Home Events

We love Buda. We love the Lions Club. We love wiener dogs. And did you know that Buda is the Wiener Dog Capital of Texas? That makes it a pretty good place to take in the sublimely stupid spectacle of a wiener dog race. This year’s races take place over two days, with wiener dog and mixed-breed dachshund contests starting on Saturday at 2pm and 3pm, respectively. Then there’s the finals and trophy presentation on Sunday. Also: a barbecue competition! – Brant Bingamon

Only narrow-headed fools might grumble that Austin Blues Fest doesn’t have enough blues, when faced with a broad mix of gospel, second line brass, Afro-Cubanism, bounce, soul, jazz, funk, and zydeco that represents both the roots and outgrowths of America’s definitive genre. Purists will dig living treasures Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush (performing with Blind Boys of Alabama; see interview in print this week) as well as Jimmie Vaughan, while Cuban showstopper Cimafunk, NOLA bounce queen Big Freedia, and Southern soul septuagenarian Robert Finley are assured to elicit multi-generational dancing. Meanwhile, Houston-born pianist/producer Robert Glasper – who precedes Sunday’s headliner, Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes – serves as ABF’s lodestar, synthesizing a variety of disciplines into one Black Radio. – Kevin Curtin

Born in 1993 (OMG, me too!), the Austin Butterfly Forum exists to “enrich people’s lives through butterfly conservation and public pollinator awareness,” so says their self description. In celebration of 31 years bolstering the butterflies, ABF hosts a morning social with bevs and light brekkie provided. Attendees will be able to discover butterflies in the local area, check on pollinator-friendly plants, and speak to other lepidoptera lovers about your insectoid passions. Optional but fun: ABF will also hold a late lunch at Live Oak Brewing with a prize raffle. – James Scott

UK doom storm Conan summoned a who’s-who of ATX heshers to the Lost Well recently, including an Oblivion Access principal who confirmed the avant-extreme fest is on hiatus. Chaos in Tejas ceased in 2014. Austin’s thus ripe for a dedicated metal fest. Between a matrix of local venues including Empire, Come & Take It Live, and now the Parish, the scene currently enjoys a metallic renaissance stoked here by Mohawk’s two-day, 18-act death metal decanting. San Jose longhairs Mortuous and Pennsylvania sledgehammers Outerheaven top Friday, and Ontario trio Tomb Mold imports top 2023 prog prize The Enduring Spirit. Horns up! – Raoul Hernandez

Back for its second year as a springtime complement to Downtown Halloweekend romp Levitation, Austin Psych Fest once again sets up shop down south, at the Far Out Lounge. Friday headliner Courtney Barnett, Sunday big-names Alvvays and Kurt Vile, and founders the Black Angels – playing Saturday – appeal to a certain indie-favoring, millennial crowd, but smaller acts represent both ends of the psychedelic spectrum. On Friday, Colombian songwriter Lido Pimienta pairs Spanish lyrics and tribal percussion with glitchy synths. On Sunday, Boston duo Sweeping Promises recalls the infinitely catchy, bass-driven post-punk of the Eighties. (See interview with Friday performer, psych-soul outfit Chicano Batman, in print this week.) – Carys Anderson

To help celebrate Independent Bookstore Day, the Austin Texas Book Trail has prepared a path winding through 25 area bookstores stretching from Lockhart to Georgetown. A kickoff breakfast at Mañana Dos sets the pace toward the happy hour close and pop-up at Better Half Coffee & Cocktails. Along the way, discounts and freebies treat trailers, along with raffle entries for each shop visited. From independent standard bearers like BookPeople, Monkeywrench, and BookWoman to specialty stores like Black Pearl, Tribe Comics, and the Little Gay Shop, you can stock up on your summer reading list and maybe find your favorite new third space. – Doug Freeman

In a gear-up for Independent Bookstore Day on April 27, Bolm Arts offers up a new exhibit, “Ode to the Book.” Musicians Jade Parx, Jac Carson, Amir Neubach, Liz Emme, and Nico Little will play as visitors peruse a diverse collection of illustrations, letterpress prints, book shrine sculptures, art books, and art made from books. “Elevating them beyond their functional purpose, artists Stephen Dubov, Sandra C. Fernandez, Emily Mitchell, Kyle Schlesinger, Jennie Tudor Gray and Beckette Rivera have created their own unique tribute to books,” writes the gallery. For more bookworm content, check out a talk by author Eric Heisner, a Western-loving screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker who will speak on the Austin Book Trail April 27. – Lina Fisher

