Events in Austin today

Lonestar Table Tennis is presenting a USATT 3-Star grand opening tournament at its new facility in Austin, TX. The competition offers a $5,625 prize pool with awards in every division, along with more than $500 in equipment raffles for blades, rubbers, balls, and cases sponsored by Rio Grande Valley TTC. Divisions include U11, U13, U17, and a range of rated events.

Cap off the Blanton All Day summer dance series with a lively mix of social dance, music, and creative fun. Pick up two-step moves with instruction from Double or Nothing Two-Step and enjoy live tunes from the Sentimental Family Band, with more lessons provided by Esquina Tango. Expect art experiences and engaging activities throughout. Attendees may bring their own picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Admission to all events in the series is free for members. The Austin Chronicle is the media sponsor. Additional details will be shared soon.

Unparalleled Preparatory Academy, in partnership with LeadHer to Purpose, hosts a free Community Resource Fair that connects Austin-area families with educational, health, and community support ahead of the new school year. Families can meet local organizations and service providers, take tours of UPA's new campus, enjoy free snacks, and participate in activities for all ages. Registered families may pick up backpacks and school supplies. Guests can also explore school information, community programs, and other helpful local services. The fair is free and open to the entire community.

POP Cats 2026 brings an immersive, pop-meets-feline festival to Austin, transforming the Palmer Events Center into a playground for cat lovers and pop culture fans. Expect creative environments to explore, adoption areas known as catios, interactive workshops, standout cat art, and cat-themed activities. Browse exhibits from rescue organizations and vendors, hunt for hard-to-find merchandise, capture plenty of photo moments, and even get playful cat-themed tattoos. Designed as a weekend experience, it offers something engaging for families, hobbyists, and superfans alike.

Nature's Treasures Texas presents its ninth annual celebration of rocks and fossils at a new location, offering an educational and family friendly experience. The gem and fossil dig returns for kids, and aura photography will be available along with additional activities. Visitors are welcome to bring rocks for professional identification by the Austin Gem and Mineral Society and the Paleontological Society of Austin. The Austin Gem and Mineral Society will also host a membership booth and share lapidary demonstrations.

This is a relaxed, three mile out and back hike at Walnut Creek Park, set at a social pace with a mix of sunny and shaded sections. Dogs are welcome. Participants meet in the Walnut Creek Trail parking area next to the pool, close to the main trail entrance. An RSVP is appreciated, and if running a bit late, sending a quick text helps the group know whether to wait. For questions or updates, contact Will at (512) 810-6020 or Patricia at (512) 293-4908.

Part of the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series, this screening features the 1957 black and white drama 12 Angry Men, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, and E.G. Marshall. Presented from a DCP with a 93-minute runtime, the film follows 12 jurors tasked with deciding whether a young boy committed murder. Eleven are ready to vote guilty, while Henry Fonda’s juror calls for a careful review of the evidence and the process, underscoring the responsibilities of jurors and the vulnerability of the justice system.

Many women shoulder heavy burdens quietly, from relationships and motherhood to infertility, faith challenges, burnout, anxiety, and questions of identity. This free community gathering creates room to take off the mask and speak openly, with conversations at Austin Area Urban League focused on mental health and emotional wellness, faith and healing, the pressure to always be strong, infertility and other women’s health concerns, identity and vulnerability, breaking stigma, and building community for collective healing. Intended as a welcoming, safe space, it centers the honest discussions that too often go unspoken.

Catch TOTO live at Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, featuring Christopher Cross and The Romantics as part of the lineup. Show time is listed as 6:45 PM.

Soundspace presents an evening celebrating what a single guitar can do. John Henry Johnson showcases a forceful solo fingerstyle approach, layering melody, bass lines, and percussion from one acoustic instrument. He is paired with singer songwriter and guitar virtuoso Andrew Stone, delivering a charged, song centered set. Together, they offer an unforgettable display of standout fretwork.

Part of the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series, Bring It On screens at the State Theatre in a 98-minute color presentation via DCP. Released in 2000 and directed by Peyton Reed, the film stars Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, and Gabrielle Union. The story follows a top high school cheer squad that learns a former captain copied their routines from another team, pushing them to create original material and compete at the upcoming championships in this turn of the millennium coming-of-age tale.

