spring is coming

10 concerts, galleries, parties, and more coming up this spring in the Austin arts

The Austin Blues Festival isn't just a concert series; It's a fashion extravaganza.

As we enter the dreaded, harsh height of winter — and may even be stuck at home at home — what better time is there to look ahead and dream of springtime? There will be longer days, frozen margs, and of course all the events that one can enjoy without having to add five layers of clothing.

We're looking to the arts for inspiration this week, and offering our patronage to local organizations. Whether you are looking to fill your spring with more art galleries, theater, outdoor activities, or news concert to go with friends, these upcoming events have you covered! Let’s spring ahead and fill our calendars with these fun upcoming events in Austin.

Always A Boy at Ground Floor Theater
February 15th to March 2nd
See the best-selling memoir Never a Girl, Always a Boy by award-winning author Jo Ivester come to life in the world premiere of its theater adaptation. Always A Boy is an inspiring tale of coming out as trans and the challenges, hopes, and joys of the journey to acceptance. Tickets can be purchased at groundfloortheater.org.

Youth Art Month at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
February 26 to March 30
Get inspired by Texas’ up-and-coming young artists in this student exhibition. During the month, the entire third floor at the Bullock Museum will showcase more than 100 original pieces of art created by students across the state. Access is included with the museum admission. Purchase tickets at thestoryoftexas.com.

Classical Mystery Tour at Long Center
March 1
Experience The Beatles through classical sounds like you’ve never heard before with the Classical Mystery Tour, presented by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. More than 30 Beatles songs from the early years to solo careers will be played and performed, such as "Penny Lane" with a live trumpet section and "Yesterday" with acoustic guitar and string quartet. Tickets ($25 - $118) available at the longcenter.org.

The Art of Dr. Seuss at Ao5 Gallery
March 2
Awaken and reconnect with your inner child with this exhibition showcasing the art of Ted Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, over 25 years. The collection includes never-seen-before images that push the boundaries of conventional thoughts, along with works by other artists inspired by Geisel and his wife. For more information visit ao5gallery.com.

Tuesday Twilights at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
March 21 to May 9
Texas wildflowers are undoubtedly one of the highlights of springtime, and every Tuesday starting March 21st, the Wildflower Center will stay open late for even more time to admire them. There will also be music and food available for purchase. Tuesday Twilights are included with regular garden admission, and reservations are encouraged. For more info visit wildflower.org.

Squirrel Nut Zippers: Jazz from Back O’ Town at Paramount Theater
March 23
Join the multi-platinum band Squirrel Nut Zippers on a musical journey back to the birthplace of jazz: New Orleans in the 1920s. The band shares its take on jazz classics and originals. The show promises a unique and entertaining look at this fascinating era in music. Tickets ($25 - $55) can be purchased at austintheater.org.

Eclipse Viewing Party at The Long Center
April 8
In celebration of the first total solar eclipse in Austin since 1937, the Long Center is hosting a free viewing party with more than four hours of entertainment, including the chance to engage with astronomers. All guests will receive complimentary eclipse glasses, and food and refreshments will be available for purchase. For more info visit, thelongcenter.org.

Indie Meme Film Festival at AFS Cinema
April 17-21
For fans of diverse and indie films, the Indie Meme Film Festival returns to Austin for its 9th year to showcase the best of independent South Asian cinema. Festival-goers will experience in-person screenings along with filmmaker Q&As, mixers, and various events throughout the four days of the festival. Tickets ($100 - $200) are available for purchase at indiememe.org.

Austin Blues Festival at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
April 27- 28
Have a groovy good time at this two-day blues festival, with local food and music vendors. The lineup includes Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Jimmie Vaughan, Robert Glasper, Big Freedia, Dumpstaphunk, The Altons & Thee Sinseers, and many more, including up-and-coming artists. Tickets ($130 - $300) can be purchased online via Ticketmaster.

2024 Paramount Gala at the Paramount Theatre
May 11
Of course the Paramount Theatre in Austin would not take the prim and proper approach, even to a gala. For this annual affair, rock icons Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will be shutting down a portion of Congress Avenue. This extravaganza starts with a cocktail hour and vinyl set under the marquee, then there's the main show and a silent auction. Tickets will be available at austintheatre.org.

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New

Historic Austin museum will close for more than a year for restoration

Photo courtesy of the City of Austin

The Elisabet Ney Museum will close at the end of 2024 and reopen in mid-2026.

Every building needs some maintenance here or there, and the historic Elisabet Ney Museum needs some extra-special care. Formerly the art studio and residence of its namesake, it's been standing since 1892. It'll spend 2025 in relative solitude, as it undergoes renovation for a year and a half with no visitors allowed.

The museum will close to the public December 30, 2024, and open again in the summer of 2026 if all goes according to plan, a news release from the City of Austin shares. It'll be a quiet period compared to the 21,000 people visiting from around the world each year.

According to a museum overview on the city's website, Elisabet Ney, a European portrait sculptor, bought the property and called her new studio Formosa. She worked on sculptures depicting important Texans like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, and collected works of European contemporaries.

The building at 304 East 44th St. includes 3,700 square feet of museum space, which was converted by Ney's friends after her death in 1907. It retains its unique look that juxtaposes a Neo-Classical main studio from 1892 with a later addition from 1902 including a tower for her husband, Edmund, to write in. It is also on 2.5 acres of land, which has largely been restored to its natural state with native species.

A press release lists these tasks (verbatim) within the scope of the new work, referred to as the Capital Improvement Project (CIP):

Restoration of original exterior wood doors and windows
Upgrades and replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Replacement of the exhibit and general lighting systems
Repairs to the roof, masonry, plumbing, and interior finishes.

There will also be work to do outside of the building. Workers will replace the pedestrian bridge across Waller Creek, stabilize a 20,000-square-foot portion of the bank, and make the grounds more accessible by adding new pathways.

Funding comes from several sources, according to a release: "the 2012 Bond, Proposition 14, the Parkland Dedication Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, Partners in Preservation through the National Trust, and contributions from the Friends of the Elisabet Ney Museum."

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