Calendar

Butterfly Bar at the Vortex

Visit the only bar in Texas with a dedicated ZZ Top Shrine, the Lightnin' Bar in Historic Downtown Elgin. This event features the songs of ZZ Top performed by Amplified Heat, a ZZ Top look-a-like contest ($100 Cash Prize), Hot Rod Invasion, plus Burger's by Benny's.

Barbie Dream Heist

Fridays, Saturdays, 10-11 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 13, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Continues through Sept. 12

2307 Manor Rd., Austin East

Pay What You Can

Arboretum Food and Artisan Market

Barbie knows that fashion is art, but Clos.IT has decided that it's AI's turn to determine how identities are represented to the world. Can Barbie and Barbie and Barbie and Barbie and Barbie and Ken stop Clos.IT's madness before the spring fashion show? 512/478-5282

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Continues through Feb. 27

Juliet Italian Kitchen

10000 Research Blvd., Building C, Austin North

Free

Community, Food & Drink

The Arboretum Food and Artisan Market is an outdoor market located at Great Hills Trail and Jollyville Road in the Arboretum area. Hosting over 60 popular food vendors and artisans, the market offers everything from gourmet foods, fresh veggies, local meats, eggs, and honey to apparel, handmade jewelry, art, home goods, and more. While many vendors are regulars, new vendors are welcomed regularly, keeping a fun and changing variety for shoppers every week. 10AM to 2PM every Saturday, rain or shine. Every Thursday, we post attending vendors to our website at www.arboretumfoodandartisanmarket.com 5127509315

The Triangle Food and Artisan Market

Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Triangle

4700 Guadalupe, Austin Midtown

Free

Community, Food & Drink

The Triangle Food and Artisan Market launches on September 13th in the heart of The Triangle, at the Triangle Commons Pocket Park. This market features 40 local vendors offering fresh and locally made gourmet foods and drinks. The market also hosts local artists offering one a kind painting, pottery, and other artistic mediums. Come help us celebrate Austin local businesses every Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Live music weekly from 12pm to 2pm! 5127509315

Kinder Connect: Kindergarten Tour at Redeemer School

Tuesdays, 9-10 a.m. Continues through Dec. 15

Redeemer School & Preschool

1500 W Anderson Lane, Austin North

Sapphic Pool Night at Slick Willie's

Free

Family, Learning

Kindergarten is a big step. Prospective families are invited to a relaxed Kinder Connect group tour of Redeemer School’s North Austin campus. Parents will peek into classrooms, meet a kindergarten teacher, and see how Redeemer gives children a strong start with room to grow—grounded in faith and community and filled with joy and confidence. Music, STEM, Art, P.E., and Spanish are included in tuition. Redeemer is a private Christian K–8 school that has served Austin families for more than 70 years and welcomes families from all backgrounds. Advance registration is requested. Questions? Email [email protected] or 512/362-6318. 512/362-6318

Thu., Sept. 17, 8-10 p.m.

Slick Willie's Family Pool Hall

8440 Burnet, Austin Midtown

Texas Women Songwriters Festival Sep. 18-20

Free

Queer, Community

Sapphic Weekly ATX is Austin’s rotating lesbian bar — a social club hosting weekly hangouts for sapphic, lesbian, and queer women at a different Austin venue every week. Rather than having one permanent location, Sapphic Weekly ATX brings Austin’s lesbian and queer women’s community together at bars, lounges, and other local spaces across the city. As a recurring lesbian event in Austin happening every single week, Sapphic Weekly ATX creates a consistent space for queer women of all backgrounds to meet new people, make friends, and find community. Website: sapphicweeklyatx.com Instagram: @sapphicweeklyatx Partiful: https://partiful.com/e/DAd4MUixsGpsWhCjc80m 512/451-4575

Fri., Sept. 18, 12:30-10 p.m., Sat., Sept. 19, 12:30-10 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lockhart, Texas

(missing address), Austin Greater Austin

Headliner tickets available.

