing with gendered objects, Hirneisen reimagines the contents of a hope chest as not so much jewelry and baubles but practical tools. Many of these objects include molds cast from herself and her own children. This process, she writes, stands in opposition to thoughts of marriage and motherhood: Rather, she is “making tools that set them [her children] up for independence and self-sufficiency.” – James ScottThrough Nov. 17 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Hiba Ali: Lullabies for the stars in our eyes”
This new exhibit soothes the body and soul with interactive sculptural installations. Run your fingers through sand and gaze into metallic pools evoking the Swahili-Indian Ocean. Watch videos, sense sonic vibrations, and meditate in VR. Pakistani artist Hiba Ali uses the phrase “digital somatics” to describe how her works lead people on a body-processing journey using digital art. Now more than ever, it’s time to immerse yourself in Ali’s lullaby. – Eden ShamyThursdays-Sundays. Through Nov. 17 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Soft Opening”
Out of the garage and into much fancier digs, community-minded art gallery DORF celebrates its new home at South Lamar’s Zilker Point with the cheekily named group show “Soft Opening.” Amble in before January 11 to see what insights participating artists Eepi Chaad, Michael Anthony Garciá, Nitashia Johnson, Bárbara Miñarro, Natalia Nakazawa, Rebeca Proctor, Libby Rosen, James Viscardi bring to the concept of softness, or get in on the ground floor at Friday’s opening reception, featuring a performance by Garciá and music by DJ Apanda. – Kimberley JonesThrough Jan. 11 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Some Kind of Feeling”
Taylor Danielle Davis, who serves to elevate queer, trans, and BIPOC voices at MASS Gallery, Future Front Texas, and more, is curating a new show at ICOSA Collective to coincide with the Austin Studio Tour – meaning it’s shaping up to be an exciting week in the Austin art scene. “Some Kind of Feeling” invites 16 artists to explore emotion and memory through diverse media, using the visual to transcend logic. In these dark and confusing times, grounding in the sensory present may be exactly what we need. – Lina FisherFridays-Sundays. Through Nov. 23 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“We Shall Be Monsters” Art Show
Arise! You are summoned to Guzu’s latest gathering of the eerie and uncanny. It’s their biggest show to date, with new works highlighting ghastly ghouls and creepy creatures from 35 artists including Dan Brereton, Half-Human, Francisco Salinas, Holly Hansel, Robert Zavala, Mia Burwitz, and Cody Schibi. Terrors of all kinds will be available to adorn your walls, from classics like xenomorphs, Leatherface, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon to modern nightmares such as Longlegs and Art the Clown. Crawl your way to Friday’s opening night gala for nibbles from Chef Matt Zepeda, and a chance to pick up an exclusive cover edition of the new issue of Gore Noir. – Richard WhittakerThrough Nov. 25 -
Film
Special Screenings
Been There Presents Home Free (2024)
It’s always special when a movie comes home, but home means something really special for this Austin-made bittersweet comedy from UT grads Aaron Brown and Lenny Barszap. Home Free is inspired by their real experiences as undergrads when they became friends with the Professor, a charming man of intellect, kindness, and wisdom who was experiencing homelessness. That friendship was a quick education in how people can drop out of society so fast and yet retain their value as human beings – and now they’ve retold that story as a touching college comedy that’s equal parts Animal House and The Lady in the Van. Join post-screening Q&As with the cast and crew, who are putting their money where their mouths are, as part of the proceeds go to The Other Ones Foundation, organizers of the Been There music festival, to help people experiencing homelessness and unemployment. – Richard WhittakerThrough Nov. 22 -
Music
-
Music
Benefit for Hurricane Helene victims w/ Daikaiju, the Oxys, Jason Kane & the Jive
Fri., Nov. 8, 9pm. $20 suggested donation (all ages). -
Arts
Comedy
BIPOC Improv Celebration
Yeah, okay, there’s the big ol’ comedy compost pile Downtown that keeps certain not-so-funny guys on retainer, but there’s better places to get your laughs. Consider, instead, homegrown venue the Hideout – which also has pretty good coffee! November marks a full month of shows highlighting Austin’s bench of all-star BIPOC improvisers at the coffeehouse/comedy stage, along with a sprinkling of out-of-town talent. From long-running & awarded showcases like Y’all We Asian to Hispanic Heritage Month horror hit My Killer Quinceañera, there’s plenty to fill up your comedy schedule. But wait! There’s more: special guests John Gebretatose and Stephanie Rae, BIPOC jams seshs, photo booths, and karaoke. – James ScottThroughout November -
Music
-
Music
-
Music