Arts & Entertainment
Austin Weekend Guide: Cinco De Mayo Edition
May the fourth be with you as you indulge in beer, food and music this weekend in events ranging from the cerebral to the hedonistic.
AUSTIN, TX — From the cerebral to the hedonistic, this weekend offers fun-filled events to suit virtually every taste. An added party vibe is guaranteed, what with the weekend coinciding with Cinco de Mayo. ¡Viva Austin!
FRIDAY, MAY 4
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The documentary RGB is an engrossing look into the remarkable, storied life of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 84. Where: AFS Cinema, 6406 N. I-35 Suite 3100. When: Screenings at 1:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Price: $11.25. For more information, call 512-322-0145.
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The Bullock Museum is the setting for a documentary screening and conversation about the life and music of Mary Lou Williams, considered one of the greatest innovators of jazz. Williams fought to convince and claim an identity in the music world and paved the way for many women who followed her, organizers write. The screening of the documentary Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band is part of Femme Film Fridays, a film series now in its second season highlighting the cinematic works of women both behind and in front of the camera. A Q&A follows the screening. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to arrive early for a welcome reception with a cash bar and free drink samples. Important note: Entrance to the screening through IMAX lobby doors. Where: Bullock Texas State History Museum, When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: $3-$5.
What better way to de-stress after a long workweek than to hug a baby goat. Alliance Exotic Ranch has more than a dozen such captivating capras ready for hugging and petting at that cute age where they're willing to play with humans while prancing around adorably. Presented by Peaceful Warrior Yoga, the event will be replete with Nigerian dwarf goat babies and some of your favorite alcoholic beverages (so those attending must be 21 years or older). Ticket includes one bottle of beer or glass of wine from a local brewery or winery and hors d’ueuvers. Organizers say you can also BYOB and bring outside food. Where: Alliance Exotic Ranch, 10802 Catskill Trail. When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Price: $30.
Growing up in Jericho, N.Y., Madison Beer says she fell in love with performing almost immediately as detailed in an events page: "I have honestly been singing since I came out of the womb," she told an interviewer. "When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I'd say I already am what a want to be — a singer." Growing up, she started playing with a variety of instruments — drums, guitar, piano and others — before posting her covers on YouTube. She's covered everyone from Adele to Bruno Mars to Lauryn Hill "...effortlessly infusing each song with her own unique sensibility and powerful voice," concert organizers wrote. Where: Parish. When: 7 p.m. Price: $23-$125
May The Fourth Be With You "Star Wars" Party At Star Bar
Celebrate Star Wars at Star Bar with your best outfit as prizes will be awarded. Whether you choose Rebel Alliance or Imperial Army, come by and wave your light saber with abandon. Join the dark side while there — by enjoying a full-bodied dark beer, that is — or stay in the light (beer) as you bask in the glow of your righteous celestial pursuits. May The 4th T-shirts will be available while supplies last. Where: Star Bar, 600 W. 6th St. When: 11 a.m. May 4 to midnight May 5. Price: Free.
Mobile Loaves & Fishes Community Cinema
The nonprofit Mobile Loaves & Fishes has teamed up with Alamo Drafthouse to present the Community Cinema, featuring free movie screenings throughout the year. This Friday, May 4, there will be a screening for The Greatest Showman. Attendees are invited to tour the Community First! Village prior to the show. Movie concessions are available through MLF’s onsite food trailers or Community Market, with guests served by Community First! Village residents. Concession sales and tips help the Community First! neighbors earn a dignified, if modest, living income. For future screenings, click here. Where: 9301 Hog Eye Rd. When: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Price: Free, with $5 donation recommendation.
Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival
On Friday, The Santa Rosa High School Conjunto Warriors will perform in the Texas State Capitol Extension Open Air Rotunda from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. ahead of their debut at the Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater on Saturday, May 5th. Wrap-up party on Sunday! This special performance is sponsored by Representative Oscar Longoria and coordinated by Austin’s Full Gallop. This year's headliner is the legendary, iconic Flaco Jimenez. This is a family-friendly even. Price: Free admission.
If you're a vinyl fan, you are familiar with End of an Ear and its expansive selection of records. On Friday evening, the place will be transformed into a concert venue of sorts as musician Shakey Graves samples his latest musical offerings ahead of the release of his latest Americana album titled "Can't Wake Upon." Lucky attendees could win a test pressing at the listening party. Where: End of an Ear, 4304 Clawson Rd., Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Price: Free.
One of the original members of "Star Trek," the outrageous George Takei will be decidedly serious form on Friday at the Long Center as he discusses his experiences in a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II and his work advocating for LGBTQ rights. While known for paying Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek at the helm of the fictitious Starship Enterprise, Takei is an engrossing and eloquent speaker both for his life experiences as for his long acting career spanning five decades. Post-Star Trek, he's emerged as a powerful voice on a number of important social issues. Where: Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr. When: 8 p.m. Price: Tickets start at $29.