Cas Haley shares the stage with Lindsay Beaver for a live performance at The 04 Center in Austin. Tickets are available on Prekindle.

Bikini Trill takes the stage at ACL Live for a live performance. This show is open to all ages.

Blue Moon Dance Co., in collaboration with Austin Ballroom Dancers, presents an evening of social ballroom dancing. A lesson kicks things off, followed by social dancing. Admission is $15, $10 with membership, and $5 for students. This event is cashless and accepts card and electronic payments only.

Austin All-Stars is a night of stand-up comedy featuring a curated mix of seasoned headliners and up-and-coming performers from the Austin comedy scene. Doors open at 7:30 PM, with the show starting at 8:00 PM. Please note that ticket refunds are not offered, but you may receive credit for future shows.

Catch The Sword, Red Fang, and Spoon Benders for a hard rock, garage rock, and doom metal night at RADIO/EAST. The show starts at 8:30 PM.

SIDEQUEST is performing at The Concourse Project in Austin. The show starts at 9:00 PM local venue time.

The 15th Annual Paddle for Puppies brings dog lovers and paddlers together on Lady Bird Lake, hosted by Austin Subaru and Rowing Dock. This community tradition raises essential support for Austin Pets Alive!’s Parvo Puppy Program, which treats a contagious yet curable virus and helps hundreds of puppies each year. Every registration directly funds the specialized care that helps vulnerable puppies recover. Participants launch from Rowing Dock and can paddle single or double kayaks, canoes, SUPs, or dog friendly RUFF SUPs. Personal watercraft are welcome, and rentals are available through the dock. Registration is required for each individual, including kids and additional guests. Fees are nonrefundable, and if attendance changes the payment is counted as a donation to the cause. Dogs are welcome on the water, but please keep water safety in mind. Avoid letting pets swim or drink if the water is warm or stagnant, or if there is visible scum, surface film, or algae mats. Bringing a pet is at your own risk, and an additional waiver acknowledging these risks will be signed during on site check in. Parking near Zilker Park is limited, so consider ride share, biking, or CapMetro. A large gravel lot east of Mopac offers paid parking and a short walk to the dock. Stratford Drive is a no parking zone with enforcement, so use designated areas only to avoid tickets or towing. Please avoid bus and accessible lanes at the neighboring Nature and Science Center. A small number of first come, first served spaces may be available under the Mopac bridge. Do not leave valuables in vehicles due to recent thefts in the area.

Second Sunday at Mueller is a family-friendly gathering with activities for kids, held every second Sunday.

Explore a flea market centered on secondhand tabletop finds. Look for miniatures, board games, and items from local makers, plus other hobby goods. Vendor spaces are available for $35 per table with a limit of two per person, and registration is available by phone at 737-209-0169.

A CTBA bluegrass jam at Bach Craft Beer & Kolaches carries on a long running pickin' tradition that dates back to 1978.

Two local songwriters come together for a song swap after extensive touring. It is expected to be their only appearance in August, offering a rare chance to hear them trade songs together.

Paramount Summer Classic Film Series presents a Family Film Series Double Feature at Stateside at the Paramount, pairing The Princess Diaries with The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. The original 2001 film marks its 25th anniversary and follows Mia Thermopolis as she learns she is heir to Genovia, navigating etiquette lessons, a media whirlwind, jealous classmates, and a scheme against the throne. Directed by Garry Marshall, it screens in color from DCP, runs 115 minutes, and features Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway with Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, Sandra Oh, and Robert Schwartzman. The 2004 sequel continues Mia’s journey as the future queen who discovers she must marry quickly to keep her family’s crown, sparking a comedic search for identity and true romance. Also directed by Garry Marshall, it is presented in color from DCP, runs 113 minutes, and stars Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway with Callum Blue, Hector Elizondo, John Rhys-Davies, Heather Matarazzo, and Chris Pine.

The Hideout Theatre revives its family improv with Pick Your Own Path, an interactive performance where the audience helps steer the story. The cast builds a lively tale and pauses along the way so everyone can choose between different directions. If a selection leads down a dark, twisty dead end, they rewind the action and, with the crowd’s help, take another route. After a brief hiatus following the closure of the theatre’s former home, these family-friendly shows return at the Annex space, creating a new adventure every time.

