Thankfully the hottest, wettest month of the year is over and all the fall feels of September will soon settle in. There is plenty to do this month in Austin, with activities ranging from Harvey relief efforts to postponed Pride events and a handful of must-see musical performances.
Here are our top 10 recommendations for the month:
Easy Tiger Oktoberfest
September 16-17, 11 am to 2 am
In Central Texas, it's not the changing color of foliage or a sudden cold snap that alerts you to fall's sudden arrival — it's Oktoberfest. Easy Tiger ushers in one of the year's first local celebrations of its kind with a live polka band, seven special Oktoberfest drafts, German pretzels and traditional fare, and the annual release of its special brew with Austin Beerworks. Festivities are kid-friendly.
Pride Party on the Roof at the Contemporary Austin - Jones Center
September 16, 8 to 11 pm
As part of the rescheduled Pride Parade, the Contemporary Austin will host a Pride Party on the Moody Rooftop at the Jones Center. The all-ages event will overlook the parade route and features DJ music, an open bar and complimentary snacks, a glitter station, body paint, and art-making. Rooftop capacity is limited to 300 guests, so show up early to snag a prime spot.
Harvey Flood Benefit at Moontower Saloon
September 16-17
Austin’s response to Hurricane Harvey relief has been staggering — there are literally hundreds of local organizations, charities, and individuals collecting money and donating items to aid affected Texas and Louisiana residents. One such individual drumming up a large show of support is local musician Lucas Cook, who has joined the Moontower Saloon to host a two-day Harvey Flood Benefit with 100 percent of proceeds profiting the Austin Disaster Relief Network. There will be free live music on Saturday and Sunday with benefit food plates for sale, door prizes, and bottled water and canned goods collection for food bank donation.
Austin Museum Day
September 17, 9 am
Nearly 40 participating Austin-area museums and cultural organizations will host free activities, special programming, and waive admission fees for the 20th annual Austin Museum Day. The Austin Museum Partnership coordinates the citywide collaboration that showcases stalwart local institutions such as the Blanton Museum of Art alongside lesser known establishments like Save Austin’s Cemeteries.
Spike Jonze Music Video Mixtape Presented by KUTX at the Alamo Ritz
September 21, 4 to 6 pm
Spike Jonze is responsible for some of the loveliest and most creative music videos of our time. Over the span of almost 30 years, Jonze has produced iconic work for artists including Bjork (“It’s Oh So Quiet,” “Triumph of the Heart”); Fatboy Slim (“Weapon of Choice,” “Praise You”), Weezer (“Buddy Holly,” “Undone - The Sweater Song,” “Island In the Sun”)' and the Beastie Boys (“Sabotage,” “Sure Shot”). This event is presented by KUTX and part of the week-long roster of festivities for the third annual Austin Music Video Festival. Limited seats are available.
Lee Fields & the Expressions at Mohawk
September 22, 8 pm
Lee Fields’ prolific soul career has stretched over 40 years beginning with his first single released in 1969 to a 2014 vocal appearance on the James Brown biopic Get On Up. He is known for his timeless sound and charismatic stage shows — often called “Little JB” for his resemblance to the “Godfather of Soul.” Lee Fields & the Expressions return to Austin for a show at the Mohawk, his second of four Texas performances.
The 2nd Annual Burnet Road Block Party
September 23, 2 to 5 pm
The Burnet Road Block party returns for a second year at Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon's outdoor lot. Presented by Texas Folklife, a statewide nonprofit cultural heritage organization, the block party will feature Burnet Road food vendors; drink specials from the bar; and live music from Los Texmaniacs, Erik Hokkanen Trio, and Shotguns Ready. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10.
SOS Fest BBQ Brunch at Micklethwait Craft Meats
September 24, 12 to 3 pm
SOS Fest is hosting a BBQ Brunch at the Micklethwait Craft Meats trailer on the east side. Brunch attendees will score a complimentary beverage from Austin Eastciders, Big Bend Brewing Company or Karback Brewing Co, as well as chance to win a three-day pass to the festival.
Chris Isaak at the Paramount Theatre
September 27, 7 pm
Many people will remember Chris Isaak as the doe-eyed heartthrob starring opposite a half-naked Helena Christensen in the music video for his single “Wicked Game.” Unbelievably, that was 27 years ago — and people are still talking about. Since then, Isaak’s released nine albums, made a few film and TV appearances, and has managed to consistently tour including a stop at the Paramount with his band the Silvertones on September 27. Isaak’s last release was the 2015 album First Comes the Night.
Texas Craft Brewers Festival at Fiesta Gardens
September 30, 2 pm to 6:30 pm
The cicerones at the Texas Craft Brewers Festival have pooled the best Texas-produced craft beer into a one-day event at Fiesta Gardens. Represented local brewers include Jester King, Saint Arnold, Real Ale, and Black Star Co-op, among many others. For a complete list visit the Texas Craft Brewers Festival website.
Take part in Austin Museum Day.
