Week of October 7th

What's Weird ATX

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As we all well know, Austin is in the throes of ACL this week. Hope y’all are surviving and not getting stuck in too much traffic (and also enjoying the festival if you snagged a wristband)! And if your wallet is hurting from it, the free events this week are pumping, probably my largest selection yet!

The biggest buzz so far out of the fest came on Saturday, when Sabrina Carpenter not only brought out country legend Shania Twain for a surprise duet, but also playfully arrested Joe Keery (of Stranger Things and Djo) for "being too hot". In more highbrow news, Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan donated his entire creative archive to Texas State University's Wittliff Collections, including early drafts of Sicario, Hell or High Water, and Yellowstone pilot episodes; a homecoming of sorts since Sheridan attended the university as a theater major in the '90s before dropping out (though he did get an honorary doctorate this spring).

On October 1st, the city launched a new pilot program where property owners can now call 311 for free graffiti removal, funded by the Clean Community Fee that's already baked into utility bills. Natural Grocers closed its Arbor Walk location on October 2nd after 15 years and failed lease negotiations.

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Over on Reddit, folks are chattering about road-tripping to San Antonio for Dia de los Muertos celebrations. I did this myself a few years ago and it was a blast! Highly recommend 🙂 On a spookier note, rumors of the Rainey Street Ripper serial killer refuse to die, even though Austin Police insist there's no evidence of foul play. The speculation has reignited after reports of multiple bodies being found in Houston’s bayou. The city is now investing $800,000 in new fencing and lighting around Lady Bird Lake, plus potentially stationing paramedics at the end of Rainey Street to help intoxicated bar-goers navigate safely.

Austin's food scene had a busy week with several exciting openings and pop-ups. Fat Rabbit Social House debuted October 1st at 35 Brazos Street with a whimsical brunch-forward concept inspired by owner Rachael Treadwell's family rabbit Rowdy, featuring warm colors, copper touches, direct access to the Lady Bird Lake Trail, and a menu packed with chicken & waffles, avocado toast, and a $10 mix-your-own mimosa experience—plus the spot transforms into a cocktail lounge with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Just two days later on October 3rd, Skipjack Oyster finally made its splashy debut inside The Westin Austin Downtown, replacing the decade-old Stella San Jac with a Carolina coast-inspired raw bar serving daily oyster selections, linguini with clams, fried oyster po' boys, blackened Texas redfish, and towering seafood plateaus, all while celebrating with 50% off sparkling wine throughout October and an extra 20% off for ACL wristband holders. Birdie's brought back its beloved Aiello's Italian pop-up running through October 25th with a $79 multi-course red sauce feast including Nonna's Meatballs, mozzarella sticks, and fusilli alla vodka—marking the first time the pop-up is accepting reservations via OpenTable. Meanwhile, Moreno Barbecue soft-opened its new South Austin location on September 26th with a grand opening set for October 11th, and Gibson Street Bar got spooky by transforming into a Twisted Carnival through November 2nd with themed cocktails and Halloween decor. Finally, the Cedar Door, Austin's beloved "moveable landmark" and self-proclaimed birthplace of the Mexican Martini, announced it's throwing a week-long birthday bash starting October 13th to celebrate 50 years of margaritas and memories, having literally been moved to four different locations around the city throughout its history.

Tuesday, October 7th

The Boulet Brothers' Dragula Titans Viewing Party

8pm @ Cheer Up Charlies, FREE!

The Haus of Hysteria brings spine-chilling horror drag to your Tuesday with rotating hosts serving filth, glamour, and LIVE HOST EXTERMINATIONS starting October 7th. Expect lip sync battles, audience activities, and a monstrous crew of performers blending horror aesthetics with drag excellence. Get ready for chaos with weekly spotlights and special guest hosts in this 18+ spectacle.

Horror Movie Trivia at Pinballz Kingdom**

7pm - 9pm @ Pinballz Kingdom - Free with RSVP

Test your horror movie knowledge at this spine-chilling trivia night where you'll compete for candy prizes and bragging rights in an arcade wonderland. Don your spooky costume or favorite horror gear (sharp objects stay home), gather your crew or go solo, and RSVP now since seating is limited for this hauntingly good time.

A Night of Magic with Jonah Babins and David Gichner

7:30pm @ The Velveeta Room, $30.87

Canada's top magician meets Austin's best for close-up sleight of hand starting at 7:30pm, where miracles happen in your own hands as things vanish, appear, and transform right before your eyes. Secure your spot for this 70-minute show combining mind-reading with mind-blowing magic, plus tons of audience interaction and laughs. Only 72 tickets available for this intimate theater experience.

More interesting events on Tuesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Wednesday, October 8th

Bonsai Demonstration - Carving Deadwood on Tiger Bark Ficus

6:30pm @ Zilker Botanical Garden - Free

Watch visiting artist Adam Lavigne demonstrate the intricate art of carving and creating deadwood on bonsai trees. The Austin Bonsai Society presents this specialized technique that transforms living miniature trees into dramatic sculptural works.

