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Dripping Springs Rodeo
Come to the 14th Annual Dripping Springs Rodeo on Memorial Day Weekend! This year they will be bringing all the rodeo style fun on Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Bring your family and friends for a weekend of mutton bustin', bull riding, vendor shopping, great food, and all things rodeo!May 23-25Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center
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Community
Events
Austin Greek Festival
If you ever wanted to sample what “Livin’ the Greek Life” is like, this annual Memorial Day weekend fest celebrating food, culture, and the Greek Orthodox faith is a good place to start. Activities include church tours to see the Byzantine iconography on display, live music, dance performances, a vendor market, and a whole mess of delicious food like spanakopitas, saganaki, and souvlaki chicken (and those are just the dishes starting with S). Admission is $5, and a portion of proceeds benefits Mobile Loaves & Fishes. – Kimberley JonesMay 23-25 -
Arts
Comedy
Austin Sketch Fest
Saluting the art of sketch this weekend is Austin’s annual fest featuring comedic talent from LA, NYC, and homegrown heroes from here in Texas. Opportunities for laughs include headlining show by self-described embarrassment artist Andie Flores and singer/songwriter Mars Wright that dares to explain “10 Ways to Effectively and Consensually F*** a Minion,” as well as Los Angeles visitors Business Casual performing their venue-appropriate Western spoof Cowboys, all-femme funny folks Boobie Trap in from New Yahk, and many more. A full weekend pass costs the humble consumer $84.33 plus fees, but each show also offers single tickets. – James ScottMay 22-25 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Dog Days”
When the profound connection between dog and human has become fetishized and monetized for clicks, where’s a soulful dog person to go? Why not this group exhibition, which pays sweet tribute to our four-legged fam? Referencing the origins of “dog days” as a time of unrest in ancient times, DORF curators Sara Vanderbeek and Eric Manche are using the show to advance a different narrative: “that in a time of global uncertainty and rising temperatures, the steady, loving presence of a dog can be a grounding force – a source of comfort, stability, and meaning.” Friday’s pet-friendly opening reception will have on-site adoptions, live dog portrait painting by Ami Plasse, and a doggy dance party with DJ Dana Scully. – Kimberley JonesOpening night, May 23; runs through Sept. 6 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, grayDUCK!”
Okay so: What’s with all the ducks? If you count them, it’s one duck for each year that this art gallery has been hosting art. This anniversary exhibition, curated by Los Outsiders collective, has a work of art representative of each year in the life of grayDUCK. It’s kinda like one of those videos where someone takes a photo of themselves every year, except in this case it’s something beautiful or poignant, and isn’t that better? Kicks off this Saturday, May 24 and runs through June 28. – James RenovitchThrough June 28 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“ECHOES ATX”: The Past, Present, and Future of Black & Brown Austin
Austin wasn’t just grown from the fruits of Willie Nelson and the Texas Longhorns. Like many metropolitan areas, it had a thriving scene of diverse voices that fed this city’s very roots. Those voices were here, and they’re still here, contributing to everything that makes Austin special. Celebrate them with a two-week extravaganza acknowledging Austin’s rich history and bright future through art, music, and conversation. Curated by photographer Jay Ybarra and sociology scholar Shania Montúfar, “ECHOES” reflects their vibrant views of Austin’s grassroots community creators. Join the opening celebration this Saturday with DJ sets, art workshops, and artistic pieces that beg to be experienced firsthand. It all runs for the next two weeks. – Cat McCarreyThrough June 6Color Cartel, 4303 Willow Springs Rd. -
Music
Cactus Lee
Cactus Lee has released a slew of music over the past five years, each album sliding eclectically through folk styles but always hanging on his knack for crafting immaculately smooth melodies. His new self-titled seventh LP marks the songwriter’s debut on local imprint Western Vinyl and delivers an easy-rolling, reflective sheen that feels like the friendly back porch after a long day. In his delicate tenor, weariness and the road turns into wonder and epiphanies held close. Lee sets up at Buddy’s Place for a free show as the longtime neighborhood dive bar seeks to amp up its live music offerings. – Doug FreemanSat., May 24, 8pm. Free. -
Community
Events
Ego’s Day Party and Fundraiser
Fear not, karaoke lovers: Ego’s isn’t closing. The beloved South Congress bar is instead raising funds for one of its bartenders, Paul, who broke his foot and needs help paying for surgery. Come one, come all, to this 4-7pm party, where burgers and hot dogs, games, a silent auction featuring items from local small businesses, and – of course – an open mic promise to help Paul get back on his feet (pun intended) in the best way possible. – Carys AndersonSat., May 24 -
Music
Here Be Monsters Day 1 w/ Kraken Quartet, Tetractys New Music & Zed, Anuj Bhutani, VAMP, Amorsima Trio, more
Dedicated to showcasing new works by local composers, indie contemporary classical collective Tetractys New Music has been presenting its annual Here Be Monsters festival since 2023. Sort of the classical concert version of speed dating, the festival gives 20 artists 20 minutes to display their wares, both conceptually and technically. Performers include the Kraken Quartet; Golden Hornet; Goliath Was Bigfoot; Invoke; Panoramic Voices; Man, Woman, Friend, Computer; Anuj Bhutani; One Ounce Opera; Studio A; Jessy Eubanks; LOLA; Austin Unconducted; and more. At least 11 of these new works will be world premieres. Both single-day and festival passes are available. – Michael TolandSat., May 24, 6:45pm -
Food
Food Events
Hot Luck Fest
“I recently played in Austin, Texas. It was in conjunction with a food festival, because Austin, Texas, is a food festival.” Thurston Moore said that to Pitchfork in 2017, and, yes, he was talking about Hot Luck. The brainchild of Aaron Franklin, James Moody, and Mike Thelin, this annual convergence combines two of our city’s favorite things: food and music. There will be no Thurston S’mores this year, but the feast will still include a plethora of bites from chefs across the country, soundtracked at Moody’s Mohawk by long-running Michigan punks the Spits on Friday night and ATX alt rock vehicle White Denim on Saturday. – Carys AndersonMay 22-25 -
Film
Special Screenings
Jaws (1975)
Watch a movie with a cinephile and you’re sure to have a moment where they point at the screen to say “Split diopter.” This infamous shot technique – done by adding a piece of half-convex glass to the film camera’s main lens – wasn’t invented by Steven Spielberg’s third feature film, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t learn about it from this beachy blockbuster. That’s only one iconic element of the 1975 summer shark tale, which celebrates 50 years of scaring swimmers at this screening presented by cult horror mag Fangoria. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water… sorry, that’s Jaws 2 spoilers. – James ScottSat., May 24 -
Community
Events
Kerrville Folk Festival
Since 1972, there’s only been one fest with the length (18 days!), the talent (Dale Watson! Fruition! Carsie Blanton!), and the craft-building (songwriting, guitar, and harmonica workshops all fest!) to bring everyone out into nature like Kerrville Folk Fest.May 22 - June 8 -
Music
Mid-Range Jumper (single release), Why Yes, Willy Steg & the Understanding
Big news for indie-loving Texas Exes: Mid-Range Jumper are about to have two songs available to stream. Formed at the tail end of 2023, this “countrygaze” supergroup features several notable local musicians (and UT alumni), including Riya Mahesh of Quiet Light, Andrés Garcia of sleep well., and Jonah Brown of Eli Josef. Sole single “I Want a Life” opens with freewheeling banjo before the sixpiece kicks in with electric MJ Lenderman twang. As for new track “Present Tense”? You’ll have to come to this single release show, featuring support by Why Yes and Willy Steg & the Understanding, to hear what these prolific songwriters have cooked up next. – Carys AndersonSat., May 24, 9pm -
Community
Sports
MLP Austin Tournament
No sour faces here, as Major League Pickleball will be played at the highest level during Austin’s third-ever tournament. Over the four-day event, teams from across the U.S. will pair off to determine who will win a spot in the MLP Playoffs this August. Interested pickle persons have three ticket options, with a grounds pass getting you access to all amateur matches and courtside passes opening you up to the grandstand and championship courts. Dedicated enjoyers of the sport can opt for the third VIP tier, which kicks in chair seating, free food and drinks, and a special lounge. – James ScottMay 23-26Austin Pickle Ranch, 11000 Middle Fiskville Rd. Bldg. B -
Film
Special Screenings
Ran (1985)
In the last 30 years, The Austin Chronicle has only given two films a five-star rating: The 1997 re-release of Fritz Lang’s German Expressionist masterpiece M, and the 2000 re-release of Akira Kurosawa’s bushido King Lear adaptation, Ran. What does five stars mean around here? That a movie is as perfect as a film can be. That’s Ran, now remastered in 4K. – Richard WhittakerMay 24-29 -
Community
Events
Story-Oke
From the folks who brought you Mortified and Queer Film Theory 101 comes a new monthly storytelling show where it’s all about the song in your heart. Each show features six performers who’ll regale the audience with a personal story connected to their chosen song – before belting that ballad karaoke-style. There’s no end to the sonic choices here, people, so whether your narrative is inspired by Biggie or Barbra, this stage is the place to sing it out. – James ScottSat., May 24 -
Community
Events
Street Dog Coalition Pet Clinic
Taking care of animal friends is one of Austin’s top strengths, so we have no shortage of animal welfare orgs to support them, but this one’s pretty neat: Street Dog Coalition has been offering clinics since 2023 and provides veterinary care to pets of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Austin Pets Alive! and SDC will be available from 10am to 12:30pm to provide pet food, vaccinations, microchips, dewormers, spay/neuter vouchers, and pet clothes and toys. These clinics are free of charge & judgment and help dozens of pets every other month, also providing info on APA!’s Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender program. Get more info and donate to the cause online. – Kat McNevinsSat., May 24 -
Film
Special Screenings
Street Trash (2024) (1987)
Ninety-nine percent of the time that a filmmaker says “Oh, we’re doing an homage to the Eighties,” what they really mean is some weirdly sanitized Patrick Nagel and Heathers deal that doesn’t really capture how grimy, sleazy, and unhinged the art of the decade was. Not Ryan Kruger, whose throwback slimefest sequel finally gets its Austin premiere. The first film’s writer, Roy Frumkes, described the 1987 splatterpunk masterpiece (also called Street Trash) as being designed to “democratically offend every group on the planet,” and Kruger’s version retains all its bodymelting gooeyness and anti-corporate politics for his slimy satirical horror. – Richard WhittakerSat., May 24 -
Arts
Theatre
The Talk: A Pep Rally Purity Play
Chewed gum, crumpled roses, licked cupcakes. If those words just sent a shudder down your spine, congratulations! You have religious trauma from purity culture! Join the club. I once sat through a lecture where someone discussed going “too far” with the opposite sex as a trip in a canoe, and somehow it wasn’t a dick joke. That would have made the metaphor far too interesting. Witness a way better written talk with The Talk. Written by CB Goodman and Lilly Percifield, and presented solo by Percifield, The Talk focuses on the Homecoming Pep Rally for the Christian High School Academy. Horny teens and hypocritical leaders! What could go wrong? – Cat McCarreyMay 23-24 -
Community
Events
Urban Axes Farewell Weekend
One of the first to bring axe-throwing to town is now saying farewell with a weekend of league tournaments and a closing party on Sunday. Try a few tosses and see why this cathartic craze took the nation by storm. The axes will be flying (responsibly, we assume) but there’s also a potluck, a crawfish boil, and karaoke to help sing the business into the sunset. The real question is, what are they gonna do with all those leftover axes? – Blake LeschberMay 24-25 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Valerie Fowler’s “Entanglements” & Benné Rockett’s “Grown in Darkness”
It’s a pleasure to see Austin’s bevy of talented working artists grow and change over the years, exploring new material and thematic fixations. Valerie Fowler is one such mainstay of the scene, and her new summer show at Lydia Street Gallery finds her meditating on the interconnectedness of nature and humanity with signature meticulous attention to detail. In “Entanglements: You Too Are Part of This,” she renders birds’ nests and vines in dazzling Technicolor. Under the same roof, Benné Rockett, an Austin art therapist who’s spent the better part of a decade between Mérida, Yucatan, and her hometown of New Orleans, offers mixed-media encaustic works that render flora and fauna in three dimensions. Watch these works interact with one another starting Saturday, May 24, through to August 10. – Lina FisherThrough August 10
