Much like recent temperatures, the city’s social scene is heating up with happenings that would be a shame to miss. Meet celebrities and don your best cosplay at Greater Austin Comic Con, or celebrate the summer in authentic Swedish fashion at Old Bakery and Emporium. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.
Thursday, June 22
The 15th Austin Asian American Film Festival
Asian and Asian American stories take the silver screen at AFC Cinema Event Hall. The five-day film festival will include a screening of Starring Jerry as Himself on opening night, exclusive afterparties, a shorts block featuring all Texas AANHPI filmmakers, and more. To purchase badges and for a full schedule of events, go to aaafilmfest.org. Read more about the films and attendees in our editorial coverage.
Paramount Theatre presents "An Evening with John Cusack"
Actor and movie star John Cusack makes an appearance at Paramount Theatre for an evening of film talk and a special screening of the hit 1989 movie, Say Anything. Cusack will also participate in a Q&A session and a candid conversation about the making of the film followed by the screening. Visit tickets.austintheatre.org for more information.
Austin Sketch Fest
ColdTowne Theater hosts its annual four-day installment of scripted live comedy. This year’s fest includes shows by headliner Jamie Foftus and a slew of other talents like Loveseat, Cheryl Cruz, Bad Medicine, Illegal Improv Show, and Austin Is For Lovers. Get a full schedule of events and festival badge information at atxsketchfest.com.
Saturday, June 24
Old Bakery and Emporium presents the 2nd Annual Midsummer Festival
Celebrate the beginning of summer with Scandinavian-inspired activities, eats, and entertainment at Old Bakery and Emporium. Guests can enjoy a flower crown-making station, a traditional Swedish maypole, a flat-plane wood carving live demonstration, and Swedish treats from Fika Table. Other festivities include Dala horse piñatas and live music by Scandinavian folk artists. Festival admission is free and open to the public. Get more details on Eventbrite.
Cirque Vida presents "Roaring '20s: Immersive Circus Theater"
Experience the opulence and beauty of the speakeasy era at this Roaring 20s-inspired cocktail party. Guests can expect an evening of wonder at the transformed Fierce Whiskers Distillery, made fantastical by aerialists, acrobats, and contortionists. Additional highlights include a menu of specialty cocktails, costume contests, and a playlist featuring rare music from the 1920s. Get more details at tickettailor.com.
The Paramount Theatre presents the Majestic Ball
The Pride Month revelry continues with this special evening of glamour, drag, and ballroom flair onstage at the Paramount Theatre. The second annual Majestic Ball features a dazzling line-up of head-to-head vogueing competitions, and performances by Fat Bottom Cabaret and hosts Diamond Dior Davenport and Legendary Mother Natalie Lepore. For tickets, go to austintheatre.org. Discover what else to expect from the Majestic Ball in our editorial spotlight.
Sunday, June 25
Greater Austin Comic Con
Cosplay, pop culture, and celebrity sitings collide at the return of Greater Austin Comic Con. For two days, attendees can explore the sprawling convention floor of H-E-B Center at Cedar Park and experience gaming competitions, cosplay contests, kid’s activities, panels, a superhero theme car show, and more. Fans can also anticipate appearances by celebrities including James Hong, George Takei, Joanna Cassidy, Robert Carradine, Dat Nguyen, Vince Young, Julie Newmar, and more. For admission information and a schedule of events, check out greateraustincomiccon.com.
Cirque Vida presents "Roaring 20s: Immersive Circus Theater" on June 24.
