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Sponsored Listing
The Juilliard String Quartet with pianist Anna Petrova
With unparalleled artistry and enduring vigor, the Juilliard String Quartet (JSQ) continues to inspire audiences around the world. Founded in 1946 and hailed by The Boston Globe as “the most important American quartet in history,” the ensemble draws on a deep and vital engagement to the classics, while embracing the mission of championing new works, a vibrant combination of the familiar and the daring.Sat. May 17, 7:30pmRiverbend Centre -
Sponsored Listing
Affordable Art Fair Austin
After a hugely successful first edition, Affordable Art Fair Austin returns May 15-18, 2025 at the Palmer Events Center, showcasing thousands of original contemporary artworks ranging between $100 to $10,000. Welcoming 55 local, national and international exhibitors, the second edition will be unmissable.May 15-18, 2025Palmer Events Center
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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 Jewish Film Festival
The long-running Austin Jewish Film Festival returns with five days of programming spread over the course of a week-plus, including documentaries, narratives films, features and shorts. Expect lively opening and closing night receptions for badgeholders and engrossing post-film Q&As; see website for badge and individual ticket info.Thu., Oct. 31 -
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 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Austin Studio Tour WEST
People in movies go to art galleries constantly. I mentioned this offhand to a friend recently in the context of David Cronenberg flicks – which always feature a scary art show opening that ties thematically with the protagonist’s journey – and they were like “Oh man. I wish I could go to an art opening like that.” Okay! So! Imagine if there were like a two-weekend-long series where galleries all over Austin were hosting plot-advancement-worthy art events and you could go to all of them. Well, you don’t have to imagine that, because it exists. This weekend covers West Austin, while next weekend, Nov. 16-17, covers the East art scene. Hit Big Medium’s website to find a mobile map of all participating venues. – James ScottNov. 9-10Multiple locations -
Music
Exodus, Havok, Candy, Dead Heat [garage]
Exodus dropped a Day of the Dead tribute to Bon Scott and Malcolm Young with a cover of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell snarl “Beating Around the Bush.” That proved a wiry encore to the thrash metal co-founders’ May fan find, British Disaster: The Battle of ’89 (Live at the Astoria), documenting remaining originator/drummer Tom Hunting, plus mainstays Steve Souza and Gary Holt. Equally Día de los Muertos, Denver thrash trio Havok also struck last Friday with hacking EP New Eyes. Both will have Richmond, Va., hardcores Candy to contend with following last month’s flattening EP Flipping and June Relapse Records crusher It’s Inside You. – Raoul HernandezSat., Nov. 9, 7pm -
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 -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Hunky-Tonk Happy Hour
DJ Boi Orbison marks this Sunday as one for the Hunks and Hunk-lovers. Get on down to Austin Motel’s newest bar where there’ll be a cowboy drag show, DJ sets by Boi and RealHypha, and plenty of drinks to keep the party going.Sat., Nov. 9 -
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 -
Music
Luxury Television (album release), Matador Sphere, J'cuuzi
You never know what you’re going to get with Luxury Television. At their live shows, the genre-agnostic fivepiece sometimes plays jittery, guitar-based post-punk and sometimes plays abstract, tortured electronica. That the tone-shifting locals have readied a full-length album, then, comes as a welcome surprise. Two singles preview the LP and this weekend’s release show: “Live Action Remake,” a dreamy swirl of guitars, synths, and faraway vocals, and “The No Humor Man, He Sees Everything Like This,” which sharpens those fuzzy corners with staccato guitar riffs. Breezy indie poppers Matador Sphere (rebranded from Fading Yellow) and irreverent art-punks J’cuuzi open. – Carys AndersonSat., Nov. 9, 10:15pm. $10 cover (21+). -
Arts
Theatre
Manchurian Candidate
Opera can often seem stuffy and boring, which is an unfair characterization especially this time, as Austin Opera presents a political thriller that leapt from the page to the screen way back in the Sixties before a 2004 remake starring Denzel Washington and Liev Schreiber, and then a 2015 reimagining as an opera by composer Kevin Puts and librettist Mark Campbell. After winning multiple Austin Critics Table awards back in 2016, it returns to the stage for the first time, coinciding with another turbocharged election season. Mark Diamond, last seen locally in Sweeney Todd, plays the veteran Raymond Shaw, while Grammy winner Frederick Ballentine makes his AO debut as Capt. Ben Marco in this riveting production. – Kat McNevinsNov. 9-11 -
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 -
Music
Next of Kin
Local vocal virtuosos Next of Kin takes over Fruth Street with their sweet sounds for a show that also features sevenpiece bluegrass/funk/folk-country fusion Texas String Assembly and psych “punk-grass” pickers Sicard Hollow.Sat., Nov. 9 -
Music
Nicky Diamonds, Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country (album release), Santiago Jiménez Jr.