Music, Out of Town

Join TWS Fest for a weekend of over 50 songwriters in multi-artist song-swaps, headliner shows, mariachi, and more spread across multiple amazing venues in walkable downtown Lockhart, TX. Headliners: BettySoo, Patrice Pike, Patricia Vonne, and Susan Gibson Keynote Speaker: Tish Hinojosa Here you can discover your new favorite Texas women songwriters while enjoying once-in-a-lifetime collaborations with the ones you already know and love.

Boeing Boeing

Fri., Sept. 18, 7:30-10:15 p.m., Sat., Sept. 19, 7:30-10:15 p.m., Sun., Sept. 20, 2-4:45 p.m., Thu., Sept. 24, 7:30-10:15 p.m., Fri., Sept. 25, 7:30-10:15 p.m., Sat., Sept. 26, 7:30-10:15 p.m., Sun., Sept. 27, 2-4:45 p.m., Thu., Oct. 1, 7:30-10:15 p.m., Fri., Oct. 2, 7:30-10:15 p.m., Sat., Oct. 3, 7:30-10:15 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 4, 2-4:45 p.m.

TexARTS

1110 S RR 620, Lakeway West Austin and Lakeway

$57.55+

Austin's #1 Live Late-night Show: Friendly Fire with Jo Ellis

This 1960s French farce adapted for the English-speaking stage features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has Italian, German and American fiancées, each a beautiful airline hostess with frequent “layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down, and one pending” – until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris, and Bernard’s apartment, at the same time. 512-852-9079

Sat., Sept. 19, 5-6:30 p.m.

The Creek & the Cave

611 E. Seventh, 611 E. Seventh, Austin Downtown

Austin Police Oversight Expo

15.00

Comedy, Theatre, Queer

Friendly Fire with Jo Ellis is Austin's #1 live late-night tv show. Featuring comedy headlines, standup, guest interviews, audience Q&A, and a live band, the show blends the energy of classic late-night television with the spontaneity of a live comedy club. Recorded before a live studio audience at The Creek and The Cave, Friendly Fire is a live experience unlike anything else in Austin comedy. Recorded before a live studio audience, Friendly Fire is a live experience unlike anything else in Austin comedy, where the audience becomes part of the show. Late-night isn't dead. It's Alive in Austin! (737) 222-0852

Sat., Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Austin City Hall

301 W. Second, Austin Downtown

Back To The Ranch: The LBJ BBQ Returns

Free

Civics, Learning, Family

Curious about Police Oversight in Austin? Come to the Austin Police Oversight Expo on Saturday, September 26, 2026  at Austin City Hall from 10AM – 2PM. Connect directly with APO staff to learn how the oversight process works, the latest on new projects and programs, and how you can take part in building trust, promoting transparency, and strengthening accountability within the Austin Police Department! Can't join APO in person? The Expo will be streaming live on ATXN starting at 10AM! 512/972-2676

Sat., Sept. 26, 6-10 p.m.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

1048 Park Road #49, Stonewall Beyond Austin

Austin Airport Marriott South

200

Community, Food & Drink

The Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park invite you to Back to the Ranch: The LBJ BBQ Returns, an unforgettable evening celebrating Texas history, Hill Country tradition, and community. Reviving the spirit of the legendary LBJ Ranch BBQs, this special fundraiser will feature live music, exceptional barbecue, dancing under the Texas stars, a silent auction, and exclusive updates on the future of the Texas White House. Most importantly, the event supports the ongoing preservation, education, and public programs of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and help preserve… 5126442624

Austin Steel Guitar Fest

Oct. 1-3, 10 a.m.-11:59 p.m.

