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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 -
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
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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 -
Arts
Comedy
Austin Sketch Fest
Spend your Memorial Day weekend getting lotsa laughs with Austin’s stellar sketch scene including featured players like Andie Flores as well as out-of-town talents like NYC’s Business Casual.May 22-25 -
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
Hot Luck Fest
Founded by Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ, Mohawk owner James Moody, and Feast Portland’s Mike Thelin, Hot Luck Fest combines our city’s two biggest loves: food and music. Chefs from across the country descend on Austin to share their creations, while the Spits play Friday and White Denim play Sunday. Proceeds benefit food-industry worker support nonprofit Southern Smoke.May 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 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Margie Criner: “Sound & Vision”
Hailing from Chicago, artist Margie Criner works in sculpture and miniatures. How so? Her unique sculptural works – themselves impressive patchworks of materials from wool to actual hornets’ nests – feature peepholes through which viewers may glance tiny tableaux. These miniature worlds all center music, such as her pinky-finger-sized record store, Needle on the Records, with vintage posters plastered across its small interior walls. “The music theme isn’t always literal,” explains Criner, “but background sounds within the space, specific to what I’m processing. Kind of like how there’s music playing at the grocery store, that music is everywhere.” – James ScottThrough June 14 -
Film
Special Screenings
Paramount Summer Classic Film Series
Cinephiles are sure to feel Breathless about another summer of bangers at the historic Paramount Theatre – and we’re not just talking about the opening night 35mm presentation of Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave classic, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Hold on to your party hats: Other anniversary screenings on the lineup include Jaws and The Empire Strikes Back.May 22 - Aug. 31
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Music
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Community
Events
Austin Greek Festival
It’ll all be Greek to you after attending this three-day fest featuring the best of Grecian culture in Austin. Fill yourself with delicacies like dolmades, dance to live bands like the Aegean Pulse, and shop local Greek vendors.May 23-25 -
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 -
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) -
Qmmunity
Nightlife & Parties
Bear Beer Bust
Iron Bear's beer bust brings all the boys to the bar. Specials on select pints and pitchers.Sundays, 2-9pm -
Community
Events
Blue Genie Art Bazaar's May Market
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is an essential stop on your Christmas shopping list, but – lucky you – you don’t have to wait till Xmas to make your way back to the BG’s jam-packed aisles. Every weekend for the whole month of May, from 10am-8pm, you can peruse more than 100 regional artists and artisans. Entry is free, the vibe is family-friendly, and the thrill at finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift or primo piece of art to make your house a home – well, that’s priceless. More of a web browser? There are plenty of handmade goodies to tempt you at the Blue Genie online storefront: bluegenieartbazaar.shop.Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4; Friday, May 9 - Sunday, May 11; Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 18; Friday, May 23 - Monday, May 26; Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1. free. -
Music
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Arts
Comedy
Cap City Comedy Club
That's right: Cap City Comedy Club, the longtime cornerstone of Austin's comedy scene for nearly four decades is at a new venue in the Domain. And here's Valerie Lopez with a closer look at what's in store for the scene via the venue. Click for details! -
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Arts
Classical Music
Concerts in the Park
’Tis the season when Austin’s two biggest attractions – beautiful nature and live music – are often found at the same event. One such blissful union is found in the 23rd annual return of Austin Symphony Orchestra Hartman Foundation concerts on the lawn of the Long Center. All ages, species, pets, and children are welcome at this truly communitywide event, where locals can be found on Sunday evenings bringing a picnic and friends to lay out and listen to a world-class orchestra as they watch another day come to a close. The 2025 concert schedule includes brass, wind, and string ensembles playing a range of tunes from jazz to pop to film scores to classical. This is one of the magical things about Austin – and completely free. Locals and visitors alike should not miss, as it will continue every Sunday through June 29. – Lina FisherThrough June 29 -
Music
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Music