An envoy up from San Antonio brings an eclectic bill of some of Alamo City’s best to the East Austin honky tonk. The legendary Santiago Jimenez Jr. leads the evening, the conjunto pioneer still strapping on his accordion at 80 years old to represent the family tradition. Garrett T. Capps, who produced Jimenez’s 2021 Still Kicking LP, serves the entree with his incomparable brand of cosmic cowboy psychedelic Tex-Americana that rips this year’s Everyone Is Everyone. Sweet-twangin’ Nicky Diamonds closes behind the highly anticipated debut of his 2024 country album Perdido en La Salsa. – Doug FreemanSat., Nov. 9, 8pm. $10 cover. -
Community
Events
Nosferatu Festival Presents: A Vampire Art Gallery
On the occasion of ol’ Bram Stoker’s b-day, it behooves one to pay tribute to the fanged forefather he created – or rather, the vamp who is illegally based on Stoker’s IP. Goth shop Bloody Rose plays host to a coven of creative works based on them vampires, with 13 artists contributing pieces alongside a market of creepy cool vendors. Bloodbangers provided by DJ Blaqk Traxx behind the decks. – James ScottSat., Nov. 9 -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Rhinestone Revolution
Brought to y’all by Queer Liberation Network, this touring party & fundraiser hits Austin this Saturday. Enjoy performances by local drag superstars, aka Rhinestone Revolutionaries, hosted by Best of Austin winner Brigitte Bandit. DJ Chorizo Funk spins.Sat., Nov. 9 -
Qmmunity
Community
Roller Derby Open Skate
Local Queer ATX teams with Texas Roller Derby to give y’all a chance to skate the derby track and learn the basics of derby-dom. Roll on in with your own gear or borrow skates and pads.Sat., Nov. 9 -
Community
Sports
Slam Portal IX: Emogeddon
Come and see the big boys, girls, and friends beyond the binary slam bodies together in the epic dance we call professional wrestling. While these ain’t the same bulked up bods you’ll find on certain televised wrestling shows – starts with a dubyah and ends with a bad contract – these wrestlers have all the heart and soul needed to bring a total banger of an event. This round’s all about angst: emos the world over getting their studded bracelets and eyeliner prepped for a riot. Catch the action ringside with a brew in your hand – or take advantage of Central Machine Works’ autumnal cocktail menu. – James ScottSat., Nov. 9 -
Qmmunity
Community
Small Town Big Pride: Taylor
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce calls all local-minded mavens to join ’em for a field trip to Taylor, where you can support the LGBTQ businesses and allies in communities neighboring Austin. Put a few bucks down to take a bus trip featuring sips and socializing, or RSVP for free and drive ya self out.Sat., Nov. 9Taylor, TX -
Qmmunity
Arts & Culture
Woke Cowboy
Ha ha: That is me laughing as an example of what YOU’LL be doing at this comedy showcase of Austin’s diverse stand-up scene. Event copy from WC advises this as a great way to “[get] some much needed post-election laughs!”Sat., Nov. 9
All Events
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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 -
Music
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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
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Music
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Music
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Arts
Visual Arts
Austin Studio Tour
Organized by arts nonprofit Big Medium, this self-guided tour splits its focus between two weekends: Nov. 9-10, art studios west of I-35 open their doors to the public, while Eastside galleries shine Nov. 16-17.Nov. 9-17Various locations -
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
“Collective Tales in a Concrete Garden”
Presented in collaboration with Mexican contemporary art project guadalajara90210, Co-Lab presents a conglomeration of artists playing with ideas of urban nature. Walk amongst the organically industrial forms at the opening reception this Saturday. Expect unique uses of form and texture, metals and fibers used with a distinct viewpoint. As part of the “sculptural garden,” art rises from bases of industrial gravel, an ultimate symbol of growth from unexpected sources. Expand your ideas of structure. Expand your ideas of nature. Expand your ideas of what urban art can entail. – Cat McCarreyThrough Dec. 14 -
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