Home Events
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Sponsored Listing
Maudie's Moonlight Run by The Trail Conservancy
Join The Trail Conservancy for Maudie's Moonlight 5K Run! The scenic route winds along Lady Bird Lake and the Butler Trail, leading to the ultimate post-run fiesta with legendary Tex-Mex, ice-cold margaritas, and live music! Complete details on the run route, registration, and volunteer info are available online.Thurs. June 5, 8pm-10pmAuditorium Shores -
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
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Arts
Visual Arts
Royal Goth Art Prom
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 5x7 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 ScottSat., April 26 -
Arts
Books
All-Ages Drag Story Time
Just before their afternoon nap, kiddos can enjoy a little literary boost from drag reader Miss Petty Cakes – featuring banned picture book picks.Sat., April 26, 11amBirdhouse Books and Gifts, 5925 Burnet Rd. -
Music
Austin Blues Festival Day 1 w/ Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, North Mississippi Allstars; Antone's 50th anniversary jam feat. Ian Moore, Kam Franklin & Friends; Taj Farrant, Lee Fields, Sue Foley, more
Presented by Antone’s Nightclub, this year’s roots music festival doubles as a 50th anniversary tribute to Austin’s premier blues venue. Antone’s regulars Jackie Venson and Sue Foley, plus soul songstress Sir Woman and funk collective Grandmaster, lead the local contingent for the 2025 event, while guitar prodigy Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and legendary R&B/soul/gospel singer Mavis Staples headline Saturday and Sunday, respectively. In honor of the tenacious club’s golden jubilee, a slew of Antone’s All-Stars – Ian Moore and Kam Franklin on Day 1, Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. on Day 2 – lead special jam sessions to highlight the blues’ ever-evolving, collaborative spirit. – Carys AndersonSat., April 26, 11am -
Arts
Theatre
Austin Opera Presents Madame Butterfly
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 McCarreyApril 25-27 -
Music
Austin Psych Fest Day 2 w/ Darkside, Wombo, Kim Gordon, Sasami, STRFKR, Dummy, Geordie Greep, Corridor, Alex Maas, Color Green, Windows, Water Damage
Like Levitation 2024 before it, the Black Angels’ annual celebration of psychedelic music has expanded its genre constraints to spotlight the best of all things alternative, from indie rock legends (Kim Gordon plays solo on Saturday, while Yo La Tengo and Dinosaur Jr. wrap Sunday) to post-punk contemporaries (Day 2 act Wombo) to post-rock torchbearers (Godspeed You! Black Emperor and locals Explosions in the Sky both top Friday’s bill). Of course, the festival’s hazy origins remain thanks to consciousness-raising, generation-spanning acts like Blackwater Holylight, Holy Wave, and Angels singer Alex Maas. More affordable than most fests with such stacked lineups, day tickets go for $75 while weekend passes request $200. – Carys AndersonSat., April 26, 1:40pm -
Community
Sports
Bikes + Birds
Meet up with Queer Gravel’s Abi Robins as they lead a bird-watching bike tour around a new section of the Violet Crown trail. Ride’s about four miles at a casual pace, so Robins says “All cycling abilities welcomed!”Sat., April 26, 7amATX Bikes Parking Lot, 5701 W. Slaughter Ln., Ste. A-110 -
Community
Events
BioBlitz
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 McNevinsSat., April 26 -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Blazing Bingo
Hosted by Santina at the Yard’s newest (and highest) addition, this bingo boasts “piñatas, fun prizes, live singing & free goodies.” No cover, and there’s free parking! Only drawback is you WILL see Teslas.Sat., April 26, 7pmTHC Dispensary, 440 E. St. Elmo Rd., Ste. B-1 -
Arts
Theatre
Body Politics
Poet, comedian, multi-hyphenate powerhouse Shasparay has been out here, highlighting social injustice with their poignant mix of wry humor and clearcut boundaries. They know what’s right, what’s wrong, and who they are. Expect that level of clarity with Body Politics, their solo show treatise on the “fat experience.” Having a body is inherently political. Especially when female-presenting. Especially when Black. Especially when fat. And Shasparay? They’ve been through it all. Belittlement, shame, fetishization, all within the presentation of curves and skin and outward expression. It’s a show about the thin line between love and hate, about self-acceptance, about reconciling identity. And with Shasparay’s dynamic delivery, it will be difficult to look away. – Cat McCarreyApril 23-27 -
Film
Special Screenings
CAMP Film Festival