Season 2 of the Pinballz Sunday League brings six weeks of qualifying play followed by a finals night at The Original Pinballz Arcade. Players of all experience levels are welcome. Each week, participants are organized into groups of four and compete on selected machines, earning 7 points for first place, 5 for second, 3 for third, and 1 for fourth. Groups are rebalanced after each round based on current standings so you face others performing at a similar level. To keep things flexible, the two lowest weekly totals are dropped from each player’s overall score, which helps if a week is missed or does not go as planned. Top performers after qualifying advance to a timed double elimination finale with head to head matches, where the lower score receives a strike and two strikes result in elimination. Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers from the league pool. These league nights are IFPA certified, results contribute to official rankings, and play follows IFPA conduct guidelines. A Monday league with the same format is also available. Weekly admission is $10 and covers gameplay, a contribution to the prize pool, and IFPA sanctioning fees. Tickets are required for each week you attend, and there is no need to commit to the entire season in advance.

Resound Presents brings Quicksand and BANE to Mohawk, joined by Soul Blind. This all ages concert unites the lineup on one stage for a night of live music.

Kesha is bringing the party to Germania Insurance Amphitheater for a live show with Chromeo and MEEK on the lineup. Expect upbeat electropop and dance-ready vibes for an evening concert.

Pinballz Lake Creek hosts a Dungeons & Dragons gathering where first-time players and seasoned adventurers can dive into exciting quests, surprises, and memorable moments. Bring an existing party or team up with new companions on arrival, with plenty of tables available for ongoing campaigns or spontaneous games. If a short, self-contained experience is what you want, take part in a house-run one-shot led by the venue’s own Dungeon Master. Expect a relaxed, social vibe with satisfying food and a themed food and drink selection to keep the fun going. Games take place in the party room next to Mikki's Tavern within Pinballz Lake Creek. There is no cost to attend and no RSVP is needed.

A welcoming evening for Austin area spiritual seekers who want community and personal growth, this gathering is hosted by the Co-Creation Community at Singularity Thought House within Casa de Luz. Settle in with a beverage or dessert, pick a tarot-themed sticker, and explore the message it offers. After introductions and a few updates, the group moves into a guided meditation designed to help everyone feel the collective calm and clarity that can arise when people practice together. Next comes playful, hands-on intuition building. You will learn one or two simple, interactive techniques to strengthen inner sensing and extrasensory awareness, with a special focus on energy protection and cleansing. There is also time to connect with kindred spirits, followed by a brief clearing practice before parting ways. Each gathering features a different theme, and occasional guest facilitators share tools that can enrich your personal practice. All are welcome, with no required belief system beyond openness and warmheartedness. Participation is always at your comfort level, so you can observe or engage as you wish. The intention is inspiration, real connection, and a refreshing reset. If cost is a concern or you prefer to try it before paying, you are invited to reach out in advance.

Pinballz Monday League returns for Season 2 at The Original Pinballz Arcade, welcoming newcomers and seasoned competitors for six weeks of spirited play and friendly rivalry. It is a chance to sharpen skills, connect with other pinball fans, and enjoy a supportive arcade community. The season spans seven weeks in total, with six qualifying nights followed by a finals night. On league nights, participants are grouped in fours to compete on a variety of machines. Scoring awards 7 points for first, 5 for second, 3 for third, and 1 for fourth. After each round, Swiss style pairing reshuffles groups according to current standings so players face others near their skill level. To keep things flexible, the two lowest weekly results are dropped from the qualifying total, which makes it possible to miss a week or have an off night and still remain in contention. Top performers after qualifying advance to the finals. Finals are a timed double elimination knockout. Matches are head to head on selected machines, the lower score earns a strike, and two strikes lead to elimination. The top three finishers receive shares of the prize pool. These league nights are IFPA certified, so results count toward official player rankings, and all play follows IFPA conduct rules. Weekly admission is 10 dollars and covers gameplay, a contribution to the prize pool, and IFPA sanctioning fees. Tickets are required each week, and there is no need to commit to all seven weeks in advance. For even more pinball, a Sunday league with the same format is also available.

Build salsa confidence with Marcus at Reveal at Onion Creek. This class is arranged in two segments, starting with solo shines that develop footwork, body styling, and musical timing, then moving into advanced partnerwork that emphasizes connection, precise technique, and fluid movement. The cost is $19 per class, and class passes are accepted. For questions, call or text 512-920-2182.

