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- Week of February 24
Week of February 24
What's Weird ATX
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Fire crews fought an intense overnight blaze at an abandoned apartment building that partially collapsed while it was burning, right next to Loro on South Lamar. Thankfully, no one was inside and no injuries were reported, as well as no damage to Loro itself. In the courts, a widely watched animal cruelty case involving Boone, an 8‑year‑old Blue Lacy seen in a viral downtown balcony video, ended with a judge ordering that the dog be permanently separated from his owner. The judge also decided that Boone be kept in shelter custody while a new home is arranged, and that the owner reimburse Austin Animal Center for his care; the community really banded together to ensure a great outcome for Boone 💜
Austin's food scene this week had a lot going on, as usual. On the opening side, Oria lands at 1530 Barton Springs this Thursday; a wood-fired Mediterranean spot from the Space Cowboy team with a secret garden patio right on the edge of Zilker, which will be super fun to hit up before or after Barton Springs. After much chatter, De Nada Cantina also soft-opened its second location this past Saturday in the old El Mercado space on South First, with twice the kitchen, new menu additions like enchiladas and nachos, and the same pink-cups that make the East Cesar Chavez original a neighborhood staple. Sadly, Vespaio will finally close this Saturday after nearly 30 years on South Congress, so get one last delicious Italian meal in. Lastly, Rainey Street's first dedicated sushi bar, Kinsho, is coming this spring with omakase from a chef who's done time at Uchiko.
This week we start off strong with a couple of Twin Peaks Day celebrations, a particularly funky Friday, and the ATX Open on Sunday. My best pick this week is the Austin Chronicle Music Awards, that one is sure to be a blast!
Also… trying something new with this post. If you see a 🔥 emoji, that means that the ticketing platform has indicated the tickets are going fast, so snatch em up before they’re gone!
Tuesday, Feb 24
Twin Peaks Day + Screamin’ J + Betty X + Daymares
6:00 PM (doors) @ Crow Bar / The Raven Room - $10 all ages
Celebrate the mysteries of the Pacific Northwest in the heart of Austin with an evening of experimental and avant-garde live music. This alternative gathering offers a darker, punk-infused tribute to the cult classic series for fans of all ages looking for something unconventional.
Precision Camera's 50th Anniversary Kickoff Party
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ High 5, FREE! (as well as instore all week)
Celebrate five decades of Austin photography at this kickoff party featuring exclusive in-store festivities and gear demonstrations. Attendees can take advantage of significant anniversary deals, including 25% off classes and 15% off various accessories all week long.
Cirque Mechanics: TILT! A Circus Thrill Ride
7:30 PM @ Bass Concert Hall, $22.50+ 🔥
Witness breathtaking acrobatics meet mechanical marvels in a show that redefines the modern circus through American industrial ingenuity. This high-flying spectacle features gravity-defying feats and whimsical storytelling centered around an inventive, grit-filled theme park world.
Twin Peaks Night
7:00 PM - 12:00 AM @ Hotel Vegas- $15
Step into the town of Twin Peaks for a night featuring a damn good pie baking contest and specialty coffee and donuts. Dress as your favorite character for a chance to win a SXSW 2026 keytag during the costume contest, all while enjoying live performances and surreal visuals.
More interesting events on Tuesday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Wednesday, Feb 25
South Austin Song Circle
7:00PM @ The 04 Center - $23.05+
Experience the art of Texas storytelling with a powerhouse lineup including Adam Carroll, Libby Koch, and Chuck Hawthorne. This all-ages show offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the verdant imaginations of the city's finest troubadours.
Billiards Night
7:00 PM @ Pinballz Lake Creek - Price N/A
Head to the massive arcade at Pinballz for a competitive and community-oriented billiards night. While you're there, you can explore hundreds of classic games and other thrilling attractions like axe throwing.
UT Jazz Combo
7:00PM @ Mozart's Coffee Roasters - Price N/A
Enjoy sophisticated jazz by the lake with a performance from the talented UT Jazz Combo. It’s a perfect evening for coffee lovers and music enthusiasts looking for a scenic and community-focused Austin experience.
More interesting events on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX!
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Thursday, Feb 26
Lowdown Brass Band
7:00 PM @ Mohawk Austin - $20.50
Catch the powerful, horn-driven energy of the Lowdown Brass Band for an all-ages show on the Mohawk's legendary stage. This ensemble brings a massive, genre-defying sound that is guaranteed to get the entire room moving. At only $20, it’s one of the best entertainment values for world-class live music in the Red River Cultural District.
Neon Rainbows' DISCO CUNTRY CLUB: Sapphic Linedance Party!
8:00 PM @ Elysium - $20
Dust off your boots for a Southern Sapphic linedance party with a shimmering disco twist at the historic Elysium. This inclusive night features professional linedance lessons and drag hosts to keep the energy high alongside a local vendor market. Grab your tickets online before 2 PM on the day of the event to secure your spot on the floor.
Karaoke Night Party & Giveaways
7:00 PM @ Kick Butt Coffee Music & Booze - $5
Unleash your inner rockstar at this high-energy karaoke party where participation can lead to winning cool giveaways. For a small $5 cover, you get a full night of singing and community fun in a space known for its eccentric vibe. It’s a budget-friendly way to grab the mic and engage with a rowdy, supportive crowd.
Natural Rope Making Workshop
7:00 PM @ Buzz Mill, $33.85 🔥
Learn the meditative survival skill of transforming common backyard plants into strong, usable cordage at this hands-on Lumber Society workshop. This primitive skills class provides a deep connection to botanical resources and includes a free drink token and a merit badge. It’s the perfect blend of educational value and social entertainment for the ruggedly curious.
Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Friday, Feb 27
Pipe Dreams – Baroque Organ Concert with Free Beer & Pastries
7:00PM @ Saengerrunde Hall, $25 online 🔥
Beerthoven teams up with the Austin Chapter of the American Guild of Organists to bring a digital organ, baroque trumpeter, bass vocalist, and soprano into the historic Saengerrunde Hall for one night only — with free beer from Lazarus Brewing, wine, and warm pastries from Easy Tiger included in the ticket price. Bach + Doppelbock in an intimate downtown hall is quintessential Austin weirdness done right.
90's Smoke Sesh – Puff and Paint
7:00PM @ Abe's Smoke Shop - $40
Big Vibes Art House presents a puff-and-paint experience with a nostalgic 90s twist — your $40 ticket includes a preroll, canvas, all supplies, and artist assistance to create your masterpiece. It's a creative social experience that combines two of Austin's favorite pastimes in a distinctly only-in-Austin setting.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" in Concert
7:30 PM @ Long Center for the Performing Arts - $39+ (through Saturday)
Watch Captain Jack Sparrow’s swashbuckling adventures on the big screen while the Austin Symphony Orchestra performs the thrilling musical score live. This action-packed presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts and brings the film’s mystery and intrigue to life through a full orchestral performance.
Hotel Vegas Discotheque
8:00 PM @ Hotel Vegas - $16.07+
Pull out your platforms as the venue transforms into Studio 54 for one night only with tribute sets to the Bee Gees and ABBA. Secure your advance tickets via Dice for $12 to ensure your spot at East Austin’s most glittering 21+ dance revolution.
Nosferatu Festival 2026 – Nightstalker Parties
8:00PM @ Kick Butt Coffee, $5.41+ (through Saturday)
Two nights of horror punk, psychobilly, burlesque, and sideshow madness — Friday's lineup includes Plan 9 (a Misfits tribute from LA), The Hates, and Janie Slash, all sponsored by Gore Noir Magazine and Bloody Rose Boutique. Full bar and food available at this beloved Austin dive that is absolutely the right venue for this kind of beautiful weirdness.
El Mago Loco
10:00PM @ Fallout Theater - $15.85 🔥
A magician who does exclusively Latino magic tricks — the description is delightfully minimal and the concept is gloriously specific. Late-night magic that skews cultural, comedic, and completely unexpected; exactly the kind of thing that belongs on a Keep Austin Weird Friday.
Other cool things to do on Friday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Saturday, Feb 28
Austin Day of Bonsai 2026
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM @ Zilker Botanical Garden, FREE!
Immerse yourself in the zen-like art of tiny trees at this all-day bonsai celebration. Whether you are a seasoned grower or a total beginner, you can connect with fellow enthusiasts through hands-on workshops and live demos. It is the perfect opportunity to soak up some cool tree vibes and learn the patient craft of bonsai creation.
Makers Market by Pop Up Gallery
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ Industry, FREE!
Explore a curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces at this industrial-chic creative market. This event highlights Austin's independent makers, offering everything from handmade goods to experimental local art. It is a free, laid-back way to shop local and connect directly with the artists behind the crafts.
Dripping Springs Art Tour: West of Weird
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM @ 12919 Nutty Brown Rd, FREE!
Get ready for an in-person journey through the quirky and unconventional side of the Hill Country art scene. This tour allows you to meet creative minds and explore unique pieces in their personal studio spaces. It is a fantastic way to soak up the "weird" spirit that defines the outskirts of Austin.
Hyde Park Storytelling: Opening Hearts
4:00 PM @ East Side Performing Arts
Join a community of storytellers for an intimate evening of personal narratives focused on the theme of vulnerability. This soulful performance series prioritizes authentic human connection and local voices over flashy production. It is a deeply Austin experience that offers meaningful interaction and a chance to hear the real stories of your neighbors.
Evening Explorations: Stars & Moths
7:00 PM @ Jacob's Well Natural Area, FREE!
Venture out to the edge of the city for a mystical night focused on the hidden wonders of the dark. This guided nature session explores the local moth population and offers a prime opportunity for stargazing in a protected natural area. It is a serene, interactive experience for anyone who finds beauty in the unconventional side of the outdoors.
More interesting events on Saturday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Sunday, Mar 1
ATX Open: Session 12
1:30 PM @ Westwood Country Club, $78+
For those looking for a premium experience, catch the high-stakes action of the only professional tour-level tennis tournament in the city. Watch world-class athletes compete in the Finals amongst a beautiful lakeside setting as the tournament concludes.
Rare Scotch Whisky Tasting Cruise on Lake Austin
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Hula Hut (Boarding), $82.85 🔥
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society sets sail on Lake Austin for an exclusive single malt tasting cruise featuring rare, carefully curated pours from independent bottlers — a genuinely unusual combination of water views and world-class whisky.
The Arte of the Altar with Melissa from MoonCult
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM @ Ace of Cups Massage and Wellness, $25
Dive deep into altarcraft history with MoonCult's Melissa in this occult workshop exploring sacred spaces from across magical traditions worldwide — altar iconography, construction tips, and occult history for practitioners at any experience level.
The Austin Chronicle's 44th Annual Austin Music Awards
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM @ Antone's Nightclub, $22.94
Austin's annual music community celebration returns to Antone's for Hall of Fame inductions, award presentations, and live performances by this year's winners and nominees across genres from egg punk and alt-country to hip-hop and soul — presented by BeatStars.
More interesting events on Sunday @ WhatsGoodATX!
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