Home Events
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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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Music
Austin Record Convention Day 1 w/ Anastasia Hera, Saint Sinner, Galactic Protector
“It’s insane. It’s blown away our biggest show record by like 40%. So many vendors I’ve filled most of Hall 2, as well as Hall 1 as usual.” That’s Nathan Hanners, Austin Record Convention scion. Imagine all the record stores of your life in one giant expanse, and that approaches this four-decade wellspring of records, tapes, CDs, shirts, posters, books – everything. And for the first time in decades, live music accompanies Saturday/Sunday via ATX nonprofit Spaceflight Records: Sword bassist Bryan Richie’s solo project Galactic Protector, MC extraordinaire Anastasia Hera, indie pop phenom S.L. Houser, Antone’s Records owners Eve Monsees and Mike Buck, and more. Exclusive early shopping Friday. – Raoul HernandezSat., May 3, noon -
Arts
Theatre
Annie
Over 50 years ago, lyricist Martin Charnin bought the book The Life and Hard Times of Little Orphan Annie as a gift for a friend. He became so enamored with it that he got to work on a musical about the Depression-era orphan adopted by the wealthy Daddy Warbucks. This friend never got the gift, but the world got a classic feel-good musical featuring songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” now brought to the stage by Broadway in Austin, directed by Jenn Thompson. – Kat McNevinsMay 2 - 4 -
Film
Special Screenings
Barry Lyndon (1975)
In December 2021, X (né Twitter) user dotflan posted a 26-second video that would forever change how internet denizens interpreted period piece Barry Lyndon. By combining the thumping lyricism of 21 Savage’s “a lot” with Ryan O’Neal as perfect imbecile Lyndon failing up social classes before failing right back down to abject poverty, the once-thought-tedious historical epic finally reads to everyone as hilarious as it truly is. Pull on up to any Austin-area Drafthouse and join the growing Kubrick-funny reclamation movement. – James ScottMay 3-7 -
Film
Special Screenings
AFS Doc Days
Austin Film Society’s annual spotlight on new nonfiction films presents a real conundrum: Which of the 10 selected works are you going to prioritize? Because they all sound pretty terrific. How about opening night selection Middletown, about high schoolers investigating an environmental scandal, from the Boys State filmmakers? (Bonus: They’re doing a post-film Q&A with KUT’s Jerry Quijano.) Or Friday’s Mistress Dispeller, Elizabeth Lo’s documentary tracking a wild-sounding quadrangle: a husband, his mistress, his wife, and the woman she hires to go undercover and break up the affair? Or Sunday’s Architecton, an A24 art film about concrete? Excellent choices, all. Maybe go for the win and hit all 10. – Kimberley JonesMay 1 - 4 -
Arts
Comedy
Amy Silverberg
Literary comic and writing teacher Amy Silverberg swoops in from L.A., bringing observations from the weird front lines of college teaching on Zoom and revealing the true reason men wear baseball caps (deep loneliness). She also brings a special guest opener, former Austinite (and Chronicle contributor) Danny Palumbo, whose blend of food and comedy is beloved by any chef with a sense of humor. – Kat McNevinsMay 2-4 -
Food
Food Events
Austin Beerworks 14th Anniversary Party
Ever gone to an event’s open bar and immediately forgotten a cool suave drink to order? Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap was there for you: a memorable name with a taste that never disappoints. Return the favor by hitting up the brewery on its 14th birthday, where bands like Full Phonetic, the Regulars, and Kev Bev & the Woodland Creatures play while ABW releases new beer, offers tattoos by Sad Foo, and serves foodie fun by Zee Weiner System and the CAN-tina. – James ScottSat., May 3 -
Community
Events
CelebrASIA
It’s time for you to refresh your familiarity with the many cultures that began on the world’s largest continent – or perhaps you just want to celebrate a heritage that you’re personally familiar with. Either way the Asian American Resource Center hosts an afternoon filled with performances on the indoor stage, classrooms with hands-on experiences, and enough booths and food to keep your minds and stomachs satiated. Check their Eventbrite for parking info and more. – James RenovitchSat., May 3 -
Arts
Books
Free Comic Book Day
Get that four-color fever with this annual celebration of sequential art. Head to your friendly neighborhood comic book store to pick up a stack of special free (yup, completely free, like that name says) titles from familiar franchises like Transformers, Minecraft, and Spider-Man. But don’t stop there! You may just find your new favorite comic, or maybe something that you know a friend or relative might appreciate. Plus, check with each store for special tie-ins, discounts, guests, and more. More info is available on freecomicbookday.com. – Richard WhittakerSat., May 3Multiple comic & games shops -
Arts
Dance
Kaleidoscope
