Week of May 19th

What's Weird ATX

Summer is in full swing finally! Hope you are adjusting your bedtime schedules to get up earlier and spend some time in the sunshine before retreating to the AC for the rest of the day. Town Lake trails are starting to get crowded earlier, and Barton Springs is the weekend salvation it's always been.

Our dining scene welcomes a fun mix of newcomers this month, from Sami Sumeli bringing authentic Georgian cuisine to Cedar Park (think cheese-filled bread topped with egg yolk and hearty beef stew) to Soul Seoul Sol, the Korean-Mexican fusion food truck from the Veracruz All Natural team. South Austin diners can now enjoy fresh soup dumplings and dim sum at One Bite Dumpling on William Cannon, while sandwich enthusiasts should track down the new Knuckle Sandwich food truck at either Ants Beer Cave or Far Out Lounge for their East Coast deli-style creations. And in some heartwarming foodie news, Roy Lotz was able to reopen The Lotz of BBQ after his trailer was stolen in December, and he hosted a free cookout at the Austin Deaf Club to thank the community that helped him get back on his feet with a brand new rig.

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As for things to actually do this week, we've got everything from GWAR bringing their chaos to Radio/East to a surprisingly practical workshop on venue management for artists. The Hot Luck Food Festival returns this weekend with Austin’s premier chef collaborations; while it’s pretty pricey, it’s rumored to be one of the few food festivals in this town that are actually worth it!

Monday, 5/19

Film 4 Thought: Eat the Rich

5:30pm - 7:30pm @ Austin Public Library Windsor Park Branch - Free

Step into this provocative film about a disgruntled waiter who teams up with anarchists to take over an upscale restaurant and serve the wealthy elite a taste of their own medicine. This 18+ screening features punk icon Lemmy from Motörhead and a stellar British cast in a darkly comedic tale of class warfare.

Lustre Pearl East Silent Book Club

6:30pm - 8:30pm @ 114 Linden St - Free

Join the Silent Book Club tonight at Lustre Pearl East for a relaxed evening of reading and socializing in this charming East Austin venue. Enjoy a selection of wine, beer, cocktails, non-alcoholic options, and food while you dive into your favorite book. The accessible location offers street parking, name tags for easy introductions, and a welcoming atmosphere for all readers.

Check out some more interesting events for Monday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Tuesday, 5/20

Professional Bull Riders 2025 New Rider Draft

7:00pm @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater - $95+

Witness history in the making as the next generation of PBR stars get drafted, followed by an electrifying performance by Shane Smith & the Saints. This unique blend of professional bull riding draft picks and red-dirt country music creates an unforgettable Texas-sized spectacle.

Bonsai Bar @ Austin Beerworks - Sprinkle Valley

May 20, 2025 7:00 PM @ Austin Beerworks - $85

Create your own miniature tree masterpiece while enjoying craft beers at this beginner-friendly bonsai workshop! Learn essential techniques as expert instructors guide you through potting, pruning, and designing a Dwarf Jade bonsai to take home. All materials included with your ticket, plus the workshop comes with a tree survival guarantee!

Make Tuesday memorable with WhatsGoodATX!

Wednesday, 5/21

Venues 101 with DASA

6:30PM - 8:30PM @ DASA (506 Congress Avenue), Sliding Scale

Join this practical workshop for artists and creatives looking to master venue relationships for cultural events and exhibitions. Lindsay Hutchens, an experienced arts administrator, will share invaluable insights on finding, preparing, and managing venue partnerships, with opportunity to workshop your own project in real-time.

Pupa - A Storytelling Show

7:00PM - 8:30PM @ East Austin Comedy Club - $10

Step into this wild and unpredictable storytelling show where anything goes. Your name might be pulled from the bucket, giving you 5 minutes to wow the crowd with your original tale. Grab your spot at this unique blend of improv and personal narrative.

Monthly Clothing Swap

6:00PM - 8:00PM @ Nomadic Outpost - Free

Transform your wardrobe through this uniquely curated clothing exchange event. Unlike typical swaps, this gathering includes live music, craft cocktails, and themed "styling challenges" where participants compete to create the most innovative outfits from swapped pieces. Join a community of sustainable fashion enthusiasts at this monthly style revolution.

