Home Events
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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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Community
Events
Mariah Careyoke
It’s ti-ime! While she says she doesn’t want much for Christmas, diva of all time Mariah Carey has been gifted the entire season. Celebrate her reign as holiday highness at this karaoke night hosted by the one and only Eileen Dover. Since there’s no age limit on good taste, the young and old may attend to sing in honor of the longest-running Hot 100 No. 1 spot holder – which is great considering Quack’s has NA and spirited bevs to please everyone. All songs are on the table, but sign up to sing a Carey classic and you get to the front immediately. – James ScottFri., Dec. 20 -
Arts
Books
(More) Ghost Stories for Christmas
Hear the cacophonous chant rise in volume: “More! More! MORE Ghost stories!” Sheesh: Say please, why don’t you? Alienated Majesty answers the call regardless, hosting authors and literary organizers Ashley Robin Franklin, Aurora Mattia, Shaina Frazier, and Richard Santos reading frightening tales to give you a seasonal shiver. Dungeon synth spun by Goblet Grotto sets the mood, with refreshments provided – but the option to bring your own left open. Be there or be haunted by pervasive FOMO. – James ScottFri., Dec. 20 -
Film
Special Screenings
Black Christmas (1974) (1974)
Of the scary cinematic tool kit, I find jump scares to be the least among the devices within. Cheap pop-ups or screams leave you rattled but otherwise fine. No, no: If you really want to scare a viewer, just confront them with the unrelenting misogyny that surrounds us all. As a sorority empties out before Christmas break, the threatening phone calls they’ve been receiving all semester become a physical foe as a killer stalks through the house. Written by Roy Moore as a play on the age-old campfire tale of the babysitter and the man upstairs – the call is coming from inside the house, you know – there’s a prescient exploration of men’s hatred for women within this brisk little slasher. – James ScottDec. 18 & 20 -
Film
Special Screenings
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Among many other losses, in 2020 the world became bereft of movie score sensation Ennio Morricone. His music is synonymous with Italian cinema, perhaps best captured here in his first collaboration with director Giuseppe Tornatore. Set to Morricone and his son Andrea’s romantic score, a story of how cinema can save unfolds in postwar Italy as a young boy befriends the projectionist at the titular movie house. There’s love, laughter, and movie quotes – all spun together for a nitrate narrative that’s earned its place in every “people watching movies in movies” montage. – James ScottDec. 20 & 23 -
Music
Elias Haslanger & Andre Hayward Quintet (J.J. Johnson tribute) (10:00)
JJ Johnson proved the slide trombone did belong in fast-paced, choppy bebop with his buttery dexterity and valve-like trickery. By the tail end of his career, the Charlie Parker-like innovator nodded to Austin’s own trumpeter Kenny Dorham by playing “Blue Bossa” at the Fujitsu-Concord Jazz Festival in Japan in 1991. Fitting, then, for local brass comrades Andre Hayward (trombone) and Elias Haslanger (tenor sax) to return the favor. Two live tapings at 8pm and 10pm will also feature pianist Ross Margitza, bassist Ryan Hagler, and Daniel Dufour on drums. Whisper policy is enforced, but you won’t want to talk. – Amber WilliamsFri., Dec. 20. 8pm show is sold-out. -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Holi-Slay
Bells will be ringing and tips should be flowing as this holiday drag show pulls into town, with an Austin Artisan Market popping up so you can finish gift shopping. Plus: Kelly Kline and her Pink Santa Toy Drive put in an appearance.Fri., Dec. 20 -
Community
Events
Krampusnacht
Everyone (re: ME!) loves an evil twin, but the hooven other half to St. Nicholas is more than just the holly-jolly man’s inverted reflection. Krampus represents what comes for the naughty – birch rod beatings and perhaps a ride in his stinky sack. All in all, live-action fantasy tavern Tiny Minotaur’s celebration of this GOAT of Christmas comeuppance promises to be much, MUCH nicer than the “man” himself. Join them either for free (members) or for the price of a day pass ($15) to engage in a Krampus mini quest, a pastry potluck, and delicious drink specials found nowhere else in the realm. Minotaur notes, however, “You are not REQUIRED to bring treats for Krampus, but if you don’t: we cannot guarantee your safety.”– James ScottFri., Dec. 20 -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
MistleT: A T4T Social & Dance Party