Each turn of a kaleidoscope reveals a new world – new amalgamations of shape and color. It’s an appropriate description for Ventana Ballet and Austin Camerata’s annual spring showcase, a performance that changes in music and choreography without losing luster. The jewels of performance just shift into a new configuration: still bright, still entrancing. This electric world of dance and chamber music is made even more magnificent with free signature cocktails. Now in its third iteration, Kaleidoscope promises shifting artistic fancy, so close you can practically touch the performers (but you know, definitely don’t do that).: – Cat McCarreyMay 1 - 3 -
Community
Events
Kentucky Derby Watch Party & Dachshund Dash
Being so short – the greatest two minutes in sports – the Kentucky Derby has to have a lot of spectacle around it to make it worth your while to gather all these people and horses. Thus we have the hats, the fashion, the fancy drinks, and in this case, the complementary Dachshund Dash, aka the cutest 30 seconds in sports. Eileen Dover hosts this fifth annual full day of spectacle, which also includes a derby hat contest, $1 Coneys, and fabulous frozen mint juleps. – Kat McNevinsSat., May 3Jackalope South Shore, 1523 Tinnin Ford Rd. -
Film
Special Screenings
Love & Pop (1998)
Though this film is Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno’s first-ever live-action motion picture, his North American fans never got a taste of his early DV styles. (DV here meaning digital video, since those consumer-grade cameras filmed most of the movie.) Rejoice then, lovers of Anno’s coming-of-age tales and late Nineties Nippon, as distributor GKids released a 2K restoration back in late February, stopping first in NYC. Based on Ryū Murakami’s novel Topaz II, the 1998 feature heads south for an appearance at AFS’s new-cult-classic series Lates. – James ScottMay 2-3 & 5 -
Community
Events
Pecan Street Festival
We know Austinites don’t typically love change, but due to the Sixth Street shifting situation the biannual Pecan Street Festival has been forced to move to Bee Cave. That doesn’t mean they won’t have the usual bevy of vendors and live music. This year’s live stage is headlined by a tribute to 13th Floor Elevators frontman Roky Erickson and other acts throughout the fest’s two days. Don’t let a different venue scare you off: It might be a tad outside of town, but at least the parking situation will be better. – James RenovitchMay 3-4 -
Arts
Dance
Rhythms of Unity
Austin Public Library invites local queer South Asian dance group KhushATX for an afternoon of movement and learning. Can’t make this event? Another celebration hits on May 31 at Milwood Branch.Sat., May 3, 2pm -
Music
Shorty presents Keep Austin Loud Fest w/ NSFWHO?, Ash & the Endings, Geranium Drive, Valice, Black Books, Walkabouts, Mikky & the Doom, Subpar Snatch, SpaceGoonz
Got festival fever but can’t wait months until ACL comes around? Keep Austin Loud Fest might just bring you some relief. The two-night event at the Far Out Lounge is set to showcase 10+ local acts and host a pop-up market by Austin Artisan Market. Night one headliner Mikky & the Doom exudes unabashed lyricism and a raw, chaotic essence, while Saturday’s NSFWHO? packs a punch with belting vocals and dexterous guitar riffs galore. – Catalina PerezSat., May 3 -
Arts
Comedy
Slide in the DMs
The hilarious Steph VF guest hosts the Angelina Martin-helmed comedy show all about “shooting your shot.” Improv lineup includes Arielle LaGuette, Mase Kerwick, Grace Pinegar, Malia Moss, Jess von Schramm, and Mickey May, with Tori Pool and Ivy Le performing stand-up.Sat., May 3, 10pm -
Arts
Dance
Texas Burlesque Festival
When cultural reactionaries have entered the fray, can there be any greater act of rebellion than boobs, butts, and the sound of clothes hitting the ground to thunderous applause? As it enters its 18th year, the Texas Burlesque Festival is letting it all hang out for freedom. “It’s scary times out there for performers of our ilk,” said festival director Lynn Raridon. “Now more than ever you need to be coming and seeing and enjoying the fantastic release that burlesque brings.” With 90% of this year’s performers coming from outside Austin or Texas, it’s truly a national event. But there’ll always be space for Austinites, including familiar local faces like Ruby Lamb and Ryder Strong. Every year there’s even a local headliner, and this year that rumpshaking honor goes to Fat Bottom Cabaret, with founder and director Nikki DaVaughn serving as Friday night’s emcee. – Richard WhittakerMay 1-3 -
Music
Texas Dungeon Siege Day 3 w/ Amn, Crawl, Dreamshadow, Flickers From the Fen, Hillsfar, Infernal Legions of Mordor, Jenn Taiga, Orcus, Silencio Permanente
Hark all ye rogues and wenches, the Texas Dungeon Siege is upon us! The finest medieval musicians from across the land gather for four nights of merriment. What makes this music medieval, you ask? Take a look at these names. Oregon’s Grim Father and New York’s Earthen Shield shall join local bands Thronos, Goblet Grotto, Skullbasher, and more for an audible feast. Delight in hypnotic synths to guide you through the enchanted forest, indie pop for practicing your tavern jig, and thrashing metal to soundtrack your duels. Escape our mortal coil for one of war and whimsy at Tiny Minotaur and Elysium. – Caroline DrewSat., May 3, 6pm -
