Week of May 5

El Otro Oz

7pm @ Bass Concert Hall

Step into a vibrant bilingual musical fiesta that's a hot pick by the New York Times! This colorful reimagining of The Wizard of Oz follows Dora, a modern teen struggling with her upcoming quinceañera, who discovers herself in a magical new world filled with salsa, merengue, and Mexican folk rhythms. Perfect for ages 8+ and a truly unique cultural experience unlike anything else in Austin this week.

One Night, A Thousand Tales: A Mystical Dinner

7pm @ Troy Restaurant

Experience the enchantment of One Thousand and One Nights at this immersive dining experience featuring a three-course Turkish feast accompanied by mesmerizing live belly dance performances. The menu includes a Mezze Plate starter, choice of grilled meat, chicken, or vegetarian entrée, and classic Turkish Baklava for dessert. At $120 per person, it's a culinary adventure unlike any other in Austin this week.

Tuesday Twilights Featuring The Latin Dukes

5-8pm @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Enjoy extended evening hours at the Wildflower Center with the Latin Dukes providing a beautiful soundtrack of Latin rhythms. This unique nature experience includes food from popular Austin trucks like Konfusedesi and CraigO's, plus take-and-walk adult beverages to sip as you stroll among the native blooms. Free for members (reserve a week ahead) or join on-site. Carpooling recommended as parking is limited.

BINGO at Hyperreal Film Club

7pm @ Hyperreal Film Club - $8

Not your grandma's bingo night! Join legendary Matthew Robinson (from The Legend of Billie Jean) for a quirky "pet road movie" about a fire-fearing circus pup who escapes his terrible owners and teams up with a 90s redhead named Chuckie. This oddball film screening combines the nostalgia of bingo with avant-garde cinema for a totally unexpected Tuesday night. Doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm.

Bone Wall Hanging Workshop

6-8pm @ Moontower Cider Company - $40

Create a macabre masterpiece using real vertebrae bones, wood plaques, and dried florals in this uniquely gothic crafting session. Learn proper bone-cleaning techniques and take home your own custom wall hanging plus an instructional zine for future bone-crafting projects.

PUPA - A Storytelling Show

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

Step into this unconventional storytelling arena where names are drawn from a bucket and participants get 5 minutes to share original tales. Whether you're feeling brave enough to grab the mic or prefer to listen, this organic showcase of raw narratives promises unexpected twists.

HOT: The Exhibit

Various Times @ Ground Floor Theatre - Free

A provocative multi-media art experience centered around peri/menopause, featuring an unexpected mix of dance, spoken word, visual art and film installations. Includes uncensored open mic story sessions where attendees share raw experiences. Full schedule.

Justice Is Served - A Queer Variety Show

7:30pm @ RudeMechs Crashbox - $20

Step into a fabulous courtroom-turned-theater for an outrageous night of queer variety entertainment. This two-hour extravaganza features comedy, drag, dance, and delightfully chaotic performances. Get your tickets for this 18+ show where justice meets joy, and don't forget to dress in your courtroom-inspired best!

Me and My Victim Film Screening

7pm @ We Luv Video

Experience this provocative micro-budget film that blurs reality and fiction, exploring a messy situationship between co-directors Maurane and Billy Pedlow. Fresh from winning the Film Critics' Award at Fantasia, this raw examination of modern love includes a post-screening Q&A with the creators. Learn more and reserve seats.

Devils Advocates Comedy Debate Club

10pm @ Fallout Theater - $8

Watch comedians take absurdly extreme positions and argue passionately for totally ridiculous causes in this bizarre debate-meets-comedy format. Think Oxford Union meets WWE wrestling, with topics chosen for maximum comedic chaos. Grab tickets for this uniquely unhinged show.

Haight Ashbury Medical Clinic w/ Marxus Bell

7pm @ Empire Control Room - $12, All Ages

Don't let the medical name fool you - this isn't a health clinic but rather a psychedelic jazz fusion band that creates what they call "sonic fever dreams." Their experimental improvisations blend modal jazz, krautrock, and trip-hop into a mind-bending musical experience. It's weird enough that they named themselves after a medical clinic!

Son Rompe Pera

7:00PM @ 29th Street Ballroom - $25

This groundbreaking band fuses traditional Mexican cumbia with high-energy punk rock, centered around the mesmerizing sounds of the marimba. Grab tickets to witness this one-of-a-kind cultural collision that's been taking the world music scene by storm.

Secret Garden: Art Experience Fundraiser

6:00PM @ Contracommon - $30+

Step into an immersive wonderland featuring interactive art installations, live music performances including Hexpartner's neoclassical darkwave, and access to 11 private artist studios. Support local artists while enjoying craft cocktails and exploring transformed gallery spaces.

Bad Boys of Country on Strings

6:00PM @ ConcertDome

Experience the rebellious spirit of Morgan Wallen, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, and Chris Stapleton reimagined through stunning orchestral arrangements. Set against a backdrop of 120,000 lumens of digital visuals in an immersive 360-degree sound environment, this unique classical meets country fusion promises an unforgettable sonic journey.

