Looking for respite from these unforgivingly hot temperatures? We’ve curated a list of the chillest events that offer equal parts relief from the heat and quintessential summertime entertainment. Shop it like it’s hot at the return of Le Garage Sale or help keep yourself and your four-legged friends cool at Dogs Day of Summer. For those who prefer to venture outdoors after sundown, Bat Fest is the place to be. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, August 24

aGLIFF presents Prism 36
Austin’s premiere LGBTQ+ film festival and oldest film festival in city history returns to a number of silver screens over five days of cinematic programming. Highlights of the ongoing event feature more than 50 films, exclusive screenings, afterparties, a dinner fundraiser, and more. A virtual component of the festival will be available once in-person events have concluded. For a full schedule of events and to purchase badges, go to agliff.org.

Friday, August 25

Deep Eddy Vodka presents the V.O.D.K.A. Conference
Local vodka distillery Deep Eddy makes a sound and super-cool case for getting the weekend started a little early at this high-energy “conference.” This work-free experience includes activations, fake conference merch, live entertainment, and complimentary food and drinks for professionals who are looking to blow off some steam off (or on) the clock. Admission is free and open to the public. Get more information on Eventbrite.

Tiff’s Treats Tiffwich Block Party
Treat yourself to something sweet at Tiff's Treats' Nueces Street location. Block party guests can sink their teeth into a free Tiffwich ice cream sandwich and enjoy a refreshingly cold snack that’s perfect for the summertime. Party admission is free and open to the public.

Saturday, August 26

Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy presents "Dog Days of Summer"
The International Dog Day fun is in full tail-wagging swing at this seasonal Zilker Botanical Garden shindig. Canine guests can enjoy a variety of pup pools spread throughout the event to stave off the hot temperatures, and enjoy goodies (T-R-E-A-T-S) from participating vendors. Additional highlights include live demonstrations, pet adoptions, giveaways, and more. For tickets and more information, visit zilkergarden.org.

Le Garage Sale
The city’s chicest sale of the year reopens for another healthy dose of end-of-season retail therapy. Attendees can expect rows upon rows and racks upon racks of sale-marked items from 100+ boutiques, brands, and designers over the course of two days at Palmer Events Center. Available items for purchase include luxe leisurewear, children’s apparel, menswear, home decor pieces, art, and more. Check out legaragsale.net for more event details.

Bat Fest 2023
Celebrate the unofficial and nocturnal mascot of Austin at the return of Bat Fest. This year’s highlights include a bat costume contest, kid’s zone activities, vendors, and a great view of the bats during their nightly flight. Attendees can also enjoy live music from special guests Mike Ryan Flo Rida, Lil Flip, George Birge, Mike Jones, Alien Ant Farm, and others. For more festival information and ticket options, check out roadwayevents.com.

  

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Paddleboarders can enjoy a view from Lady Bird Lake as Austin's famous bats emerge from under Congress Ave on August 26.

Rowing Dock presents Bat Fest: A Limited-Edition Guided Bat Paddle
Experience the breathtaking natural phenomenon of more than 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from under the Congress Avenue Bridge from the waters of Lake Austin during this special guided bat tour by Rowing Dock. This four-mile tour offers a unique view of the bats as they embark on their nightly feeding, while also offering up a background of live music from Bat Fest happening simultaneously. For tour details, visit rowingdock.com.