Music
Texas Dungeon Siege Day 3 w/ Black Magic Cyborg, Fallen Desert Colour, Meadowgoat, Once Returner, Steaming Woodlands
Hark all ye rogues and wenches, the Texas Dungeon Siege is upon us! The finest medieval musicians from across the land gather for four nights of merriment. What makes this music medieval, you ask? Take a look at these names. Oregon’s Grim Father and New York’s Earthen Shield shall join local bands Thronos, Goblet Grotto, Skullbasher, and more for an audible feast. Delight in hypnotic synths to guide you through the enchanted forest, indie pop for practicing your tavern jig, and thrashing metal to soundtrack your duels. Escape our mortal coil for one of war and whimsy at Tiny Minotaur and Elysium. – Caroline DrewSat., May 3, noon -
Arts
Visual Arts
The Art04 Studio Tour 2025
Get outta your home and into the 78704 area code, where over 60 artists open their studios for your prying eyes. Organized to promote hyperlocal art interest, the Art04 tour trip-traps across the Zilker, Bouldin Creek, South River City, Travis Heights, Barton Hills, South Lamar, Galindo, Dawson, and St. Edward’s neighborhoods to 19 tour stops. Featured are all the usual mediums like ceramics, photography, and gourd art, plus workshops on collage, abstract painting, and sculptural basket weaving. – James ScottMay 3-4The 78704 neighborhood -
Community
Events
The Front Market
Spring got your wallet feeling underused? Yeah, mine neither. But better your dollars go into the hands of the over 175 small-biz vendors lining Future Front TX’s seasonal market. Spread over two days, the smart Front Market shopper will be subject to new vendors each day, chef booths slinging boffo bites, and DJ sets by DJ Helios, Beaujolais, Wyldflower, and HoneyPocket. Need to get a little DIY to offset the spending? Workshops like a Broad Studios Club House clay wheel demo and mending and upcycling with Corinne Loperfido feature on both days. – James ScottMay 3-4 -
Community
Events
Turkish Food & Craft Festival
Fellow Turkish-American nonprofits Raindrop Foundation Austin and Dialogue Institute partner on this celebration of Turkish and Mediterranean culture. Eat your fill of culinary choices like doner gyro kebab, baklava, and stuffed gözleme – but make sure there’s room enough for you to enjoy that special Turkish coffee. After that zippy sip, you’ll be more than ready to partake in the various cultural exhibits and live music also offered. Kiddos get their own area to play in, too. – James ScottSat., May 3Raindrop Austin, 2650 Gattis School Rd. #700 -
Music
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Music
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Music
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Arts
Visual Arts
“Brave New Textiles”
Indeed a reference to Aldous Huxley’s renowned 1931 dystopian novel, Bolm Arts’ latest multi-artist exhibit tackles the ever-evolving questions of naturalism, commercialism, and personal and national identity reflected in the contemporary fiber world. Curated by textile artist Amanda Fay and painter Stephanie Mervine, this Eastside gallery showcases 10 Central Texas creatives, including sustainable yarn worker Bitter Hag, upcycled fashion and visual/performance Renaissance person Corinne Loperfido, and interdisciplinary artist Jonas Criscoe. Loperfido hosts a separate pop-up shop during Thursday’s opening reception, while author Nicole Josephine Kline presents an open mic poetry night the following day. Carys AndersonApirl 17-May 3Bolm Arts Gallery, 5305 Bolm Rd. Bay 9 -
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 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Transcendence: A Century of Black Queer Ecstasy, 1924-2024”
Across politics and pop culture, depictions of queer Black life most often emphasize pain, if not patronization. “Transcendence: A Century of Black Queer Ecstasy,” a multimedia exhibition presented by UT-Austin’s Art Galleries at Black Studies, flips the script, offering a century’s worth of works that focus instead on Black joy. Organized around seven themes – Portraiture, Beyond Figuration, Dance and Movement, Spirituality, Sex and Sensuality, Black Queer Futures, and Altered States – the works of over four dozen artists remind us that even in the face of adversity, we can achieve transcendence. – Carys AndersonThrough May 9Christian-Green Gallery, 201 E. 21st St. & Idea Lab, 210 W. 24th St. -
Community
Kids
Baby Bloomers
A special program for visitors ages 0-3 and their families, providing caregivers and early learners the chance to experience the children's museum together. Thinkery will host two storytimes and free play that support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of the earliest learners.Saturdays, 8-10am -
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 -
Music
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