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Arts
Classical Music
Graham Reynolds Ruins the Holidays
For the fifth time here, composer and bandleader Graham Reynolds, along with a talented ten-piece band, will burn down the house with their raucous, minor key versions of your holiday favorites. This year, Reynolds has expanded his string quartet arrangements and features Stefano Intelisano, Milan's wizard of the accordion, and will be turning the holiday tunes into everything from dreamy soundscapes to waves of musical destruction.Fri.-Sat., Dec. 9-10, 7:30pm. $37. -
Arts
Theatre
The Austin Puppet Incident
This ain't no kiddie show, citizen, this is an evening of short puppet works – naughty, heartbreaking, harrowing, hilarious, and always original – for adult audiences, from a variety of local puppet artists using shadow, hand-and-rod, tabletop, object, and physical theater techniques. And how do we know it's 1) legit and 2) the best in town? Because it's presented by Glass Half Full Theatre and Trouble Puppet Theater Company, with funding from the Puppet Slam Network.Fri.-Sat., Dec. 9-10, 8pm. $15. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Ao5 Gallery: Salvador Dalí
Here's a large and rare collection of original color lithographs and woodblock prints by Dalí, the show spanning decades of the artist's career, including pieces from "Signs of the Zodiac", the decomposition woodblock prints illustrating "Dante's Divine Comedy," the "Biblia Sacra" series, and more.Opening reception: Fri., Dec. 9, 6-9pm -
Arts
Dance
Consolation of Chaos
In this new multidisciplinary performance by Corps Multiple, film, music, and dance intersect in reflection as the dancer meets the different parts of herself, virtually and physically. Featuring choreography by Sandie Donzica, live music by Key Hole, and videography by Justine Spinoza and Heath McMurtry.Thu.-Sat., Dec. 8-10, 8pm. $15-37. -
Arts
Theatre
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale about that low-down, no-good, treacherously conniving (but ultimately redeemed) Grinch comes to delightful musical life on stage.Dec. 6-11. Tue.-Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 11am, 3 & 7pm; Sun., 3 & 7pm. $30 and up. -
Arts
Theatre
La Pastorela
This year’s interactive production of La Pastorela – in which audiences will have a chance to participate in a dance, song, spoken word performance, or to create a work of visual art – will be unlike any you've seen before.Through Dec. 18. Thu.-Fri., 7pm; Sat., 2 & 7pm; Sun., 2pm. $20. -
Arts
Theatre
The Gulf
Street Corner Arts presents Audrey Cefaly's Lammy award-winning Southern drama. Natalie Garcia and Kelsey Mazak star, directed by Carlo Lorenzo Garcia.Through Dec. 17. Thu.-Sat., 8pm. $25. -
Arts
Dance
The Watchmaker's Song
Inspired in part by the original tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by German Romantic-era author E.T.A. Hoffmann, this story centers on Clara, a quiet, kind, thoughtful young woman, in her journey of empowerment and self-discovery. Presented as an immersive theatrical show by Austin's own Ventana Ballet.Thu.-Sat., Dec. 15-17, 6:30 & 8:30pm. $40-60. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Tito’s Vodka for Dog People: Distillery Dogs
This is a 25-piece art collection featuring vibrant artwork created by local and national artists – Judy Paul, John Walker, Joel Ganucheau, Jeff Skele, Hope Perkins, and more – inspired by the many distillery dogs rescued over the years, the paintings now on display at the Long Center.Through Dec. 30. Mon.-Fri., 10am-5pm
All Events
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Arts
Theatre
A Christmas Carol
[NOTE: CANCELED DUE TO COVID] Zach Theatre's adaptation of the Dickens classic is "a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras," as directed by Dave "Hardworkin'" Steakley. Which is all well and good, but we're happiest because Austin's own Marc Pouhé plays that Ebenezer Scrooge. [NOTE: CANCELED DUE TO COVID]Through Dec. 31. Times vary. $25. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Atelier Dojo: Remote Studios
The local powerhouse of figurative painting, the art school that's the smart school for artists of all kinds, they've got a painting-along-at-home series going to help you keep your skills honed in these socially restrictive times, featuring live costumed models posing on camera and a thriving community of creatives rendering that lovely human biotecture from their separate studios. "Join us for a three-hour costumed-model drawing session. Use any supplies you wish, listen to music, share your work, chat with others. It’s a great way to stay connected with your art community!"Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm; Fridays, 6:30-9:30pm; Saturdays, 9:30-12:30pm. $5. -
Arts
Dance
Ballet Austin: Classes
Learn your way to physical grace with a dance class at Ballet Austin. There are so many varieties to choose among – ballet, barre, contemporary dance, hip-hop, tap, cardio dance fitness, Pilates, and more – and all taught by professional instructors. See website for details.$3-7 per class. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Big Medium: There Are Black People In Nebraska?!
