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Alamo Drafthouse premieres at-home movies during COVID-19, plus Austin's most popular stories
Editor's note: It's that time again — time to check in with our top stories. We are continuing to cover Austin amid the COVID-19 crisis and share stories of how this is changing lives across the region. These are the stories that captured our attention over the past seven days.
1. Alamo Drafthouse and Violet Crown roll out at-home movies during COVID-19 shutdown. The Drafthouse and Violet Crown are rolling out Virtual Cinema, a service for film fans to support Austin movie theaters. For the price of a standard ticket, viewers can stream movies at home, but with the money going directly to a local theater instead of a major streaming platform.
2. Austin Parks closes all facilities to curb spread of COVID-19. Austin Parks announced this week it closed all park amenities in an effort to combat COVID-19. This effectively closes everything but open green spaces inside the city limits.
3. Amazon Prime to stream SXSW 2020 films for free for first time ever. Among the many devastating things about the novel coronavirus pandemic was the cancellation of SXSW and its film festival. Now, thanks to a new partnership between SXSW and Amazon Prime, the 2020 films will be screened for audiences across the country for the first time ever — for free.
4. Austin restaurants unpack unique community event to combat COVID-19. On Saturday, April 4, local restaurants are joining together for a very special social distancing event. Learn how to buy your own basket, support local, and take part in this extraordinary community gathering.
5. Thousands of Austin dockless scooters zoom off streets due to COVID-19. Have you wondered why Austin has so few scooters lately?
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri