Home Events
-
Sponsored Listing
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
Recommended
-
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
Here Be Monsters Day 2 w/ Panoramic Voices, Goliath Was Bigfoot, Tatsulok Trio, Invoke, Man Woman Friend Computer, 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 TolandSun., May 25, 6:15pm -
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 -
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
Los Campesinos! [garage]
If you take their word for it, Los Campesinos! is the UK’s “first and only emo band.” True to that distinction, they rose to indie scene heights and beyond in the late Aughts with catchy crowd-vocal proclamations, cathartically dynamic song structures, and clever song titles. 2024’s All Hell smooths out the septet’s sound without losing its verbose, ironic edge. Despite a shifting lineup, Los Campesinos!’s energetic angst remains resonant for emo-pop lovers young and old. Others may claim the UK has produced several emo bands, but sold-out shows around the world would tell you this is the only one you need to see. – Caroline DrewSun., May 25, 8pm -
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 -
Music
Sleigh Bells, Sophie Hunter [outside]
Sleigh Bells burst – literally – onto the indie rock scene in 2010 with fireworks whose dust still lingers 15 years later. Treats opens with bazooka fire: Derek Miller blasts drums and squalls guitars like some kind of twisted American anthem, while Alexis Krauss trills “Did you do your best today?” with the patronizing optimism of those faceless cheerleaders on the album cover. From early classics “Infinity Guitars” – so stupidly perfect with its cheer chant beat, über-crunchy riff, and “Ah-a-a!” refrain – and the Funkadelic-sampling “Rill Rill” to new LP Bunky Becky Birthday Boy, the Brooklyn duo’s maximalism never lets up. [Editor’s Note: This show has sold out. Sorry!] – Carys AndersonSun., May 25, 7:30pm. Sold-out. -
Film
Special Screenings
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
On the occasion of its 45th anniversary, is there anything left to say about The Empire Strikes Back? It matches everything series starter Star Wars (or A New Hope, whatever) set in motion – matinee-movie adventure, space existentialism, jaw-dropping practical effects, bouncy banter – and cranks the dial further for more indelible creatures and planets, more smolder, more daddy angst. Which is why Empire is my easy No. 1 in the all-time Star Wars theatrical feature rankings. You know what, since we’re already here: 1) The Empire Strikes Back 2) Star Wars 3) The Last Jedi 4) Rogue One 5) Return of the Jedi 6) The Force Awakens 7) Solo 8) Revenge of the Sith 9) Attack of the Clones 10) The Rise of Skywalker 11) The Phantom Menace. No notes, right? – Kimberley JonesSun., May 25 -
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
All Events
-
Music
-
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
-
Music
-
Music
-
Music
-
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 -
Music
Austin Symphony Orchestra Brass Ensemble
Sun., May 25, 7:30pm. Free. -
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 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“The Everyman”
I’ve been having a lot of “girl who’s going to be okay” moments as I reconnect with my earnest, optimistic side, so I’m excited for “The Everyman,” a group show curated by visual artist and musician Lisa Alley that celebrates the beauty in the small things – from commonplace occurrences to the working-class heroes that give this exhibit its name. Alley – who plays in local acts the Well, Mugger, and TV’s Daniel – shows her paintings alongside a slew of familiar names, including Parquet Courts’ A. Savage, Never’s Emily No Good, and photographer Pooneh Ghana. Everyone has the ability to create something exceptional, this Bolm Arts project assures us. – Carys AndersonThrough June 7 -
Food
Food Events
Barks for Beers 2025
Arf, arf: This is my impression of your dog when you tell them about this furry fundraising effort from Divine Canines. Tell their placid doggy faces about how 30 CTX craft breweries are participating, like Celis Brewery and Independence Brewing. Pet their ears and inform your pooch how buying a $30 Pawsport as well as a 2025 pint glass entitles you to a pour at each brewery. At this point, the canine mind might think: Okay, but what do I get out of all this? “Don’t worry,” you say. “Every brewery has promised to be dog-friendly, so we can go together.” Your dog’s response, probably: Woof! – James ScottMay 1 - 31Multiple locations -
Community
Events
Barton Creek Farmers Market
A great selection of local farmers bringing fabulous pastured meats, eggs, dairy, vegetables, and fruits, plus prepared-food vendors, artisans, bakers, and of course, live music.Sundays, 9am-1pm. Free.4805 Hwy. 290 W., Sunset Valley (Kohl's parking lot)