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Arts
Visual Arts
Aisha Imdad: “The Allegorical Gardens”
Gardens loom large in legend. Think the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Shalimar Gardens, the Garden of Eden: each bursting with symbolic beauty, dripping with promises of life and growth. Artist Aisha Imdad explores the lush intricacies of this verdant imagery. Her watercolor works delve into literary and mythological gardens, inspired by Indian, Mughal, and Persian frescos. Each invites closer introspection, a desire to immerse in the vibrant world of her works. Each intricate blossom speck, or gilded turn of a bird wing, vibrates with idealized life. Imdad’s art portrays the possibilities of paradise. – Cat McCarreyThrough July 3 -
Music
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Music
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Arts
Theatre
Austin Shakespeare presents Julius Caesar
Friends, Texans, Austinites, lend your ears and eyes to Shakespeare’s classic coup, as tortured and brutal as tactical Brutus can offer. Or shall I say bodacious Brutus, since Austin Shakespeare’s production of Julius Caesar offers a tantalizing twist – Caesar’s inner circle is mostly women, adding what might be seen as righteous rage to raw revolution. This Caesar’s served with a cunning corporate aesthetic. No need to clutch your pearls though. There’s still the mired malaise of what best serves the collective good. Grab your friends and family, and “get-tu” Zilker for this free show. – Cat McCarreyThrough May 25 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“HOT: The Exhibit”
Over a million American women go through the change every year. Why do we still talk about it in such hushed tones? Andee Kinzy and Melissa Knight hope to eliminate the stigma around menopause with “HOT,” a multimedia exhibit that hosts an art show, a play, and several workshops and panels throughout the month of May. The gallery opens May 4, and Jennifer Connell Davis’ I Wanna Be a F*cking Princess premieres four days later. In between and beyond, catch medical experts dispel menopause misinformation and try your hand at consciousness raising at community storytelling events. Find the whole schedule at improvedarts.org/hot-the-exhibit. – Carys AndersonFridays-Sundays. Through May 25 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Meeting at the Edges: Testing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Boundaries”
Why are the edges always the most difficult? Almost all textile arts suffer in relation to cleaning up those untidy ends. This month, Link & Pin Art Space invites viewers to embrace the unruly threads of life. To shamelessly pull from artist Sam Elkins’ Instagram post (@samelkinstextiles), join Saturday’s artist reception for some “edgy” conversation with the creators involved. Elkins’ weaving work will rest alongside the fibrous textures of Gary Anderson’s art and Diane Sandlin’s mixed media marvels. Ponder, and maybe even come to terms with, life’s bumps and whorls through these artists’ explored space. – Cat McCarreyThrough June 8 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Personal Records”
One part of a greater track-and-field trio of shows, GLHF presents art from Brian Dulaney, Drake Konow, Gerardo Cisneros, Justin Leal, Tim McCool, Kevin Muñoz, Marissa Dunagan, Phillip Niemeyer, and Preetal Shah. All these pieces speak to their experiences while analog traveling – you know, using their legs rather than a car or skateboard. This show organizes under the banner of Artist Run Club, coordinated by Northern-Southern and focused on the quick-paced art intelligentsia of Texas.: – James ScottMay 3 - June 1 -
Community
Events
“Roots Unveiled: Exploring the Chinese Experience”
Among the many anti-civil rights bills creeping their way through the Texas Legislature is Senate Bill 17, which would bar Chinese and many other Asian citizens from buying land here. Denounced by detractors as racist and reminiscent of 19th-century laws targeting Asian immigrants, its 2023 origins, along with growing anti-Asian sentiment after the pandemic, inspired Houston artist Jane Xu to found the multi-city Asian American Art & Culture Initiative and initiate this multidisciplinary exhibit. Curated by renowned international independent curator Sylvia XuHua Zhan, it brings in-depth research and archives along with work from a wide range of artists to offer a look at the rich history of Chinese Americans in Texas. Opening reception is Sunday, May 18, noon. – Kat McNevinsThrough August 31; opening reception, May 18