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When speaking to outlets at the dawn of Origin House, co-founder Dante Clemons spoke about the ever-evolving scope of Blackness, stating, “The Black experience in Austin is ephemeral.” Likewise, Bryan Edwards and Jane Obi, co-founders of Spaces, intentionally “create supportive ‘Spaces’ that celebrate, uplift, and honor Black and Brown communities.” Years into doing the heavy work of uplifting the art, love, and history of Black Austin, the two organizations join forces. On Saturday, they partner with the Pease Park Conservancy and Art Is Cool to bring “A Night of Jubilation,” a moment where Black and Brown people can come together in fellowship, music, food, and, yes, freedom. – Cy White

Buying a house is undoubtedly one of the most stressful and time-consuming things adults can face, which is part of why so many of us don’t even try. The other part is probably the half-mil price tag on most of these things. Austin ISD and Business & Community Lenders of Texas have joined forces to demystify the process and provide helpful info to hopeful buyers, with a full slate of presentations covering basics, down payments, and qualifying for loans, along with a free lunch! And they say there’s no such thing. – Kat McNevins

Now this is some good news from the police department: This year, APD will host its first Autism Sensory Fair, giving folks of all ages from the autism community and first responders the chance to meet one another in a safe place. There’ll be static displays and demos, a decompression room, and face painting for kids, and all community members who would like to meet reps from Austin-Travis County EMS and the police department are invited. – Kat McNevins

This annual celebration of Black culture hosts community events, business conferences, and industry panels, while six days of music promise sets by Sukihana, NOOK Turner, Kirko Bangz, and more.

Hoo-wee! Does anything feel better than a dip in the pool during a hot Texas summer? While some among us may be privileged to own private watering holes, most of us get to enjoy the great Austin PARD’s work at the 44 public aquatic facilities to choose from this summer. You’ve got regional, neighborhood, and community pools; a wading pool; splash pads; and the crown jewel: Barton Springs. Check austintexas.gov/pools-splashpads for up-to-date info on which pools are open, what their entry fee is, and whether you have what it takes to be a public pool lifeguard. Now, outta the way if you don’t wanna get wet: I’m gonna do a cannonball! – James Scott

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.

This program from the city of Austin, run by Farmshare Austin, has opened new market locations. There are now six weekly markets around town that sell Texas-grown produce, eggs, honey, and other groceries all at reduced prices. Most major cards are accepted at these markets and if you are a SNAP customer, you can also use your Lone Star card and Double Up Food Bucks. Locations and schedules are subject to change, so check the current info online to find one near you.

Keep Austin Beautiful developed this event to invite Austinites to beautify the areas around their homes and neighborhoods. Pick up some litter, weed a garden bed, or rake some leaves; it’s up to you! Check out the website for details on cleanup kit registration and social media giveaways.

A nighttime shotgun-style nine-hole round made more fun and challenging with glow-in-the-dark balls.

Who doesn’t want to build up their CV in these trying times? Or perhaps you just want to fill your free time with something other than TikTok? Or maybe you want a behind-the-scenes, hands-on tour of Austin’s best place for sustainable craft supplies? Whatever reason you’ve got, it’s a good time to volunteer for Austin Creative Reuse’s Summer of Service program. Opportunities are abundant, with group projects like fabric rolling, dog toy making, or Funky Fabric Friday – that’s when they process all the weird stuff like purple faux fur or bright yellow vinyl. Sign up on austincreativereuse.org, complete 30 volunteering hours, and earn your Summer of Service certificate. Beats losing eight hours to ASMR slime-scoop videos, I’ll tell you what. – James Scott

We Are Blood – who are definitely NOT vampires in disguise – have totally cracked the case on how to make giving blood even more of a good deed. See, for this month only, whenever you take your juicy veins to a WAB donor center or mobile unit, they’ll donate $5 to your choice of one of three partnering nonprofits. That’s right: Donate blood, and you can give Central Texas Food Bank, Austin Humane Society, or TreeFolks a fiver to do with what they please. And usually what they please is helping our Austin community in various positive ways like keeping peeps fed, nurturing puppies and kitties, and growing big beautiful trees whose shade is sorely needed during this cruel summer. – James Scott