AFTER WORK MOSH

7pm - 10pm @ 2008 S 1st St, FREE!

Bring your bearded dragon, snake, tarantula, or any other scaled/crawly companion to this monthly critter mosh. All handlers and their exotic pets are invited to socialize in a chill, welcoming environment where your ball python can finally make some friends.

How To Build An Effigy Proposal Class

7:30pm @ 3106 Industrial Terrace

Thinking about proposing an effigy for Burning Man or a local burn? This class demystifies the entire process from concept to submission, teaching you how to design a massive structure meant to go up in flames. Learn the art of creating large-scale burnable art installations.

Yodel Blitz

6pm - 9pm @ Krause's Cafe & Biergarten, FREE!

Experience rapid-fire yodeling in tight 3-part harmony from this quirky German folk band featuring alphorn, Austrian cowbells, accordion, and clarinet. They'll have you polka dancing whether you know how or not, delivering high-energy jams that are equal parts traditional and totally bonkers. Get ready for a yodel-blitzing good time with these master performers.

Nineties Karaoke hosted by Fen

9pm - 1am @ Hotel Vegas - FREE / 21+

Belt out all your favorite 90s jams at this totally free throwback karaoke night. Whether you're channeling Britney, Backstreet Boys, or Nirvana, this is peak nostalgia fun without spending a dime.

More interesting events on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

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Thursday, October 9th

Showgirls Anniversary with Elizabeth Berkley

6pm (doors) @ Paramount Theatre, $32.50

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the cult classic Showgirls with a special screening and the actual star Elizabeth Berkley in attendance for this provocative Vegas showgirl saga. Dress up in your best Showgirls attire and experience Nomi's journey from stripper to star dancer while climbing the ladder of glitzy, morally questionable success. This is your chance to see the campy, controversial film on the big screen with the woman who fearlessly brought it to life.

Horror Paint Night

6:30pm - 8:30pm @ Wheatsville Food Co-op, $23.18

Paint iconic horror movie scenes and spooky images in this super beginner-friendly workshop that feels just like a coloring book with paint. Reference images provided, so you can recreate your favorite scary moments from classic films, and there's a helper walking around to ensure you leave with something you're proud of. Perfect for horror fans who want to create without the pressure of being an artist.

Flora of the Living Dead: Resurrection Plants of Central Texas

8pm @ Mozart's Coffee Roasters

Can plants rise from the dead like zombies? This Halloween-themed talk explores the creepiest flora around—resurrection plants that literally come back to life after appearing completely dead. Discover the science behind these botanical zombies native to Central Texas in this free, surprisingly spooky presentation. Perfect for nature nerds who want their science served with a side of seasonal macabre.

Micromania Midget Wrestling

8pm @ Come and Take It Live - $23, All Ages

These 5-foot-and-under micro athletes may be short in stature but are giants in entertainment, delivering an explosive, high-powered pro wrestling show with just the right touch of comedy. From the opening bell through the Main Event, these performers will keep you on your feet screaming with unforgettable athletic stunts that prove size doesn't matter when it comes to putting on a BIG show. Doors open at 7 PM with the action starting at 8 PM.

Advanced Knife Carving: Traps

7pm - 9pm @ Buzz Mill, $39.19

Level up your survival skills in this hands-on workshop where you'll learn to craft traps, snares, and advanced carving techniques for the wild. Bring your own sharpened knife or snag one for $20 at class, and walk away with killer bush craft skills that'll make you the most prepared person at any camping trip. Free drink token and an Advanced Knife Carving Badge included with admission—arrive early to claim yours.

Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Friday, October 10

Hooky Hour Launch Party

2pm - 6pm @ Torchy's Tacos (Slaughter Location), FREE

Time to ditch work and dive into Torchy's first-ever Hooky Hour bash, celebrating the fine art of playing hooky with half-priced drinks and legendary queso. Share your best "hooky" story for drink tickets, enter the raffle for VIP aftershow tix and Torchy's gift cards, snap pics at the photo booth, and enjoy live entertainment while feasting on Damn Good tacos and margaritas.

Floating Pumpkin Patch

6pm - 7:30pm @ Northwest Family YMCA

Forget traditional pumpkin patches—this one's underwater. Jump into the pool, pick your favorite pumpkin from the floating selection, then enjoy decorating your wet harvest poolside. It's exactly as delightfully weird as it sounds, combining fall traditions with aquatic adventure for a uniquely Austin experience that kids and adults alike will remember.

The Real Housewives of Austin - Live!

9pm @ ColdTowne Theater, $14

Local Austin comedians deliver a fully improvised comedy show inspired by Real Housewives drama, chaos, and glamour—completely unscripted with larger-than-life personalities, outrageous conflicts, and laugh-out-loud resolutions created on the fly. Arrive 20-30 minutes early to hit the bar (not BYOB), and enjoy free parking while you witness the gloriously messy spectacle unfold.