Connect with your trans peers at this holiday happening, where all can enjoy tunes from p1nkstar and DJ Angel Doll, a seasonal market, crafts, and a photo op featuring Tranta Claus.Fri., Dec. 20 -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
ScholaDEATH Book Fair
Get zapped back to the Nineties/Aughts by host Munster Mash’s drag show Shock Therapy and their tribute to ye olde Scholastic Book Fair. Performances from riotous readers Ethel Institution, Sticky Gold, MK Ultra, Bat Widow, Kino Kino, and Atlas Mars take childhood favorite characters to new nerve-rackingly weird places. Whether you used to grab the newest Captain Underpants or just a fur-wrapped gel pen, this bizarre book-fair bazaar – because, yes, there’ll be a vendor market – provides the perfect nostalgia trip. – James ScottFri., Dec. 20 -
Community
Events
Subculture Swap & Drag Show
You’ve still got five days to shop holiday gifts, but maybe you’re just looking to find an edgy addition to your own collection. Look no further than the market literally titled after its outsider status: Subcultural treasures abound this Friday, from vintage clothes to handmade jewelry, housewares, and the ambiguous “oddities.” Top off your shop with a drag show, hosted by Embry Officially and starring local queens Harlot, Lawrie Bird, and Venus Rising. Oh yeah, and you can always grab a hot choc from Dub Trub – or a cold one, since it’s supposed to be 66 degrees. – James ScottFri., Dec. 20 -
Music
Touch of Trey
Touch of Trey is the most brilliantly efficient tribute act of all time, an answer to the musical question, “What if a cover band engaged the material of both Jerry Garcia and Trey Anastasio, truly blurring the line between the Grateful Dead and Phish, adding in covers from neither act to ensure that fans will get a healthy dose of both jam bands while engaging in non-tribute jam behavior by expanding on classics both new and old?” Austin guitarist Josh Pearson and his band of bros first took flight in 2020 and have only just begun wigging out. – Joe GrossFri., Dec. 20, 8pm -
Music
William Beckmann, Harper O'Neill
William Beckmann croons like a man out of time, showcased with his classic country-tuned 2022 breakout Faded Memories. But last year’s Here’s to You. Here’s to Me. proved the South Texan’s suave vocals just as versatile as they are arresting, unloading across more contemporary production without relinquishing his roots. Beckmann’s annual Las Posadas tour mixes it all into a holiday cocktail, an intimate evening of Spanish ballads, Christmas tunes, and originals that celebrate his border upbringing and rising Nashville status. Dallas native Harper O’Neill provides set up behind her soulful, dusky debut Dark Bar Daisy. – Doug FreemanFri., Dec. 20, 8pm -
Qmmunity
Community
WoLiday Party
Queer socialites collective West of Lincoln settles into Downtown’s behind-the-bookcase bar for their holiday party. Ticket price covers a welcome shot as well as your first tipple of the night.Fri., Dec. 20 -
Arts
Theatre
Your Old Fashioned Die Hard Radio Cast
Either you’re a believer or you ain’t, but no one can deny the snappy success that is John McTiernan’s tower-heist story. With action and characters that catch even the least cinematically literate among us, Penfold Theatre goes all audio by translating the movie into radio. This’ll be the only weekend Penfold performs what they call a “Prairie Home Companion-style radio Christmas special” so if you like sound effects, fake explosions, and hearing an earnest “Yippee-ki-yay!” then get thee to the theatre. – James ScottDec. 20 at Penfold Theatre, Dec. 22 at the Driskill Hotel -
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 -
Community
Events
60th Annual Trail of Lights
Kicking off this Tuesday is a tradition Austinites always “light up” for. See dazzling electric light displays alongside loved ones – or maybe a person you’re trying to buddy up to so you can betray them later? Your choice, TBH. In addition to their illuminated offerings, the Trail of Lights Foundation and sponsor H-E-B also spotlight local musicians with a lineup including Tone Royal, Chief Cleopatra, Como Los Movies, and more. Attend on the free weekdays (Dec. 10-13, 16-18) or pay the weekend price ($8 for general admission, $25+ for the “platnium” tickies). Bonus: That blessed little train the Zilker Eagle will be running during special holiday hours. Toot-toot! – James ScottThrough Dec. 23 -
Arts
Theatre
A Christmas Carol
It’s a timeless story, but revisiting A Christmas Carol now seems especially timely, what with billionaires running roughshod as income inequality rises with no sign of relief. Dickens wrote the story while under financial pressure, and the story was intended to touch the hearts of the rich and powerful. It was a nice idea, and the fact it’s been adapted countless times is testament to its broad appeal, but some of the real Scrooges may just be beyond its reach. We’ll keep trying though! Zach brings its production back for a 10th year, with fresh songs and special extras like commemorative tickets and experiences. – Kat McNevinsNov. 20-Jan. 1 -