Austin’s monthly film festival spotlights Texas storytelling with a curated lineup of eight local short films, each program capped by a Q&A session with the filmmakers. It welcomes those curious about the filmmaking process, professionals looking to network with peers across the state, and anyone interested in an evening of entertainment. Screenings are held inside the 29th St. Ballroom, with a full bar available and food trucks on site. Tickets are $12 in advance online and $15 at the door. Dedicated to uplifting passionate Lone Star State artists who prove big budgets are not required to tell powerful stories, the showcase offers a platform to screen work for a live audience, gather feedback, and build connections. Submissions from filmmakers are accepted.

A weekly group skate departs from the Long Center Terrace at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, when conditions allow, for a city route of roughly 10 to 15 miles around Austin. A light, water and protective gear are recommended. Skaters should be able to maintain about a 10 mph pace, handle urban environments including streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, hills and parking garages, and have confident speed control and stopping skills. Those unsure if this outing is the right fit can look to the SK8ATX Wednesday Night Skates, which are geared toward advanced beginners and intermediate participants.

A free stand-up showcase at Lustre Pearl East features host Angelina Martin of Comedy Central. Established Austin comedians and new faces debut fresh material in a format that mixes open mic spots with a booked show. Performers may email cackleshackmic@gmail.com to be considered and will receive a confirmation message ahead of the event.

Picture books come to life alongside artworks in the Blanton galleries during this popular summer program. Families can enjoy read-aloud stories followed by guided, kid-friendly looking at pieces from the museum’s collection that encourages careful observation, creativity, and curiosity. It is best suited for children ages 4 to 8, and all ages are welcome. The program takes place inside the Blanton galleries, and Visitor Services staff at Check-In can direct guests to the location. Admission to the program is included with museum entry, and space is limited on a first-come basis. To safeguard the art, diaper bags, backpacks larger than 11 x 15 inches, and large-framed child carriers are not permitted in the galleries. Complimentary lockers are available in the Smith Building. Soft frontpacks and strollers are allowed, with a designated stroller storage area available through Visitor Services at Check-In. Paid parking is available in the Brazos Garage. Blanton Members receive $4 discounted parking when paying at the Visitor Services Desk, and general visitors pay regular rates directly at the garage.

A monthly Women’s Book Club meets in person at the Parent Lounge on the Windsor campus, with an online option available. Upcoming selections include Sorrowful Mysteries by Stephen Harrigan, The Maid’s Secret (Molly the Maid #3) by Nita Prose, A Moment in Time, Meditations on the Seasons of Faith by Carol Pierce Davis, Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver, The Library Book by Susan Orlean, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, and The Search Committee by José Skinner. Reading the book beforehand is not required. For questions or to request the online link, contact Linda Gorzycki at woodcats@flash.net.

Barton Springs Saloon features a weekly Bike Night on Tuesdays. Any kind of bike is welcome.

The Peterson Brothers bring a tight, high-energy mix of Texas blues, soul, funk, and R&B to The Saxon Pub. Austin natives Glenn and Alex Peterson are known for magnetic live performances, deep grooves, and the easy chemistry that only brothers share. This residency offers an up-close experience in a cherished listening room, showcasing top-tier playing and feel-good rhythms. There is no cover, RSVPs are optional, and audience tips help support the musicians.

The lineup includes LANDMVRKS and Thousand Below. Tickets are available through several options, including artist and Spotify presales, a Live Nation presale, Citi cardmember presale and preferred ticket access, and a general public onsale.

Learn, improve, and dance Salsa and Bachata with a welcoming community through intro options and multi-level progressive classes, now at Rhythm House ATX. After the lessons, the evening continues with the Sensual Tuesday Social featuring music sets in Salsa, Bachata, and Zouk. Bring your own beverages, and look for themed dress nights highlighted on the flyer. Pricing is $19 for class plus social or $7 for the social only, with purchase available on the website, the app, or at the door. IM Unlimited Members and Class Passes are accepted. Instruction follows the Inspired Black Belt System, covering On1 Salsa along with Modern, Sensual, and Dominican Bachata. Whether the goal is social dancing, building confidence, supporting physical and mental wellness, or working toward teaching, the curriculum provides a path from first steps to advanced levels.

