My sign for a thriving city? Robust graffiti culture. Nothing makes a city feel more sterile than blank walls. Thankfully, Austin excels with bursts of color in every corner of town, from spiky Smetz throw-ups to photorealistic Mez murals. Both of these artists will be rocking it at Emerge, a celebration of Austin street art. Hosted by poet laureate and genuine Austin arts elite Zell Miller III, Emerge will have spinning DJs and live art demos showing off what spray cans can do. – Cat McCarrey
