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If there’s ever any doubt that Austin isn’t still as weird as ever, all one has to do is wander into Pease Park on the last Saturday in April, and one will be sufficiently weirded out (in the best way possible, of course). Eeyore's Birthday Party drew thousands on Saturday for a full day of the city's most joyfully chaotic annual tradition. Dancers frolicked around drum circles deep into the afternoon, the costume contest was a spectacle (highlights included someone on stilts as "The Perfect Storm" and Eeyore herself hyping the crowd), kids and adults alike threw themselves into potato sack races, and even a Maypole ribbon dance. A real donkey named Eeyore made a somewhat controversial appearance (with folks alleging online that he was not being sufficiently protected from his adoring fans).
In city news, the City Council unanimously passed the TRUST Act, requiring city departments to publicly justify any new surveillance technology purchases at least four weeks in advance. Austinites cautiously approved the move; the ordinance only governs city purchases, leaving Texas DPS free to keep installing Flock license plate reader cameras throughout the city, which many see as an obvious workaround already in progress. Another interesting tidbit about Flock: Its cameras may also be scanning nearby phones' Bluetooth and WiFi signals alongside license plate reads, quietly linking vehicle data to individual devices.
In happier news, Austin seems to be in the middle of a quiet birding boom, with locals increasingly heading out at dawn to parks like Onion Creek in search of indigo buntings, painted buntings, pileated woodpeckers, and Baltimore orioles. Experienced birders are openly sharing hotspots and tips, photographers are posting stunning close-up shots that are pulling in newcomers, and interest in the early riser hobby is swelling!
What event would you actually show up for?
On the food beat, Lammes Candies, an Austin institution since 1884, is closing after 141 years. From the note on the door, the closure appears to stem from a few factors: the global cacao price crisis, a developer purchasing the property, and the broader displacement of old Austin culture by rising costs and chain businesses. The flagship on Airport Blvd and the Round Rock location are staying open a bit longer if you want to make one last visit. On a happier note, Counter Culture, the beloved vegan restaurant that closed in December 2022, is making a comeback. Owner Sue Davis launched a Kickstarter on April 20 that's already raised nearly $42,000 toward its $45,000 goal, with the new mid-century-style diner set to open mid-summer 2026 at 5812 Berkman Drive in Windsor Park.
There's also a wave of notable openings on the horizon worth keeping on your radar: The Butcher's Daughter is bringing its plant-forward all-day café concept to South Congress this spring, and Local Foods is taking over the former Chow space at 3800 N Lamar in late spring. Manor Road in particular is having a moment: the team behind Suerte and Este (Sam Hellman-Mass, Fermín Núñez, and Celia Pellegrini) is opening two new spots on the same stretch: Karaz, a Middle Eastern restaurant led by chef Alejandra Kuri at 2627 Manor Road, with wood-fired pita, hummus, and charcoal-grilled kebabs (expected in late 2026 or 2027); and a still-unnamed taqueria at 2002 Manor Road in the longtime Hoover's Cooking space, where Hoover Alexander is closing up shop on May 31 after 40 years.
Fewer oddball events than usual this week it seems, I think everyone is recovering from last week’s reefer madness and partying too hard with Eeyore. Nevertheless, there’s quite a few things I’m excited about, from an affordable chainmail workshop on Wednesday to Fleetwood Mac in the sky on Friday!
As is now the new format, don’t forget to click in to the web version of the email to see the full event list.
Monday, April 27th
Jurassic Park Trivia
7PM @ Punch Bowl Social, Domain, FREE!
Life, uh, finds a way… specifically to Punch Bowl Social for five rounds of Jurassic Park trivia. Costumes are explicitly welcomed, teams of 1–6, free to play, and all ages. Prizes. You know the drill.
Austin Public Library LAN Party (APLAN)
5PM – 7PM @ Yarborough Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd, FREE!
The Austin Public Library is hosting an old-school LAN party — bring your laptop, dust off your energy swords, and relive 2003. Free, open to all, held at an actual public library. This is Austin in a nutshell.
Beyond the Needle: Preventative Body Work for Tattooers + Skin Science for Tattooing
2PM - 4PM @ Sky Candy - $5
A rare double-header daytime workshop for the tattoo community: an LMT walks through at-home stretches and mobility exercises to keep your body working, followed by an esthetician breaking down skin science and aftercare ingredients. Goody bags and snacks included; probably the best $5 you'll spend all week.
