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A Tesla Cybercab picked somebody up at 99 Ranch Market last Friday and was tasked with driving them to the Domain; it should have taken ten minutes, tops. But in the end, the trip was over an hour; because the Cybercab can't cross railroad tracks and can't get on a highway. It drove a massive horseshoe through East Austin, hugging the Red Line until it found an overpass to cross over. Yes, before you ask; there was a "Pull Over" button and the rider could have ended the ride at any point. The fact that they sat there for an hour watching it happen is what’s interesting; sunk cost fallacy gets the best of us far too often.
In the meantime, actual humans are out here trying to save the places that still make this city worth braving the traffic and potholes for. The Red River Cultural District's board published an open letter last Tuesday. In the last twelve months, the district has lost Koriente, Feels So Good, Empire Control Room & Garage, and Marlow. Valhalla's seventeen-year run ends this fall. As we’ve been covering the past couple of weeks, the building housing Elysium and the 13th Floor is listed at $4.1 million. The letter’s core argument to the City is "you already promised you would help us." The city has passed resolutions and adopted plans going back to 1991, all saying Red River matters, but what's been missing is the follow-through. RRCD has drawn a line and they're asking the community to stand with them, please sign the letter here to lend support!
Wine & Deep Listening at Zach Theater!
What is being demonstrated is that while the venues may be disappearing, the demand for showing up in a room with other humans and experiencing live music, hands-on art and culture is only growing. This past weekend’s LEVITATION, showcasing independent music all across Austin, was reportedly full. Another example is a recent club KUT highlighted, Film Strip Club: a free workshop where you physically scratch, paint, and draw directly onto sixteen-millimeter film, then run your creation through an actual 16mm projector to see what you made! Lastly, our contribution: In collaboration with ATX Artists for Social Impact, we hosted our sold-out Jazz Appreciation 101 event last night! Dr. Jeremy George and our lineup of amazing musicians (including the legendary Andre Heyward) enthralled our community and we all learned a thing or two as well 🎶 Thanks to so many of you that came, we had such a great time.
It bears mentioning that a hundred thousand people watched Texas come back from down 23–3 in the fourth quarter to beat No. 1 Ohio State 24–23 this past Saturday. IF you didn’t already know, an entire stadium willed a comeback into existence; obviously, we just need to channel that energy to save the rest of this city’s spirit as well.
In food news, Perla's is still closed after a September 7 fire that started in the vent-hood system and spread through the roof: no reopening date yet, the South Congress patio will be missed. As for openings, controversial YouTube star Joshua Weissman debuted Ben & Lynn's, a from-scratch fried chicken spot in a restored 1920s bungalow on East Cesar Chavez (worth looking into the background on Weissman before visiting). Big Slick replaced Pasta Bar on East Sixth with an intimate steakhouse from Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee. Neighborhood Sushi reopened bigger at 1417 S. First with a patio and expanded menu. Looking ahead, chef Laila Bazahm announced Shola, an Indian-Texan smokehouse blending dhaba-style live-fire cooking with Central Texas barbecue, coming to 105 Tillery in November; her third Austin restaurant in four years. And the Emmer & Rye group signed a lease to bring Nicosi, their Michelin-starred dessert tasting concept from San Antonio, to 520 E. Sixth, though not until fall 2027. On the way out: Garbo's North Lamar closes September 26 (lease ending, Mopac location stays), and El Grandpa Mexican BBQ leaves Georgetown September 27 ahead of an Austin opening in October, address TBA. Mendocino Farms will be opening a third Austin location on Lamar on September 22, and Postino just opened at Village at Westlake. Finally, ACL Fest dropped its food lineup featuring Cuantos Tacos, KG BBQ, Veracruz, Cabo Bob's, Chi'lantro, Salt & Time, and more, and the Austin Food & Wine Festival announced an almost all-women fire-pit lineup for November 7–8.
Tuesday, Sept 15th
El Grito 2026
6pm–9pm @ Republic Square, FREE!
It's Mexican Independence Day eve, and ASSCA's annual El Grito celebration takes over Republic Square with the historic reenactment of the Grito de Dolores, live music, traditional food vendors, art exhibits, and a poster contest. A free, family-friendly block party that's one of Austin's most vibrant cultural traditions — get there early and eat your way through it.
Tease the Throne with Kitty McSparkles
6:45pm–8:45pm @ Austin Academy of Burlesque, $30
Take your throne and learn to tease. This chair-based burlesque fusion class blends accessible chair dance technique with expressive performance and playful tease — think balance, shapes, transitions, and intentional stage presence. Kitty McSparkles brings years of acro-chair experience, breaking down movement mechanics step-by-step so all levels can command their chair with control and flair.
