Home Events
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Film
Special Screenings
American Graffiti (1973)
One of the biggest myths in Hollywood is that George Lucas became a big deal with Star Wars. Well, only if you don’t count the massive critical and commercial success of his five-time Oscar-nominated ode to the teenage California car culture in which he grew up, all set to a diegetic soundtrack of the best of early Sixties American pop. Its seemingly aimless anti-structure, set across one night in Modesto, was a precursor to Slacker, and it matches Dazed and Confused for a packed cast of future stars, including Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Joe Spano, and Ron Howard in his first major “grownup” role after growing up onscreen in The Andy Griffith Show. But beyond the revving engines and that soundtrack, relayed to the world by legendary DJ Wolfman Jack, it’s Lucas’ most touching eulogy for the dying American dream. – Richard WhittakerMay 28 - June 1 -
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Music
Austin Symphony Orchestra (John Williams tribute)
Sat., May 31, 7:30pm -
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 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“ECHOES ATX”: The Past, Present, and Future of Black & Brown Austin
Austin wasn’t just grown from the fruits of Willie Nelson and the Texas Longhorns. Like many metropolitan areas, it had a thriving scene of diverse voices that fed this city’s very roots. Those voices were here, and they’re still here, contributing to everything that makes Austin special. Celebrate them with a two-week extravaganza acknowledging Austin’s rich history and bright future through art, music, and conversation. Curated by photographer Jay Ybarra and sociology scholar Shania Montúfar, “ECHOES” reflects their vibrant views of Austin’s grassroots community creators. Join the opening celebration this Saturday with DJ sets, art workshops, and artistic pieces that beg to be experienced firsthand. It all runs for the next two weeks. – Cat McCarreyThrough June 6Color Cartel, 4303 Willow Springs Rd. -
Arts
Visual Arts
“Meeting at the Edges: Testing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Boundaries”
Why are the edges always the most difficult? Almost all textile arts suffer in relation to cleaning up those untidy ends. This month, Link & Pin Art Space invites viewers to embrace the unruly threads of life. To shamelessly pull from artist Sam Elkins’ Instagram post (@samelkinstextiles), join Saturday’s artist reception for some “edgy” conversation with the creators involved. Elkins’ weaving work will rest alongside the fibrous textures of Gary Anderson’s art and Diane Sandlin’s mixed media marvels. Ponder, and maybe even come to terms with, life’s bumps and whorls through these artists’ explored space. – Cat McCarreyThrough June 8 -
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 -
Community
Events
“Roots Unveiled: Exploring the Chinese Experience”
Among the many anti-civil rights bills creeping their way through the Texas Legislature is Senate Bill 17, which would bar Chinese and many other Asian citizens from buying land here. Denounced by detractors as racist and reminiscent of 19th-century laws targeting Asian immigrants, its 2023 origins, along with growing anti-Asian sentiment after the pandemic, inspired Houston artist Jane Xu to found the multi-city Asian American Art & Culture Initiative and initiate this multidisciplinary exhibit. Curated by renowned international independent curator Sylvia XuHua Zhan, it brings in-depth research and archives along with work from a wide range of artists to offer a look at the rich history of Chinese Americans in Texas. Opening reception is Sunday, May 18, noon. – Kat McNevinsThrough August 31; opening reception, May 18 -
Arts
Visual Arts
“The Everyman”
I’ve been having a lot of “girl who’s going to be okay” moments as I reconnect with my earnest, optimistic side, so I’m excited for “The Everyman,” a group show curated by visual artist and musician Lisa Alley that celebrates the beauty in the small things – from commonplace occurrences to the working-class heroes that give this exhibit its name. Alley – who plays in local acts the Well, Mugger, and TV’s Daniel – shows her paintings alongside a slew of familiar names, including Parquet Courts’ A. Savage, Never’s Emily No Good, and photographer Pooneh Ghana. Everyone has the ability to create something exceptional, this Bolm Arts project assures us. – Carys AndersonThrough June 7 -
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
Bayou City Funk, Tomar & the FCs feat. Abbie Sawyer
Sat., May 31, 10pm. $15 cover (21+). -
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Qmmunity
Community
Big Ole Queer Market
Get your rainbow tote ready to handle treats, trinkets, and trifles from the over 100 local queer vendors lining PEC for this National Pride Month kickoff market.May 31-June 1 -
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Community
Events
Blue Genie Art Bazaar's May Market
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is an essential stop on your Christmas shopping list, but – lucky you – you don’t have to wait till Xmas to make your way back to the BG’s jam-packed aisles. Every weekend for the whole month of May, from 10am-8pm, you can peruse more than 100 regional artists and artisans. Entry is free, the vibe is family-friendly, and the thrill at finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift or primo piece of art to make your house a home – well, that’s priceless. More of a web browser? There are plenty of handmade goodies to tempt you at the Blue Genie online storefront: bluegenieartbazaar.shop.Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4; Friday, May 9 - Sunday, May 11; Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 18; Friday, May 23 - Monday, May 26; Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1. free. -
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Arts
Comedy
Cap City Comedy Club
That's right: Cap City Comedy Club, the longtime cornerstone of Austin's comedy scene for nearly four decades is at a new venue in the Domain. And here's Valerie Lopez with a closer look at what's in store for the scene via the venue. Click for details! -
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Arts
Visual Arts
Christopher Cascio: “Portals”
Patterns. Repetition. The compulsory need for the same, over and over, until you’re led somewhere else. In second-time Ivester gallery artist Christopher Cascio’s newest solo exhibition, he explores both the pattern and the escape – a portal within every piece. His paintings combine aerosol and acrylic paint with more textural elements like masking tape, found fabric, and concert wristbands to form various repeating images anchored by centralized portals both obvious and obscure. And so, Cascio’s canvases “[invite] viewers to consider these moments as thresholds, interruptions in the pattern that offer space for reflection, transformation, or escape.” – James ScottMay 31 - June 5 -
Film
Special Screenings
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
The greatest question ever asked in an interview was during an episode of Inside the Actors Studio, when host James Lipton asked of Steven Spielberg about CE3K, “Your father was a computer scientist. Your mother was a musician. When the spaceship lands, how do they communicate?” It was at that moment that the director himself realized how much of his family life he had poured into this jaw-dropping science-fiction epic. If you’ve seen The Fabelmans (and, if you haven’t, correct your life now), you’ll know how long it took him to process those emotions of parental obsession, of bridging impossible distances through music. But if you’ve never seen arguably the greatest alien movie ever made, see how he handled it metaphorically, visually, and with a sense of awe. We are truly not alone. – Richard WhittakerMay 21, 26 & 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
Comedy
Come @ Me: Improv Comedy Inspired by Your Instagram
Why are there so many different social media apps you have to be on? And where are my slippers? Are you my grandson? I’m joking about being old, which is something they might make fun of me for when they do the improv comedy inspired by my Instagram. If you can’t laugh at yourself, you won’t make it far in this world! So come be the butt of the joke at this weekly show created by Isaac Garza, Amy Knop, and Kyle Irion, and starring Natalie O’Sullivan Hamilton, Juese Cutler, Sunny Huang, Xander Noland, Lisa Jackson, Colton Matocha, Jenn Rosario, Kevin Anderson, Jamie Meeks, and special guests, who will all endeavor to finally use social media for something good. – Kat McNevinsSaturdays -
Music