Calendar

weekend pass $50, day pass $30, student $25/$15

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos

Returning for a 4th year, Here Be Monsters (HBM) is a two-day exploration of Austin's most celebrated indie-classical artists and creators – all on one lineup. Experience an engaging, fast-moving program of 27 acts, 20 minutes each, & 10 world premieres over 2 nights at one of Austin’s most popular (and comfortable) live music venues, RADIO/EAST. Named one of KMFA’s Top 12 Events of 2023 and 2024, enjoy food, drinks, coffee, music, and friends – it’s a not-to-be-missed weekend of community! 512-461-2834

ChupacabraCon XII

Fri., May 29, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Sat., May 30, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sun., May 31, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

1001 E. McCarty Ln., San Marcos Beyond Austin

Varies

Family, Out of Town

Join us for three days of TableTop gaming fun! TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, Board Games, Vendors, Panels, Charity Auction, Special Events, and more! All are welcome. An adult must accompany all children under 13. Weekend and day passes available. Get tickets and register for games online at chupacabracon.com. 512/921-0264

Jerry Seinfeld

Fri., May 29, 7 & 9:30 p.m.

Bass Concert Hall

2350 Robert Dedman, Austin Campus

$84.00 - $540.00

Comedy

America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, comes to the Bass Concert Hall stage in Austin, Texas, to perform his newest stand-up routine on May 29, 2026. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. 512-471-2787

Big Ole Queer Market

Sat., June 6, 12-6 p.m. and Sun., June 7, 12-5 p.m.

Palmer Events Center

900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin South Congress and South First

Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All (Some) Species

10

Visual Arts, Community, Queer

We're Baaaack! and we brought our A-game! Shop Local Queer Artists Watch Amazing Drag Jam Out to Great Tunes Meet and Great the TX Roller Derby Play Games & Win Prizes (no purchase necessary to play) Indoors, All Ages (18 & under free) Palmer Events Center June 6th - 7th Learn more and buy tickets at BigOleQueerMarket.com

Tue., May 19

Terrazas Branch Library

1105 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin Lower East

Books

Did you know that the smallest bat is the bumblebee bat, which weighs less than a penny? Or that one of the largest bats is the flying fox, with a wingspan of roughly 5 feet? Did you know that bats are excellent swimmers, using their ears as oars? Or that in Borneo, there are woolly bats that live in carnivorous plants? All those facts come from Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation website. MTBC science specialist Melissa Donnelly brings her intense bat knowledge (along with Tuttle’s remarkable photos and research) to APL’s Terrazas Branch. She’ll prove there’s nothing to fear from these… 512/974-3625

Sarah Wang: New Skin

Tue., May 19

First Light Books

(missing address), Austin Greater Austin

Books

There’s plenty of zeitgeist-y topics peppering Barnard College’s Sarah Wang’s debut fiction novel, from parental estrangement to plastic surgery obsession. But just a story about bootleg beauty procedures gone wrong wouldn’t catch the eye of blurbist Maggie Nelson, who praises the book as a “truly original debut from a seriously intelligent writer.” There’s a lot under the surface of protagonist Linli Feng’s forced return home, with her mother Fanny suffering the consequences of black-market injectables right as the film crew for a plastic surgery reality competition show bust down the door – and none of what’s lurking beneath the skin…

The Bridges of Madison County

May 16-17 and 19

Multiple Locations

Time has exposed some jankiness to Clint Eastwood’s 1996 romance, based on the Robert James Waller mega bestseller; in particular, the framing device is corny and broadly acted. But its central concern is still a delicate fascination: the four-day-long love affair, told in flashback, between Meryl Streep’s Italian wife and mother, stranded in midcentury Iowa farm country, and Eastwood’s National Geographic photographer, passing through town on assignment. Their growing attraction is all the more sexy for being so unhurried, while the scenery – from the title’s scenic covered bridges to Clint wearing the hell out of a gray tee and… 512/861-7040