4415 S. I-35, Austin South

Weekend, single day, and evening tickets available

TA SE DHIN TAK 2 DAY TABLA FESTIVAL

SteelRadio and the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame present the inaugural Austin Steel Guitar Fest! Thursday: Instructional Seminars and free Welcome Party with live steel guitar combos Friday/Saturday: - More than 50 performers on 2 stages, including members of the SGHOF and some of today's best touring steel players from Western Swing, Country, Hawaiian, Jazz, and Blues. - Hawaiian Kanikapila Jam Friday Night - Hall of Fame inductions Saturday: Junior Brown, Lucky Oceans and David "Feet" Rogers - Nashville Steel Guitar Social Club Jam Saturday Night - Honky Tonk Dance Saturday Night - Steel Guitar vendors, local Artisans and more 571/213-1424

Sat., Oct. 3, 3 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 4, 3 p.m.

Asian American Resource Center

8401 Cameron, Austin North

Texas Renaissance Festival

$125 Patron $70 General

Classical Music

TA SE DHIN TAK – A Tabla Festival Celebrating Guru–Shishya Parampara Presented by the School of Indian Percussion & Music (SIPM), it is a unique celebration of the timeless Indian classical tradition of Guru–Shishya Parampara—the sacred bond between teacher and disciple. This two-day tabla festival brings together some of the most respected maestros of Indian percussion along with their accomplished disciples, showcasing the continuity, depth, and beauty of this living tradition through inspiring performances and musical dialogue. Featured Artists Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri & Shri Nilan Chaudhuri Pt. Anindo Chatterjee & Shri Anubrata Chatterjee Pt. Gourisankar & Shri Rishi Prasad 512/738-0272

Saturdays, Sundays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Continues through Nov. 29

Texas Renaissance Festival

21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission Beyond Austin

Out of Town, Food & Drink

$18 - $45

The Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed event. Established in 1974, the event attracts more than half a million visitors annually to its 70-acre recreation of a 16th-century European village one hour north of Houston. The festival is a celebration of food, fun, and artisan markets ensconced in immersive Renaissance-era magic. The 2026 season takes place over eight themed weekends from Oct. 10 through Nov. 29, including Thanksgiving Friday. 281-356-2178

Austin Film Festival

Thu., Oct. 29, Fri., Oct. 30, Sat., Oct. 31, Sun., Nov. 1, Mon., Nov. 2, Tue., Nov. 3, Wed., Nov. 4 and Thu., Nov. 5

Various Locations

Various Locations, Austin Greater Austin

Free Legal Clinic: Write Your Will

Film Passes are only $80

Film

Entering its 33rd year, Austin Film Festival spans over eight days, screening more than 150 films, putting attendees among the first to experience the year’s most anticipated releases. AFF also hosts the industry's premier Writers Conference during the first four days, where badge holders engage with leading creatives, executives, producers, and agents, and join a network of fellow storytellers to learn, share, and connect. Beyond panels and screenings, AFF curates vibrant parties and intimate networking events. It is a hallmark of the local creative scene, serving as an iconic, unmissable Austin experience. 512/478-4795

Sat., Sept. 12

Ruiz Branch Library

1600 Grove, Austin South

According to Pew Research Center, only about a third of us have created a will. But as anyone who’s lost a close family member can attest, having one makes dealing with the loss much easier. Many people who don’t have a will just haven’t gotten around to it yet, so why not get around to it with some professional help? Law students under the supervision of licensed attorneys will be on hand to help with the process, so you can rest assured that your property and children are protected. And the best part? It’s free! – Kat McNevins 512/974-7400

Somos Latinitas

Sat., Sept. 12

Austin PBS

6101 Highland Campus Dr., Bldg. 3000, 6101 Highland Campus Dr., Bldg. 3000, Austin Midtown

Nonprofit coding and career org Latinitas helps kick off this Hispanic Heritage Month with our local PBS station with a night celebrating Latin creativity and culture. Done in partnership with department store JCPenney, this evening offers not only live music and performances but also a first look at JCP’s new Hope & Wonder Collection, which they call “a vibrant tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Latino communities.” There’ll also be refreshments and stories from Lantinitas’ students and their families. – James Scott 737/707-3370