Right there in the middle of Canopy's anchoring gallery, Adrian Armstrong invites us to see ourselves in these figures and realize that blackness is found blooming in every crevice. This is the first installment of Armstrong's series of multimedia shows exploring the black community in Omaha, Nebraska, and the artist’s first step into a world-building concept.Through Jan. 8 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Camiba Gallery: The Elementals
Here's a stunning show of abstractions by Fort Worth-based artist Lee Albert Hill, with fresh works that "reflect the essential human spirit of mark-making in response to the invisible forces that inherently exist between the four natural elements: earth, water, air, and fire." We don't ultimately care what Hill chooses to reflect with his art, tbh; we just want to feast our awestruck eyes on the results for hours.Through Dec. 10 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Cloud Tree: The Unkept
The magical Adam Young returns to Cloud Tree with his moving and spiritual renderings on wood panel – accompanied by the works of folk artist Mike Parsons and a rare showing of paintings and collage by the legendary Satch Grimley.Through Dec. 31 -
Arts
Comedy
ColdTowne Theater
ColdTowne's new brick-and-mortar place is totally open, and who knows what they'll shake this city with next? But one truth remains: ColdTowne is a designated den of gold, baby, sweet comedy gold. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Davis Gallery: Homecoming
This group exhibit showcases the depth and variety of work by the Davis Gallery family of artists: 34 Central Texas-based creators who celebrate the now and the historical feel of our ever-changing state. Among them: Dana Younger! Felice House! Jan Heaton! Lisa Beaman! Randall Reid! B. Shawn Cox! And more.Through Dec. 23 -
Arts
Comedy
East Austin Comedy Club
Founded by comedians Raza Jafri and Andre Ricks, this club that operates out of Tiger Den on the Eastside is the city's only BIPOC-owned comedy venue. -
Arts
Theatre
Faith Healer
City Theatre presents this Brian Friel play about honor, hope, and the healing power in what you believe. With Rick Smith, Dawn Erin, and Steve Wright, as directed by Andy Berkovsky.Through Dec. 11. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm. $15-25. -
Arts
Comedy
Fallout Comedy
This hotbed of local performance is carrying on even more than usual, with an eclectic mix of live, mind-rocking comedy from some of Austin's best, all week long. Hey! The place is our cover story, as reported by Valerie Lopez! And, srsly, who would ever disagree with the sentiment of Monday night's Fuck This Week show? Check the website for details. -
Arts
Theatre
Frost Bites: A Holiday Cabaret
Richard Cerato's holiday cabaret takes you on a musical comedy sleigh ride through the most wonderful (and overwhelming) time of the year, wherein six individuals gather and share stories of loneliness, toxic relationships, trivial habits, and more.Through Dec. 17. Fri.-Sat., 7 & 9pm. $20-35.The Alchemy Theatre, 130 N. Pedernales #318 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Guzu Gallery: High Scores 3
The latest exhibition in this bastion of graphic brilliance features 25 artists paying tribute to their favorite video games, covering everything from arcade classics through today's cutting-edge, modern masterpieces.Through Jan. 15 -
Arts
Visual Arts
ICOSA: This Is Now
This is the first phase of an art exchange between Antenna, an art collective based in New Orleans, and Austin's ICOSA collective. Works by Amanda Cassingham-Bardwell, Amelia Broussard, Angel Perdomo, AnnieLaurie Erickson, Caesar Meadows, Kai Lumumba Barrow, Laura Gipson, MaPó Kinnord, Nic Brierre Aziz, Renee Royale, Rontherin Ratliff, Stylo Moniker, and Ursa Eyer comprise this show as selected by Vladimir Mejia.Through Jan. 7 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Ivester Contemporary: Late Bloomers
This is a solo exhibition of new paintings and sculptures by Houston-based artist Jasmine Zelaya who has used portraiture to explore themes of identity throughout her career, specifically from the perspective of a first generation Latinx artist, resulting in a body of work heavily informed by memory, the awkwardness of youth, and the experience of assimilation.Through Jan. 14 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Field of Light
