Week of June 30th

What's Weird ATX

Heading into the real thick of summer now. Interestingly enough we seem to have avoided the heat dome that hit most of the rest of the country this past week; I had a few friends in New England tell me it was hotter over there!

Coming up at the end of July, the Hot Summer Nights festival has announced its lineup. It will take over the Red River district that weekend. The Octopus Project and The Tiarras headline the returning favorites, while rising stars Barb and Redbud Austin's newest pop sensations, will also appear. Jane Leo, Font, and J'cuuzi will showcase their art-rock styles alongside punk outfits Daydream Twins and Nuclear Daisies.

People have been talking about water this week… not just because a lot of it has been falling from the sky lately, but also because apparently a lot has been going to waste. Recently, KUT reported that Austin Water lost a staggering 9 billion gallons to leaky pipes in 2024; I had no idea. How can you help? In addition to advocating for fixing these leaks, did you know that there are a lot of free resources available to improve your water usage (and landscaping and all sorts of other freebies?) Check it out!

In food news, Austin just claimed the crown as America's #1 food truck city (big surprise there) with nine trucks landing on Yelp's national top 100 - including Jim's Smokehouse at #2 and T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs at #8! Meanwhile, Suerte doubled down on weekend happiness by expanding their "Lucky Hour" to seven days a week (hello, $10 cocktails), and two new food truck parks opened in Northwest Austin because apparently we can never have too many mobile taco options.

I selected a few events for 🇺🇸 July 4 🇺🇸 , but make sure to follow WhatsGoodATX on Instagram as I’ll be posting more July 4 event picks throughout the week as I find them.

Monday, June 30

"The Bear" Watch Party with Exclusive Pizza Collab

6pm @ Meanwhile Brewing - Service Industry Discounts

Watch Carmy lose his mind in Season 4 while eating pizza created by the same team behind the show's food scenes. Gozney Pizza's exclusive collab with Side Eye Pie exists for one day only, and service industry folks get sweet discounts because this town takes care of its own.

BYOB Crafty Happy Hour with Laser Cutters

6:30pm - 8:30pm @ Make at Rosie

Bring your booze and unleash your inner mad scientist at this adults-only maker space party. RSVP for access to everything from hot glue guns to a Glowforge Pro laser cutter – because nothing says Monday night like crafting under the influence.

Aria's Breakfast Club Drag Brunch Dinner

7pm - 11pm @ Holiday on 7th

Experience the fabulous chaos of drag brunch served at dinner time! DOM Top Barbie of TX hosts this one-night extravaganza with killer Queens and drink specials starting at $5. Feast on pancakes and egg sandwiches while frozen Mexican martinis flow and proceeds benefit LGBTQ+ causes – because who says brunch can't happen after dark?

Future Blondes, Biproduct, Husks of the Dead, DJ Tears of Eros

8pm - 11pm @ Chess Club - $12

Dive into Austin's darkest electronic underground with this genre-bending night of EBM, industrial, and hard techno madness. Get tickets now for a sonic assault featuring bands with names that sound like they crawled out of a cyberpunk fever dream. With DJ Tears of Eros spinning between sets, this 21+ show promises to be deliciously unhinged.

More interesting events on Monday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Tuesday, July 1

North by Northwest in 70mm!

6:30pm (doors) @ Paramount and Stateside Theatres

Experience Hitchcock's masterpiece thriller on stunning 70mm film! This 136-minute classic from 1959 stars Cary Grant (the man who's always getting framed), Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason. Screenwriter Ernest Lehman set out to create "the Hitchcock picture to end all Hitchcock pictures," and the result is a perfect blend of suspense and drama. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see one of cinema's greatest cat-and-mouse adventures on the big screen in its full glory.

Lip Service: A Live Advice Comedy Show

7pm @ East Austin Comedy - $10, BYOB

Got drama? Bring your wildest group chats, toxic ex stories, and "is this a red flag?" moments to this uniquely interactive comedy show. Toss your hottest dilemmas into the literal tea jar and watch as Austin's funniest comics pull them out for chaotic analysis and questionably helpful advice. It's like group therapy with funnier, unqualified therapists who can't wait to judge. Perfect for screenshot enthusiasts and anyone who's ever thought, "Wait, am I the crazy one?"

More interesting events on Tuesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Daily News for Curious Minds

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Wednesday, July 2

Kicking The Bucket Listening Clubs

6:00PM - 7:30PM @ Austin Public Library Spicewood Springs, FREE!

