Week of April 6th

Medicinal Herb Gardening Workshop

6:00 PM - 7:45 PM @ Windsor Park Branch Library, FREE!

Dig into ancient wisdom and modern practice with Shaman Jesus and Cultivation Coach Austin Davenport as they teach you how to grow and use medicinal herbs for wellness. This hands-on adult workshop is perfect for anyone looking to connect more deeply with the land, and early birds might even snag some herbal goodies.

To Screen or Not to Screen: Chimes at Midnight

Sundown @ Sekrit Theater - $5

Head over to the legendary Sekrit Theater for an outdoor screening of Shakespeare’s Chimes at Midnight to support the relocation fund for The Baron’s Men repertory theatre. Entry is just $5 per person or $10 per family for this unique cinematic experience in one of Austin's most atmospheric hidden gems.

Blue Monday Blues Jam

7:17 PM - 10:00 PM @ Kenny Dorham's Backyard - $5 – $10 Donation

Experience a 25-year East Austin tradition at this family-friendly, BYOB venue where legends and newcomers share the stage for sonic magic under the stars. This event honors jazz legend Kenny Dorham and features excellent local food trucks, making it a perfect slice of authentic Austin culture.

Mahjong Nights at Group Therapy

6:00 PM @ Hotel ZaZa Austin, $25.09

Gather your crew at Hotel ZaZa for a stylish evening of Mahjong with The Mahjong House that caters to both pros and total beginners. It’s a great opportunity to engage in some friendly competition and social connection in a beautifully therapeutic, upscale atmosphere.

One Page Salon

7:30PM @ Radio Coffee & Beer, FREE!

Called "the best literary event in town" by the Statesman, this monthly reading series by the Writer's League of Texas puts five writers onstage to read exactly one page each: from works in progress, which means you're hearing original material before anyone else. It's the right length, the right venue, and consistently one of the most genuinely Austin things you can do on a Tuesday night.

Palette Knife Cake Decorating

6:00PM @ 9070 Research Blvd, $69

Unleash your inner artist at this unique workshop where you'll learn to create "edible art" using palette knives and buttercream. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and sweets for anyone looking to try something unconventional in the kitchen. All materials are provided, making it an easy way to pick up a new, impressive skill.

The LAST Conscious Intimacy Games in Austin, TX!

6:00PM @ 1909 Winter Park Rd, $33

The premise: what if you could get your needs for intimacy and connection met without taking your clothes off or doing something you later regret? This is the final installment of this participatory series in Austin for the season. A structured set of games designed to foster genuine human connection. Weird, earnest, and not something you'll find on a standard Tuesday night anywhere else.

The Great AI Debate

6:15PM–7:45PM @ ACC Rio Grande, Center for Government & Civic Service, FREE!

Not a panel; a mock debate, structured as a competitive format, with Austin tech and policy leaders arguing AGI timelines, enterprise AI ROI, and the "Governance Paradox" (innovation speed vs. ethical safety). Speakers include an ML head from iVerify, the former CTO of data.world, and the author of the 500K-selling AI book The Fourth Age. Followed by a networking reception. Given the moment we're in, this one's genuinely interesting.

UMLAUF After Dark: Sounds of Spring

7:00PM–9:00PM @ UMLAUF, $12 | Free for members

Wander through outdoor sculpture after dark while live performances shift from harp to gong to singing bowls; one per hour, each more atmospheric than the last. Local vendors, a complimentary specialty cocktail, and food from The King's Butler and Butlerette make this a full evening in one of Austin's most quietly magical spaces.

Thought Experiments on Patios #1

6:30pm - 8pm @ Cosmic Pickle, FREE!