Illuminating 16 acres in the Texas Arboretum at the Wildflower Center, Field of Light is Bruce Munro's stunning display of 28,000 subtly lit, solar-powered spheres that showcase the intersection of art, technology, and nature.Through May 1 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Laguna Gloria
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.Thu.-Fri., 9am-noon; Sat.-Sun., 9am-3pm -
Arts
Visual Arts
Landmarks: Self-Guided Walking Tour
Use your smartphone to access self-guided tours of the outdoor public art sited by UT's award-winning Landmarks program any time you feel like it. BONUS: There's also a free, docent-led tour starting at Marc Quinn's "Spiral of the Galaxy" (1501 Red River) on Sun., Jan. 8, 11am. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Last Day of the Eureka Room!
Austin's most absurd and fun attraction will have its last day on September 24th, so visit while you still can! It's the Eureka Room, a participatory experience where visitors engage with curious and playful programming within a unique 100-square-foot room filled with light and sound.See website for reservations. $25. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Link & Pin Gallery: Obscure Holidays
This delightful new show is the result of an annual exchange portfolio in which the members and friends of Slugfest Printmaking Workshop create a print based on a theme – Obscure Holidays, this year, as suggested by Carolyn Porter – and each artist creates a specific number of prints on a specific paper size for the edition. Among those represented here: Bethany Andrée, Didier Bardon, Douglas Cushing, Jill Thrasher, Margie Simpson, Shailee Thakkar, and Tom Druecker.Through Dec. 10. Free. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Martha's Contemporary: Hokey Pokey + What You See Is What You Get
Here's a two-person exhibition that features painting, installation, videography, and sculpture by Moll Brau and Wes Thompson. It's a deep dive into a pool of loneliness, triumph, and rebirth. It's a forest of mazes where fireflies provide the light. It's a show of creations from a pair of terrific, hardworking local artists and you don't want to miss it. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Modern Rocks Gallery: David Bowie: Starman
This is a collection of rare David Bowie prints spanning the prolific singer’s career. Modern Rocks' Steven Walker curated the exhibition that features many of Bowie’s most iconic shots, including album covers, obtained directly from the photographers themselves – including Terry O’Neill’s “Diamond Dogs” album cover shoot, Justin De Villeneuve’s “Pin-Ups” album cover with British model Twiggy, Brian Duffy’s “Aladdin Sane” and “Scary Monsters” album cover shoots, and Masayoshi Sukita’s famous session with Bowie for the “Heroes” album cover.Through Dec. 23 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Neill-Cochran House: The Hope Suite
Mark Smith’s The Hope Suite is a series of forty-four collages inspired by the theme of global unity. Each 24-by-18-inch work on paper consists of a background monoprint or a digital photoprint, overlaid with collage, calligraphy, and mixed media. Note: The originals are part of the permanent collection of the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago; the works on display here are limited-edition prints of those originals.Through Dec. 16. Free. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Northern-Southern: Shimmer
Virginia Fleck's tour de force installation fills the gallery with shimmers of sound and light, her myriad aluminum can tabs strung into ethereal columns; a trinity of them, draped from the ceiling, rotates slowly. Nearby, a moth-like tapestry of tabs clings to a wall. A relay of globe cages – intended for bingo balls – are dangled in aluminum tabs, each rendering a hand-cranked sound bath. "From salvage and discard, Fleck weaves serenity, wonder, and peace." Yes, this. Yes.Through Dec. 18 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Second Street District: Holiday Window Walk
