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A few weeks ago, Tesla told investors its Austin robotaxi program had an “impeccable” safety record. However, on August 18, one of its driverless cars drove through a row of bollards. This made a bit of an awkward lead-up to the September 3 Cybercab launch (which predictably, was undeterred). Tesla’s golden two-seater has no steering wheel or pedals and is joining the Model Y robotaxis that are already operating around Austin. The launch was invite-only, with IDs checked at the door, and interestingly, content creators barred from attending as guests. Some Austinites are rooting for the cheap robotaxis; if you’ve opened Uber lately, or noticed that Waymo is no longer much of a bargain, you probably would too. But I’d also like them to recognize a row of posts; that seems a reasonable ask!
Meanwhile, APD and park rangers are stepping up enforcement on e-motos, the electric motorbikes that are showing up more and more on sidewalks and trails. Following a council resolution in May, officers are actually starting to issue warnings and tickets, with arrests possible in extreme cases. The city is looking into designated places to ride them. Between the robotaxis and the motorbikes, it’s definitely exciting being a pedestrian around town these days…
Austin ISD has a new bus-hub system that is expected to save the district $2.3 million. Instead of picking kids up near their homes, the district now sends them to centralized hubs and runs fewer buses between fewer points. As KUT reports, for some families, getting to those stops is a problem. One student has to choose between a walk with no sidewalk, or a route that would take more than an hour. The new stops have yellow signs with QR codes; useful for finding information, presumably, though the bigger concern is how students are supposed to reach them.
If you want to weigh in: The AISD Board of Trustees takes public comment at its Information Sessions and Board Meetings on Thursdays at the Central Office. You can also email the full board at [email protected], with no time limit on written remarks.
So an update and some good news on a story from a few weeks back: Austin’s adult indoor basketball and volleyball leagues are staying!
After players pushed back, the Parks and Recreation Department dropped the planned cuts. The leagues will continue while the city looks for a third-party operator. Sportskind quoted $725 per team, and Austin Sports and Social Club quoted $529; both more than double the city’s fee. Keeping the leagues affordable matters as much as keeping them on the calendar.
Lastly, as a followup to our piece last week on the danger that faces the Red River District, the organization that shares the name has let us know they will be posting an official statement tomorrow on instagram (@redriverculturaldistrict). Stay tuned, hopefully we can lend our support and save the remaining venues!
A stacked Labor Day kicks off a sparkling week: new moon mysticism, global sounds from sungura to psychedelic cumbia, and queer joy err day. If you don’t already know, LEVITATION is this weekend and will be taking over Red River, the East side and Radio/East will be the central hub. And ICYMI, don’t forget to get your tickets to our jazz appreciation 101 event on Sept 14, Wine & Deep Listening (and THANK YOU to everyone who is coming, so excited to see you there!) Tix are $10 now but the price will be going up next week 🎶
Monday, Sept 7th
APLAN: Austin Public Library LAN Party
5 PM - 7 PM @ Austin Public Library, FREE!
Dust off your rocket launchers for an old-school LAN party at the library! Nostalgic, nerdy, and free to join. It's a perfectly weird pairing of retro gaming culture and a public institution.
Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: Labor Gay Monday
7 PM - 11 PM @ Sagebrush, $15
Neon Rainbows throws a Labor Gay Monday packed with linedance lessons, an electrifying drag show hosted by Brigitte Bandit, and tunes from Ed West. Snag a raffle ticket to support Project Transitions for a shot at 2 wristbands to ACL Fest Weekend 1, and enjoy happy hour pricing with $7 Shiners and $6 wells all night.
Speakeasy Streetball 🏀
6 PM @ 114 Linden Street, FREE!
An offbeat mashup of pickup basketball and speakeasy energy in East Austin. Free to join — just pull up and play.
Free Acro Yoga Jam
8 PM - 11 PM @ Flow Yoga Austin, FREE!
Unleash your inner acrobat at this weekly, no-partner-needed Acro Yoga jam — beginners and seasoned flyers welcome. Just show up and play.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
7:30 PM doors @ Sekrit Theater, $5
George Romero's zombie-genre-defining classic screens under the stars as part of Austin Flick Clique's "Summer of Monsters" series, with a teen-led introduction on the film's history and influence before the movie rolls. It's a rare chance to catch horror history at Austin's most distinctive outdoor cinema.
Industry Nights: Monday Night Xchange at Otherworld
9 PM @ Otherworld, FREE!
Austin's immersive art playground opens its doors for a Monday night mixer inside its neon, dreamlike installations. It's a rare after-hours way to wander Otherworld's surreal rooms without the daytime crowds.
More interesting events on Monday @ WhatsGoodATX!
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Tuesday, Sept 8th
The New Yorker Weekly Short Story Readers Club
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ Central Market, FREE!
This month's meetup dives into "The Promise" by Rachel Yoder (a quick 9-page read from the August 10th print edition), with the group gathering to socialize, share a summary, and dig into discussion before wrapping up with a vote on the story. It's a warm, inclusive space for Austin readers of all backgrounds. RSVP via Meetup to reserve a spot.