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio rides into the Texas state capital at exactly the right moment. Between March’s vernal equinox and June’s summer solstice, the Puerto Rican rapper closes some 21st century loop. When COVID took down 2020, up rose Bad Bunny behind insomniac beats and an up-all-night electro purr on breakouts YHLQMDLG and Las que no iban a salir. 2022 summer soundtrack Un Verano Sin Ti reopened the globe, while last fall’s Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana arrived branded by a rodeo bronco and cowboy. – Raoul Hernandez

The Banff Mountain Film Festival comes to the Paramount all the way from Canada for two nights featuring short documentaries screened at their festival last year. Highlights include “Range Rider,” a portrait of a rancher in Northeastern Washington using nonlethal methods to keep wolves away from livestock, but alive, and “Chronoception,” which follows a group of snowboarders and skiers to the Tian Shan mountains on the border of Kyrgyzstan and China. Proceeds will benefit Texas State Parks. – Lina Fisher

Few acts are as direct a show of support as putting cash money in another person’s hands, and lucky you, Reader, this local Black-owned bookstore is giving you the chance to support Austin’s Black creator community in such a way. Partnered with the pop-up organizers, attendees can shop not only Black artisans’ unique crafts but also celebrate Independent Bookstore Day by snagging tomes off Black Pearl’s shelves. There’s also delicious eats, prize giveaways, and tunes spun by DJ Bloom – so bring the whole family, even the kiddos. Everyone’ll find something to make ’em happy. – James Scott

The 24th annual Dragon Boat Festival takes place at Festival Beach this weekend, hosted by the Asian American Cultural Center. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, and honors Qu Yuan (340-278BC), who was a beloved prime minister of the state of Chu during the Warring States period. He was exiled by a corrupt king and took his own life by jumping into the Miluo River in protest. Legend has it that people attempted to scare away fish and evil spirits from his body by splashing the water with paddles – dragons were thought to be the gods of the river in Chinese culture, so the sport of dragon boating pays tribute to those gods and Qu Yuan. The race is free and open to the public, and the festival will include performances, food trucks, vendors, a traditional lion dance, and the traditional zongzi – steamed rice wrapped in leaves with different fillings. – Lina Fisher

Say, that is a nice Earth you have there. How about you celebrate this fantastic planet with the largest sustainability event in Central Texas? Featuring Austin-area and beyond businesses showcasing their sustainable and eco-conscious practices; activities and exhibitions about environmental issues; an instrument petting zoo; vegan and vegetarian food; and panels discussing ways Austin can bolster our eco-goals. Why, after all that, you’ll give Captain Planet a run for his money. – James Scott

Pianist Hiromi Uehara studied classical music and wrote jingles in her native Japan, was mentored by the late jazz genius Ahmad Jamal at Berklee College of Music, and has had a prolific career, releasing over a dozen records, joining bass monster Stanley Clarke’s band, and scoring a No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart with 2016’s Spark. Uehara’s most recent album, Sonicwonderland, finds her exploring jazz funk fusion with synthesizers, electric pianos, and a crack band featuring trumpet star Adam O’Farrill. “Jazz funk” may be a bad word in some circles, but Hiromi’s joyful attack silences haters with ease. – Michael Toland

Whether you’re a seasoned con-fidante or this be your first toe into the bottomless pool of pop culture conventions, you’ll enjoy this bite-sized fandom fête from our neighbors in Cedar Park. Ages 1 to 100 can shop comic & artistic vendors, see presentations from local experts, join a drum circle, or enjoy one of many activity stations like board game design, a robot petting zoo, 3D superhero costume design, and a photo booth. Plus: an all-ages cosplay parade! Who will be the most repeated character? This writer predicts it’ll be someone from Jujutsu Kaisen, but you never know. There’ll also be a cosplay contest open to ages 10 and up, with prizes like “Best Book-Related.” – James Scott

