Week of August 25th

What's Weird ATX

Last week, there was a LOT going on politically. The most surreal incident unfolded at the Texas State Capitol when Democratic lawmakers staged an unprecedented overnight camping protest on the House floor, with State Representative Nicole Collier literally ripping up her police escort permission slip and deciding to sleep in the chamber rather than comply with new requirements. The situation escalated when portions of the Capitol were evacuated after someone posted a social media threat specifically targeting lawmakers, creating an absurd scene of protesting Democrats camped under armed guard.

Meanwhile, former mayoral candidate Jeffery Bowen filed a lawsuit against Austin City Council challenging the wording used to describe a ~$300/yr property tax rate increase on the November ballot, alleging that it misleads voters about the purpose of the funds. Separately, the city approved a controversial $3.5 million contract with Archistar, an Australia-based company, to use artificial intelligence for evaluating residential building applications. This is significant as Austin will be the first city in the U.S. to deploy AI-powered building permit evaluation, essentially serving as a guinea pig for whether algorithms can successfully navigate the city's notoriously complex zoning laws.

For the Austin food scene roundup: DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, suddenly announced it would close on August 17 after six years in operation; barely a year after receiving recognition from the prestigious guide. This is highly unusual . The beloved music venue Cheer Up Charlie's launched emergency crowdfunding campaigns totaling $58,000 to avoid being locked out, with the community successfully rallying through Ko-fi and GoFundMe to save them. This was controversial; a lot of Austinites sounded off on complaints that “they do this every year” and rumors of them shirking bands who play at the venue.

 Lil' Ramen Tatsu-ya moved into The Drag to serve high-quality ramen through a walk-up window to college students, while the queer diner food truck Lynny's continued its quest to open a brick-and-mortar location by hosting a "Big ol Burger Nite" that doubled as an art gallery opening party.

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Wow, there are a lot more events now that UT is back in session! Just a heads up, will probably be splitting the email soon so that I can include all of them in a more digestible format. I’m thinking I will send early week picks on Sunday early evening and weekend picks on Thursday mornings. Please feel free to hit reply on this email with feedback if you have any thoughts on this! I am at your disposal, as always :)

Monday, August 25th

MANDY Movie Screening

7pm doors @ Hyperreal Film Club - $8

Nic Cage transforms from tender lover to cocaine-fueled revenge machine in this psychedelic horror nightmare about a cult, demonic bikers, and the brutal lengths one man will go for love. This trippy descent into chaos starts sweet but quickly spirals into a dark, twisted realm of violence and vengeance. Prepare for the madness as Cage unleashes his fury against otherworldly enemies in this visually stunning fever dream.

Pokemon Plastic Charms Workshop

6:30pm - 8:30pm @ WhichCraft Tap Room, $23

Turn your favorite Pokemon into custom keychain charms in this super beginner-friendly crafting session! All materials provided including templates for tracing, making this a casual, self-paced event where the only skills needed are coloring and tracing. Perfect for Pokemon lovers looking to create something uniquely their own while enjoying craft beer in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cowboy Cha-Cha Workshop

8pm - 9:30pm @ Tim's Place (South Central Austin), $25

Learn this charming hybrid dance that bridges line dancing and partner dancing at an intimate sock party in a South Central Austin home. This classic honky tonk dance builds cha-cha rhythm for both solo and partnered dancing, plus you'll get a high-quality take-home practice video. Join the revival of this beloved dance style, then practice the next night at Sagebrush with Western Express!

Austin Butterfly Forum Lightning Bug Meeting

7pm @ Zilker Botanical Garden, FREE!

Monthly gathering focused on the fascinating world of lightning bugs, hosted by Austin's butterfly enthusiasts in the serene setting of Zilker Botanical Garden. This free public meeting combines nature education with community connection for those curious about bioluminescent insects. Join fellow nature lovers for an illuminating discussion about these magical creatures.

Love Island USA Reunion Watch Party

7:45pm - 10pm @ St. Elmo Brewing Springdale, FREE!

Watch all the drama, romance, and jaw-dropping reunion moments unfold with fellow reality TV enthusiasts at this brewery watch party. Get ready for ultimate tea-spilling as former islanders face off and address all the season's biggest controversies. Join the collective gasps and commentary while sipping craft beer and witnessing the explosive finale to this season's most dramatic love stories.

More interesting events on Monday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Tuesday, August 26th

Dogs on Decks: National Dog Day Celebration

5:30pm - 8:00pm @ Dub Academy, FREE!

Your furry friend becomes the star DJ at this one-of-a-kind photo experience celebrating National Dog Day. Complete with professional photographers capturing your pup behind the turntables, live sets from Dub Academy DJs, and Austin's music scene mingling with dog lovers. Get a free professional photo of your dog DJing with RSVP, plus enjoy beats and community vibes at this all-ages celebration.