Skip the small talk and dive straight into the good stuff. This laid-back philosophy meetup brings strangers together for three rotating rounds of thought experiments; short, provocative scenarios designed to spark real conversation. No expertise required, just curiosity and an open mind.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: SECRET CELLULOID MYSTERY MOVIE

9:30 PM @ Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - South Lamar, $15.35

Embrace the ultimate Austin tradition with this secret screening of a mystery movie shown entirely on 35mm film. Expect the unexpected with forgotten genre gems that capture the true "Keep Austin Weird" spirit. It's a late-night journey into the depths of cult cinema history.

Art you Cart! Make a Flower Crown!

7:30 PM @ 3106 Industrial Terrace - Free

Get ready for Flipside by joining this interactive workshop to deck out your art cart or your own head. They provide the flowers, ribbons, and hot glue galore for all your crown-making needs. It’s a community-driven creative session that perfectly embodies the DIY spirit of Austin’s alternative art scene.

Coffee Happy Hour

6:30 PM @ Cosmic Saltillo, FREE!

Join this alcohol-free happy hour designed for the LGBTQ community and anyone looking for a sober social space. Whether you're in recovery or just want a caffeine boost, it's a great opportunity to socialize over coffee. The outdoor vibes at Cosmic Saltillo provide the perfect backdrop for meaningful midweek connections.

Spring Ghost Paint & Sip

7:00 PM @ Oddwood Brewing - $35

Get spooky this spring with a guided painting session where you’ll create your own ghost-themed masterpiece. Your ticket includes all materials and professional instruction while you enjoy craft brews from Oddwood. It’s a creative alternative to the standard bar night, blending art with a festive brewery atmosphere.

April ATXM Night Shift Monthly Music Industry Mixer

7:00 PM @ 6912 Shirley Ave, FREE!

Networking meets community at Austin’s longest-running music industry mixer. Featuring an open mic and chill vibes, it’s the place for musicians and industry professionals to connect and foster new collaborations. If you're looking to dive into the local music scene, this monthly gathering is an essential stop.

Canopy Art Crawl: Inside the Studios

6:30–8:00 PM @ Canopy (916 Springdale Rd.), $5

Get rare access to working artist studios at Canopy in East Austin for an intimate crawl featuring Rohitash Rao, Maud and Moon, Naxieli Gomez, Kevin Muñoz, Yasmin Youssef, and Lys Santamaria of Almost Real Things Gallery. For $5 you get genuine behind-the-scenes conversations with artists in the spaces where they actually make things.

Master Pancake Theater: Twister

6:00PM (doors) @ Paramount and Stateside Theatres, $25

Join Jeopardy! champion John Erler and a team of hilarious comedians as they live-roast the classic film Twister. This interactive movie-mocking experience features "Variety's Top 10 Comics to Watch" Vanessa Gonzalez and voice-actor Mike MacRae. It's a quintessential Austin tradition of turning cinematic "masterpieces" into comedy gold.

Art in the Park Festival 2026 - 30th Anniversary

9:00 AM–2:00 PM @ Fiesta Gardens, FREE!

This rain-or-shine festival at Fiesta Gardens has been bringing interactive art to children and adults with disabilities for three decades, and the 30th anniversary promises to be extra special. Local artists volunteer their time for hands-on demos, make-and-take crafts, and live performances. It's one of Austin's genuinely community-first events, free and open to the public (donations appreciated).

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH FRED FRITH

7:00 PM @ The Rosette Theatre, $45

Marc Ribot once said seeing Fred Frith improvise solo is "one of the wonders of the world," and Nothing Is Sacred is bringing the legendary experimental guitarist back to Austin for his first Texas show since 2014. It’s the only one he's playing in the state this year. Frith co-founded the proto-punk art collective Henry Cow in 1968 and has since collaborated with everyone from Laurie Anderson and John Zorn to Swans and The Residents; what comes out of his guitar on any given night has literally never existed before and never will again.

Off Book - The Improvised Musical

6:00 PM @ Paramount and Stateside Theatres, $48

Watch master improvisers Jessica McKenna and Zach Reino create a full-length musical on the spot without any preparationKnown for their work on Rick and Morty and Baking It, the duo brings high-energy comedy and spontaneous songs to the stage. It’s a hilarious, one-night-only performance that will never be repeated.

