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for Wed., March 12

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, 7:30pm
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Riverbend 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, 2025
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Palmer Events Center

Recommended

Music

Tommy Fest w/ Jason Scott & the High Heat (12:30am), Theo Lawrence, Emily Nenni, Willi Carlisle, Kassi Valazza (8:00)

Sagebrush offers an exceptional country showcase with Tommy Fest. Kassi Valazza leads off with the anticipated breakout of upcoming third LP From Newman Street, already impressing with her Joni Mitchell-inspired vocals and deeply personal songwriting. Willi Carlisle brings his big-heart community embrace and talking blues ballads from last year’s Critterland, while Emily Nenni unloads pure honky-tonk heartbreak and grit from Nashville with her third full-length, Drive & Cry. Theo Lawrence reps the local scene with Pickin’ & Singin’ for the dance floor, and Okies Jason Scott & the High Heat rock their new American Grin. – Doug Freeman

Wed., March 12
Free (21+)

Sagebrush
Film

Special Screenings

Adaptations Book Club: In the Cut (2003)

My favorite Jane Campion movie is usually the most recent one I’ve watched. But if forced to pick one overall, the erotic fever dream of In the Cut might win as the director’s best work. And now I know, thanks to We Luv Video’s incredible Adaptations book/movie club, that there’s a novel I can check out! Campion’s film shattered Meg Ryan’s American sweetheart persona and captured Mark Ruffalo at his scuzzy hot peak. With twists, turns, and an ominous color palette that gives David Fincher a run for his money, it fills a very specific, very sexy niche. – Cat McCarrey

Wed., March 12

We Luv Video
Film

Special Screenings

Beau Travail (2000)

Few women render male sexuality as unflinchingly as Claire Denis. But in Beau Travail, she sees its softness and vulnerability in the unlikeliest of places: a group of French foreign legion sailors stationed in Djibouti. Contempt, jealousy, and obsession roil under the surface, described through dance in this new restoration, centering on Denis Lavant’s sadistic commander Galoup. Loosely based on Herman Melville’s novella Billy Budd, Denis’ masterpiece screens at AFS this weekend in anticipation of Austin’s encroaching white-hot summer. – Lina Fisher

March 8-9 & 12

AFS Cinema
Film

Special Screenings

Blue Velvet (1986)

On Sunday, March 2, Isabella Rossellini walked the red carpet in blue velvet – a tribute to her former romantic partner and recent addition to the White Lodge David Lynch. Being that its namesake film was her first introduction to the well-coiffed Montanan, the outfit was a heck of a lot more meaningful than the two seconds awarded to Lynch by the Academy’s In Memoriam segment. (They literally left out Tony Todd and Michelle Trachtenberg!) Alamo Drafthouse plays the groundbreaking indigo picture as part of their Lynch series, a more mainstream intro to the man’s particular take on Americana. Incredible performances abound among the distressing cinematic journey, from Kyle MacLachlan’s wide-eyed disenchantment to Dennis Hopper huffing laughing gas. But the star is Rossellini, singing the movie’s title to a nightclub crowd: “She woooore bluuuuuue veeeeelvet…” – James Scott

March 7-12

Alamo Drafthouse Village, Alamo Drafthouse Mueller, Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane, Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline
Music

Kevin Morby & His Sandlot All-Stars [SOLD OUT]

Kevin Morby returns for a second year on the sandlot with a show that’s part concert, part baseball game. His ragtag team of musical all-stars are yet to be officially announced, but they’ll face off with the Texas Playboys in between performances by Liam Kazar, Sabine McCalla, Esther Rose, Scott Ballew, and Morby himself. Rest your weary SXSW bones in a sun-warmed lawn chair and give into the summer spirit while savoring Austin’s finest hot dogs, fresh off Zee’s Wiener System, and basking in the sweet sounds of Americana. – Caroline Drew

Wed., March 12

The Long Time
Film

Special Screenings

Moonstruck (1987)

Anora’s Sunday sweep aside, romantic comedies hardly ever get love from the Academy. 1987’s Moonstruck was a rare exception, netting six Oscar noms, including wins for Cher (Best Actress), Olympia Dukakis (Best Supporting Actress), and John Patrick Shanley (Best Original Screenplay). Rocking a sexy gray streak and sensible cardigans, Cher plays an Italian-American widow drawn to her new fiancé’s brooding, opera-obsessed younger brother (Nicolas Cage, at the height of his snackable years). Careening between Dean Martin and Puccini and capturing a real-feeling New York in bracing winter, it’s forever a slice of movie magic.– Kimberley Jones

March 9 & 12

Galaxy Highland 10, Evo Cinemas Belterra
Qmmunity

Nightlife & Parties

OUTlaw Pride

Julie Nolen turns up the accoustic heat for this unoffical South By showcase. Come see tunes by Nolen, Jaime Wyatt, She Returns From War, Paisley Fields, Bobby Dove, Steph Cash, Emily Frembgen, and Tami Hart – all sans cover or badges.

