After braving a second day of icy roads and some confusion about whether they needed to go to work or take the kids to school, Austinites deserve a break this week. Luckily, since it’s the weekend, everyone knows for sure that UT and AISD will be closed (for the most part), leaving little room for error.
Here are your best options for fun this weekend — at least all of the events that have absolutely nothing to do with that football game on Sunday.
Thursday, January 30 – Sunday, February 2
In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)
You know it’s going to be a good weekend when things get hot and heavy right off the bat. ZACH Theatre is ready to introduce its latest stage production, one that gets a little naughty, but it’s also educational in its portrayal of a little revolution in human sexuality.
In the midst of the Victorian era, the play tells the story of a gentleman doctor discovers a new treatment for women’s "hysteria," which was considered a (female-only) medical condition at the time. His new device leads to a look at human relationships and intimacy. The play does contain adult situations and brief nudity, because — duh — it’s called The Vibrator Play.
Austin Lyric Opera Presents: Puccini’s Tosca
Some of your ears might be burning after reading about the last play, even though nothing explicit was said, but you have plenty of other options in performing arts this weekend if you’re a bit more puritanical.
Austin Lyric Opera will present their performance of Giacomo Puccini’s opera, Tosca, set amongst the turbulent backdrop of Napoleonic Rome. It’s a classier and more wholesome affair than that vibrator play — except for the depictions of torture, suicide and murder. Sorry, folks, but theater has been pushing buttons for a long time.
Saturday, February 1
Seventh Annual Austin Modern Home Tour
Remarkable residential architecture is almost the norm in Austin, so you might need a little help looking for some amazing places tucked away in various neighborhoods. The Modern Home Tour is a curated showing of some of Austin’s-best looking modernist homes; to see what all the fuss is about, be sure to peruse our preview for this year’s tour — then take it yourself.
History Around the Table: African American Cooks and Our Culinary History
With the beginning of February comes the return of Black History Month, and what better way to bring history to life than with some food. At the French Legation Museum, Toni Tipton-Martin and Michael W. Twitty will discuss various aspects of African American cooking, culinary traditions and culture in general.
Tickets for the pig roast are already sold out, but the Peace Through Pie Social beforehand is sure to be an educational, delicious delight as well.
Everybody deserves at least one party during the weekend, and the one going down this Saturday offers a chance to experience another culture without leaving the country. Carnaval Brasileiro returns to Austin for its 37th year, promising another music bash and dance party to keep your blood pumping through the night. And just so you know, it’s not a night of debauchery like what you’d expect in Rio — so let that info help you decide if you want to go.
Indulge in some beautiful architecture during the Austin Modern Homes Tour.
Imagine the views of Pflugerville from the rooftop terrace at City Hall.Rendering courtesy of LPA Design Studios
The first floor will contain a community lounge and a childcare center, as well as retail space.Rendering courtesy of BRS Architects