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 McNevinsApril 26-27 -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Club Chub: Leather & Lace
Host Gregg Paz, aka “your guide through the debauchery,” invites attendees to wear their best sultry gear for this sexy night on Sixth. DJ Kurt Jo spins and Scarlet Sagamore drags in a great performance.Sat., April 26, 9pm -
Arts
Dance
Community Voices Workshop
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 ScottSat., April 26 -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Drag Me to the Tavern
Fair travelers: Rise thine weary spirits at this fantasy drag show at Austin’s only interdimensional rift between worlds! Featuring Ethel Institution, Riot Girl, Lavender Thug, and hosts Travis Randy Travis and Sir Beau Elliot.Sat., April 26, 7pm -
Community
Events
Earth Day Jubilee
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 ScottSat., April 26 -
Community
Events
Eeyore’s Birthday
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 RenovitchSat., April 26 -
Arts
Books
Greater Austin Book Festival
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 JonesSat., April 26 -
Film
Special Screenings
Happy Gilmore (1996)
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 ScottApril 25 - 26 & 29, Alamo Slaughter Lane, Lakeline & Mueller; April 27 & 30, Violet Crown Cinema -
Arts
Books
Independent Bookstore Day
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 ScottSat., April 26Austin indie bookstores -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Lesbian Visibility Day Party
Let’s hear it for our sapphic sweethearts at this celebration of all lesbians. Partake in raffles, tarot, art stations, bingo, a vendor market, special cocktails, and much, much more. Snag your tix for $17, a price that includes a goodie bag and two raffle tickets.Sat., April 26, 8pm -
Arts
Dance
Metamorphosis Dance Presents The Little Mermaid
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 McCarreyApril 25-26 -
Community
Events
Preservation Austin Homes Tour
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 RenovitchApril 26-27Various locations -
Arts
Visual Arts
Prizer Presents: “Highway Lights”
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 ScottSat., April 26 -
Community
Events
Pup Crawl ATX
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 ScottThrough April 30Dog House Drinkery, 3800 Co. Rd. 175, Leander; MUTTS, 9825 N. Lake Creek Pkwy.; Yard Bar, 6700 Burnet Rd.; The Watering Bowl, 820 W. FM 1626 -
Music
Rancho Alegre Conjunto Music Festival Day 2 w/ Los Cucuys de Rodney Rodriguez, Conjunto Impulso de Ernesto Cadena, Flavio Longoria y Los Conjunto Kingz feat. Juanito Castillo, more
Since 2015, Rancho Alegre has thrown a free, all-ages festival aimed to preserve Conjunto music, the accordion-driven Tejano creation that fuses German polka rhythms with Mexican folk songs. The event’s 10th anniversary touches down at two decidedly East Austin venues: On Friday, Belen Escobedo y Panfilo’s Güera, Conjunto Baraja de Oro, and Los Enmascarados perform at East Cesar Chavez beer hall Central Machine Works, while Rodney Rodriguez, Bobby Salinas, and more perform Saturday and Sunday at the Doris Miller Auditorium, the undervalued Rosewood event center that hosted Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and more Black icons back in the day. – Carys AndersonSat., April 26, 1:15pm. Free (all ages). -
Community
Events
Red Poppy Festival
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 JonesApril 25-27 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Slow Fashion Festival
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 DrewSat., April 26Propaganda HQ, 625 Industrial Blvd. -
Food
Food Events
Spring Walkabout 2025: “In the Garden”
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 ScottSat., April 26 -
Film
Special Screenings
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
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 WhittakerApril 24-27Multiple Austin moviehouses -
Community
Events
Sunset Valley ARTFEST
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 ScottSat., April 26 -
Arts
Classical Music
The Beerthoven Concert Series Presents: Rags to Riches
Beerthoven returns not just with their signature warm pastries/cold beer refreshments via Easy Tiger and Lazarus Brewing, but with a new show spotlighitng the works of German Texan immigrants as well as Scott Joplin and Johannes Brahms. What do they have in common? "They all went from Rags to Riches!" says Beerthoven, who'll feature performances by executive director Daniel Swayze, pianist Austin Haller, and vocalists Trevor Shaw, Shari Wilson, Laura Mercado-Wright, and Gregory Hilliard.April 25-27