Tangerine

Tue., May 19

Violet Crown Cinema

434 W. Second, Austin Downtown

The worlds of Sean Baker’s films are both magical and harsh, populated by charmingly flawed characters who feel painfully real. Ten years before Anora – the film that propelled the auteur to a successful Oscar run – there was Tangerine. Notable for being shot using an iPhone, the film follows two sex workers navigating a lesser-seen side of Hollywood as they seek revenge on an unfaithful boyfriend. The screening is part of a monthly series from the brand-new 2nd Story Film Club. Stick around afterward for a discussion of the movie. – Joseph Gonzalez 512/495-9600

The Wasps

Tue., May 19

Hyperreal Film Club

301 Chicon, Austin Lower East

If you think that Greek plays were boring depictions of high tragedy and eloquent drama, Aristophanes’ The Wasps should set you straight. Yeah, in 422 BC the Greek playwright had ’em rolling in the aisles with a bawdy satire about a young man sick of his aging father taking a salary for working in the courts and doing nothing. Boobs, dongs, and slapstick abound in this locally made comedy directed by Jake Binstock and Parker Rouse that somehow re-creates ancient Athens in an Austin backyard. – Richard Whittaker

Run Austin Launch Week

May 12-19

Downtown Austin

Austin, Austin Beyond Austin

Sports

You know how Rome wasn’t built in a day? Well, your body probably wasn’t built to tackle a marathon, like, tomorrow. That’s what this launch week is for – to get you officially committing to to some of the city’s biggest running events (like the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K, and the Spurs Austin International Half) while simultaneously snagging steep discounts on early bird registration and earning a shot at loads of giveaways. All week, running groups will be open to newcomers. From early risers to beer enthusiasts to fleet-footed moms, you’re bound to find a group… 000-000-0000

Sorry to Bother You

May 16-20

Multiple Locations

First off, save movie theatres. Yeah, we can get large screens and fancy sound in our houses, but nothing compares to the collective thrill of experiencing a new story with a crowd. We do, actually, come to that place for magic. For me, experiencing Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You with a full theatre was magical. The premise alone – workers codeswitching in a call center, using their “white voice” to make more money – is interesting enough. But when that third-act twist happens? You want to be in a theatre. Trust me. Besides, this is a perfect chance to… 512/861-7030

Chungking Express

May 15-16 & 18-21

AFS Cinema

6406 N. I-35 Ste. 3100, Austin Midtown

Texas Festivals: Creating Community Through Celebration

Few capture lovesickness like the master, Wong Kar-wai. In his 1994 two-sided coin of cops tormented by their tendency toward infatuation, director Wong takes viewers on a tour of Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong – where the Chungking Mansions the title refers to reside. Heads: Officer He Zhi Wu (Takeshi Kaneshiro) eats nearly expired pineapples while mourning a breakup, the melancholy of which leads him into the path of a be-wigged drug smuggler (Brigitte Lin). Tails: The one and only Tony Leung plays Cop 663, who post-breakup gets caught in a break-in-based romantic tangle with the unpredictable employee of… 512/322-0145

Through Sept. 27

Bullock Texas State History Museum

1800 Congress, Austin Campus

Community

Everything, for the most part, is bigger in Texas – and that includes the community celebrations. Kicking off this Saturday, April 25, and running until late September is the Bob Bullock Museum’s tribute to the festivals of the Lone Star State. Showcasing 27 Texan fests, the exhibition’s three sections explores these festive affairs through iconic artifacts, a short documentary, and several interactive elements, from make-your-own gown trains to Mad Libs-style festival name making, and even a food truck-themed play area. With summer nipping at our spring heels, here’s a great way to soak in all the festival fun within the… 512/936-4629

American Modernism From the Charles Butt Collection: From Edward Hopper to Alma Thomas

Through August 2

The Blanton Museum of Art

200 E. MLK, Austin Campus

“Run the Code: Data-Driven Art Decoded”