Fridgeside! The Business & Art of Music w/Graham Reynolds
5:00 PM @ The Red Fridge Society, FREE!
Dubbed "the quintessential modern composer" by the London Independent, Graham Reynolds pulls back the curtain on scoring films like Blue Moon and Hit Man. Happy hour kicks things off at 5, followed by a candid talk on the business of composing and an exclusive live performance. More happy hour fun follows the show.
One Page Salon
7:30 PM @ Radio Coffee & Beer, FREE!
Called "the best literary event in town" by the Austin American-Statesman, this monthly reading series features five writers sharing a single page from a work in progress. A rare chance to hear brand-new material before anyone else does. More info here.
Houses We Die In, Shoganai, Ritual, Fevered, Sittin Sideways (Matthewfest)
6:00 PM doors @ Brushy Street Commons, $5
A surprise 30-years-of-hopeless-optimism celebration for an unsuspecting scene fixture, packed with metalcore, mathcore, and deathcore acts. Come for the bands, stay for the karaoke afterward. Pure underground Austin chaos for just $5.
More interesting events on Tuesday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Wednesday, Sept 9th
SLOWFIGHT
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Maggie Mae’s, FREE!
A live recording of Local Sets ATX with doors at 6 and drinks flowing at the bar. RSVP for the taping and be part of the studio audience energy.
Sapphic Soirée at Busty's
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ Busty's, FREE!
Austin's rotating lesbian bar lands at Busty's this week for a low-key night to grab a drink and connect with the local WLW community. Come solo, RSVP here, and leave with new friends.
Weird Wednesday: X: THE MAN WITH X-RAY EYES
9:30 PM @ Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, $15.35
The Drafthouse's beloved late-night cult classic series serves up Roger Corman's psychedelic sci-fi horror on the big screen. Check the Weird Wednesday listing for showtimes and tickets.
SAVE THE CAT!: A Comedy Fundraiser for New Hope Animal Rescue
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ 29th St. Ballroom, FREE!
Austin's rising comedians take the stage to raise money for rescue cats and dogs across Central Texas — laughs for a good cause. RSVP here.
More interesting events on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Thursday, Sept 10th
Cult Movie Night: Idiocracy
7:00–9:00 PM @ Blue Owl Brewing, FREE!
Wear your best pair of crocs and settle in for a monthly cult classic screening with beer and food specials on hand. This month's pick will have you spending the evening questioning humanity.
Flower Shop
6:00 – 8:00 PM @ East Side Performing Arts, $33.85 (through Sept 19)
Step inside a shop where the flowers aren't quite what they seem, and a secret red door at the back sparks your curiosity. This immersive experience leans hard into the mysterious.
New Moon Tarot Vision Board Workshop
7:00–9:00 PM @ Monica’s Porch, $65.53
Receive a personal tarot reading, then channel the insight straight into a hands-on vision board session. It's equal parts mystical and craft night, perfect for setting intentions under the new moon.
New Moon Soundbath Experience
7:00–9:00 PM @ Local & Wild, $25
Wear your comfiest clothes for an immersive sound bath led by a certified Reiki healer, paired with animal-inspired reflection and intention setting. Space is limited to keep it intimate, so reserve ahead.
Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Friday, Sept 11th
Psychedelic Cumbia Party
9:30pm @ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, $12
LEVITATION and Cumbiadelica Fest team up for a night of tejano, cumbia, and electrocumbia across multiple acts, including Quimikoz del Son and Guira King. Grab tickets to the Psychedelic Cumbia Party before it sells out.
Chicas Divertidas: A Megan Thee Stallion Tribute
10pm @ Highland Lounge, FREE!
Celebrate three years of drag with a Megan Thee Stallion tribute night packed with drinks, vendors, and a twerk-off with a $100 cash prize on the line. No cover required to join the chicas.
MY WAY CABARET: AFTER DARK
7pm @ Pershing Hall, $40+
Austin's one-of-a-kind cabaret returns for its final show of the season with a provocative twist, pulling audiences into an intimate telling of the New York night. See the full lineup on Pershing Hall's calendar for showtimes.
Ancient Forward
7-9pm @ Carousel Lounge, $5 cash / $7 card
Calling all dance instigators: this high-energy set blends Zimbabwean-style Sungura and mbira music with a jam-band twist inside Austin's circus-themed dive bar. Check out Carousel Lounge for the full night's lineup.
ArmadilloCon
12pm @ Holiday Inn-Midtown, $80 (through Sunday)
Austin's longest-running fan-run sci-fi, fantasy, and horror convention returns for its 48th year with panels, readings, gaming, an art show, and a legendary Bar Con. Check ArmadilloCon's schedule for guest signings and the Meet the Pros Party.
Funkadelic "Maggot Brain" Listening Party
6-7pm @ Antone's Record Shop, FREE!
Be among the first to hear the newly mastered reissue of Funkadelic's classic album, with giveaways, prizes, and beverages courtesy of Rambler and Saint Arnold's. Stop by Antone's Record Shop on release day for the celebration.
