This weekend's calendar is filled with cultural happenings that you can’t miss. From fine arts productions to a fabulous fundraising gala, these top things to do in Austin are the perfect excuse to mingle with the city’s movers, shakers, and tastemakers. Catch a performance of award-winning musical Les Misérables at Bass Concert Hall or indulge at The Official Drink of Austin competition. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.
Thursday, September 12
Austin Food & Wine Alliance presents The Official Drink of Austin
Mixologists and bartenders from Austin's top watering holes compete for the title of Official Drink of Austin at Fairmont Austin. This year’s contenders include Apis, High Note, Geraldines, Live Oak, Midnight Cowboy, P6, Rules & Regs, and Suerte. Attendees can sample all eight showcased cocktails while snacking on passed bites from iconic local eateries before voting on their favorites. A live set by DJ Sounds is certain to keep spirits high while the booze is flowing. Select tickets are still available.
Broadway in Austin: Les Misérables
Tony Award-winning phenomenon Les Misérables comes to Bass Concert Hall. The new production of the Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg masterpiece features new staging but the same iconic score, along with dazzling scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Audiences can expect classic songs, such as “I Dreamed A Dream” and “Master of the House,” coupled with a fresh take on a musical classic that explores the story of broken dreams, unrequited love, sacrifice, and redemption. Performances through September 15.
Saturday, September 14
Southwest Key Programs presents Black Arts and Wellness Festival
A selection of Austin’s best black music artists perform live at Southwest Key of East Austin during the Black Arts and Wellness Festival. Attendees to the free fest can roam the grounds while the music plays, receive information about community resources, and participate in complimentary health screenings by Lion’s Club and City of Austin. Austin's own SaulPaul will take the stage for a special headliner set.
Ballet Austin presents Fête and Fête*ish gala
Ballet Austin’s fabulous fundraising gala and its fashionable afterparty returns for another year of couture, costuming, and charity at the JW Marriott. The luxurious evening includes a full-course meal, live auction, music provided by DJ Mel and Liz Morphis Band, and a special runway show featuring haute looks from Auston-bred design house CELESTINO Couture. Guests can splurge for a VIP ticket to receive access to an exclusive lounge and a featured Scotch tasting.
Sunday, September 15
Paramount Theatre presents Lore Podcast Live
Critically acclaimed podcast Lore brings its true life scary stories to the Paramount Theatre stage for a night of, well, nightmares. Since the show’s premiere in 2017, host Aaron Mahnke has built a massive following exploring the darker side of history and the creepy creatures, people, and places that keep us up at night. A select number of tickets are still available.
Artist SaulPaul headlines the Black Arts and Wellness Festival at Southwest Key of East Austin.