At Cap City Comedy Club in Austin, Very Delta Live brings Delta Work’s Luxury Public Access podcast and YouTube talk show to the stage. The Emmy Award winning RuPaul’s Drag Race alum shares candid stories and sharp takes, from the little things that set her off to fast food favorites and the search for the perfect shoe, keeping the laughter coming throughout the evening. A special guest from RuPaul’s Drag Race joins the conversation. A VIP meet and greet with Delta follows the show. All purchases are final, with refunds or exchanges only if the performance is canceled or rescheduled.

QuizMaster Aaron leads TC’s Trivia, a free, live-hosted pub quiz featuring $170 in prizes. Expect a friendly competition with questions that span a wide range of subjects. Teams may include up to 10 players, and solo participants can connect with others on arrival. Arriving early helps with securing a table indoors or out on the patios. Phones and apps are not permitted during play. Promoted as Austin’s best and longest running live pub quiz, and complimentary garage parking is available with validation.

Entry is free for this songwriter-focused open mic hosted by Jake Farr, where local artists take the Cactus stage to share original songs only, with no covers. Musicians who would like to perform can reach out to Jake Farr at jakefarrmusic@gmail.com.

Late at the Lake is a weekly open mic set on a lakeside outdoor deck in Austin, inviting poets, musicians, singers, and other performers to share their work. Sign-ups are open to anyone, and the show uses a shared spotlight format where original songs, cover performances, and poetry all have a place. The atmosphere centers on community, creativity, and good times under the stars, whether taking the stage or enjoying the performances.

Take advantage of a recurring deal at The Original Pinballz Arcade with 25 percent off every arcade video game. No code or sign-up is required, just walk in, pick any eligible cabinet, and the discount is applied while you play. The offer spans both nostalgic favorites and newer titles, making it easy to revisit classics or try something different.

Make the most of summer nights with extended evening hours at the LBJ Library, offering extra time to explore engaging exhibits and reflect on pivotal chapters of American history. On select evenings, local adults are eligible for discounted admission of $12 by presenting a Texas-issued driver’s license or ID with an address in a zip code that begins with 787, 786, or 789.

This midweek ecstatic dance follows the original Austin practice style and keeps the focus on movement with nothing extra. It offers an inclusive setting with explicit consent guidelines and clear boundaries so the body can relax, the mind can soften, and authentic expression can emerge. Come as you are, move for yourself, and allow the practice to carry you. Much like yoga or meditation, it often feels especially nourishing afterward, and showing up regularly can reinforce a felt sense of safety while letting the body lead. A rotating lineup of music facilitators guides full 5Rhythms waves, beginning in Flowing, rising through Chaos, and settling into Stillness. The format includes an open warmup, an opening circle, a main wave, and a closing circle, with a roughly 60 minute warmup and a 60 to 75 minute main wave. Wear comfortable layers you can move in, expect to sweat, and bring a water bottle. Parking is available in a gravel lot near the entrance. Follow the sidewalk toward the front, pass the shark mural, and enter through the door marked with the circular AEDC logo. Pay at the door is $20, with sliding scale options available. This gathering takes place at Austin Ecstatic Dance Center.

The Long Lost Locals return to Conan's Pizza South for a live performance. The aim is to fill the room again and show support for the venue.

The Montvales perform with Nathan Evans Fox at The 04 Center. This concert brings both acts together on the same stage for a live music experience.

A free community contra dance takes place weekly at Hancock Recreation Center with live music by the Local On-Call Orchestra (LOCO). All dances are taught and called, making it easy for newcomers, and a beginner introduction happens before the main program. No partner is required, and dancers are welcome to try either role. Each month highlights a specific move for deeper practice, pairing basic instruction with extra tips on nuances and variations to build connection and enjoyment. Recent examples include Down the Hall and Square Through. Multiple callers use gender-neutral terminology. The setting is alcohol-free, family friendly, and welcoming to LGBTQ+ participants. The dance runs on weeks when the recreation center is open.