Scenes of urban loneliness and pastoral stoicism, colorful snippets of joyous living, and form-defying illustrations of social structures are a few expressive artworks on display in this much-anticipated exhibit – to say nothing of the bright mosaic-inspired paintings of Alma Thomas and the enveloping nature depictions of Georgia O’Keeffe. On the collection’s first public tour, H-E-B heir Charles Butt shares over 80 works by America’s most prominent modernist artists. Enveloping cubism, abstraction, and landscape movements that captured imaginations from the late 19th century through the Seventies, these varied expressions of identity and experience distinguished an era of American art. –… 512/471-5482

Through August 2

The Blanton Museum of Art

200 E. MLK, Austin Campus

Interested in how contemporary artists are using algorithms and artificial intelligence to create original and interesting artworks? Check out Blanton’s “Run the Code" exhibit in collaboration with the Thoma Foundation featuring work from digital artists like Turkish artist Refik Anadol and Spanish artist Daniel Canogar. The exhibit explores the question of “What does it mean to create art in a world shaped by data?” and how algorithms can create interactive pieces of art. Blanton members can see an exclusive preview on March 7. – Valeria Cruz Butrón 512/471-5482

Patrick Puckett

Through May 31

Wally Workman Gallery

1202 W. Sixth, Austin Old West Austin

“Chasing Sun, Becoming Moss”

Bold, clear brushstrokes make the various settings of Mississippi-based artist Patrick Puckett’s latest work instantly familiar yet unique to each painting’s subject. A blond woman lounges on a subtly Southwestern-style area rug with overgrown houseplants matching her light green one-piece (Watermelon, oil on canvas); a shirtless young man stands among pianos and the clutter of a well-lived-in space (The Maestro, mixed media on paper); three fit people just out of the pool – or maybe on their way back in – with two of them wrapped in bright patterned towels that cut through a background of thick green leaves (The… 512/472-7428

Barks for Beers

May 1-31

Various Locations

Various Locations, Austin Greater Austin

Community

Woof, woof, and, might I add, bark, bark. Yes, it’s time for dog therapy services org Divine Canines to deliver their 12th annual fundraiser for the furry among us. Help support their work providing free therapy pooches to folks in need – they’ve got about 190 teams working at the moment – by snagging a Pawsport for $30. That little number ought to get you a free pour at any of the 30 participating breweries, almost all of which are hosting kickoff parties this Friday. Go on; there’ll be lots of tasty beers to drink and cute dogs to pet…

May 2-30

Connelly Martin Gallery

1406 W. Sixth St., Austin Old West Austin

Textile art is easy to get lost in. Renata Daina’s fabric work is no exception, woven squares and twisting ropes for viewers to immerse themselves in the coils and turns, in corners of joined threads and tufted squares. Daina’s new exhibit at Connelly Martin takes a distinctly earthy tone: sunsets woven in purple and yellow, and gray-green rectangles covered with strange, wormish tangles. It all beckons toward the harmony of our planet. Join the opening reception this Saturday for a special glimpse into Daina’s natural viewpoint. – Cat McCarrey 318/366-4615

“MARK”

Through July 1

Women & Their Work

1311 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin Lower East

Re-Entry Employment Specialist training

We’re flush with showcases for many formats here in artsy Austin, but in this latest group exhibition from Women & Their Work, the focus is on just one: drawing. Yes, every artist displayed in this show kicking off on Saturday, May 16, offers their take on the line-based technique from traditional to experimental. “Each piece,” writes W&TW, “exemplifies drawing as both practice and possibility.” Featured artists include Sonya Berg, Shannon Cannings, Mery Godigna Collet, Margaux Crump, Rosalyn Jewel Farney, Valerie Fowler, Christine Garvey, Hollis Hammonds, Megan Hildebrandt, Dan Jian, Heather L. Johnson, Jo Kim, Catherine MacMahon, Katie Maratta, Ami Mehta,… 512/477-1064

Tue., May 19, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Wed., May 20, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Thu., May 21, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