Ego's Sports Icon Theme Party

7pm - 2am @ 510 S Congress Ave, FREE!

Channel your inner Serena Williams, LeBron James, or any sports legend at this themed costume party on Congress Avenue. Dress as your favorite athletic icon and party until 2am with DJ sets, themed cocktails, and prizes for best costumes in this high-energy tribute to sports greatness.

More interesting events on Tuesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Daily News for Curious Minds

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Wednesday, August 27th

Fantasy Figure ATX: Live Model Drawing

6pm - 9pm @ Captain Quack's Soundspace, $10

Channel your inner artist at this fantasy-themed figure drawing session featuring costumed models in an open, self-guided format. Whether you're mastering fundamentals or exploring creative themes, this supportive community welcomes all skill levels. Bring your own supplies or use the provided drawing boards and easels to capture gesture, form, and movement with a fantastical twist.

Pee Wee Herman Karaoke Show

9pm @ The Stardust Club, FREE!

Step into the playhouse for this annual tribute featuring your host Pee Wee Herman himself in what promises to be Austin's most delightfully bizarre karaoke experience. Sing your heart out while channeling your inner child at this campy celebration that transforms ordinary Wednesday night karaoke into a wonderfully weird theatrical adventure.

Cocktail Class - National Whiskey Sour Day

7pm - 9pm @ 1900 E 12th St, $39.19

Master the art of whiskey craft with Key's Bar and True Story Whiskey in this hands-on celebration of National Whiskey Sour Day. Learn classic techniques and creative variations while sampling smooth local spirits, then craft your own custom version to take your home bartending skills to the next level. Bring your tastebuds and creativity for this spirited evening of liquid education.

More interesting events on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Thursday, August 28th

MORE VOICES: Experiments in Spirit Communication with The Austin Séance

7pm - 8:30pm @ First Spiritualist Church of Austin - $12

Dive into the supernatural with hands-on electronic voice phenomena experiments at this 90-minute spirit communication session. The second installment of their "Voices Series" teaches attendees about capturing ghostly conversations through technology. Space is extremely limited for this spine-tingling exploration of the afterlife, so book quickly.

Six Feet From The Edge And I'm Cruising

9pm - 11pm @ Capital Cruises on Town Lake, $53.98

A divorced dad rock party cruise featuring live acoustic performances while floating on downtown Austin's scenic waters. This Stappy Hour production combines nostalgic rock anthems with boat vibes for a uniquely Austin experience. Set sail for two hours of singing along to your favorite breakup songs while cruising past the city lights.

Kinky Wonderland

9pm @ Swan Dive, $41.15

Dive After Dark presents pole and aerial performers defying gravity with captivating artistry and mesmerizing moves. Choose between reserved VIP tables for an up-close experience or general admission standing room. This gravity-defying spectacle combines athletic skill with sensual performance art for an unforgettable night of magic and motion.

MAHJONG NIGHT AT The Concord

7pm - 10pm @ Pershing East, $25

Learn "American" Mahjong while enjoying food from Milkman and botanical infusions from THe Concord. Instructor Crissa Toledo guides both newbies and seasoned players through the tile-matching strategy game. Your ticket covers drinks, snacks, and all the instruction needed to master this addictive social game.

Free Pickleball Thursdays

6pm - 11pm @ Ants Beer Cave, FREE!

Experience cosmic pickleball under black lights with neon vibes at South Austin's newest pickleball bar. The glow-in-the-dark courts create a psychedelic sports experience unlike anywhere else in the city. This otherworldly athletic adventure proves that paddle sports can be both competitive and trippy.

Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Friday, August 29th

Critical Mass Austin #50

8pm @ Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, FREE!

Join hundreds of cyclists for Austin's monthly community bike ride celebrating its 50th edition. This grassroots cycling movement rolls through the city streets, creating a temporary vehicle-free zone while building community among riders. Bring your bike, your friends, and your sense of adventure for this unique Austin tradition.

Amy's Night Shift

8pm - 11pm @ Amy's Ice Cream on 6th Street, FREE!

Transform your Friday night at this after-hours dance party inside an actual ice cream shop. DJ Shelly Knicks spins beats while you sip on ice cream flights and soda pop surrounded by local vendors. This quirky Austin experience combines sweet treats with late-night vibes in one of the city's most unexpected party venues.

BALD & BOUJEE: A Pitbull Party

9pm - 1am @ Empire Control Room & Garage - $0-$26.55

Dale, Austin! Get ready to channel your inner Mr. Worldwide at this 18+ Pitbull extravaganza. DJ Erick Jaimez spins back-to-back bangers from Pitbull and his legendary collaborators like Akon, Flo Rida, and Kesha. Come dressed for the shiniest bald head contest and prepare to live más with non-stop reggaeton beats!

