Legends Never Die

The Sandlot cast strikes into Austin with special screening and reunion event

The Sandlot is reuniting in October.

For those of us that grew up in the 1990s, there was a memorable run of baseball-themed kid's movies involving such complex plots as a child making it to the major leagues (Rookie of the Year), or inheriting the Minnesota Twins (Little Big League), or seeing celestial beings playing ball (Angels in the Outfield).

But none captured the pure essence of baseball — the summer, the friendships, the never-ending game — like The Sandlot. Its lines remain quotable ("you're killing me, Smalls!"), its characters remain endearing (Squints and Wendy Peffercorn forever), and if you were expecting editorial objectivity in this piece, well you can forget it because The Sandlot is one of the best sports films made.

And it's coming to Austin for a very special event.

In the wake of a successful Val Kilmer-themed weekend, Alamo Drafthouse's Rolling Roadshow announced it is reuniting The Sandlot gang for "an epic outdoor event." On Sunday, October 20, fans of the cult classic can head to Treaty Oaks Distillery in Dripping Springs to meet cast members, watch the film, and partake in a celebration of America's favorite movie about America's favorite pastime.

Joining the fun will be Tom Guiry (Smalls), Chauncey Leopardi (Squints), and Patrick Renna (Ham), who will conduct a pre-screening Q&A and indulge in "pre-show shenanigans," according to Rolling Roadshow's release. VIP ticketholders can also meet the cast, among other perks.

Once again, the Drafthouse and Rolling Roadshow are partnering with Austin Food & Wine Alliance to donate a portion of the event's proceeds to the local culinary nonprofit.

And speaking of food (home run transition there), homemade Cracker Jack, stadium nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, s’mores pudding, Big League Chew, peanuts, snow cones, and peach cream soda will all be on theme and available for purchase during the screening.

Tickets for The Sandlot are $40 for general admission and $10 for kids. As mentioned, there are a limited number of VIP passes available for $140. For more information or to purchase tickets, head here.

movies families kids

hot headlines

Dazed and Confused cast reunion tops this week's 5 most-read stories

Dazed and Confused Cast reunion Austin Film Society

Photo by Arnold Wells

September 28 marked the (rescheduled) anniversary of Dazed and Confused.

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that list here.

1. Linklater and cast reunite in Austin 30 years after Dazed and Confused. On Sunday, September 28, the re-reunited Dazed and Confused cast was recognized by the Richard Linklater-founded Austin Film Society and Focus Features, including a special 30th anniversary screening and Q&A. f you didn't manage to snag tickets to the event in the literal five minutes before it sold out, don't worry; we were there, and we'll tell you all about it.

2. Five Austin neighbors lauded as best small cities in America. To demonstrate the popularity of suburban and rural communities, a new study by WalletHub has identified five Austin suburbs – including Leander, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville – on their 2024 list of the "Best Small Cities in America."

3. Mac and cheese festival returns to Austin with a big venue upgrade. If it were even possible to improve on a cheese-focused festival, the Austin Mac & (Grilled) Cheese Festival has done so with its eighth annual lineup. The festival returns with some big local names November 17 at Star Hill Ranch. The festival is bringing together at least 17 local culinary teams in a competitive tasting of creative grilled cheese and mac and cheese dishes.

4. Singer-songwriter, actor, Texas native Kris Kristofferson dies at 88. A native of Texas, Kristofferson died at his home on Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, September 28, family spokeswoman Ebie McFarland said in an email. He was 88.

5. Iconic 70s venue is back with store supporting the Austin music scene. Armadillo World Headquarters opened in 1970 and closed in 1980, serving as a great musical equalizer before Austin's diverse archetypes for one glowing decade. After decades in memoriam, it's re-staking its claim to Austin's musical landscape with a new physical (and temporary) location: a "live music and arts experience" at South Congress Hotel.

hot headlines top stories movies film celebrities suburbs festivals obituary live music concerts venues nonprofit