BookPeople Presents: Jenny Lawson — How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay
6PM @ BookPeople, $34 🔥
Austin's beloved "Bloggess" Jenny Lawson launches her new book, and BookPeople always makes author events feel like a party. If you've ever ugly-cried laughing at Furiously Happy, you know this is a can't-miss. Tickets are $34 (includes book).
West African Dance Class with Mami Camara
7PM @ 2015 East Riverside Dr (Bldg 7), $25
Fast-paced traditional West African dance with live drumming from local percussionists — this is a full-body, community experience, not a fitness class with a world-music playlist. All levels welcome.
More interesting events on Monday @ WhatsGoodATX!
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Tuesday, Apr 28th
The Yoga Ride
6:30PM @ Doug Sahm Hill, FREE!
Meet at Doug Sahm Hill for a mellow ~5-mile no-drop bike ride ending with a free all-levels yoga class on the grass. Lakeside, low-stakes, and genuinely good for you.
SOUND+SLAY: A Multimedia Drag Tribute to Cocteau Twins
8:00PM (doors) @ 29th Street Ballroom, $13+
Dream pop meets drag in one of the more beautifully unhinged mashups Austin has conjured lately — SOUND+SLAY pairs Louisianna Purchase and crew performing against continuous custom projections synced to Cocteau Twins tracks. If ethereal shoegaze scored your adolescence, this is the tribute show you didn't know you needed.
Yann Martel: "Son of Nobody"
7:00PM @ First Baptist Church of Austin
The Life of Pi author is back with a Booker-worthy follow-up: a retelling of the Trojan War through an ancient soldier and a modern scholar; and Texas Book Festival is hosting him here in conversation with Bret Anthony Johnston. Book signing to follow.
More interesting events on Tuesday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Wednesday, Apr 29th
The People and Places Keeping Austin Weird
6:30PM – 8:30PM @ LBJ Library and Museum, FREE!
The LBJ Library hosts a conversation about Austin's rapidly evolving identity: has the city held onto what made it weird, or has relentless growth finally scraped off the patina? A timely, provocative public program that's probably more urgent now than it's ever been.
Free Concert: Pickin' & Sippin' — An Evening of Bluegrass
7:00PM @ Meanwhile Brewing, FREE!
A rotating house band of up to 45 players plus special guests and surprise sit-ins from Austin's finest bluegrass musicians — all free, all ages, with food trucks and the taproom open. RSVP is not required, but the outdoor stage is weather-dependent, so check in before you go.
To see 2 more picks for Wednesday, click here!
An Evening with David Sedaris
6:00PM doors @ Paramount Theatre, $53.75+
America's funniest memoirist reads new work, takes questions, and signs books: the full experience. If you've never seen Sedaris live, grab tickets now; if you have, you already know.
Heavy Metal Hardware: Chainmail Keychain Workshop
8:00PM @ the Tiny Minotaur Tavern - $35
Learn fundamental chainmail weave patterns and craft your own handmade keychain in this beginner-friendly workshop hosted by StudioKollisions. It's a relaxed, self-paced night with an available guide — billed as a great artsy girls' night, date night, or solo creative escape. Fantasy costumes purely optional; spots are limited and the last two sold out well in advance.
More interesting events on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Thursday, Apr 30th
BLOOM!
7 PM @ East Side Performing Arts - $30+
Ventana Ballet and Austin Camerata offer an up-close preview of their upcoming world-premiere ballet Flower Shop, performed literally feet away from the audience in East Austin's black-box theater. Act I spotlights repertoire favorites; Act II is a first look at new choreography set to an original score — and VIP tickets include a post-show reception with the composer. Three nights only; this one sells out.
Book Club Singles Mixer
5 – 8 PM @ Civil Goat Coffee, FREE!
Every Austin book club collides in this monthly mixer for literary-minded singles — bring any book you like, drop it in the box, rotate through tables to talk books (and maybe more) with fellow readers. Civil Goat, East 6th. Last Thursday of every month.
