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.
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.
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.
’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 Fisher
Weekly guided breathwork sessions incorporate lunar and solar cycles, card readings, Kundalini, journaling, and more, and are led by Margaret, who has studied around the world and is a trained midwife, birth & postpartum doula, Reiki master, registered yoga teacher, and kinesiologist.
Whoever says Austin isn’t a fine art town can get the hell out of here. We continually break artistic ground with innovative and international taste. The Contemporary once again adds to that rep by hosting artist Jiab Prachakul’s first solo museum show. Born in Thailand, living in France, and with a solid film background behind her, Prachakul’s work has a bold style and clear point of view. Heavy graphic lines and soul-stirring colors fill her art. Each moment could be a film still, each stroke staking her claim on a far-too-Western art world. Widely accessible but intensely intimate, Prachakul’s scenes beg for close inspection. Join the Contemporary, and the artist herself, in examining her offerings during Friday’s opening night festivities or in conversation on Saturday, Feb. 1. – Cat McCarrey
This local treasure of a venue, run by those Contemporary Austin folks who also bring us the Jones Center shows Downtown, is all about the outdoors – which is perfect for these trickily navigated times of ours, n'est-ce pas? Recommended: Stop by and breathe in the air, enjoy the lawns and gardens and the many examples of world-class sculpture arrayed across the property, and (as Frankie used to say) r-e-l-a-x.
Join Austin Queer Asians at this monthly virtual space for queer and trans Việt and Việt allies to meditate, read and share dharma, and "practice and awaken the inner gifts of joy and solidity to embrace our suffering."
The diverse lineup of hilarious, always surprising improv shows continues, with Pgraph and Maestro and the Big Bash and more, for the most unexpected delights of in-person entertainment.
Adventurers in parties big and small (six people being the comfortable limit) are invited to join in this newest quest at LARP legend the Tiny Minotaur. At $45 per person, the quest runs about 90 minutes with complimentary snacks and a bevvie included for all the 21-and-above aged participants. From the Minotaur themselves: “It appears the Holy Circlet has sent an ill-experienced Cleric to the Rift to investigate and they are seeking the help of some Adventurers at the Tiny Minotaur! Will you and your party be able to help your new Cleric companion return to the Holy Circlet as a Hero or will you all perish on a mission ill-fated from the start?!” – James Scott
Resident vixens Mars, May Magdalene, Veronica Valentine, and Tequila Rose throw a fab brunch. DJ Boyfriend ATX brings great tunes and vendors sling sweet wares thanks to Eastside Pop Up.
One of the pleasures of having a first-rate research center and archive in town is how the Harry Ransom Center will regularly comb through its own vast holdings and hand-pick gems to present in a new context. Hence the HRC’s latest exhibit, “Words and Wonder: Rediscovering Children’s Literature,” which pulls from its manuscript, art, photography, film, and performing arts holdings to spotlight early 20th-century authors and illustrators catering to a young readership. The exhibit includes magic lantern slides from Aesop’s Fables, John Tenniel’s illustrations of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Ernest H. Shepard’s indelible images from the Hundred Acre Wood, among other treats. Runs through August 17. – Kimberley Jones