The Texas premiere of MIDNIGHT! delivers a brisk, laugh-filled farce from David Epstein, first performed to success in New York City. Inside a grand suite at the Ritz-Carlton in 1950s New York, a once-celebrated film director faces a make-or-break meeting that unravels into uproarious confusion. A self-taught writer from the Bronx hides inside the bar cabinet, gangsters turn up the pressure with a debt coming due at midnight, and doors fly as an ensemble of characters collides in rapid succession. Quick wit, relentless pace, and constant surprises drive the chaos to the finish. Featuring Taylor Flanagan, Matrex Kilgore, Beau Paul, Jordan T. Maxwell, Mark Gerchak, Anna Becker, David Lampe, Brian Hensley, Hunter Houseton, and Ansh Tripathi at Sterling Stage Austin.

Sing your favorite songs at a lively karaoke night at The Austin Eagle. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with food, drinks, and 75 cent wings. Hosted by Eagle by Chef Ramsay, performers of all styles can step up to the mic, and there is no cover charge.

Cabana Club Austin and Planet Music Austin host an evening of Latin dance featuring a beginner bachata class followed by social dancing. The class is taught by professional instructors Cal and Lily. No partner is required, and partner rotation is offered but completely optional for those who prefer to stay with a friend. After the lesson, the dance floor stays lively with DJ Guapea playing bachata and salsa, with cumbia and merengue in the mix. Cover is $10 for the class plus social, or $5 for the social only. A free parking lot is available on a first come, first served basis. Food trucks are on-site, the bar is open, and food, drinks, and coffee are available.

Buzzkill at The Buzz Mill is a free weekly stand-up comedy show that has been entertaining audiences since 2013. Hosted by Carlton Wilcoxson and Angelina Martin, it takes place on the patio of the lumberjack-themed bar and showcases a lively mix of rising local comics and seasoned headliners with credits from Comedy Central, HBO, and the Moontower Comedy Festival. The crowd often fills in quickly, so arriving early can help with seating. Local outlets such as The Austin Chronicle and Do512 have highlighted the show as a standout and one of the city’s top free options.

Mutants are called to assemble for a season finale celebration at The Austin Eagle. The evening features a finale viewing followed by a full-on dance party with music by DJ Odin. Fans of Xavier, Magneto, Apocalypse, or Gambit can show their allegiance, and costumes are encouraged whether you arrive as a favorite mutant, a classic hero or villain, or an original X-Men creation. Expect a lively community of X-Men enthusiasts, standout costume looks, drink specials, and the familiar Eagle atmosphere fueling mutant-level energy throughout the night. Share the finale with fellow fans, toast the animated series revival, and enjoy a night that would make Cerebro proud. The Austin Eagle welcomes every mutant.

Settle in for an afternoon concert featuring Austin Classical Guitar’s longtime collaborators, the Moontower Duo, performers and composers Matthew Lyons and Stephen Krishnan. No separate ticket is required beyond admission, and Blanton Members, UT Austin ID holders, K-12 teachers with ID, and children 5 and under receive free entry. Seating is limited.

Thursday nights at Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile offer an easygoing date night and steak night with budget-friendly perks. Enjoy half-off Steak Frites and Chicken Fried Steak, along with half-price martinis and bottles of wine. Bring friends and family for a relaxed evening with friendly service and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is promoted as Austin’s top all-night happy hour, making it a comfortable place to celebrate without overspending.

Buddy’s Place hosts a happy hour featuring drink specials and live music from Dave Goodin and his music friends.

Pinballz Lake Creek turns its club room into a welcoming hangout for tabletop fans, from role playing adventurers to strategy thinkers and card collectors. This bring your own board game gathering invites attendees to share favorite titles, team up with new players, or settle in with friends and family for an easygoing night around the table. There is no charge to participate and all ages are welcome. Food and drinks from the bar and kitchen are available with service to your table. The focus is on an inclusive, social atmosphere where newcomers and seasoned gamers can learn, compete, collaborate, and make connections. No reservations are needed, just bring the games you love and your best game face.

Show what you know at a summer trivia series at SoCo Bar & Bites in downtown Austin, where teams compete for prizes while enjoying specials created by the chef and a featured tequila cocktail. The top two teams receive rewards. First place chooses either a branded metal Solo cup filled with a beverage that includes 20 percent off refills for the night, or 5,000 Hilton Honors Points for each team member. Second place receives the remaining option. Expect a bundle pairing bites with beer, a 10 percent discount on food, and drink specials. Teams of up to four players are eligible for prizes. The series welcomes hotel guests and the public, and parking is validated for local attendees.