Music
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Music
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Arts
Visual Arts
Angel Hubris: “Shepherd Bells in Ballaban”
Catching a work mid-progress always excites me. New elements have been added to Albanian American artist Angel Hubris’ sonic art show since its premiere on Montez Press Radio, but still future manifestations tease: a photobook, a horror story, etc. What comes to us on Monday, Nov. 25, and sticks around through the new year is a multidisciplinary presentation where Hubris has collected audio samples from rural Albanian shepherds. Their bells ring out with myriad interpretations, according to Hubris, from divine to dangerous. “I tell my friends in New York that I’m going to Church when I travel to rural Albania,” the artist writes. “My intention for this sonic piece is to generate a gentle moment where the listener can daydream and ponder other possibilities.” – James ScottThrough Jan. 3 -
Music
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Community
Events
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Almost 200 local artists and 30 bands converge at the 49th edition of this holiday bonanza. Jackie Venson (Dec. 14), Kelsey Wilson (Dec. 20), and Tomar & the FCs (Dec. 22) are just some of the impressive musicians performing at the event. There’s also an array of goodies primed for gifting this season – check out Illuminidol’s celebrity prayer candles for the devout Swifties and Charli XCX stans in your life. Single-day admission costs $12 while a “season” ticket covering each day of the event costs $60. Kids under 12 enter free. – Derek UdensiThrough Dec. 23 -
Music
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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
“First Impressions”
Flatbed Press has championed local printmakers for 35 years. Not to be outdone, Women & Their Work has been putting the work of Texas women on their walls for 45 years. For the next couple of months the two organizations will collaborate by gathering 30 artists (who not-coincidentally are women and printmakers) and showcasing the variety of the medium and the skills of the creators. Who doesn’t love a creative collab? – James RenovitchFridays-Sundays. Through Jan. 9 -
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
Dance
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
Every year, Ballet Austin puts on a world-class version of this Christmas classic, proving that Austin’s dancers punch above their weight on par with any other big-city ballet. There is simply no better way to get in the spirit than to take in the delicious costumes and sets flowing perfectly from “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Snowflakes.” Dancing rats, Russian nesting dolls with giant skirts, intrepid wooden toys, and anthropomorphic flora and fauna galore swirling around in a sparkling winter wonderland is the perfect seasonal escapism from Austin’s traditionally steamy holidays. – Lina FisherThrough Dec. 23 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Ben Siekierski’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”
This month, another of Austin’s talented coterie of visual artists opens an exhibition of painting, drawing, and sculpture that asks the eerie question, “won’t you be my neighbor?” I say eerie because these images are less Mr. Rogers, more David Lynch, dealing with the persistent surveillance of the modern American upper-class neighborhood – Ring cameras, doorbells, etc. – that so often imbue city dwellers with a pervasive sense of anxiety rather than security. Ben Siekierski’s images reflect that with surreal flaming lawns, disembodied eyes, and other markers of a nascent undulating evil in the mundane. Opening reception is this Friday 6-9pm, on Friday the 13th no less. – Lina FisherThrough Jan. 11 -
Music
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Community
Events
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
This annual holiday market has been doing the unique, artisanal gift thing for long enough to have pretty much perfected it. Get in, grab the items to help check folks off your giftee list, and check out. You might want to take a business card from the booths you buy from so when the person opening your gift inevitably wants to know where you got it, you’ll be one step ahead. Online shopping and shipping is also available for folks unable to visit in person. – James RenovitchNov. 15-Dec. 24
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