Tending the Flame: An Astrology Interactive
6-8pm @ Mind Spirit Create, $84.01
Fire-activated and interactive, this astrology session is built to bring clarity and forge aligned action for the year ahead. A mystical way to spend a Friday evening away from the usual bar crawl.
Pickleland Afrobeats Pickleball Night
8-10pm @ Pickleland, $15
Trade the usual gym playlist for Afrobeats and hit the pickleball courts for a dance-meets-sport night unlike anything else in town. Reserve a spot through Pickleland's program page.
More amazingness on Friday @ WhatsGoodATX !
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Saturday, Sept 12th
Kengo's Origami Exhibit
12pm-3:30pm @ Austin Public Library John Gillum Branch, FREE!
A 12-year-old Japanese origami artist shows off more than 100 folded pieces in this heartfelt, come-and-go exhibit about finding community in a new country. Nothing is for sale, and more info is on Facebook. A quiet, sweet counterpoint to the day's louder events.
Craft & cultivate w/ Lex 🌿✨🍄
7:15pm @ The Mont, $45
A first-ever terrarium workshop where you build your own mini glass garden with snacks, drinks, and a laid-back vibe (BYOB welcome). Reserve your spot through Partiful before materials sell out. Great for plant lovers and total beginners alike.
HEATWAVE Drag Brunch & Pool Party
12pm-4pm @ East Austin Hotel, FREE!
East 6th's hottest new day party combines free drag brunch, free pool passes, and free parking all in one. Full details and RSVP are on Eventbrite. A sunny, no-cost way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Stars at Night: Alison's Virgo Season Party
Doors 8pm, music 9pm @ Kick Butt, $10
A celestial celebration of synth, goth, and punk doubling as an early birthday bash for two local musicians. More on the lineup and RSVP here. All ages welcome, all Virgos (and everyone else) invited.
DEEP GLENS | PROVIDER | SV1 | GYZA
Doors 8pm, performances 8:30pm @ dadaLab, $20
An immersive evening of live electronic music paired with real-time visuals from four acts pushing glitched, atmospheric, and acid-laced sounds. Students and early bookers save with discounted presale tickets. All ages are welcome into this underground scene.
Whispers of Fae: A Night of Secrets and Starlight
6pm-10pm @ Barrett’s Too, $30.87 🔥
Where pole dance and burlesque meet romantasy, this evening of secrets and starlight leans fully into fantasy glamour. Grab tickets here before the fae court fills up. Expect theatrical, sultry performances all night.
Deck & Balls: Magician vs. Clown
7pm-8pm @ Fallout Theater, $11.24
A magician and a clown both show up expecting a solo show, only to discover they've been double-booked for the same time slot. Chaos ensues in this comedic showdown — grab tickets here. A quick, quirky hour of live comedy.
Pop the Balloon or U-Haul It Live Dating Show
7pm @ Cheer Up Charlies, FREE!
Austin's own lesbian dating show hits the stage live, inspired by the viral "Pop the Balloon" format with its own twists. Singles pop a balloon if they're not interested, or match up to U-Haul It — sign up or watch for free. An after-party follows.
Other cool stuff happening on Saturday @ WhatsGoodATX !
Sunday, Sept 13th
Welcoming Week Refugee Arts & Food Bazaar
1pm-4pm @ YMCA TownLake, FREE!
The TownLake YMCA transforms into an international bazaar featuring handmade goods and traditional foods from refugee artisans from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Cuba, and beyond, with all proceeds going directly to the vendors. Details are posted here.
Grandmaster w/ Geto Gala
8pm @ 3TEN, $19.83
Billed as an intergalactic traveler chronicling his adventures in a "Sacred Prophecy," Grandmaster leads nine musicians known as his "Zealots" through a set of ritualistic funk. Tickets and details are available here.
Hippie Hollow Takeover
1pm @ Hippie Hollow Park, $8 cash entry
A trans takeover of Texas' only legal nude beach to celebrate the end of summer — clothing-optional, centered on trans and nonbinary folks, with cis queers welcome as plus-ones. Look for the Local Queer flag once the group sets up on the water.
Whose Slide is It Anyway: Improvised Lectures. Zero Prep.
6pm-7pm @ Fallout Theater, $12.38
Comedians deliver fully improvised academic lectures with zero preparation, playing experts in nothing while sounding confident in everything. Get tickets here for maximum laughs with minimum content.
Siete Juntos Festival
11am-5pm @ Fair Market, FREE!
A free Latino Heritage Month celebration with a heritage-inspired mercado, local artists and food vendors, plus live entertainment from Mariachi Relampago and Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklórico de Texas. Find the full vendor and entertainment lineup on the event page.
Bat Viewing w/ Rainbow Connections ATX
7pm-8:30pm @ Congress Avenue Bridge, FREE!
Watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats — the world's largest urban bat colony — pour out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk with a queer-friendly crowd. Newcomers and longtime Austinites alike are welcome; more info here.
More interesting events on Sunday @ WhatsGoodATX!
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