Out in Tech Austin: September Mixer
7pm @ Flourish Plant Shop & Wine Bar, FREE!
LGBTQ+ folks and allies in tech, startups, and digital culture gather at Flourish, a woman-owned plant shop and wine bar on Airport Blvd with all-day Tuesday happy hour. No formalities, no agenda — just good vibes, charcuterie, and the chance to spark conversations with people from all walks of tech. Third Tuesday of every month.
Nightmare Factory Book Club: Bat Eater & Other Names for Cora Zeng
7pm @ BookPeople, FREE!
BookPeople's horror book club digs into Bat Eater & Other Names for Cora Zeng — the crypt-keepers are here to help you navigate the bloody byways and diabolic depths of your fears. A perfect Tuesday evening for anyone who likes their literature dark, unsettling, and discussed among fellow horror devotees. No cost, just show up ready to be disturbed.
More interesting events on Tuesday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Wednesday, Sept 16th
Mexican Independence Day Celebration! ft. FREE TACOS + Mariachi Cascabel
6:00 PM @ Hotel Vegas Patio, FREE!
It's September 16 and Hotel Vegas is going all out on the patio with free tacos courtesy of Primo Jesse on the grill (with a drink purchase), live mariachis from Mariachi Cascabel, and DJs spinning all night via the Primos crew. There will also be piñatas and paletas, because of course there will. Drink specials all night.
Go Old School with A/V Geeks & TAMI
6:00 PM @ Baker Center Cafetorium (3908 Avenue B), $33.85 🔥
It's 16mm on the 16th: a night of vintage Texas educational films screened the old-fashioned way, on actual film reels, inside a cafetorium. A/V Geeks and the Texas Archive of the Moving Image are teaming up for a deeply weird, deeply wonderful evening of the kind of instructional oddities your grandparents sat through in school. This is Austin film nerd heaven.
An Introduction to Tango Through Presence, Play, and Authentic Connection
6:30 PM @ Celis Brewery, FREE!
This isn't your typical dance class! Tango Reimagined is a free 60-minute experience built around presence, consent, and authentic connection rather than nailing choreography. No partner or experience needed, just shoes that slide well on a hard floor and an open mind. Hosted by connection coach Alice Velado of Liberated Journey, it's designed for people who've always been curious about tango but felt shy about traditional dance spaces.
Piñata Protest - Mexican Independence Day Celebration
6:00 PM @ The Far Out Lounge & Stage
San Antonio's self-described "Tex-Mex punk" band brings the three-row button accordion crashing into punk rock, ska, and norteño for a Mexican Independence Day throwdown that's guaranteed to get the crowd moshing and two-stepping in equal measure. They sing in Spanglish and play with an energy that ignites every room they walk into. Parking is limited—rideshare is encouraged.
Lotería Burlesque
7:00 PM @ The Flower Shop, $30.87
A night of showgirls and Mexican bingo smashed together into one gloriously chaotic evening. Lotería Burlesque is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with sequins, sass, and a dauber in hand. If you've never experienced the collision of burlesque performance and traditional lotería, this is your sign.
Magic for Adults: Magic Anywhere With Anything
7:00 PM @ 7500 Woodrow Avenue, $40
This isn't a just a show, it’s a hands-on performance magic workshop where you actually learn the tricks. Spend two hours picking up sleight-of-hand skills you can deploy at parties, bars, and awkward family dinners. You'll leave with actual routines you can perform, not just appreciation for someone else's talent.
Silly Billies: An Evening of Clown
8:00 PM @ Fallout Theater, $7.77
Devised clown work and live direction with open signups—meaning you could end up onstage getting clowned by professionals. At just $7.77, this is one of the cheapest and weirdest nights out in Austin. Whether you're watching or participating, expect absurdity, vulnerability, and a room full of people who aren't afraid to look ridiculous.
Have more fun on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX !
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Thursday, Sept 17th
Carried By The Winds
8:00 PM @ One Texas Center, $28.52 (through Sept 27)
Blue Lapis Light returns with a breathtaking aerial dance performance suspended off the side of One Texas Center. Dancers rise and fall against the downtown skyline like living poetry. It’s a meditation on loss, impermanence, and transformation that turns architecture into a stage.