Useful Plants Walk Around Lady Bird Lake

7:00–9:00 PM @ Buzz Mill, $44.52

Spring is peak season for Central Texas plant identification, and this guided walk teaches you to actually decode the wall of green surrounding you — which plants are edible, medicinal, or otherwise useful in the Hill Country landscape. Ticket includes a free drink token at Buzz Mill and a Lumber Society Useful Plants badge, which is the coolest patch you'll ever earn while drinking coffee at midnight.

KUTX Rock the Park

6:45PM @ Mueller Lake Park & Amphitheater, FREE!

Enjoy a quintessential Austin evening with free, family-friendly outdoor concerts featuring high-energy local performances by SaulPaul and francene rouelle. This long-standing music tradition brings the community together at the beautiful Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater. It is the perfect opportunity to experience authentic local talent in a relaxed, open-air environment.

The Blues Specialists Happy Hour

6:30PM @ The Continental Club, FREE!

Experience a piece of Austin history with traditional Texas jump blues. This legendary local band has been a Friday staple since 1988, led by Mel Davis, cousin to the iconic T-Bone Walker. It is an authentic, soul-stirring way to kick off your weekend at one of the city's most famous venues.

Rodrigo and The Requiem

8:00PM @ Long Center for the Performing Arts - $45+

Immerse yourself in a journey from mythic magic to Spanish romance with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Austin. The evening features the passionate Concierto de Aranjuez and culminates in the emotional power of Mozart’s final masterpiece, the Requiem. It is a rare opportunity to experience choral grandeur and orchestral beauty in a world-class venue.

Geekgasm Revue presents Release the Kraken!

8:00PM @ Kick Butt Coffee, $21.40+

Austin's longest-running nerdlesque show is kicking off 2026 by celebrating monsters: if you've never seen burlesque performed with genuine affection for kaiju, sea beasts, and the things that go bump in mythology, tonight's your night. Geekgasm Revue's been running since before it was cool to be a nerd, and the crowd is always half the show.

Cattle Country Festival

5:00PM @ Gonzales, TX - $135+

Take a short trip outside the city for the first night of this massive country and rock celebration featuring Robert Earl Keen and Koe Wetzel. The festival blends the ranch and river with a huge lineup of Texas country and Americana artists. It is the ultimate weekend kickoff for those looking for a big festival experience on the water.

FRAZ GIRLZ - A Burlesque & Pole Showcase

7:00 PM & 10:00 PM @ Brushy Street Commons, $13.54+

Step into a world of fierce fantasy at FRAZ GIRLZ, a burlesque and pole showcase inspired by the legendary illustrated work of Frank Frazetta. This immersive night blends raw power, sensuality, and surreal storytelling through a lineup of captivating performers embodying mythic, otherworldly characters. Expect bold costuming and a psychedelic atmosphere that pushes beyond traditional burlesque into something wilder.

ABC Kite Fest

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM @ Zilker Park, FREE!

As one of Austin’s oldest traditions since 1929, this festival fills the sky with hundreds of colorful kites in a massive community celebration. Beyond the kite flying contest, you can enjoy the MossFest children’s concert, a pet zone for your furry friends, and a vibrant mini market. It’s a quintessential, wholesome Austin experience that celebrates creativity and the magic of flight.

Eulogy of the Independent Zine

6–10PM @ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, $13.54

A funeral, a celebration, and a defiant act all at once: this gathering of local publishers, artists, and collectives honors the print underground that refuses to die. Expect zines from Glaze, Locket, Hot Rodeo, Sidecar Funkaroo, Spank, Retired Nihilist, and a dozen more, plus live printing by Raw Paw, merch, drink specials, and performances by Night Ritualz, Joan Dark, and CRV. If you've ever loved a zine, this is your church.