Jamie Krueger Group hosts a full band blues jam each Thursday, bringing together local musicians for an easygoing night of blues. Food and drinks are available, and the setting is kid and dog friendly. Performers should bring their own instruments, while a backline and drums will be provided.

Sketchy Thursdays at Something Cool Studios is a free, inclusive art meetup guided by Austin street artist Warclass. It offers a relaxed place for young creatives to draw, trade ideas, and connect, without pressure or expectations. Organized by Something Good Initiative, the gathering is designed to build community and provide real support for emerging artists. Participants are welcomed as they are and encouraged to create, embracing creativity, vulnerability, and courage. With support from BEWM Coffee, it remains free and accessible so more young artists have a place to belong, grow, and find inspiration.

Long Center’s The Drop-In is part of the Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series and is powered by KUTX 98.9. This free outdoor concert series fills the H-E-B Stage with live music from 23 bands across the season, with a laid-back lawn setting where blankets and lawn chairs fit right in. Admission is free and reservations open each week, with early access available to LC Members. If you do not reserve in advance, you can still attend by arriving without a reservation. Artists are announced weekly on Long Center social channels, followed by the RSVP window and then the show on the lawn. You can also sign up to receive notifications when ticket reservations open for each performance.

Liana Cincotti visits as part of the Summer of Stars celebration. There is no admission fee and everyone is welcome. The spotlighted novel follows tennis phenom Luna Aldridge, whose public image unravels after a breakup, and film favorite Kieran Alexander, whose love life could jeopardize his next major role. Their teams arrange a staged romance to repair their reputations, even though they can hardly tolerate each other. One guideline sets the terms, keep real feelings out of it. As they pose for photos, walk red carpets, and travel with the tennis tour, the line between performance and reality begins to blur. With constant public attention, both careers and hearts are suddenly at stake. Cincotti is a bestselling author from New England who works in marketing and writes with the charm of early 2000s romantic comedies in mind. When she is not writing, she enjoys sitcoms and a cookies and cream milkshake. Purchasing books through BookPeople supports a local independent bookstore and encourages publishers to continue sending authors for future appearances.

Brian Redban, co-creator of Kill Tony and founder of DeathSquad, hosts a weekly secret stand-up showcase that thrives on surprise. Unannounced sets from major touring comedians, underground favorites, and rising talent appear without advance promotion, so every show brings something unexpected. There are no published lineups or spoilers, only raw, unpredictable comedy from beginning to end.

Movies on the Lake transforms the lakeside at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters into a one-of-a-kind outdoor cinema on beautiful Lake Austin, with screenings under the stars and a choice of deck or on-the-water viewing. Deck seating is free, and advance RSVPs are encouraged since complimentary tickets often sell out. For an elevated experience on the water, limited rentals are available and booking ahead is recommended. Options include paddleboards for $20 per board for the duration of the movie, 2-person floater chairs for $30 per chair for the duration, and donut boats for $150 for 2.5 hours that can be used for a sunset cruise or to anchor near the screen. Water rentals are operated by Lake Austin Calm, and guests who reserve a paddleboard, float, or donut boat through Lake Austin Calm do not need to RSVP separately through this listing. Arrive early for live music, sunset views, themed concessions, and specialty drinks inspired by the evening’s film. The café and concession stands serve movie-style popcorn, giant pretzels, candy, and more, and a pop-up bar from Quince Lakehouse features a specialty frozen cocktail tied to the film, along with beer, wine, and hard seltzers.

Catch Ben Bankas at Capitol City Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up comedy. Plan for a night out and arrive ready to laugh.

A carefully designed evening at Rhythm House in Austin centers on slowing down and putting connection ahead of patterns. It begins with a Flow workshop focused on Zouk-inspired transitions and the musicality of Sensual Bachata, then shifts into a social set with lowered lights and a selection of slow-burn tracks. The sound is tuned for the sensual dancer, with an 80/10/10 blend of Sensual Bachata, Zouk, and Salsa Romántica. The setting is intimate and attentive, encouraging deeper personal expression. This event is BYOB. Pricing is $19 for the workshop plus social, and the social on its own is free. IM Unlimited Members and Class Passes are accepted. Stop counting and start to flow.