PowerPints APRIL @ RADIO/EAST
7:30 PM @ RADIO/EAST - Free
Eight presenters, five minutes each, any PowerPoint topic they choose — the original comedy show where "learn things" and "drink beer" are the entire premise. Past topics have ranged from obscure sports history to deeply personal confessionals. Audience participation makes or breaks every presenter.
Nerd Nite Austin 181: Drawing the Line
7:30 PM @ 1911 Aldrich St, FREE!
Austin's beloved monthly speaker series for nerds returns with an issue all about animation — the history, craft, and politics of where lines get drawn. Free, fast-paced, and reliably smarter than it sounds.
OUT OF INK 2026: Astronomical
8 PM @ 511 W 43rd St, FREE!
ScriptWorks' annual one-night-only festival of brand-new short plays gets a cosmic theme this year — "forgotten dreams collide with faces from history and the vast mysteries of the cosmos." All plays are written and rehearsed in 24 hours. Chaotic, brilliant, and resolutely Austin weird.
Line the Line Between Studio
9:30am - 11:30am @ Creative Collective ATX,$20
Designed for women founders who are overdue for a reset, this guided morning experience uses art therapy, collage, and mixed-media artmaking to help you pause, reflect, and reconnect — no art experience required. Expect evidence-based stress relief practices, honest conversation, and a calm, restorative start to your day alongside a room full of women who get it.
Movies on the Lake: Dazed and Confused
8 PM @ Mozart's Coffee Roasters, FREE! (RSVP suggested)
Dazed and Confused screening on Lake Austin — deck seating is free (RSVP before it sells out), or upgrade to paddleboard, tube, or donut boat rentals for a proper floating cinema experience. Live music and sunset views before showtime, themed drinks throughout. All ages.
Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Friday, May 1st
Taurus Zodiac Party w/ The Diamond Center, Floating Cube, Pipe
7:00 PM @ The Far Out Lounge & Stage, $12
The baddies of @masmusicrecords, @howdygalsatx, and @renowned.artists throw a full sensory Taurus celebration: neo-psych bands, tarot readings by @aaronstarot, a Taurus-themed cocktail, and an outdoor vendor market — because Tauruses love to shop. Bulls get half off (DM them for the code), and rideshares are strongly encouraged.
Origin Stories (Beerthoven Concert Series)
7:30 PM @ Esquina Tango - $25 online / $10 students at door
Duo-B (cello + violin) trace the lineage of Western music from Polish mazurkas through Brazilian choro to Villa-Lobos — and sponsors are providing free warm pastries, cold beer, and hand-foraged gins from Easy Tiger, Lazarus Brewing, and Wild Gins. Held at an East Austin Latin cultural center converted from a church. Kids welcome at student prices.
Kuya After Hours: A Late Night Sauna Social
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM @ Kuya, $41.50 (Free for Members)
Kuya opens its sauna, cold plunge, and community lounge for a free late-night social — no agenda other than connection, heat, and ice water. RSVP on Eventbrite and show up ready to sweat out the week.
Barks for Beers Kickoff at Blue Owl Brewing
12:00 PM–8:00 PM @ Blue Owl Brewing, FREE!
Kick off the Barks for Beers citywide charity crawl benefiting Divine Canines' therapy dog programs — spin the prize wheel, collect your Pawsport, grab $3 pints during Yappy Hour (12–6 PM), and catch a free comedy show at 8 PM. Full details on the event page; pup cups available for the four-legged attendees.
Gold Dust: A Fleetwood Mac Aerial Student Showcase
8:00 PM @ Marbridge (Manchaca) - ~$18
Students from Blue Lapis Light suspend themselves above the stage and soar through Fleetwood Mac's catalog — aerialists spinning and spiraling through silk and steel to "Gold Dust Woman," "The Chain," and beyond. Tickets on Eventbrite for a show that's genuinely not like anything else tonight.
Machuca: Sazón, Batería y Reguetón
9:00 PM @ Sahara Lounge
DJs All Day Ray, Chorizo Funk, and Helios bring the reggaetón anthems, Caribbean cumbia, and hard-hitting beats: plus live Bomba percussion. Sahara Lounge's calendar has the full details for this late-night Latin dance party that actually goes hard.