Naughty Little Cabaret

6:00PM - 9:00PM @ The Creek and the Cave - $40-55

After dominating Chicago's underground scene, this provocative variety show makes its Texas debut. Featuring everything from fire dancers to gender-bending performance artists, hosted by the notorious Ringmaster Rob Racine. More than just burlesque, it's a celebration of human expression that pushes the boundaries of traditional entertainment.

CAM GIRL Flesh & Chrome Tour with Lavender Scare and Dogs & Diamonds

8:00PM - 12:00AM @ Chess Club - $10, 21+

A cyberpunk-meets-burlesque extravaganza featuring the provocative CAM GIRL, blending futuristic aesthetics with raw performance art. With support from the darkwave sounds of Lavender Scare and the glam-punk outfit Dogs & Diamonds, this multimedia spectacle promises to push artistic boundaries.

Wobble Wednesday ft. Xenotype

10:00PM - 2:00AM @ Voodoo Room, $10

Experience a mind-bending night featuring experimental bass wizard Xenotype, complete with aerial performances by Pepper and Alex, live art, and free desserts. This birthday bash celebration includes a special Saladbar set and exclusive Lightstrike goodies from New Belgium Brewing Texas.

More interesting events on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Thursday, 5/22

Nixta x Domaine Tetta x Yoshi Tuna Breakdown Event

6:00PM - 9:00PM @ Nixta Taqueria

Witness a spectacular live breakdown of a 100lb Japanese bluefin tuna by Chef Yoshi from Otoko! This one-of-a-kind event includes a welcome cocktail, special wine pours from visiting Japanese winemakers Domaine Tetta, and amazing food from Nixta's asado setup.

Astronomy Uncorked: Shedding Light on Dark Matter

6:30PM 7:45PM @ C.L. Butaud Winery, 415 E. Saint Elmo Road

Explore the mysteries of dark matter while enjoying fine wine at this unique astronomy event. Join fellow space enthusiasts at C.L. Butaud winery for an evening that blends cosmic discovery with sophisticated tastings, creating the perfect pairing of science and sensory experience.

Comedy Vs Magic - Battle of the "Lames"

8:00PM @ Hole in the Wall

A hilarious showdown where three stand-up comics face off against three magicians to prove who's less lame! This unique competition format lets the audience decide the ultimate winner in this bizarre battle of entertainment styles. Each performer pulls out all the stops to win you over in this unconventional clash of talents.

GWAR w/ Toxic Holocaust, Æther Realm, & Tracheotomy

6:30PM @ Radio/East - $35, All Ages

Get ready for an epic night of theatrical metal mayhem as GWAR brings their outrageous stage show to Austin. Known for their elaborate costumes, wild performances, and over-the-top antics, this isn't just a concert—it's a spectacle. Grab your tickets here and prepare to get weird with thrash metal legends Toxic Holocaust and melodic metal masters Æther Realm.

Turtle Races Season 3

8pm @ Little Woodrow's Southpark Meadows

The slowest, most exciting race in town returns to South Austin! Join the fun at Little Woodrow's Southpark Meadows every other Thursday for their popular Turtle Races. Experience this uniquely quirky entertainment while enjoying drinks and the lively atmosphere at one of Austin's favorite sports bars.

World Goth Day Celebration

8:00PM @ Crow Bar/The Raven Room - $10, 21+

Get your darkest attire ready for this annual celebration of all things gothic! A special-edition party featuring darkwave, synthpop, and cold wave music, with the venue transformed into an extra-moody playground for the night. Dark souls assemble for this rare gathering of Austin's goth community.

Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Friday, 5/23

Austin Greek Festival

11am - 10pm @ Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church - $5

Transform your Memorial Day weekend with three days of authentic Greek culture! Beyond the amazing food and wine, enjoy live Greek music, traditional dance performances and lessons, unique shopping, and guided tours of the stunning church. Free admission for military, first responders and rideshare users. All proceeds support building expansion and Community First Village.

