This weekend marks the return of a few of our favorite annual events — as well as some anniversaries worth highlighting. These events not only give us a chance to celebrate great local organizations, from the quirky to the noteworthy.
Austin Facial Hair Club Presents: Come and Shave It #8
This Saturday at the Mohawk, there will be an all-out war to determine who has the most majestic face warmers in Austin, a city that doesn’t take moustaches and beards very lightly. Fans can either attend as spectators or sign up if they think they have the goods in various categories of a competition covering many facial hair styles — except peach fuzz.
Austin Jugglefest XXI
A three-day festival that showcases workshops and spectacular shows of classic circus acts, the Austin Jugglefest is celebrating 21 years this weekend, meaning it can now legally drink. Just don’t expect to find Jugglefest hopping bars on Dirty Sixth, because it's actually celebrating with families and spectators at the Texas School for the Deaf. If you don’t feel like taking the time to learn some tricks, spend some time watching pros toss all manner of objects in the air.
The New Movement Theater’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration
The improv comedy theater may not seem that old, but it’s left quite an impression in the five years since its founders, Chris Trew and Tami Nelson, opened up the Austin location as a sibling to the New Orleans original. The New Movement has trained aspiring comics from all walks of life in Austin. Join TNM for a weekend of shows featuring teachers and old students having fun on stage, then stay for the birthday and mix and mingle with some talented and funny people who call Austin home.
First Annual Austin Bacon and Beer Festival
Instead of just celebrating the return of a beloved event, we're taking the time to celebrate the birth of a new one. A collaboration between Eat Boston and Edible Austin, the Bacon and Beer Festival is exactly what it sounds like: a new food festival that combines America’s favorite breakfast meat and adult beverage for a satisfying celebration. It’s amazing what can happen when two cities that rhyme with each other work together.
Austin Pets Alive! Presents: Austin’s No-Kill Anniversary Party
Finally, let’s take a few moments to remember an important milestone in Austin. It was only three years ago that Austin became a no-kill city, rescuing animals at a rate of more than 90 percent. According to the City of Austin, we’re still on track, but help is needed to keep this journey going. Join Austin Pets Alive! for a cocktail party, light appetizers and live music, while also raising money so that APA! can continue to the good fight for local pets.
Making its debut on Saturday, here's hoping that the Bacon and Beer Festival will return for many years to come.