The City Theatre Austin Presents As You Like It
City Theater Austin presents what is arguably William Shakespeare's most beloved romantic comedy As You Like It. The pastoral comedy believed to have been written in 1599 follows heroine Roasalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court. Accompanied by her cousin, Celia, in her quest for safety, Rosalind comes across a cast of memorable characters along the Forest of Arden — most notably melancholy traveler Jacques (of "all the world's a stage" fame). Spoiler alert: Eventually, Rosalind finds love. Where: 3823 Airport Blvd. #D. When: 8 p.m. Price: $10-$25. For details, call 512-524-2870
SATURDAY, MAY 5
Live music, delicious food (from such spots as East Side King, Connor's Creamery and Garbo's ) and limited anniversary beer releases will delight the senses at the Austin Beer Works seventh anniversary party. Rocket Surgery IPA and Brain Science IPL will be among those aforementioned limited-batch concoctions you'll be able to enjoy while there. Organizers also note their own brand-new food truck, ABW CAN-tina, will be on hand with culinary offerings. Click here to see the expansive beer selection for the day. The music lineup: Type A, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Kev Bev and the Woodland Creatures, 2:30 pm. to 4 p.m.; Eleven Fingered Charlie, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Austin Beerworks, 3001 Industrial Terrace. When: Noon to 7 p.m. Price: From $15 to $25.
Several bars throughout the city will offer specials and events for both Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby (organizers call it "Cinco de Derby") for attendees to enjoy either margaritas for the former or mint juleps for the latter. Word on the street is there will be a $100 beer tab at Liberty for the best Kentucky Derby getup. Participating bars include Blacksheep, Haymaker, Liberty and others. Where: 2310 Manor Rd. When: May 5-6, from 11 a.m. to 1 am. Price: Free.
The event space upstairs from La Condesa will be staging area for a free Cinco de Mayo party for those who RSVP and are 21 years and up. Once there, attendees will be entertained by live DJs, indulge in dancing, enjoy happy hour specials. You get the idea. There's a cash bar involved. Where: La Condesa Austin, 400 W. 2nd St. When: 5 p.m. May 5 until 2 am. May 6. Price: Free entry, pay as you go upon entry.
Shop for some of the city's finest arts and crafts, listen to live music on three stage and sample culinary offerings from the healthful to the decadent at this year's version of the annual Pecan Street Festival along the 6th Street historic district. Family-friendly and fun, this is the city's longest-running street festival. Where: 6th Street historic district. When: Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Price: Free.
Victory Cup Kentucky Derby Polo Match & Cinco De Mayo Party
We do declare, we believe we're getting the vapors in anticipation. Hosted by the Victory Cup, the ATX Polo Club will stage a fabulous party with emphasis on the legendary horse race. We're talking polo and rugby matches, mint juleps galore, fantastic food and a broadcast of the derby on a Jumbotron screen to watch the horsies in grand style. For the truly adventurous, there will be a hot air balloon ride. Where: ATX Polo Club, 13628 Gregg Manor Rd. When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Price: $18-$84.
SUNDAY, MAY 6
Aster's Ethiopian Vegan Oil-Free Buffet
Think of this as the sequel. The first buffet recently was such a hit, organizers are doing an encore. And they appear to be feeling their oats (or, we should say, ajja) after that initial success, looking to serve 300 from 174 at the inaugural event. Where: Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant, 2804 N Interstate 35. When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: $15-$17.
It may sound like an oxymoron, or possibly the best word combination in the history of words. If you like free yoga and Bells beer, this is the event for you. This fun yoga class at The Jackalope South Shore bar is a benefit for the Texas Food Bank. It's a lovely way to spend a Sunday while basking in the yoga-infused afterglow of contributing to a great cause. Where: The Jackalope South Shore, 1523 Tinnin Ford Rd. When: 11 a.m. to noon. Price: Free with non-perishable food donation.
All of the proceeds and funds raised from the Sunshine Run benefit low-income youth of Central Texas thorough life-changing experiences at the Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC) at no cost to their families, organizers said. If you're on the fence, maybe thinking of just having a lazy Sunday, read organizers' mission description for inspiration: "Think back to your childhood and what summer camp meant to you. It was an escape to a magical place of swimming, outdoor activities, making cool new friends, and being inspired by enthusiastic counselors in a natural setting. It was the highlight of your summer and taught you life-long lessons that helped mold you into who you are today." Hey, the rest is up to you. Important note (and maybe added incentive): Online registration ends Friday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m. All late registrations after that are to be made in-person during packet pick-up hours only. Where: Vic Mathias Shores. When: 7:30 a.m. Price: $29 for runners; $0 for walkers.
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