Pecan Street Festival

Sept. 12-13

Hill Country Galleria

12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave West Austin and Lakeway

Lives Remembered: Black History in Pease Park

You’re not going nutty; the Pecan Street Fest has moved to Bee Cave, but there’s still tons of live music, vendors, and delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy. 512/263-0001

Sat., Sept. 12

Pease Park

1100 Kingsbury, Austin Old West Austin

Second Saturdays Are for Families

Today we know Pease Park as an oasis in the heart of the city, a great place to gather for things like Eeyore’s Birthday Party or take a peaceful stroll along Shoal Creek. But it holds important history, as does much of the Clarksville area of town. Former Texas Gov. E.M. Pease gave the park to the city in 1875, and he was a progressive individual and supported the Union during the Civil War, but research determined that at least 37 people were enslaved by the Pease family. Learn about these individuals on a special morning walking tour taking guests… 512/842-9018

Sat., Sept. 12

The Contemporary Austin — Laguna Gloria

3809 W. 35th, Austin Old West Austin

Visual Arts, Family

What? Who? Huh? These are all things you might gasp out at this month’s puzzling edition of the Contemporary Laguna Gloria all-ages affair, which highlights the somewhat unknowable nature of art itself. Just as the art displayed around the gorgeous grounds often inspires intrigue – event copy points specifically to Ai Weiwei’s Iron Tree Trunk – so too will the magical mischief of guest artist Bonzo Crunch. The stage name of local entertainer Rik Gern offers lessons on making thaumatropes, an optical illusion based toy from the 1800s, as well as magical wisdom gleaned from his time at Ringling Brothers’… 512/458-8191

Flower Shop

Sept. 10-19

East Side Performing Arts (ESPA)

979 Springdale Rd, Austin East

Dance

From contemporary dance company Ventana Ballet in collaboration with classical ensemble Austin Camerata comes the world premiere of an intimate and compelling show that puts the audience right up against the action. With a stirring original piano quartet by the aptly named Michael Alec Rose, Ventana dancers tell a story that starts in a flower shop with a secret red door, “where the flowers aren’t quite what they seem,” and goes to an unexpected place. At this immersive show, they say you’ll be able to hear the breath and feel the movement of the dancers – may as well wear… 51263012351

Barbie Dream Heist

Sept. 4-13

Butterfly Bar at the Vortex

2307 Manor Rd., Austin East

From the folks who brought you Lovecraftian LARPing just last month comes something fantastic and plastic. Go party with Barbie, Barbie, Barbie, Barbie, Barbie, and their beloved Ken as they attempt to put on the best fashion show ever – but wait! Who’s that poisoning the dream house’s fun but modern times’ most evil menace: an AI app! With producing theatre company La Fenice promising “non-Euclidean spaces, nonsense, Jazz,” come jump into this glamorous galavant through Barbie’s world running until Sept. 13. – James Scott 512/478-5282

Levitation 2026

Sat., Sept. 12

Various Locations

Various Locations, Austin Greater Austin

In its journey from Psych Fest in 2008 to what they’re now calling “Lev 2026,” the Levitation music festival has taken many forms but maintains their vision “to be a hub for the psych rock scene” even while expanding to include “all manner of independent and underground music.” See stellar shows, pick up some killer vinyl, and take in psychedelic visuals all weekend at main hub Far Out Lounge, with other shows happening at clubs on Red River, near campus, and on East Sixth. – Kat McNevins

And She Was Loved

Sept. 3-12

Hyde Park Theatre

511 W. 43rd, Austin Midtown

Puppet Show with Small Wonders Entertainment

Zell Miller III is in a season of new beginnings, it seems. After being designated as the city’s first poet laureate last year, he’s presenting the inaugural production from his new theatre company, Black Rose Theater ATX. With the name of the company inspired by his late mother Vernell Miller’s tattoo, and the play being a tribute to her and his “theatrical mom” and mentor Laurie Carlos, these new beginnings are also a look back at what brought them to be. Blending Peter Pan mythology with hip-hop and movement, award-winning tap dancer Siobhan Alexis stars alongside Miller and his daughter… 512/479-7529

