Home Events
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Sponsored Listing
Maudie's Moonlight Run by The Trail Conservancy
Join The Trail Conservancy for Maudie's Moonlight 5K Run! The scenic route winds along Lady Bird Lake and the Butler Trail, leading to the ultimate post-run fiesta with legendary Tex-Mex, ice-cold margaritas, and live music! Complete details on the run route, registration, and volunteer info are available online.Thurs. June 5, 8pm-10pmAuditorium Shores -
Sponsored Listing
Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival
Grab your friends and come to the Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival! Give your palate a treat, enjoy the tastes, textures and aromas- you will find a new favorite brewery! If you prefer a glass of wine or seltzer – they’ll have that too. Lively music, food, games, brewers panel and more. Come See What’s on Tap! Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Rotary Club.Sat. June 14, 11am-6pmDowntown Fredericksburg Market Square
Recommended
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Film
Special Screenings
Bay of Angels (1963)
Close your eyes to conjure a Jacques Demy film and you probably see color, like the Technicolor wows of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and The Young Girls of Rochefort. But the French film legend started out in black & white – first Lola in 1961, then 1963’s Bay of Angels, starring Jeanne Moreau as a peroxide-blond gambling addict working the casinos in Nice. The screening kicks off a new AFS Essential Cinema summer series dubbed Club Med; other Mediterranean-set features include Taylor & Burton curiosity Boom!, Lina Wertmüller’s original Swept Away, and Godard’s Contempt. Bonnes vacances! – Kimberley JonesJune 3 & 7 -
Arts
Comedy
48 Hour Improv Marathon
Time is a flat circle. In 2009, the Hideout’s new owners got some friends together and did two days of improv comedy and theatre as a fundraiser for the venue. Sixteen years later, and the Hideout is looking for a new home – and the funds to pay for the relocation. So join Halyn Cameron, Jade Fabello, J.R. Zambrano, Marissa Stubbe, Martha Neil, Mykel Jewell, Natalia Rubio, and Roy Janik as they sacrifice their sleep and sanity in the name of keeping comedy alive in Austin. Everything kicks off with a kids mixer, followed by themed hours from scene mainstays like PGraph and Y’all We Asian as well as favorite shows like The Black Lily and Jane Austin Improv, all culminating to hour 48 of freestyle madness. Pay by the hour, or see if you can last the entire 48 hours for only 48 bucks. – Richard WhittakerJune 6 - 8 -
Arts
Theatre
Anton Chekhov Is a Tasty Snack
Art imitates life, which then imitates art. Such is the story of Round Rock theatre Penfold’s latest production, commissioned from Austin-based playwright Jenny Connell Davis. With a script that riffs on the titular tasty snack’s The Seagull, this romp playfully punctures theatre work by following a small Texas company attempting the most impressive production of Chekhov’s first major play. Expect ego, passion, and complete chaos – not totally unlike the original play’s 1896 opening night, where the lead actress was so alarmed by audience animosity she lost her voice. – James ScottThrough June 28 -
Film
Special Screenings
Bride of Chucky (1998)
Remember last month when celebrities all wore “Protect the Dolls” shirts? Well, they certainly weren’t thinking about these dolls, aka the notorious serial killer Charles Lee Ray turned cutthroat cuddle-buddy Chucky and his titular blushing bride Tiffany. Yet there’s no less queerness within this campy classic, as plenty of emerging trans women have modeled their new look on Jennifer Tilly’s peroxide blonde ’do and black lipstick. Her transition from murderous moll to, well, murderous doll wasn’t exactly a choice, but no one can deny she slays the rubber look. Oh yeah: Also Katherine Heigl and Nick Stabile appear as obligatory straight bait – but this ain’t about them. Here in the Chucky-verse, it’s all about the dolls. – James ScottJune 7 & 9 -
Community
Events
Center Stage Jams at EastVillage
A free music series at an apartment complex, so you know it's gonna have plenty of space to lay out a blankie and chair. Happy Hearts Dog Rescue bring adoptable dogs, Austin Flea provides a vendor market, and there WILL be a food truck.Sat., June 7, 4-8pm. Free (all ages).EastVillage, 3500 E. Parmer Ln. -
Arts
Theatre
Different Stages: For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again