More amazingness on Friday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Saturday, Apr 25th
The Front Market Spring 2026
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM @ Distribution Hall, FREE!
One of Austin's largest and longest-running craft markets — 10 years and 150+ artists, amplifying women and LGBTQ+ creatives, rain or shine. Free admission, all ages, dogs welcome. East Austin outdoor market at its best, perfect Cinco de Mayo weekend Saturday browsing.
World Labyrinth Day Walk
1:00 PM @ 7815 Highway 290 W, FREE!
Every first Saturday of May, thousands of people worldwide walk labyrinths at 1:00 PM local time simultaneously — a rolling wave of peaceful intention circling the globe. Austin's version is out on 290 West. Quiet, intentional, and strange in the best possible way.
BLUE BALL — Weird City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Benefit Ball
8:00 PM @ Elysium, $16.30
The Weird City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence throw their annual Blue Ball, raising money for Project Transitions with live music from GUZZLR and VESTITE, drag performances by Brigitte Bandit, Gothess Jasmine, and more, and a vogue ballroom competition with four $500 CASH PRIZES on the line. Show up dressed and ready to compete. This is a full night of queer chaos for a good cause — doors 8pm, ball cap to the evening.
Miku Market — Rave. Drag. Market. Vocaloid Meetup. Costume Contest.
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM @ Ani's Day & Night, $10
An unofficial Hatsune Miku meetup that escalated beautifully into a full-blown rave with a vendor market, pop-up drag, and costume contest — all under one roof. $10 in advance, all ages, and DM @kinokino.lol to vend. If you love vocaloid or just want to witness what happens when anime energy meets East Austin nightlife, this is it.
50 Years of Rocky Horror in Austin: Live Shadowcast by O'Brien's Orchestra
10:30 PM @ Southwest Theaters Lake Creek, $15
Celebrating half a century of Austin's midnight Rocky Horror screenings, O'Brien's Orchestra performs a live shadowcast in front of the film. Participation encouraged, callbacks welcome, time warp mandatory. A genuine Austin tradition marking a hell of a milestone.
Strangelove — The Depeche Mode Experience
Doors 7:00 PM @ Paramount Theatre, $29+
Grammy-nominated tribute act Strangelove delivers a career-spanning Depeche Mode concert with costume changes, stage set pieces, and enough darkwave atmosphere to transport you to a 1988 arena. Martin Gore himself has said they "do it to such fine detail it's scary." Openers Mass Minor and Weird Wolves (local darkwave, electro-rock) round out a fully committed goth Saturday night.
Other cool stuff happening on Saturday @ WhatsGoodATX !
Sunday, May 3rd
SoCo Women's Chorus: SPACE
4:00 – 6:00 PM @ First Austin — $17+
Bowie's "Space Oddity," Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun," and Esenvalds' "Stars" reimagined as bold choral works alongside the story of NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson. Tickets are tiered and ASL-interpreted seating is available — a genuinely moving evening.
BookPeople: Star Wars Day – The Phantom May-nace
9:00 AM–9:00 PM @ BookPeople, FREE!
It's May 4th Eve, which means BookPeople is going full Star Wars all day long — cosplay encouraged, and this being BookPeople, expect the kind of nerd celebration that only an independent Austin institution can pull off.
AAPI Heritage Month Pop-Up Market
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ Meanwhile Brewing, FREE!
Meanwhile's beer garden hosts an all-AAPI vendor market in collaboration with Kaiju Cut & Sew in honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month — shop local makers, drink great beer, and catch the free concert by Latin funk band Único at 7 PM right after.
GRRRLS TO THE FRONT
7:00 PM @ Kick Butt Coffee, FREE!
Female Gallery, GRRRizzly (all the way from Olympia, WA), Snatchwitch, and Girl Dinner take over Kick Butt Coffee for a night of all-female punk fury — the band names alone are reason enough to show up.
Dancing with Mary Jane Burlesque Show
Doors 7 PM, Show 8 PM @ Kick Butt Coffee, $25+
Austin's Bat City Bombshells — the second-longest-running burlesque troupe in the city — throw a cannabis-themed spectacle with a cast of 12 performers ranging from scintillating to hilarious. Grab tickets while one VIP table remains.
More interesting events on Sunday @ WhatsGoodATX!
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