Join this unconventional audio adventure – a dramedy fiction podcast exploring end-of-life choices with humor and heart. Follow the wild journey of feisty octogenarians Dolores and Howard as they navigate their own exit from life with laughs and chaos. This bold series tackles heavy themes like Alzheimer's and cancer while keeping things light. Stick around after each episode for guided discussions with elder care professionals. Check out all eight sessions across different Austin Public Library branches.

ZINE NIGHT

7:00PM @ the Tiny Minotaur Tavern - $5

Get creative at this DIY zine workshop led by Everett in a whimsical fantasy tavern setting. Bring your own materials or use provided supplies to craft your very own unique publication. Workshop starts at 8:00 PM, but doors open at 7:00 PM and the event runs until 1:00 AM. Only $5 for non-members of this distinctive venue where fantasy costumes are welcomed!

Rain Drops

10:30PM @ RAIN on 4th, FREE!

Watch your favorite bartenders transform into entertainers at this unique LGBTQ+ event! RAINDROPS showcases the hidden talents of Rain on 4th staff as they step out from behind the bar and onto the stage. Hosted by the fabulous Basura with a fresh lineup each month, this event offers an intimate glimpse into the performers who usually serve your drinks. Don't miss this first Wednesday monthly tradition!

Wobble Wednesday ft. Hexed

10:00PM - 2:00AM @ Voodoo Room - Fourth of July Edition

Experience the ultimate bass music party with the Sugaa Squaad and Wook Mafia at this Fourth of July celebration. Featuring headliner Hexed plus support acts, this event delivers the best "weird wubz" alongside free desserts, mesmerizing aerial performances by Pepper and Alex, live painters, and special goodies from Voodoo Ranger and Lightstrike. It's also Carly's birthday bash, so the energy will be off the charts!

More interesting events on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Thursday, July 3

The Roast of Superman

7pm - 9pm @ 29th Street Ballroom - $12

Celebrate Independence Day with a hilarious twist as six super-powered heroes roast the Man of Steel himself! Grab a cold drink, enjoy the AC, and witness this epic comic showdown that promises to reveal just how human Superman really is. Get ready for some red, white, and blue humor without the political commentary.

Our Flag Means Pride Student Showcase

7pm - 9:30pm @ Sky Candy - $12+

Dive into a swashbuckling celebration of queer joy inspired by "Our Flag Means Death" at Sky Candy's 2025 Pride Student Showcase. Watch talented aerialists take you on a wild journey across the seas filled with pirates, mermaids, and heartwarming queer love stories. Don your best pirate attire and bring your nose jars for this all-ages spectacle featuring a 15-minute intermission and digital programs in both English and Spanish.

July 3rd Extravaganza and Fireworks Show

11am - 11pm @ Volente Beach - $10+

Beat the Independence Day crowds with this early celebration featuring spectacular fireworks over Lake Travis! This annual bash includes daytime vibes with a DJ, live music after dark, and mouthwatering BBQ specials. Enjoy all-day waterpark access for just $20, or swing by after 4 PM for a $10 late entry - just remember to budget for separate parking fees.

First Thursdays Park N' Swim With Tough Enuff

6pm - 9pm @ Austin Motel, FREE!

Cruise into summer with this retro-cool classic car meet at the iconic Austin Motel! Bring your vintage ride, take a refreshing dip in the pool, and enjoy tasty hot dogs from Zee's Weiner System while DJs spin the perfect summer soundtrack. This monthly event combines classic cars, swimming, and live music for a quintessentially weird Austin experience.

Barfield, The Tyrant of Texas Funk

10:30pm @ The Continental Club - $10

Experience the explosive fusion of Johnny Cash's cool, The Clash's edge, James Brown's funk, and Screamin' Jay Hawkins' wildness all rolled into one incredible show. Barfield and his crew of Austin's finest musicians from the country, blues, soul, and rock scenes deliver an unforgettable performance of funky garage soul that's more than just music—it's a total sensory experience!

Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Friday, July 4

15th Annual 4th of July Corn Dog Eating Contest!

1:00PM - 3:00PM @ Black Sheep Lodge, FREE, $25 to enter contest

Think you can down the most corn dogs in just 8 minutes? Put your eating prowess to the test at this annual stomach-stretching showdown! The champion walks away with a hefty $350 prize, while all contestants receive a commemorative t-shirt and a drink to wash it all down. Sign up quickly as spots fill fast for this quirky Independence Day tradition.