Purple Bee Presents: Jagtronica with CHHK + Cultie

8:30pm - 2am @ Flamingo Cantina, $12

This interstellar throwdown features Jagtronica's two sets of genre-bending funk, soul, and electronic magic alongside CHHK's razor-sharp conscious hip-hop and Cultie's hypnotic cosmic bass. Live-streamed across the cosmos, this galactic celebration promises beats that bend time and grooves that transcend space at downtown's legendary venue.

Stars At Night Fest Five

6pm - 2am @ Kick Butt Coffee, $15 (Through Saturday)

This 90s-themed music festival brings bands from across Texas for two nights of bodacious performances. Dress up in your most radical 90s gear and catch awesome acts from around the state at one of Austin's most beloved independent venues. The fest celebrates regional talent with that decade's distinctive alternative rock and grunge vibes.

Make Friday amazing @ WhatsGoodATX!

Saturday, August 30th

World Oddities Expo: Gothic, Macabre & Mysterious

11am - 7pm @ Palmer Events Center, $20+

Step into a peculiar paradise where weird thrives at Austin's most macabre convention! Browse the Lost Curio Marketplace packed with taxidermy, insects, macabre art, and home decor from artisan vendors, plus get inked at their Oddity Ink Parlour. Upgrade to VIP for early access at 10am or splurge on butterfly pinning classes (+$125) and terrarium workshops (+$40).

A Night of Mischief - Romance and Fantasy Bookish Ball

7pm - 1am @ Vuka - North Loop, $230.83

Immerse yourself in an enchanting world of romantic fantasy with custom cocktails, open bar, and whimsical decor straight from your favorite novels. This spellbinding evening promises to transport you into the pages of romantasy books with fantastical attire encouraged. Let your inner book villain out to play in this adults-only literary escape.

STAR POWER - Free Wrestling Under the Stars

8pm - 11pm @ Celis Brewery Beer Garden, FREE!

Experience the epic debut of the PORTAL at this galactic inter-dimensional wrestling promotion! Watch SPACE TIGER JR. battle SPACE TIGER JR. JR. while YACHT ROCK DADDY seeks revenge on BIG DADDY BOLERO and the MUSTACHE MAFIA. Plus there's the mysterious GATOR guy as a wild card. This absurdly entertaining spectacle feeds off your cheers and plastic cups while dodging the IRS.

CLUB XCX: A BRATTY DANCE NIGHT

9pm - 1am @ Parish , $26.55+

Calling all pop princesses for Austin's brattiest dance party! Get ready to vroom vroom with DJ sets spinning the hottest tracks from Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Kim Petras. This high-energy night celebrates hyperpop and Y2K revival culture - perfect for dancing your heart out to the most addictive beats in pop music.

Pop Girlies Dance Party

7pm - 10pm @ Captain Quack's Soundspace, $10

Scream-sing to Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, and Chappell Roan with fellow pop fanatics. Costumes encouraged - whether Eras Tour best, cowboy Barbie glam, or Renaissance realness. Raffle prizes throughout the night make this celebration of chart-topping queens even more exciting.

For more events happening on Saturday, check out WhatsGoodATX!

Sunday, August 31st

Analysis of Magick in Theory and Practice - Chapter 0

3pm @ Genuine Joe Coffeehouse Annex

A scholarly deep-dive into occult theory that treats witchcraft like an academic subject. This discussion group analyzes the theoretical foundations of magical practice with the seriousness of a philosophy seminar. For those who prefer their mysticism with intellectual rigor and caffeine.

2025 CALVELLO CUP CHAMPIONSHIP (Roller Derby)

5pm - 9pm @ Palmer Events Center - $33.64

Watch the Rhinestones defend their two-time championship against the Cherry Bombs in full-contact roller derby mayhem. Expect fierce hits, lightning-fast skates, and crowd-pleasing penalties. Kids 12 and under get in free, making this family-friendly chaos at its finest.

MRS. Roper Romp Tea Dance

4pm - 9pm @ The Austin Eagle, FREE!

A Three's Company-inspired caftan tea dance that transforms nostalgia into pure camp. Picture flowing caftans, retro cocktails, and disco beats while channeling the iconic Mrs. Roper's fabulous energy. This oddball tribute to 70s sitcom fashion meets dance party culture creates something wonderfully absurd and Instagram-worthy.

POOLHAUS 6.0 - The Last of Summer

1:30pm - 7pm @ East Austin Hotel

Austin's buzziest pool party series goes out with a bang featuring killer DJs, house music, disco vibes, and drink samples from Beatbox. The energy is infectious, the crowd is beautiful, and the retro swimwear aesthetic creates pure Instagram magic. Entry waves at 2pm and 4:30pm keep the party flowing.

A huge shoutout to our amazing WhatsWeirdATX supporters: Yvette, Connor, Leslie, Praveer, Christina, Emily, tags-09, and /u/runthistownatx!