Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend

All the world’s a stage in the Live Music Capital of the World, and this roundup of can’t-miss concerts and shows serves as proof. See artists like Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Pantera, and Lamb of God live at some of the city’s hottest venues. Music-minded meet-ups and performance theatre offer alternative ways to get your local-approved music fix. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, August 17

KMFA Classical 89.5 presents an Austin Arts Mixer
Mingle and party with some of the city’s most regarded arts organizations at KMFA Classical 89.5. Highlights include exclusive networking opportunities, passed bites from Alfred’s Catering, wine by BOXT, cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more. Mixer admission is free and open to the public. For a full list of participating partners, go to kmfa.org.

Cap City Comedy Club presents David Koechner
Comedian and actor David Koechner is the latest resident at Capitol City Comedy Club. Koechner is best known for his longtime stand-up career and his scene-stealing roles in films like Anchorman and The Office. In addition to his stand-up performances, Koechner will host an Office trivia show for diehard fans of the groundbreaking comedy series. See showtimes and ticket details at capcitycomedy.com.

Friday, August 18

High School Reunion Tour with Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa
Legendary Californian Hip-Hop artists Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa bring their co-headlining High School Reunion Tour to Austin’s Germania Insurance Amphitheater. The show will also feature performances by other rap heavy hitters including Too $hort, Warren G, Berner, and special guest DJ Drama. Go to Ticketmaster for more information.

Jurassic World Live Tour
Journey into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs and other ancient beasts at this immersive experience inspired by the cult classic cinematic universe, Jurassic World. Guests will enter a space at Moody Center wholly transformed into the environment depicted in the franchise, which features 24 film-accurate and life-sized dinosaurs operated by animatronics and performers. Pre-show activations are also available for guests who want to embark on the adventure early. Get more details on Ticketmaster.

Saturday, August 19

ZACH Theatre presents Head Over Heels
The love stories of a fictional royal family come to life through an in-verse production with a modern twist at ZACH Theatre. Kathy Valentine, bassist for 80s girl group The Go-Go's, presides as music director over this kingdom until September 10. Audiences can experience the chaotic, queer tale as told through Go-Go's music and a set completely made of pool inflatables. Familiar songs like “We Got the Beat” and “Vacation” offer the perfect soundtrack to this age-old story. Learn more about the creative Broadway play adaption in CultureMap's review and interviews.

Sunday, August 20

John Oliver in concert
Acclaimed comedian John Oliver performs live at Bass Concert Hall. The host and producer of the HBO show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will perform two back-to-back shows. Throughout his career, Oliver’s style of comedy and writing skills have awarded accolades such as 23 Primetime Emmys, five Writer’s Guild Awards, and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards. For tickets, go to texasperformingarts.org.

Pantera in concert
Heavy metal band Pantera makes their highly anticipated return to the stage as part of their national tour. Fans can expect original band members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown joined by Zakk Wylde, and Charlie Benante on the stage at Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Lamb of God joins the concert as special guest. Get more information on Ticketmaster.

Photo by F. Carter Smith

Snoop Dogg comes to Austin with Wiz Khalifa, Too $hort, and others on August 18.

things to do in austin entertainment concerts plays live music comedy weekend events Top 7 event-planner

KOOP DAY

Weird, longtime Austin radio station gets city proclamation for KOOP Day

KOOP Radio/koop.org

KOOP Radio is seldom concerned with the commercially viable choice of the moment.

In 2024, people from other cities look on with suspicion when Austinites claim to listen to FM radio. We're lucky that our local airwaves offer us something our streaming accounts cannot, and one independent radio station that really breaks the mold is getting its flowers: September 17, 2024, is now KOOP Day.

The news comes from the City of Austin itself, following an official proclamation. This year is also the 30th anniversary of KOOP (pronounced co-op) 91.7, a volunteer-run, non-commercial station that plays music and other cultural programming.

It'll celebrate that "birthday" February 1, 2025 at Antone’s Nightclub with live acts, a silent auction, and more. Throughout the 2024-2025 season, folks tuning in look forward to special broadcasts with interviews and archival content, plus some community engagement initiatives including an annual membership drive.

KOOP Radio officially started after 11 years of planning and bureaucratic battles, as detailed by the Austin-American Statesman, with the first words on air in 1994 being spoken by the station's (later ousted) founder, Jim Ellinger, quoting cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

The station has seen plenty of turmoil over the years, but has become a haven for many of Austin's weird ideas — plus less weird ones people just don't come into contact with otherwise. Marginalized voices and social justice are constant drivers of KOOP's programming, which has earned it 30 awards in the Austin Chronicle's Best of Austin awards, including "Most Radio-Unfriendly Radio" (2013), "Best Sound of Cinema" (2018), and even "Biggest Waste Of A Radio Frequency" (1992).

On this station, Austinites hear instruments from cultures around the world; experimental sound art; ambient tunes; playful and challenging interviews; and thoughtful educational programming day-to-day, or on history-heavy holidays like Juneteenth and the Fourth of July. It also gets community members together by hosting and attending events around town.

Here's an excerpted selection of regular programming for a Tuesday (when this KOOP Day falls) on the station:

9-11 am: Under the X in Texas, a review of influential musicians in Texas' history, especially where underexposed.
11 am to noon: The Dark End of the Street, a celebration of Black music from the 60s and early 70s.
1-2 pm: Austin Artists Show, an interview series with local creatives of all stripes.
3-4:30 pm: Mood Ring, a "queer utopia" designed to pump up the living room.
4:30-6 pm: Le Chateau Daddy-O, a psychedelic jaunt for "sensitive listeners and the really up-tight."
6-7 pm: HeartbeatZ Indigenous Hour, a Native American show that's mostly music, with some educational segments.
9 pm and overnight: Local music online.

"Celebrating 30 years of KOOP Radio is a celebration of Austin's diversity, culture, and commitment to community," said the station's general manager, Federico Pacheco, in a news release. "We are deeply honored that the City of Austin has declared September 17, 2024, as KOOP Day. This recognition reflects the hard work, passion, and dedication of everyone who has contributed to KOOP's success over the past three decades."

More information about KOOP Radio is available at koop.org.

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