Mother’s Day might have made some folks sentimental. Did you reflect on what you’ve inherited from your mother? The sacrifices she made and the support she gave? Keep that ruminative mood going with Different Stages, as they present a classic mother/son dynamic in Quebecois king Michel Tremblay’s For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again. Tremblay’s mother was apparently a force to be reckoned with. She shared her creativity and love for literature with him, but died before he gained writing success. Pleasure explores their history and relationship while paying homage to an indomitable, inspirational woman. – Cat McCarreyThrough June 14 -
Film
Special Screenings
Dogma (1999)
The advantage of a film being lost is that you never have to decide if it’s good or not. It’s basically been 25 years since new audiences got to form an opinion about Kevin Smith’s “missing” film, buried because of a bad deal with the Weinsteins. (As Smith said, “My movie about angels is owned by the devil himself.”) Newly liberated in 4K, his wild comedy of angels, devils, Catholic angst and commercialized faith, and Alanis Morissette as God finally gets screen time. – Richard WhittakerJune 5 - 11 -
Arts
Theatre
Fat Ham
The hot question on everybody’s minds during Shakespeare class… is Horatio invited to the cookout? Finally, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Fat Ham provides some sort of answer. Instead of Hamlet, we have Juicy: He’s Black, queer, and trying to cope with his mother’s recent remarriage. When the ghost of Juicy’s father intrudes to beg for revenge, a modern retelling of Hamlet takes off with love, fourth-wall breaks, and the gentle disruption of generational trauma cycles. How would Hamlet’s life be different if he just went to therapy? Fat Ham dares to venture into those unknowns. – Cat McCarreyThrough June 29 -
Community
Events
Fourth Annual Midsummer Festival
No, not Midsommar, silly – no ritual sacrifices here, so far as we know. This free, family-friendly affair is held at Congress Avenue’s historic Old Bakery and Emporium, a registered national landmark and monument to immigrants’ impact on Austin. (The bakery was first built by Swedish immigrant Charles Lundberg in 1876.) Saturday’s festivities celebrate Swedish culture and the summer solstice via live music by the Norrsken Three, face painting, flower crown-making, traditional Swedish treats and coffee from the Fika Table, and a DJ set by DJ Boozwa. – Kimberley JonesSat., June 7 -
Community
Events
Freedom + Juneteenth: A Night of Jubilation
Presented by Pease Park Conservancy and Art Is Cool, this eveningtime celebration sounds like a great hang. With a theme of “family reunion,” the community is invited to gather at Pease to play UNO, spades, dominoes, and more with Where Y’all at Though?!, enjoy a sip & paint at 7pm (first come, first served), and groove to two DJ sets (6pm: DJ Ajah Monet, 9pm: Ashmar) and a jazz performance at 8pm by the Keezy Experience. Attendance is free but you’ll need to register in advance at peasepark.org/juneteenth. – Kimberley JonesSat., June 7 -
Arts
Visual Arts
George E. Phillips: “Farmer for the Deaf”
SAGE Studio consistently produces some of the most interesting exhibitions in Austin, highlighting the work of adult artists with disabilities. This Saturday, Oklahoma-based George E. Phillips’ narrative drawings grace the space, telling the story of his love for “Linda E. Dick,” an amalgam of two women from the artist’s youth who together form a muse. In this show, Phillips crafts large totems using pencil, crayon, and masking tape that depict his and Linda’s dream wedding and farmhouse, which he plans to rebuild using the John Deere trucks and tools that are a through line in his work. As a deaf artist, hand motions and sign language figure heavily in his work as well. At 77 years old, Phillips’ exhibition is a rich retrospective of a lifetime of drawing the artist’s interior world. – Lina FisherSat., June 7 -
Arts
Theatre
Grand Hotel: The Musical
Alchemy Theatre continues their quest to present shows away from the beaten path. They’re keeping musical history alive with restagings of past pieces that may be gone but will not be forgotten. Grand Hotel is the latest in that journey, an extravaganza packed wall-to-wall (and room-to-room) with showstopping numbers. (Seriously, if nothing else, please head over to YouTube to watch Michael Jeter – aka Sesame Street’s Mister Noodle – earn his well-deserved Tony.) Set in 1928 Berlin, Grand Hotel balances joyful music with bitter truths, letting the audience snoop into the lives of the hotel’s sometimes-nefarious guests, whose secrets reveal themselves over the course of their stay. So check in to check out what lurks in such luxurious lodgings. – Cat McCarreyThrough June 15 -