A park is more than just green space; more often than not, it is the heart of a community. In the case of Palm Park, first opened in 1933 adjacent to the Palm School, one of Austin’s first elementary schools, it is also a place of historic significance, especially to Austin’s Mexican American population. The city has been deep in community engagement sessions to discuss Palm Park’s redesign and revitalization. On Thursday, Waterloo Greenway will present an updated vision for the park, as well as field more community feedback; a second session takes place Saturday, April 27, at Eastside Early College High School. – Kimberley Jones

The soulful spirit of Austin Blues Fest drifts on over to Chup’s neon patio courtesy of platter purveyors Queer Vinyl Collective. After a fab-o opening number from local legend of hip-hop Mama Duke, the dulcet tunes of Alanna Royale will fill Red River ’til late, late, late. No awkward quiet moments here, though, as QVC fills all available air space with hot wax – which means partygoers won’t be stuck pondering their existence between tunes. Bring $10 for donating at the door, so all those talented girlies and boylies and nonbinaries can get paid. – James Scott

Remember the Eighties and Nineties? That was awesome. Relive the radness of those dudical decades at this “premier automotive lifestyle event,” which translates to a day among the coolest cars, the most tubular trucks, and most bodacious bikes from 1980-1999. Period dress is more than encouraged, but with two decades to choose from that shouldn’t be a problem. Pop in your shoulder pads, pull up your leg warmers, or tease those bangs to high heaven and check out the rad rides, live music, fashion contest, and more. – Kat McNevins

Now here’s a field of poppies you won’t fall asleep in à la Dorothy in Oz. Austin neighbor Georgetown fits all types of fun into three days prominently featuring that crimson flower: the red poppy. Friday has artisans hawking their handmade wares alongside food vendors and live music by Dysfunkshun Junkshun. Saturday promises the Poppy Parade and Car Show, where you’ll see red but, you know, in a good way. Then swing around on Sunday to catch any and everything you might have missed. Oh, and feel free to pop in on any of the Red Poppy Stage concerts happening this weekend – you know, because they’re all free! – James Scott

Print media solidarity, always, but tbh, we’re a little intimidated by the extremely cool kids at UT putting out SPARK, an experimental/art/fashion magazine that comes out twice a year with cryptic themes like “Cicada,” “Lux Eterna,” and “Amuse-Bouche.” Celebrate issue No. 22 (“Raw”) at this launch party, featuring custom cocktails, hand poke tattoos, a DJ set by BabiBoi, and cover reveal at midnight. Word to the wise: If you were planning on slouching up in your weekend sweats, take a cue from the dress code – “VERY.IMPORTANT.PERSON.” – and dress for the job you want, not the job you have. – Kimberley Jones

Sure, sports can be fun, but how can we make them more Austin? Why, add live music, beer, and food trucks, of course. Break a sweat with a 5K and relay, fitness classes, tournaments, and a whole lotta other chances for play. Once you have a nice sheen, take a break at the biergarten, enter to win prizes, or just watch other active folks do active things. To make the whole event even more Austin-y, the proceeds go to the Austin Parks Foundation. – James Renovitch

Presented by those spirit-forward musicians over at Beerthoven, this concert celebrates our fine feathered friends – in more ways than one. Utilizing tunes like “The Lark Ascending” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, the piano trio “Bird Oratorio” by Indra Riše, and assorted music from household names like Mozart and Stephen Sondheim, 10% of concert ticket sales benefit the Travis Audubon Society, a nonprofit working to protect bird habitats. So go ahead: Take a drink from your free cocktail, munch a pastry, and lift off at this corvid-centric concert. – James Scott

Y’all have been doin’ your spring cleaning, right? Which means, obvi, you have tons of space for trinkets, treats, and handmades. Great news: Future Front TX is bringing over 175 vendors from all over the Lone Star State to the air-conditioned corridors of Distribution Hall for the spring edition of their mega-market. These vendors, also, are all women and LGBTQ+ creatives hawking wares, teaching workshops, servin’ up special menus, and much more. Bring your family, friends, and furry loved ones to this free event – or drop a donation, which’ll help FFTX fund their over $10,000 in micro grants to local creators.: – James Scott