Hot Fix Sideshow
8:00 PM @ Come and Take It Live, $27.89+
Coney Island's own Hot Fix Sideshow rolls into Austin for one night of old-school circus chaos: sword-swallowing, glass-walking, flesh-piercing, and enough sinister silliness to make your weird uncle proud. Featuring performers Cyclone Jack Sullivan, Echo Thorn, Kita St. Cyr, and guests from Three Legged Dog Sideshow.
Club Cumbia with Flor de la Frontera & The Cumbia Cuhh + FREE Dance Class
8:00 PM – 1:00 AM @ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, FREE!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month the right way — a free cumbia dance class at 8 PM taught by Ela la Dancer, then all-night cumbia beats from Flor de la Frontera and The Cumbia Cuhh at the Volstead. No cover, 21+, and all cumbia all night.
Open Your Heart Poetry Jam
6:30 PM – 11:00 PM @ The Glenda House, FREE 🔥
A living room in North Austin becomes a sanctuary for tea, writing, and raw honesty. A 30-minute workshop gets a poem out of your head, then a sharing circle sits with each piece. The theme is home and belonging. Hosted by Gathering All Muslim Artists and Ihsaan Collective, who bring the house band for an open jam and cypher to close the night. All ages, alcohol-free.
Podcast Society: A Listening & Discussion Night
7:00 PM @ Analog Room, $31.39
The anti-doomscroll: everyone listens to one remarkable podcast episode together without interruption, then joins a thoughtful, phone-free conversation about what they heard. It's a book club for the podcast-brained, and East Austin is the perfect setting for it.
Latte Art Throwdown with Austin Coffee Collective
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM @ Switchback Coffee and Beer, FREE
Baristas battle for a $500 cash purse in a latte art throwdown with $5 buy-in to compete. Free tattoos from Studio Sin Nombre, DJ Darz on the decks, vintage vendors, free specialty beverage samples, and a raffle benefitting Casa Marianella. Sign-ups at 6, first pour at 7.
Flower Shop
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ East Side Performing Arts, $33.85 (through Saturday) 🔥
Step inside a shop where the flowers aren't quite what they seem, and a secret red door at the back sparks your curiosity. That's all the description gives you, and honestly that's all you need. Immersive, mysterious, and very Austin.
Romance Trope Bingo
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Pinthouse Brewing, FREE! (waitlist)
Forget regular bingo — this one calls out romance novel tropes instead of numbers. Enemies-to-lovers? There's only one bed? Mark your card and win prizes every round. Finney's Books pops up with a bookshop, and local indie authors make it all possible. 18+, RSVP required, arrive early for a seat.
Candlelight: Tribute to Trent Reznor
8:45 PM @ St. David's Episcopal Church
The industrial godfather gets the candlelight treatment inside a stunning Austin church. A multi-sensory musical experience reimagining Trent Reznor's catalog performed by live musicians surrounded by hundreds of candles. Nine Inch Nails in a cathedral!
Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!
Friday, Sept 18th
AJC 3rd Annual Chilling Night
7 PM @ Eastside Movie Theater at the Millennium, $15
The Austin Japan Community celebrates nōryō : Japan's tradition of cooling off with ghost stories in summer. You'll get a cultural talk on Japanese ghost tales, a screening of the classic Botan Dōrō (The Bride from Hades), plus ghost storytelling, lantern making, and a spooky photo booth. Pre-order onigiri and drinks by September 10, and feel free to rock a yukata or a spooky costume.
Henna 101: A Beginner's Workshop by Chindi Chores
4pm - 6pm @ KindFolk Apothecary (Cedar Park), $75
Learn the art of henna in a relaxed, hands-on session led by a lifelong practitioner who's been at it since age 11. From mixing the perfect paste to application technique, this workshop walks beginners and henna lovers alike through the whole process. Tickets include all supplies plus one-on-one guidance.
Marvel vs. DC! Hot Heroes & Vixenish Villains in the Multiverse!
8 PM @ Kick Butt Coffee Music & Booze, $20+
Austin's longest-running nerdlesque show, Geekgasm Revue, is throwing down the ultimate showdown between Marvel and DC with a wild night of drag, burlesque, and variety acts. Expect themed drinks, raffle prizes, a photo booth, and a costume contest where the winner scores free tickets to the next show. Dress as your favorite hero or villain and prepare to have your mind blown.