Texas Rollergirls April Home Team Double Header

Doors 4:30PM @ Austin Sports Center, $20

The Texas Rollergirls kick off their 2026 season with a double header: the Hustlers vs. the Hotrod Honeys, followed by the Hell Marys against the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers. Full-contact flat track roller derby is wildly underrated as a spectator sport. Ask your favorite skater for a promo code at checkout, or enter "NEW FAN" if you're coming for the first time. After-party at King Bee Lounge.

3D Printing 101 Workshop

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Make at Rosie - $30.87

Discover the magic of bringing your digital designs to life at this hands-on workshop. It is the perfect interactive experience for those looking to master a new creative skill in a community-oriented environment. Secure your tickets here to start your journey into the world of three-dimensional fabrication.

Squirrel Fest 2026 + Zootopia Screening

4–8PM @ Pease Park, FREE!

Austin's first public park throws its annual spring celebration with games, activations, puppet shows (Small Wonders), an Austin Bat Cave Book Bus, squirrel origami, moth study with Dr. Eckerman, sun prints, cyanotypes, and free eco-crafts, all capped with an outdoor screening of Zootopia after dark. Bring the kids, bring a blanket, it's the rare free Austin Saturday that doesn't ask anything of you except to show up.

Flamenco Tablao Performance: Edwin Aparicio

7:30pm - 10pm @ Austin Flamenco Academy, $41.80

World-class flamenco comes to Austin as Don Edwin Aparicio — a Dance Magazine "25 Dancers to Watch" honoree and recipient of Spain's Civil Merit Order. He joins the Austin Flamenco Dance Company for a night of live tablao. Guest musicians José Manuel Tejeda and Celia Corales provide the soundtrack, light tapas are included, and it's BYOB.

Future Heirlooms Opening Night

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ The Mosaic Workshop, $36.64

Future Heirlooms is a unique art show celebrating the beauty of the home through the eyes of twenty different artists. The opening night celebration features a curated menu of edible culinary installations—ephemeral works meant to be gathered, shared, and remembered. Join local artist Wayne Halliburton and Chef Maria Morelos for artist talks between 8-9 PM in a space that highlights craft often underrepresented in the gallery world.

Busty's Turns Two

11:00AM–11:00PM @ Busty's Bar & Jukebox, FREE!

The scrappy East Austin dive bar celebrates its second birthday with Croy and the Boys, Vegan Leather Forever, a burger eating contest, free mullet haircuts, $2 High Lifes all day, and BOGO burgers after 5PM. This is how Austin bars should celebrate birthdays — loud, cheap, weird, and all day long.

STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo

12:00PM @ St. Edward's Mabee Ballroom, $7.50 (BOGO)+

Austin's premier celebration of DIY media, indie comics, zines, art, crafts, and games wraps up its weekend run today with 100+ exhibiting artists and panels. If you've ever wanted to buy something weird from someone who made it in their living room, this is the room. The indie ethos is baked into STAPLE!'s DNA: no corporate sponsors, just creators.

Gospel Brunch

10:30AM & 12:30PM @ Stubb's - $39.95+

Feed your soul and your stomach with a legendary Sunday tradition featuring uplifting live music and southern comfort food. [cite_start]You can choose seatings with or without a direct view of the band to customize your experience[cite: 13, 14].

5th Annual Driftwood Heritage Festival

11:00AM - 6:00PM @ Vista Brewing, FREE!

Experience the rich history of the agrarian Driftwood community at this 21-acre Hill Country ranch. This family-friendly festival features a mini museum, free activities for kids, and live Americana music under a 500-year-old oak tree.

9th Annual Crawfish Boil at Half Step

4:00PM–7:00PM @ Half Step, $15 for 2 loaded boats

The Outlaws of Funk provide the soundtrack while Team Halferdasher stacks two loaded boats of spicy mudbugs for $15 at one of Austin's best back-patio bars. Nine years running means they've got the formula dialed in. Get there early — "spicy bugs" and a Rainey Street patio go fast on a spring Sunday.