Home Events

for Fri., May 10
  • Affordable Art Fair Austin

    Affordable Art Fair Austin will launch in May 2024, showcasing original contemporary artworks ranging between $100 to $10,000. Welcoming a whole host of local, national and international exhibitors, their spectacular first edition is set to be unmissable!
    May 16-19  
    Palmer Events Center
Recommended
  • Music

    Optic Sink, Guiding Light, Borzoi, Wet Dip

    Unlike the gristly noise of hometown rioters Borzoi, Memphis-based Optic Sink takes its post-punk lilt in a different direction. Fizzing synths and dynamic basslines build the New Wave soundscape of the threepiece’s 2023 LP Glass Blocks, with vocalist Natalie Hoffmann’s loose drone meandering around. Its gothic electricity contrasts the frontwoman’s more traditional punk outfit NOTS and similarly cuts a sharp synthetic line through Borzoi’s harsh fuzz. No Wave screechers Wet Dip and spacey post-rockers Guiding Light open, a quadruple-billing of unfaltering buzz without concern for stiff genre classifications.– Laiken Neumann
    Fri., May 10, 9pm  
    • Arts

      Theatre

      MoonFall

      Listen, I’d love to be a saucy wench at a ren faire, but I’m too intimidated to trek to Sherwood Forest Faire. Luckily, I can get a taste of that fantasy at MoonFall. It’s an interactive collaboration between Red Nightfall Dance Theatre, Density512’s chamber orchestra, and artist Yuliya Lanina – and don’t worry, you can opt out of any audience participation. Pre-show activities let you set the magic in action through spells and apprenticeships that alter the course of the dance. LARP your heart out while enjoying an artistic environment like no other. – Cat McCarrey
      May 10-11 & May 16-18
    • Arts

      Theatre

      Aurora

      From across the stars comes a tale of familial bonds, cosmic wonder, and donuts. Austin’s own DIY theatre Bottle Alley Theatre Company presents Aurora, written by Chris Fontanes, directed by Trace Turner, and featuring the acting talents of Rosemary McGraw, Cassandra DeFreitas, and Bonnie Lambert. This “transcendent theatrical experience” follows the titular Aurora as she celebrates her 30th birthday by attempting to trek back to her home planet – with inspiration taken from the real 1897 UFO crash in Aurora, Texas. Grab your ticket to this celestial journey, and consider adding on the $20 concessions package: a themed cocktail/mocktail, one Lunchable (pizza or ham & cheddar), and one jelly donut cupcake (GF options available). – James Scott
      Fri.-Sun., May 10-12 & May 17-19
      Paper Plate Gallery, 3601 McNeil Dr. House/Unit A
    • Arts

      Visual Arts

      “New Worlds” Opening

      Recspec Gallery is dedicated to new voices, and the latest exhibit presents an array of vivid “New Worlds” from over 20 artists. Prepare for bold color and even bolder statements: Ryan Sandison Montgomery has a Taylor Swift-inspired work that’s guaranteed to cause a stir. Peruse the possibilities with drinks from Central Machine Works. Creativity and craft beer – what could be better? – Cat McCarrey
      Opening reception: Fri. May 10; additional hours, Sat. May 11 & Sun. May 18
    • Arts

      Dance

      Ballet Austin’s The Sleeping Beauty

      If you love twisted fairy tales half as much as Ballet Austin’s Artistic Director Stephen Mills does, then you’ve got to check out their version of fables, from the titular sleeping princess to Red Riding Hood and beyond. It’s Tchaikovsky’s lesser-known but not lesser-written ballet. Combine his score with the lush costumes, scenery, and virtuoustic choreography guaranteed by a Ballet Austin production – it’s sure to be a feast for the ears and eyes. – Cat McCarrey
      Fri.-Sun., May 10-12
    • Arts

      Theatre

      Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars

      Win your child’s love through any ice means necessary. That’s right: Disney brings out the big skates for a magical musical experience featuring performances by all the kiddos’ favorites. Does that mean Mickey? Yes, and also Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Daisy, and two little-known royals named Anna and Elsa – plus many, many more characters that’ll make everyone’s faces light up in wonder. Gonna miss this school-night soiree? No worries: These icecapades run through May 12. – James Scott
      Through May 12
    • Community

      Out of Town

      Elgin Music Festival

      Central Austinites may not be aware of the treasure just to the east, past Manor a ways. Elgin is known as the Sausage Capital of Texas and the Brick Capital of the Southwest – in fact, the Chronicle’s old office building was once the home of Elgin-Butler Brick Co. On this long weekend, take a short drive to discover Elgin’s charms through art demos and exhibits, vendor markets, and live music performances at a dozen venues, all presented by the Elgin Arts Association. Get the full schedule online, but there’s so much on offer that you honestly can’t go wrong any day you decide to visit the free festival, centered around the walkable downtown area. – Kat McNevins
      May 9-12
      Downtown Elgin
    • Qmmunity

      Nightlife & Parties

      Gear Bomb

      Everyone’s favorite anti-corporate Pride event needs funds to keep the party going, so Queerbomb’s raising those dollars via this kink- and queer-positive party. Get your butt in gear – straps, harnesses, jockstraps, etc. – and dance the night away to DJ Jose’s beats. There’ll also be a raffle featuring fab-o prizes, and a gaggle of gorgeous go-go dancers. “Join us at Gearbomb,” the event copy beckons, “and let’s ignite the flames of pride together!” – James Scott
      Fri., May 10
    • Community

      Events

      Moms and Mimosas

      Nothing goes together like alcohol and axes. This Mother’s Day weekend, a ticket to Urban Axes comes with a mimosa and one-on-one coaching lesson. Celebrate Mom by throwing axes and drinking glasses. Urban Axes provides your first drink – after that, it’s BYOB. The social throwing event allows for up to six throwers aged 12 and up. If your party is less than six, you may share a throwing booth with other moms and families. – Madeline Duncan
      Fri., May 10
    • Arts

      Comedy

      Woke Cowboy

      Okay, I’m confused: Mr. Jerry Seinfeld said no one can tell jokes anymore because of the woke radical left, but I definitely spy several extremely funny people telling jokes on this comedy show’s lineup. Maybe he’s had too many cars in his coffee. Defy those who claim comedy is canceled by enjoying diverse, hilarious, and – YES, IT’S TRUE – woke standup by local talents like Ngozi Ukazu, Greg Phelps, Howard Hall, Jose Da’Hype, Sarah Spear, Chris Bryant, and Evan Rabalais. – James Scott
      Fri., May 10
    All Events

Information is power. Support the free press, so we can support Austin.   Support the Chronicle