LOSER LION PARTY BUS: A Rock 'n Roll Clown Experience

8:30pm @ Fallout Theater - $19.32

A deranged lion-costumed Vegas wrestler leads this surreal interactive spectacle, complete with air-drumming to Iron Maiden, ass-shaking contests, and existential crises with his inflatable lover Dolly. This wild performance blends physical clowning, live bass, synth-rock singalongs, and surprise guests. Think Rocky Horror meets Pee-Wee's Playhouse in a Vegas meltdown.

Astro Hour: Gemini Season Launch Party

5pm - 8pm @ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge - FREE/21+

An otherworldly celebration of Gemini season featuring flash tattoos, cosmic cocktails, and live tarot readings by @aaronstarot. Special admission deal for Geminis ($5 vs regular $10)! Try the signature "Smoke & Mirrors" cocktail while getting adorned with tooth gems by Glow with Kylo.

Nite Moves at Hot Luck Festival

7pm - 10pm @ Assembly Hall - $195

A brand new street food celebration kicks off Hot Luck Fest 2025! Wander through Assembly Hall as top chefs reimagine late-night cravings under neon lights. From sizzling onions to gourmet hot dogs, this evening puts a creative spin on classic street eats. Early entry available with Whole Enchilada ticket package.

Make Friday amazing @ WhatsGoodATX!

Saturday, 5/24

Metalachi at Antone's

8:00 PM @ Antone's - $27

The world's first and only heavy metal mariachi band brings their genre-bending sound to Austin's legendary blues club. Early arrival recommended for limited first-come seating. Enjoy their signature Cliffy Dog hotdogs and classic Po' Boys while experiencing this one-of-a-kind musical fusion.

Paranoid Strings: The Music of Radiohead

6:00 PM @ ConcertDome, $60+ 

Experience Radiohead's legendary tracks reimagined through haunting string arrangements in a stunning 360° visual environment. Let the hypnotic soundscapes transport you as a string quartet brings these iconic songs to life in an intimate, cinematic setting.

Jews in Public Places with Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour and Go Yotai

8:00 PM @ Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches - $9-$27 sliding scale

Experience a mind-bending cultural collision as Taiwan's hottest klezmer band joins forces with Austin's own Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour in a kolache shop, of all places! This WE ALL BELONG-supported event creates an unexpectedly perfect fusion of traditional Jewish music with Taiwanese influences, all while you nosh on Czech-Texas pastries.

For more events happening on Saturday, check out WhatsGoodATX!

Sunday, 5/25

Stone Tools Workshop

9AM - 12PM @ Buzz Mill - $60

Travel back in time with this hands-on flintknapping workshop where you'll learn to craft your own stone tools and arrowheads using ancient techniques. Includes a free drink token and Lumber Society Stone Tools badge. Register at the booking link.

Here Be Monsters: A Festival of Austin's Indie-Classical Scene

6PM - 11:30PM @ Radio/East

A groundbreaking two-day celebration where classical meets indie underground, featuring ten innovative ensembles each night including Kraken Quartet, Man Woman Friend Computer, and Golden Hornet. Experience chamber music reimagined through a contemporary lens, with KMFA Classical 89.5 as media sponsor. Kids 12 and under get in free.

Hot Luck Food & Music Festival: Camp Sunnyside

12PM - 3PM @ Fair Market - $195

This isn't your typical summer camp - it's a surreal brunch experience where "camp counselors" (who happen to be world-renowned chefs) serve up twisted takes on campfire cuisine. Early access available with the Whole Enchilada Package for an extra weird morning of culinary experiments.

Daikaiju vs. Planet of The Little Green Men

7PM @ The 13th Floor

An otherworldly musical showdown featuring the enigmatic DAIKAIJU alongside Planet of The Little Green Men and psychedelic surf rockers FUZZWAHH. Check out this cosmic collision of sound for an unforgettable evening of genre-bending performances.

More interesting events on Sunday @ WhatsGoodATX!

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