ACC Eastview Campus

3401 Webberville Rd, Austin East

Muse: Halfway to Halloween

$399 early bird special

Civics, Community

Austin’s reentry workforce has a new opportunity to level up. On‑Point Reentry Consortium is bringing the nationally acclaimed Reentry Employment Specialist (RES) Training to the Workforce Solutions Center, 3401 Webberville Road, May 19–21, and seats will go fast. This powerful Department of Justice and National Institute of Corrections curriculum has already certified more than 8,300 professionals across our county, surrounding regions, and states nationwide. If you work in reentry, workforce, probation/parole, nonprofits, or direct client support, this training is a game‑changer. There is a cost to attend. For registration and details, call Mary Moran at 512‑947‑0598 5129470598

Tue., May 19

Firehouse Lounge

605 Brazos, Austin Downtown

Queer

Spooky season’s only a few months away – and by a few, I mean five – so get a jump on the creeps at this Halloween-themed show. Lineup includes Justice, Evah Destruction, and hosts Embry Officially and Riotgirl. Plus vending by Purple Moss Vintage and Kitty Titties ATX. 512/201-2522

WINES OF SOUTH AFRICA TASTING EVENT

Tue., May 19, 6-9 p.m.

Wanderlust Wine Co.

702 Shady, Austin Greater Austin

$30.00

Food & Drink

Sip and savor the best wines from South Africa up close at the Wines of South Africa (WoSA) Tasting! 5126260371

David Grissom

Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Continues through May 26

Saxon Pub

1320 S. Lamar, Austin South Lamar and Barton Springs

Free (21+)

512/448-2552

Mitch Watkins Trio

Tue., May 19, 6 p.m.

Elephant Room

315 Congress, Austin Downtown

512/473-2279

Slim Bawb

Tue., May 19, 6 p.m.

Gruene Hall

1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels Beyond Austin

Free

830/606-1281

Brian Winfeld

Tue., May 19, 6 p.m.

Broken Spoke

3201 S. Lamar, Austin South Lamar and Barton Springs

512/442-6189

Graham Wilkinson

Tue., May 19, 6 p.m.

Hays City Store

8989 FM 150, Driftwood Beyond Austin

512/722-3905

Kevin McKinney

Tue., May 19, 6:30 p.m.

C-Boy's Heart & Soul

2008 S. Congress, Austin South Congress and South First

No cover (21+)

Carolyn Wonderland & Shelley King

512/215-0023

Tue., May 19, 6:30 p.m. and Tue., May 26, 6:30 p.m.

Continental Club

1315 S. Congress, Austin South Congress and South First

$10 cover (21+)

512/441-2444

Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

2015 E. Riverside, Austin South

888/512-7469

Sahara Quartet & Friends

Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

Aristocrat Lounge

6507 Burnet Rd., Austin Midtown

737/742-1894

Rick McRae

Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

Evangeline Cafe

8106 Brodie Ln., Austin South

Blues for Clifford w/ Derek O'Brien, Sarah Brown, Mike Buck, Kaz Kazanoff, & more

512/282-2586

Tue., May 19, 7 p.m.

Antone's Nightclub

305 E. Fifth, Austin Downtown

Exclusive event for Clifford Antone Foundation members.

512/814-0361

Danny Malone

Tue., May 19, 7-10 p.m.

Hyde Park Theatre

511 W. 43rd, Austin Midtown

$20

Last year, Danny Malone wrote 60 songs in three weeks. He described the burst of inspiration as “a long battle between my ego and my spirit—and the spirit finally started to win again.” He insists some of the songs aren’t good. Ha ha. But they are. Great, in fact—beautiful, intimate, and full of hope. Danny returns to the intimate Hyde Park Theatre for a rare three-night run, debuting tracks from his upcoming album, Into the Flowers. Charlie Roadman opens. 512/479-7529

The Gourds

Tue., May 19, 7 p.m. and Wed., May 20, 7 p.m.

Paramount Theatre

713 Congress, Austin Downtown

Get Tickets Get Tickets

Parker Jazz Club House Band (Duke Ellington tribute)

512/474-1221

Tue., May 19, 7:30 p.m.

Parker Jazz Club

117 W. Fourth Ste. 107-B, Austin Downtown