Texas VegFest

Sat., Sept. 12

Fiesta Gardens

2101 Jesse E. Segovia, Austin Lower East

Food & Drink

Rescheduled from April, this annual free foodie event celebrates a plant-based lifestyle with delicious vegan noms, cooking demos, informative talks, youth activities, and more. 512/480-8318

Toon Time

Sat., Sept. 12

We Luv Video

100 E. North Loop, Austin Midtown

Film

Earlier this year, I was hanging out at a friend’s apartment when the host threw on Fleischer’s Betty Boop shorts as background filler. Pretty soon, conversation stopped because we were all chortling at the quick and clever cartoon antics. Animation often thrives in short form, which is probably why WLV’s monthly animated series focuses on the bite-sized this time. Bring a friend, your family, and plenty of snacks as you tune in and toon out with classic cartoon capers. Blankets and pillows available on-site. – James Scott

Sat., Sept. 12

Pease Park

1100 Kingsbury, Austin Old West Austin

Did your kids just rack up a few months’ worth of screen time while y’all hid from the summer sun? What better way to heal your relationship with Mother Nature than an outdoor puppet show! Joan Klasson of Small Wonders Entertainment returns to Pease Park with a free, all-ages performance (including singing and dancing). To quote Jackson, age 6: “Awesome!” Bring a blanket; the show begins at 10am. Registration recommended. – Charlie Sharpe 512/842-9018

CABAM! Con 2026

Sat., Sept. 12

Central Library

710 W. Cesar Chavez, Austin Downtown

Butler Performance Center

Listen: Con culture’s gone crazy in the last decade or so. Now mostly a preview place for the next sci-fi/fantasy show/movie/activation the major studios will torture us all with, the fan-made spirit has been lost in the Sarlacc pit of crap-italism. That’s why supporting smaller community cons like this Austin Public Library production is the way to go for the discerning nerd. Here at CABAM (Comics, Anime, Books, Art, Movies), entry’s free and the activities don’t require a Disney+ subscription. There’ll be cosplay swaps and showcases, local comic & book seller stations, a quick-draw photo booth, anime dubbing experimentation, trivia… 512/974-7400

Verdict of Love

Sept. 11 - 12

5811 Trade Center Dr. Bldg. 1, Austin North

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

This must’ve been what it was like to live in 1700s Vienna, when Mozart was pumping out new operas in between writing passive aggressive letters to his dad. Thankfully, the artists behind Austin Shakespeare’s new work-in-progress are leading slightly less stressful lives than the late composer, and so you can enjoy with little guilt this opera based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Marble Faun. With music & lyrics by Jeff Britting, libretto and direction by Ann Ciccolella, and musical direction by Vakhtang Zaalishvili, this romantic story follows three American artists in Rome who become entranced by an Italian artist magicking a…

¡Viva México!

Sat., Sept. 12

600 River St., Austin Downtown

No need to wait until Sept. 16 to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. The newly reopened MACC’s 19th annual celebration brings an evening of music, dance, and Mexican tradition to the shores of Lady Bird Lake. Danza Azteca Guadalupana, Ballet Folklórico de Austin, Latin Breed, La Sonora Hechicera, lotería, food trucks, and more offer a feast for the senses. Mexican Consul General Humberto Hernández Haddad leads the traditional Grito de Independencia, followed by mariachi and a folklórico grand finale. – Erika González 512/974-3772

MotoAmerica

Sept. 11-13

Circuit of the Americas

9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin South

Sports

Take a walk on the two-wheeled side of sport racing with the Texas track of MotoAmerica’s Superbikes series. Cyclists competing in categories including Quad Lock Superbike, Supersport, Talent Cup, Mission King of the Baggers, and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship will run their qualifying laps on Friday, with the big races happening Saturday and Sunday. Need more to get your family in gear? Kids under 12 get in free with a paying adult, and once you’re in, there’s a kids zone offering free carnival games and a stunt show. – James Scott 512/301-6600