Music
Hurriyah Festival benefiting Gaza Soup Kitchen w/ Hanna Barakat, Camellia Boutros, El Ärkitekt, Free Hamze, Viva Palestina Orchestra, Damascan Daydreams
“Hurriyah” means freedom in Arabic. Launched last year by Lebanese-American rock singer Hanna Barakat, the Hurriyah Festival envisions liberation for Arabs worldwide. Alongside vendors, food, a silent auction, and an educational pop-up by the Falasteen Museum, this year’s event features performances by Barakat, the Viva Palestina Orchestra, Lebanese rapper Free Hamze, Lebanese-Palestinian experimental multi-instrumentalist Camellia Boutros, Palestinian hip-hop artist El Ärkitekt, and Syrian dream-pop musician Damascan Daydreams. Tickets ($20) benefit the Gaza Soup Kitchen.: – Carys AndersonSat., June 7, 5pm -
Community
Events
Hyde Park Summer Market
Just because it’s the season of swimming holes and sweating your ass off doesn’t mean there’s no time for art. Courtesy of the Press Room, the old canteen at the Baker Center becomes the location for the first of what’s planned to be an annual celebration of local creatives. Browse from the work of dozens of artists, check out the Press Room’s collection of vintage movie ad printing blocks, sample some ice-cold Rambler, and even take home a complimentary print. – Richard WhittakerSat., June 7 -
Arts
Dance
Interiors
Known for 25 years as Kathy Dunn Hamrick Dance Company, KDH Dance Company rebrands with Interiors, its first show since Artistic Director Alyson Dolan and Executive Director/Resident Composer Drew Silverman took over the artistic arm of the organization. In light of the transition, this production examines, understandably, our insides – how our environments shape our beings, and how we, in turn, leave a mark on those around us. Dancers Anna Bauer, Cara Cook, Jairus Carr, Lisa del Rosario, Love Muwwakkil, and Carissa Topham Fisher move to music performed live by local musicians Henna Chou, Leila Henley, and Andy Nolte. – Carys AndersonJune 5 - 7 -
Arts
Dance
KDH Dance Company Presents Interiors
From Artistic Director Alyson Dolan and composer Drew Silverman comes a new dance work featuring live music, dance, and themes about "the spaces and environments we inhabit; large and small, physical and metaphysical."June 5-7 -
Community
Kids
Kids Block Party
You’re gonna want to book it to the Downtown library Saturday 9am-12:30pm for this free block party suited for children 12 and under. Highlights include a laser light show, librarian storytimes, puppet making, book giveaways, a Mad Science demo, interactive poetry with Typewriter Rodeo, tree tours and “nature fun” at nearby Seaholm, and more. Plus, the party serves as a kickoff to APL’s summer reading challenge, which you can still sign up for at: austinpubliclibrary.beanstack.org/reader365. Psst: Adults can win a prize for hitting their reading goals, too! – Kimberley JonesSat., June 7 -
Community
Events
Monster Jam
Velociraptor. Megalodon. Jurassic Attack. No, these are not names of upcoming dinosaur-based action movies. Rather, these are just some of the biblically awesome monster trucks gearing up to compete head-to-head this weekend. Nothing is more American than a gigantic truck named ThunderROARus doing donuts in an arena filled with cheering fans. With reigning champion Grave Digger looking to defend its title, racers and fans – prehistoric and modern alike – have a weekend of colossal proportions ahead. Extend your visit with a Pit Party ticket, which gets you up close to the 12,000-pound trucks and within autograph range of their drivers. – Julianna PlewesJune 7 - 8 -
Community
Events
Monster Jam
Watching monster trucks seemingly defy physics as they soar through the air for a fleeting moment may never grow old. Bring out the whole fam for a night (or two) of Monster Jam thrills courtesy of Grave Digger – still piloted by members of the Anderson Family – and other gargantuan vehicles.June 7-8 -
Music
Pinky Fest w/ the Pinky Rings, Molly Ringworm, Think No Think, Die Mart, CorMae, more
