Flight by Nothing Credit: Elina Carrasco

Jim Franklin Birthday Party 

Sunday 28, Empire Control Room

Illustrator/musician Jim Franklin celebrates his 82nd birthday with a free gathering at Empire Control Room. He’ll perform with Armadillo Groove Engine after a documentary showing. Donations will support Jim Franklin and the Austin Museum of Popular Culture (AusPop) for the expenses it accrued for the event.

The Last Dance 

Wednesday 31, Mercer Dancehall

In late October, Mercer Dancehall co-owner Nicholas Dotin announced the Driftwood music venue will close on New Year’s Eve after 12 years of business. Mercer Dancehall staple Bob Appel punctuates the venue with an NYE matinee. General admission entry is still available.

NYE w/ Flight by Nothing, more 

Wednesday 31, Regal Rooms

Regal Rooms hosts a New Year’s Eve party that’s also doubling as a celebration of the South Austin spot completing its second full year of operation. Pop-punkers Track Five start off the night before giving way to Valice, which released its latest track “Drive On” a couple weeks ago. Ascending indie band Flight by Nothing, which also celebrated its ninth anniversary as a group this month, guides the crowd into 2026 on the heels of catchy new single “Hypnotized.”

This article appears in December 19 • 2025.

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As the Chronicle's Club Listings Editor, Derek compiles a weekly list of music events occurring across town. The University of Texas alum also writes about hip-hop as a contributor to the Music section.