Levitation 2026

Sat., Sept. 12 and Sun., Sept. 13

Various Locations

Various Locations, Austin Greater Austin

Holiday Inn Austin Midtown

In sound and setting, change is the word for this psychedelic-rooted music festival. Back to a multi-venue format following an ACL-style tryout at the Palmer Events Center in 2025, Levitation sets its main camp at the Far Out Lounge – Bikini Kill, Die Spitz, Gibby Haynes, Molchat Doma, Peter Hook, Sleep, and more perform at the South Austin stage across four days – while also returning to the Red River Cultural District for individually ticketed performances by punk experimentalists the Garden, costumed prog rockers Angine de Poitrine, indigenous trance duo Los Thuthanaka, indie-pop darling Arlo Parks, and more. A music-loving…

Trees Lounge

Sept. 6, 12 and 13

AFS Cinema

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

Film

In 1996 a college friend insisted I see Trees Lounge because it was largely filmed in her hometown of Valley Stream, New York. Turns out both she and the movie’s star/director/writer Steve Buscemi were raised in that Long Island burg. The tale of a self-sabotaging drunk features a who’s-who of NYC actors including Chloë Sevigny, Elizabeth Bracco, Debi Mazar, and more. If Nineties independent cinema is your vibe, you can’t do much better than early Buscemi – who’ll be in attendance for the Sept. 13 screening for a moderated chat with Richard Linklater. – James Renovitch 512/322-0145

ArmadilloCon 2026

Sept. 11-13

6000 Middle Fiskville, Austin Midtown

Books

One of the longest-running science fiction and fantasy conventions in the nation continues to look into the future. This year Micaiah Johnson is the Writer Guest of Honor, and will be discussing her meteoric rise in genre fiction since the publication of The Space Between Worlds, following in the footsteps of giants of the genre like Howard Waldrop, Neal Barrett Jr., and Bruce Sterling, who returns this year at Cyberpunk Guest of Honor. In total, more than 100 events are planned for the three-day event, including panel discussions, parties, signings, readings, maker sessions, a writer workshop, and an art show… 512/451-5757

Sam Baker & Rodney Crowell

Sat., Sept. 12, 6 p.m.

Saxon Pub

1320 S. Lamar, Austin South Lamar and Barton Springs

Pink Breath of Heaven, the Dead Canyon Family Reunion

Sam Baker and Rodney Crowell teamed up in 2024 to create Win Win, an evocative album of story songs that unfold in spoken-word tales and Baker’s halting and arresting songwriting. Now the Texas iconoclasts re-pair for a follow-up with the upcoming release of Survivor, which pulls some of Baker’s best songs from his catalog filled with a poetry that casts the world in a half-light of harsh beauty and tender mercy. Crowell and Baker rework the tunes into a trio arrangement, adding new textures to Baker’s original sparsely strummed compositions from his revelatory early albums like mercy and pretty world… 512/448-2552

Sat., Sept. 12, 7 p.m.

Hotel Vegas

1502 E. Sixth, Austin Lower East

Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter, Panic Shack

Buzzing with mystic distortion and atmospheric melody, San Francisco rockers Pink Breath of Heaven transmit guitar-forward psychedelia on a distinctly Western frequency. Scented with mountain breezes and blooming with rugged coastal imagery, the romance-hued strumming and introspective lyricism on the duo’s fresh release Colors Make a Sound are made to immerse you in their shimmering universe of reverb and reflection. With a big-skied sound and Seventies-inspired jangle, Dead Canyon Family Reunion, recent additions to Austin’s own cowboy-inflected psych-rock canon, make for a fittingly fuzzy opener. – Caroline Drew 512/524-1584

Sat., Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Emo's

2015 E. Riverside, Austin South