Watch the storefronts of Second Street District businesses transform into decorative holiday scenes during the twelfth annual Holiday Window Walk. This year, the District is working with professional Texas artists to create holiday-inspired art installations in the storefront windows of Bonobos, Luxe Apothetique, Sneaker Politics, the Second Street District Office, and more.Through Jan 1214 Guadalupe -
Arts
Comedy
Snail Haven's Comedy Pregame
This is a weekly stand-up comedy showcase to help you pregame your Friday night on the town. (Snail Haven also features music shows, film screenings, and general hangs. Best bet: Follow @SnailHavenShows on Instagram and DM them for event details.)Fridays, 8pm. Free. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Testsite: PM
Jessica Halonen’s current project is a series of paintings that co-mingles abstraction and trompe l'oeil informed by a collection of toxic wallpaper samples.Through Dec. 11 -
Arts
Visual Arts
The Contemporary Austin: In a Dream You Saw a Way to Survive and You Were Full of Joy
Explore the works of eight female artists – Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Adriana Corral, Ellie Ga, Juliana Huxtable, Tala Madani, Danielle Mckinney, Wendy Red Star, and Clare Rojas – in this new exhibition that explores how narrative and storytelling shape our senses of self, community, history, and identity.Through Feb. 12 -
Arts
Visual Arts
The Department of the People + Process
This interactive art exhibition examines questions of authority and the sovereignty of the human journey; it features works by Moyo Oyelola, an interdisciplinary artist known for his photography and large multimedia installations.Through Feb. 25 -
Arts
Theatre
The Last Five Years
Ground Floor Theatre and Deaf Austin Theatre: team up to present this Jason Robert Brown musical in ASL and English for all performances. It's about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over five years, with Cathy telling her story backwards and Jamie telling his story chronologically: The two characters meet only once, at their wedding in the middle of the show. Directed by Brian Cheslik and Lisa Scheps. (And reviewed by our own Bob Abelman right here.)Through Dec. 18. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 5pm -
Arts
Dance
The Nutcracker
Ballet Austin’s 60th annual production of this classic of dance and music features glittering sets, beautiful costumes, and live accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s score by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.Dec. 20-23; Tue.-Wed., 7:30pm; Thu.-Fri., 2pm. $15-125. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Wally Workman Gallery: America Martin
America Martin, who describes herself as a "painting anthropologist," is a Colombian-American artist based in Los Angeles and a rising star in the contemporary art world, a creator working primarily with paint on canvas and paper to explore the human form and experience.Through Dec. 30 -
Arts
Visual Arts
West Chelsea Contemporary: Concrete to Canvas
This show is a rare opportunity to see and collect internationally recognized pieces and includes a variety of works from graffiti pioneers like CRASH, Doze Green, Lady Pink, and more.Through Dec. 23 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Women & Their Work: It Could Only Be Lived
Jenelle Esparza is interested in the land, the interconnected identities tied to it, and the stories it can tell us. This new show employs a variety of techniques and processes to give voice to the landscapes and landmarks of South Texas.Through Dec. 15. Free. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Wyld Gallery
This is Ray Donley's gallery of art by Native Americans, located in that company of artistic glory called Canopy and resplendent with creations from the original people of our struggling country.Call for appointment -
Arts
Visual Arts
Yard Dog: Lex Gjurasic + Johnny Taylor + Margaret Sullivan
Introducing Tucson painter Lex Gjurasic, with paintings from her “Super Bloom” series; the pop art compositions of Los Angeles artist Johnny Taylor; and the unique jewelry of native Texan Margaret Sullivan.Through Dec. 31