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The Crow came out 30 years ago? Jeez, I’m getting old. Back then, there were certain movie soundtracks it seemed like everybody had, and this was one of them. It’s stacked with bangers, among them the Cure’s “Burn,” Nine Inch Nails covering Joy Division’s “Dead Souls,” and Jane Siberry’s “It Can’t Rain All the Time,” which is something of a motif in the film. Now that it’s officially summer, let’s get dark and join TX Emo Club for a rave celebrating the music of one of the most emo films of all time. – Kat McNevins

Creativity often happens in isolation, but truly thrives in community. Which is terrifying. Sharing the raw, tender fruits of artistic labor can be too vulnerable to imagine. It helps when that can happen in a safe space, one that fosters connection and acceptance. Enter Black Pearl Books. A haven for any and all voices, Black Pearl presents an open mic full of music, poetry, and creative writing of all styles. Sign up to share, or just bask in the glory of fresh art. It’s a night of endless potential. – Cat McCarrey

Enjoy community, culture, and creativity wafting off Austin’s civic heart from a hot summer soiree. Thrown by Almost Real Things – a print/online magazine that promotes Austin’s arts scene – this party comes courtesy of the citywide anti-hate campaign We All Belong. Having launched in July 2023, this initiative asks of the community an appreciation for Austin’s diverse creative community – many of whom feature in this event. Musicians like the Peterson Brothers and Deezie Brown; performers like the Heavenly Lion Dragon Dance and MeliSamba dance; an artisan market from Asian Season, ART, and an installation by Mesmerize & Strong Events – all these and more will be at City Hall for your civic pleasure. – James Scott

This multimedia convergence feels like a direct response to this year’s South by Southwest, which invited the U.S. Army and various Israel-supplying defense contractors to speak in the midst of the Palestinian genocide. Named after the region’s native passerine, Sunbird Fest showcases local music, art, film, comedy, and poetry, with all proceeds benefiting the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and Gaza families. Check Instagram for the complete schedule, but just a few of the musical offerings include a cumbia show at Hotel Vegas, a Two-Step Dance-a-Thon at Sagebrush, and a Die Spitz pit at the Far Out Lounge. – Carys Anderson

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.

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