WORLDBEAT EXTRAVAGANZA ~ ATASH + CAZAYOUX + ORGANIZACIÃ"N CUMBIAMBERA

7pm - 1:30am @ Sahara Lounge,

Three diverse worldbeat acts spanning Persian fusion, Louisiana grooves, and cumbia rhythms create the ultimate dance-the-night-away experience. Doors at 7pm, Atash at 8pm, Cazayoux at 10pm, and Organizaciรณn Cumbiambera at midnight—it's a musical journey across continents without leaving Austin, perfect for socializing, rejuvenating, and losing yourself in global rhythms.

Make Friday amazing @ WhatsGoodATX!

Saturday, October 11th

Eddie Durham Jazz Festival with NEA Documentary

11am - 5pm @ Eddie Durham Park, San Marcos, FREE!

Celebrate legendary guitarist Eddie Durham with live jazz performances, an abstract art exhibition, and screenings of the NEA-funded documentary "All About Eddie" every half hour inside Cephas House. This free festival features swing dancers, multiple bands, and artist Hank Hehmsoth's jazz-inspired artwork. The lineup includes Texas State Jazz Ensemble, Amplified Heat, and Swing Junction Swing Dancers—all honoring Durham's pioneering contributions to jazz guitar and composition.

Sedrick Huckaby's Black Bird Redemption Song

10am - 4pm @ Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

This powerful exhibition features oversized papier-mâché birds trapped in antique birdcages alongside drawings exploring mass incarceration's impact on Black communities. The show includes a life-sized sculpture of Texas's first Black District Attorney Craig Watkins, who freed 35 wrongfully convicted people, plus two video installations about the 1921 lynching of Fred Rouse in Fort Worth. Experience this profound meditation on systemic injustice, historical trauma, and the potential for change through Huckaby's masterful blend of sculpture, drawing, and film.

Pet Tarot Card Watercolor Painting Class

6pm - 8pm @ Dog House Drinkery & Dog Park - $55

Turn your pet into mystical artwork at this watercolor workshop where your fur baby becomes a tarot card character. No drawing skills required—instructor provides pre-sketched templates of your pet in tarot-themed designs, and you'll learn to bring them to life with watercolor techniques. All supplies included, plus you can bring your pup to the dog park while you paint. Reserve your spot now for this pawsitively enchanting evening.

Sleepyheads - Early Parties For Early Risers

3pm - 8pm @ Empire Control Room - $15

An afternoon EDM rave that wraps by 8pm for early risers and parents who still want to rage. Expect epic lasers, nostalgic drops from Avicii to Kaskade, and all the festival energy without the late-night commitment. Get tickets here for this genius solution to adulting—you can still party like it's 2012 and be home in time for a decent night's sleep.

Austin Pancakes & Booze Art Show

8pm - Midnight @ The Far Out Lounge - $18.12

Over 75 local artists, 300+ artworks, FREE all-you-can-eat pancakes, and two stages of live music until midnight. This underground pop-up has been serving pancakes and showcasing emerging artists for over 15 years across North America. Snag tickets early because this unique combo of gallery opening and breakfast-for-dinner party brings together art lovers, night owls, and anyone who believes pancakes taste better after dark.

For more events happening on Saturday, check out WhatsGoodATX!

Sunday, October 12th

CTBA Sunday Bluegrass Jam

1pm - 4pm @ Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches, FREE!

Pickin' on Sunday afternoons since 1978, this legendary bluegrass jam session welcomes all skill levels to bring instruments and join Austin's longest-running bluegrass tradition. Fuel up on kolaches and craft beer while making music with the community—no cover, just bring your banjo, fiddle, or whatever you've got.

Taino Harvest - Casabe Workshop & Ceremony

2pm @ 701 Tillery St, FREE!

Experience indigenous Taino culture through this hands-on Casabe preparation workshop followed by a traditional ceremony led by Yukayeke Ya Cu. Learn ancient techniques for making this sacred bread while connecting with Caribbean heritage and participating in meaningful rituals that honor the harvest season. This is a rare opportunity to engage with living indigenous traditions right here in Austin.

Kink for All: Impact Play 101

2pm - 4pm @ OutWellnessATX - $20

Dive into the basics of impact play during this chill two-hour workshop covering consent, negotiation tactics, motivations, and a bit of kink history. You'll watch a demo and have the chance for optional hands-on experiences to spice things up, with everything from fundamentals to playful practice included in your ticket. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity.

Island Soul - Caribbean + R&B Rooftop Party

5pm - 11pm @ Inn Cahoots, Free with RSVP

DJs ASHMAR, Jamie Dred, and Eye Q bring Caribbean beats and smooth R&B to a downtown rooftop with killer views, tropical drinks, and irresistible Caribbean food. This always-sells-out party is all about dancing, connecting, and pure vibes under the Austin sky.

More interesting events on Sunday @ WhatsGoodATX!

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