Wed., March 12

Dainty Dillo
Qmmunity

Arts & Culture

Queer Poetry Open Mic

Hello gays: Have you written a poem recently? Do you want to speak that lyrical prose out loud, to other people even? Have I got the place for you. Burnet Road denizen Birdhouse brings their open mic back for another round of queer poet fun. They’ve got ATX-based authors on the roster, too: lit mag The Repositorium editor Plumalia Henson and traveling bookstore owner Martyna Dearing. Both are promoting current paperback projects, with Henson’s The Book of Venus and Dearing’s Love, Death, and In Between and No Title Yet available on Birdhouse shelves for interested buyers. – James Scott

Wed., March 12

Birdhouse Books and Gifts, 5925 Burnet Rd.
Community

Events

SXS1st Street Festival

Non-Austinites who’ve picked up this Chronicle, I am speaking directly to you. Maybe you’re here for the Fest, and maybe you’ve already enjoyed the mainstream delights of current year 2025 South Congress – where you can buy Warby Parker glasses and an Hermès scarf within five minutes of each other. However, if you’re looking for a more local experience, may I suggest trekking a single street over to South First? Quirky cultural artifacts abound, from jockstrap heaven Package Austin to vegan paradise Bouldin Creek Cafe, and this week they’re upping their game with live music offerings. On three different stages – Package, Once Over Coffee Bar, and Blue Suede – live music blares with vendor markets at Blue Suede, Glint Dental, and Devil’s Details Boutique offering boffo small-business scores. Stop in at Gully Cat for flash tattoos, or snag a taco at El Primo. Then take the memories back to wherever you came from as true local cred whenever someone mentions Austin. – James Scott

Wed., March 12

South First Street
Qmmunity

Nightlife & Parties

Tales of the Stiletto Coast

Need another D in your D&D entertainment-sphere? Why not add drag with returning Stiletto Coast cast Tangelo, Pumpkin, and Gemma Nye along with trusty DM Gray? This time they’re searching out the pirate lord during an unseasonable sharknado with special guests Atlas Mars and Cassie Opia. GA tix run $16, but you can sit front row for $22.

Wed., March 12

Vigilante Gastropub & Games
Community

Events

Third Annual SoCo Stomp

To the uninitiated, South by Southwest can appear exclusive, like only those OGs in the know can navigate it. Nothing could be further from the truth; the circus coming to town actually means local mainstay venues overflow with goodies especially yummy to Austinites old and new. Starting Wednesday, C-Boy’s runs indoor/outdoor stages, 10 acts a day, for five days of the best ATX offers – FREE, gratis. First day’s nuts too: the best country, soul, and blues, plus locally stirred Peruvian psych, while inside Will Johnson and Bonnie Whitmore headline. The entire event is insane: Angelo Moore, Tommy Stinson of the Replacements, Steve Wynn, Waco Bros. B-l-o-w-o-u-t.– Raoul Hernandez

March 12-16

C-Boy's Heart & Soul
Film

Special Screenings

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a certified camp classic, fueled by its impeccable fusing of dark comedy and psychological horror. But more notably, it’s become a cultural artifact with Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as the two sister rivals, mirroring their legendary real-life feud. Davis plays the titular Baby Jane, a former child star whose fame was eclipsed by Crawford’s Blanche, who thrived until becoming paraplegic in an accident. The majority of the film takes place in their mansion, growing increasingly claustrophobic as Jane goes back and forth between tormenting Blanche and attempting to revive her vaudeville act. Filled with melodrama and murder, it’s equally nauseating and delicious. – Mattea Gallaway

March 8-10 & 12

Alamo Drafthouse Village, Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane, Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, Alamo Drafthouse Mueller
Qmmunity

Nightlife & Parties

Working Families Party Presents Politics House

Back once more for their third SXSW, Working Families Party pulls together a hot lineup with Billy Woods, PIERI, SunnithaRapper, Magna Carta, and headliner Big Freedia. Plus Brigitte Bandit hosts drag, and Turito spins a sweet DJ set.

Wed., March 12

Cheer Up Charlies