Freedom Farce: A Star-Spangled Sh*tshow

7:00PM @ The Courtyard ATX - $15+

When patriotism feels shallow and the news feels like a bad joke, it's time to dance through the ashes. This anti-establishment bash features live performances from rebellious acts like J'cuzzi (chaos and electric vibes), Redbud (groove-wrapped rebellion), Almost Heaven, and Little Brain. With a water gun splash zone, protest anthem DJ sets, and vendors, this party isn't just burning flags—it's lighting everything on fire.

American Idiot - Green Day Drag Tribute & Anti 4th Of July Party

9:00PM @ Cheer Up Charlies

This rebellious celebration features a killer drag tribute to the ultimate anti-fascists—Green Day! Forget traditional patriotism; this event is all about resistance. An amazing cast including @anarch.kye, @barry_mii_dandy, @flexbrojas and more will perform, hosted by @brigittebandit with beats by DJ @turitomusic. This isn't about "freedom"—it's about standing up for values: protecting trans kids, supporting Black Lives Matter, and saying NO to fascism!

Make Friday amazing @ WhatsGoodATX!

Saturday, July 5

Pink Floyd Concert In The Dark

7pm - 8pm @ Casa De Luz, Free (VIP available)

Experience Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon like never before in complete darkness with live strings, violin, and cello. This isn't just a concert—it's a sensory journey where you'll lie on yoga mats surrounded by candlelight while award-winning musicians perform reimagined classics. Upgrade to VIP for song dedications and prepare for an otherworldly experience that might just recalibrate your nervous system.

Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling

8pm @ Come and Take It Live - $31.54-$47.03

Forget everything you think you know about wrestling—this is pure entertainment chaos featuring the athletic prowess of professional wrestlers in an extreme setting. This high-energy spectacle promises death-defying moves, theatrical storylines, and crowd participation that'll have you questioning everything while cheering wildly.

The Karaoke Underground

8pm - 1am @ Knomad Bar - FREE, 21+

This isn't your typical karaoke—it's a punk and indie rock shrine with over 1,000 songs from Black Flag to Sleater-Kinney. Featured in The Village Voice and Buzzfeed, this video karaoke experience includes a stage where you can scream-sing your heart out to underground anthems. The growing song list ensures you'll find that perfect obscure track to showcase your alternative music knowledge.

Nighttime Vendors Market + Fantasy Karaoke

7pm - 11pm @ the Tiny Minotaur Tavern - $5, 21+

Step into a fantasy realm where local artisans sell everything from handcrafted weapons to fortune-telling services. Miguel the Rogue Bard hosts karaoke, but there's a catch—you must be in fantasy costume to take the mic. Monthly event combining medieval marketplace vibes with Austin's love for dressing up and singing badly, creating a delightfully nerdy night out.

For more events happening on Saturday, check out WhatsGoodATX!

Sunday, 6/29

FREQUENCY a summer reset (R&B Yoga, Breathwork, and Live DJ)

10am - 1pm @ Dear Austin - $40

Escape the noise and find your inner rhythm at this 3-hour immersive experience designed specifically for creatives seeking deeper connection. Combining mindfulness, movement, and music, this unique session features live R&B DJs dropping beats while you flow through yoga, breathwork, and vibration-raising activities. Perfect for anyone needing to reset and tune in during the hectic summer months.

Midsummer Festival (Ivana Kupala)

5pm - 9pm @ Sunflower Ranch - Free (RSVP required)

Experience this enchanting cultural celebration featuring handmade goods from dolls and jewelry to flower crowns and herbal tea. Don't miss the cozy socks, cool embroidered items, and tasty Ukrainian food at this unique summer festival. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance!

3 HOUR SONG CHALLENGE | LIVE SHOWCASE

6pm (doors) @ Pershing Hall - $25

Witness the raw creative process as five of Austin's top musicians create songs from scratch in just 3 hours! This innovative music video series brings together incredible artists including Jordan Matthew Young, Grandmaster, Mikky and The Doom, SL Houser, and Billy King & The Bad Bad Bad. Watch them develop their songwriting process live and perform their fresh creations right before your eyes!

More interesting events on Sunday @ WhatsGoodATX!