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The written word is a form of rebellion for Black folx. Our earliest memories of being in this country were all tied to the oppressive act of making communication, particularly written communication, illegal. It is no wonder that we find our emancipation in expressing ourselves through the wordsounds our hearts and minds conjure up. The Vortex celebrates this history, celebrates the power in writing, speaking, signing, shouting one’s truth without fear of persecution. Three of the most profound and prolific poets of our generation take to the mic to elevate, enlighten, allow us to share in their joy, pain, the rapturous and oftentimes terrible wonder of existing as a Black human. Including the remarkable dynamism of poets Ebony Stewart, Akeem Olaj, and Shasparay, as well as the stylings of anyone brave enough to peel back the layers of their humanity for an attentive crowd. – Cy White

Hip-hip-hoorah for local body-inclusive fitness biz OutWellness, who’re opening a brick-and-mortar space. Joining the celebration will be musician Becca Jane, the whole OW team, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and their ribbon-cutting scissors, drag king Alexander the Great, and – oh yeah! An array of fabulous goodies from places like MaryJae, Feels So Good, and Little Drinks Lounge. Hear, hear! – James Scott

Lay back with a Vacancy brew – perhaps one of their this-month-only special releases of their classic June Hill pilsner – for a movie night featuring one of these queer classics: But I’m a Cheerleader (6/10), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (6/17), and Bottoms (6/24).

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

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

Art and … math? Not as improbable as it may seem, especially when seen through the veil of fantasy. And that’s exactly what artist/gallerist/therapist Deanna Miesch does. Compiling works inspired by 1800s mathematician Edwin A. Abbott’s imaginary world of Flatland (with touches of fellow mathematician Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, of course), Miesch presents reality with a fanciful twist. Her visuals show our world, blurred or tilted a little askew. It’s easy to see portals to another world in every line and angle. What dimensions will you discover? – Cat McCarrey

A delightful night of dance starts with an intro to authentic Argentine tango (no experience or partner needed) with Gustavo Simplis, and continues with two hours of social dancing with DJ G.

Got a sweet tooth for drag? Craving a little competition? Where better to satisfy both indulgences than at Lady Grackle’s competition drag show, the Grackle Games. Started in 2022, this is the fifth cycle of contestants to come through the fab factory: eager and talented drag performers who’ll go head to head in creative challenges before head judges Ritzy Bitz and Evah Destruction. This year’s contestants include Y’Vonne D’Amour, Owen Alimony, Yolanti Pussy, Stella Thrush, Sinful Purchase, Munster Mash, Prada Hill-Dlux, Munekita, Ms. Foxxy, MK Ultra, Miss Malibu Imported, Meonya Pussy, Lilith Azazel, Isis Crysis, and Gator Gorr.– James Scott

Kids already got a gift when school let out for summer. Now Austin’s favorite all-day cafe Kerbey Lane says it’s parents’ turn for a prezzie. All month, Monday-Friday, kids eat free after 4pm with the purchase of one adult meal. Pancakes, grilled cheese, crispy chicken tenders, all for the glorious cost of zero extra dollars. With those savings, you could spring for a bowl of Kerbey queso and go home a hero. – Kimberley Jones