Star Monster: Enter The Crunchiverse

10:00PM - 2:00AM @ Irregardless 13 - $20-$25

Dive into a bass-heavy alternate dimension with two stages of mind-bending lights, lasers, and beats. This interdimensional rave experience invites all warriors, ravers, and club heads to explore the Crunchiverse together.

Form//Shift: A Sculpture Exhibition

8:00PM - 10:00PM @ Canopy - Free

Watch as three Latino painters completely abandon their 2D comfort zone and venture into the world of sculpture. This mind-bending exhibition explores transformation through artists working entirely outside their usual medium.

Mother's Day Tea Party with Light Therapy

10am @ Mozart's Coffee Roasters

A modern twist on the traditional tea party combining wellness and indulgence. Enjoy specialty teas and treats while experiencing the benefits of LED light therapy masks. Get tickets and info.

48th Annual O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships

10am - 6pm @ Brush Square Park - Free

One of Austin's oldest "weird" traditions returns for its 48th year! Watch expert punsters battle it out in two intense competitions - Punniest of Show and Punslingers - while enjoying live music from Kathleen Turner Overdrive. This internationally renowned spoken word competition celebrating the art of wordplay takes place in the historic park behind O. Henry's former home. Learn more and register.

IMOLE: Fantasy Faire

3pm - 11:30pm @ The Tiny Minotaur Tavern - Free before 6pm, 21+ after

Step into an enchanted realm celebrating Black mysticism, fairy tales and folklore at this magical gathering. The family-friendly afternoon features faerie sightings, face painting and crafts, while the evening transforms into an adults-only showcase of powerful performances, music and storytelling. Get details.

Austin Witchfest 2025

10am - 7pm @ Palmer Events Center

Celebrate witchcraft in all its forms at this unique festival featuring workshops, rituals, divination sessions, shopping from mystical vendors, and magical entertainment. The indoor venue provides a comfortable space to explore the metaphysical arts and connect with the witchy community. Check event details.

Kiln Fest

3pm - 6pm @ Reed Park - Free

The first-ever Kiln Fest transforms Reed Park into a celebration of ceramic arts and community spirit. Enjoy live music while watching pottery demonstrations, plus bounce houses and face painting for the kids. Food from Tivity and plenty of hands-on activities make this inaugural event a can't-miss. Event info.

CHALA-MAY: A Timothée Roast

8:30pm - 10:30pm @ Alamo Drafthouse Village

Join in this hilarious roast of Hollywood heartthrob Timothée Chalamet, featuring screenings and commentary on his roles in films like Dune and Wonka. Enter the Chalamet lookalike contest for a chance at prizes while the Master Pancake crew provides comedic commentary. Get tickets.

RAZZFEST - A Celebration of Rap & Jazz

5pm @ Empire Control Room & Garage - $12-$16

Experience a groundbreaking fusion of rap and jazz at this unique festival featuring live performances, beat sets, film screenings and more. Catch artists like Kassa Overall and Quelle Chris alongside local talent, while enjoying art installations and digital archive presentations. Reserve your spot.

National Shrimp Day Celebration

11am - 8pm @ Lil' Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar

Dive into a full day dedicated to everyone's favorite crustacean! This unique food festival features an all-day shrimp-themed menu, special drink offerings, and live blues music on the patio from 6-8pm. More details.

Kill 'em all Let INSPIRE sort 'em out

5pm @ Empire Control Room & Garage - $25-$35

Get ready for an epic pro wrestling showdown featuring "A WEDDING AMONGST WARS" where rivalries are settled and vows are exchanged! This unique blend of combat sports and matrimony promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Grab your front-row seats before they're gone!

Austin Witches Market

6pm - 10pm @ Radio/East - Free Entry | All Ages

Step into a mystical night market where local witches, mystics, and artisans gather to share their crafts and spiritual wares. This enchanting event transforms Radio/East into a magical marketplace where you can discover unique metaphysical items, get readings, and connect with Austin's vibrant magical community. Check out more details and RSVP here.

Define Yourself - Persona Development with Ruby Lamb

1:15pm - 2:15pm @ Brass Ovaries Pole Dancing - $30

Join burlesque veteran Ruby Lamb from The Jigglewatts for an unconventional workshop on creating your stage persona. This minimal-movement session focuses on character development, branding, and stage presence. Book your spot and bring a meaningful prop or costume piece to help shape your alter ego.

Vixens Of Volstead Drag Brunch: That's Mother Edition

12pm - 3pm @ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge - FREE // 21+

Join fabulous queens May Magdalene, Mars, and Veronica Valentine, with special guest OwieBops for an ICONS ONLY Mother's Day bash! Featuring DJ Killgxrl spinning beats, tasty brunch from El Borracho Tacos, and a local market curated by Vibe City Markets. Make your reservation for this free event!

Bad Robot - Improv For The Whole Family

4pm @ The Hideout Theatre

Dive into an interactive sci-fi adventure where YOU help create the story of an alien visitor on Earth. Inspired by classics like E.T. and The Iron Giant, this family-friendly improv show lets kids steer the narrative and even join the performers on stage. Perfect for all ages who love otherworldly tales.