RDQOA: Jersey Edition w/ Teresa Guidice
9 PM @ LUXX Austin, $33.99
The Real Drag Queens of Austin go full Jersey Shore with RHONJ's own Teresa Guidice. Start with a meet-and-greet and Q&A at Luxx Austin at 9 PM, then the whole crew moves to Highland Lounge at 10:30 for the drag show. One admission gets you into both venues — reality TV chaos meets Austin drag excellence.
Cold Waves Festival
7 PM (doors) @ Mohawk Austin, $52, 17+
Cold Waves returns to Austin with a stacked single-night lineup across two stages celebrating 30-year album performances. Stabbing Westward, PIG, 16VOLT, Acumen Nation, and more bring the industrial, darkwave, and post-punk heat for one massive night. If you've ever wanted to see legends play their landmark records front to back, grab tickets now.
Craft and Create: CreateAbility Experience
5 PM – 7 PM @ Old Gregg Brewing Company, $40
Design your own vinyl record art guided step-by-step by talented artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. No experience needed — all materials included. It's a creative night out that supports a meaningful cause, and you get to walk away with your own original piece. Arrive 10 minutes early to get settled.
Heavyoke: Metal Karaoke hosted by Trip Cigs
8 PM – 11 PM @ Vacancy Brewing, FREE!
Vacancy Brewing is cranking their monthly karaoke night ALL THE WAY UP with a heavy makeover. Rob Gator and Leo from local swamp rock band Trip Cigs take over hosting duties to celebrate the release of Barbeerian, a new hoppy lager they brewed together. Come ready with your best metal, punk, grunge, and hard rock anthems: and grab the new collab beer while you lose your voice.
Lip Service at Eberly Rooftop: An Interactive Comedy Advice Show
8 PM – 11 PM @ Eberly Rooftop, $25.09
Part stand-up, part anonymous confession booth, part terrible group therapy: Lip Service is a comedy show where the material comes directly from the audience each night, so no two shows are ever the same. Cocktail hour starts at 8, show at 9. Bring your friends, a date, or just your drama.
Movie Party: Beerfest
7 PM @ Blue Owl Brewing, FREE!
What better way to kick off Oktoberfest than a movie about beer at a brewery? Blue Owl is going all out with a screening of Beerfest plus a costume contest, stein-holding competition, food specials, and plenty of actual beer. Just show up for a Friday night full of laughs and friendly competition.
More amazingness on Friday @ WhatsGoodATX !
Saturday, Sept 19th
Charity Art Event @ PRINTpress Austin
7pm @ PRINTpress Austin, $33.85
MK Tattoos and mondegreen team up for their annual collaborative art gallery sale, with 50% of proceeds going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Expect work from local Austin artists and vendors, free open bar, live music, first-come-first-served tattoos, food, drinks, a merch shop, and raffle prizes.
Thrift & Sip: Vintage Edition
11am - 1pm @ Scout Vintage, $9
Sharpen your vintage eye at this thrift masterclass with a side of tea. Sip a complimentary pot from West China Tea House while Scout Vintage shares insider tips on spotting quality pieces and labels, then browse their East Austin shop's curated home decor, collectables, and clothes during Scout's big sale. Come for the thrift, stay for the sip.
Inclusion Prom: Stick Together
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ Wanderlust Wine Co. Shady Lane, $30
A Y2K prom-themed silent disco with three rooms of interactive, collaborative, and adaptive art; designed so literally everyone can attend. Headlined by KUTX's DJ Shani, this third-annual fundraiser features DJs with and without disabilities, live fashion portraits by Vogue Vignette, a sticker trading bar, sensory-sensitive glam stations, ASL interpreters, and a chill-out lounge. Tickets valued at $60 but offered at half price thanks to sponsors. If cost is a barrier, apply for a sponsored ticket.
An Afternoon with Naima Nefertari: Piano Duet & Conversation
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM @ The Contemporary Austin: Jones Center, $10
A rare afternoon of music and conversation with Naima Nefertari, visual artist, musician, and granddaughter of jazz iconoclast Don Cherry and artist Moki Cherry. She performs a piano duet with Mexico City-based pianist Ana Ruíz, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Ephraim Asili about family history, artistic inheritance, and stewarding a living legacy. Presented alongside the exhibition The Living Temple: The World of Moki Cherry.
Estampas de México
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ Austin ISD Performing Arts Center
Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklórico de Texas presents their 2026 production under artistic director Jesús 'Chuy' Chacón. More than a performance, Estampas de México is a journey home: capturing the spirit of the places that shaped generations through dance, music, and tradition. A perfect way to continue celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend.