Before they hit the road for a southern tour, local punks the Pinky Rings are throwing a sendoff rager at Far Out Lounge – and they’re not doing it alone. The DIY all-dayer features a stacked bill of Austin noisemakers: Molly Ringworm, Think No Think, CorMae, Die Mart, NSFWHO?, Tied Up, and Dregs. Vendors will be set up outside selling vintage clothes and handmade goods, the Knuckle Sandwich food truck will supply delicious sandwiches, and bands will be playing all day starting at 3pm for this all-ages show. – Kyra BruceSat., June 7, 3pm -
Music
Second anniversary w/ Knife in the Water, Pedal Steel Noah, Li'l Cap'n Travis
A spacious patio. A vegan-friendly menu. Those frozen prickly pear margs. Two years ago, North Loop’s best hangout spot – and there are many contenders, we know – opened its doors. Celebrate with this all-day happy hour, which offers a bouncy house, face painting, live screenprinting, flash tattoos via on-site shop Communion, food from Zucchini Kill and the Cookie Jar Bar, music by Knife in the Water, Pedal Steel Noah, and Li’l Cap’n Travis, a screening of 16 Candles, and, of course, birthday cake. That’s on top of all the awesome things Dub Trub has to offer on a normal day. – Carys AndersonSat., June 7, noon -
Film
Special Screenings
Shall We Dance? (1996)
Before Koji Yakusho was an enlightened toilet cleaner in Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days, he was Shohei, a depressed accountant and family man who risks it all for a new passion for ballroom dancing. Hiding his new hobby from his family and friends, Shohei nonetheless reignites his lust for life through the power of self-expression in this heartwarming comedy that is available for the first time in North America in its uncut form. An English star-vehicle remake with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez came out in 2004, but the original Japanese box office hit is more worth seeing in theatres for a feel-good kickoff to summer movie season. – Lina FisherJune 6-8 -
Film
Special Screenings
Streets of Fire (1984)
Willem Dafoe is perhaps the best role-picker in Hollywood, with countless iconic characters from Robert Pattinson’s deranged mentor in The Lighthouse, to Emma Stone’s kooky mad scientist dad in Poor Things. But back in his younger days the roles skewed a little sexier – albeit with his singular brand of toothy sleaze. None fit the brand more so perhaps than in this 1984 camped-out neo-noir rock opera, wherein he plays Raven, an evil biker gang leader who kidnaps rock star Ellen Aim (Diane Lane). Her former soldier beau Cody (Michael Paré) is hired to rescue her and an urban chase ensues. Dafoe’s widow’s peak goes hard in this glam rock West Side Story that’s worth a watch on the big screen.– Lina FisherJune 4-5 & 7-8
All Events
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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 -
Music
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Music
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Music
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Qmmunity
Community
ATX Trans Pride
Real heads know this ol’ Bat City is nothing without the transgender kings, queens, and creators who make it gleam. Celebrate Austin’s incredible trans community at this splashy shindig featuring music, drag, vendors, and much more.Sat., June 7 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Dog Days”
When the profound connection between dog and human has become fetishized and monetized for clicks, where’s a soulful dog person to go? Why not this group exhibition, which pays sweet tribute to our four-legged fam? Referencing the origins of “dog days” as a time of unrest in ancient times, DORF curators Sara Vanderbeek and Eric Manche are using the show to advance a different narrative: “that in a time of global uncertainty and rising temperatures, the steady, loving presence of a dog can be a grounding force – a source of comfort, stability, and meaning.” Friday’s pet-friendly opening reception will have on-site adoptions, live dog portrait painting by Ami Plasse, and a doggy dance party with DJ Dana Scully. – Kimberley JonesOpening night, May 23; runs through Sept. 6 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, duck, grayDUCK!”
Okay so: What’s with all the ducks? If you count them, it’s one duck for each year that this art gallery has been hosting art. This anniversary exhibition, curated by Los Outsiders collective, has a work of art representative of each year in the life of grayDUCK. It’s kinda like one of those videos where someone takes a photo of themselves every year, except in this case it’s something beautiful or poignant, and isn’t that better? Kicks off this Saturday, May 24 and runs through June 28. – James RenovitchThrough June 28