Fall Equinox Community Singing Ritual (3rd Annual)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM @ St. James' Episcopal Church, $23.18
Gather to honor the balance between light and dark as the autumnal equinox arrives. This third-annual community singing ritual is a time of reflection, release, and gratitude for the abundance of the harvest season. Peak Austin mysticism.
Boys Don't Cry - A New Wave Party
9:30 PM @ Swan Dive, $13.01 (for 2 tix)
DJ Depress Mode takes over Swan Dive every third Saturday for a night of new wave, '80s goth, darkwave, and all your beautifully depressing dance floor favorites. Expect The Cure, The Smiths, New Order, Joy Division, Depeche Mode and more. If you've ever cried in eyeliner on a dance floor, this is your monthly church.
Stop Motion Orchestra, DODO & Abba Zabba (Bob Hoffnar's New Project!)
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM @ VINYL Beauty Bar, $12.26
Three of Austin's most mind-bending musical acts on one bill at one of the city's most unique venues (a beauty bar!). Abba Zabba is the new project of legendary pedal steel guitarist Bob Hoffnar, DODO brings Sam's funk/fusion chops, and Stop Motion Orchestra ties it all together with prog/fusion/free jazz madness. Free parking on the East Side.
TRANSLAND
10:00 PM - 3:00 AM @ Secret Location, $20+
ATX Trans Pride's signature party is entirely run by trans talent — DJs, go-gos, bartenders, and safety monitors. Late-night sets from LUCÍA BEYOND, XOY, and SUPERMCNASTY will keep the energy soaring. There's an open bar while supplies last, the location is revealed only after you buy your ticket, and it's a no-phone zone. Pure immersive vibes.
National Pirate's Day w/ More Cowbell
9:00 PM @ The Red Rose, FREE!
Ahoy! It's Pat's 11th Annual Pirate's Day Celebration, and The Red Rose is going full swashbuckler. Hunt for hidden booty in the Annual Treasure Hunt, bounce your way through a Pirate Bounce House (yes, for adults), and stick around for More Cowbell live at 10 PM. This is exactly the kind of unhinged themed party Austin was built for.
Other cool stuff happening on Saturday @ WhatsGoodATX !
Sunday, Sept 20th
Probably Magic! Magic Variety Show
7:30PM - 9:00PM @ Fallout Theater, 19.32
Multiple magicians on one stage pushing boundaries of what's possible! Probably Magic promises minds read without Wi-Fi, objects vanishing faster than a parking spot downtown, and reality bending harder than Sixth Street at midnight. Save five bucks by grabbing tickets online in advance.
Mother Wound Presents Heirlooms: Improv Comedy About Generational Trauma
6:00PM - 7:00PM @ Fallout Theater, $11.24
A fully improvised show exploring how familial dysfunction echoes through generations; somehow both poignant and hilarious. If you've ever wanted to laugh-cry about inherited emotional baggage with a room full of strangers, this is your moment. Cheap tickets, big catharsis.
Fall Equinox Celebration & Solar Cookout
12:00PM - 4:00PM @ Festival Beach Food Forest, FREE!
Celebrate the fall equinox at an actual food forest with a solar-powered cookout. Fruitful Commons is hosting this community gathering to mark the shift from light to dark with food cooked by the sun and good vibes powered by the neighborhood. Free to attend, donations welcome.
Shake It Africa
6:00PM @ Pershing Hall, $15
Founded by Ugandan musician Jon Muq, this monthly Afrobeats night features a live percussionist, DJ, and a full Nigerian art installation of masks, statues, and paintings brought in for the evening. No VIP, no velvet ropes — just community, culture, and dancing. All ages, air-conditioned, food and drinks on site.
Summer Sayonara: Brownout
11:00AM - 4:00PM @ Central Machine Works Brewery, FREE!
C3 and Central Machine Works close out summer with a free Sunday concert headlined by Brownout (Austin's own Latin funk and heavy psychedelic powerhouse) plus Buenas Loteria Club and Mariachi Corazon De Tejas. All ages, all free, cold beer available. This is the kind of Sunday afternoon Austin was built for.
The Great Cake Exchange
1:00PM - 2:30PM @ Wanderlust Wine Co. (Shady Lane) - $30
Austin's local bakers bring their best and you get to choose six treats plus a welcome glass of wine in this sweet community tasting. Discover new bakers, eat way too many desserts, and spend your Sunday afternoon in a beautiful East Austin wine hall doing something genuinely delightful. Back by popular demand.
More interesting events on Sunday @ WhatsGoodATX!
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