The local entertainment scene is heating up with foodie festivities, live music, and artful activities. Celebrate the best chefs and restaurants in the city at the 2025 CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards. Catch a concert from Tedeschi Trucks Band, Lucy Dacus, or the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendars.
Thursday, May 8
2025 CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards
CultureMap Austin’s signature tasting event and awards ceremony returns for another year to celebrate the local dining scene. Guests can enjoy chef-prepared bites and specialty cocktails crafted by some of the honored restaurants and bars of the evening. Get to know this year’s group of chefs competing for the reigning title in our spotlight editorial series. Tickets for the event at Fair Market are available now on Eventbrite.
Moody Amphitheater presents Tedeschi Trucks Band in concert
Southern rock group Tedeschi Trucks Band performs live for two back-to-back nights at Moody Amphitheater. The Florida-based band comes to Austin as part of their Live in 25 tour. They’ve released five albums in their career, including their most recent project from 2022, I Am the Moon. The Tedeschi Trucks Band will be joined by special guest and legendary blues artist Buddy Guy. Get more details on Ticketmaster.
Friday, May 9
Ballet Austin presents Romeo & Juliet
The timeless tale of star-crossed lovers comes to the stage at The Long Center for the Performing Arts. The final production of the Ballet Austin 2024-2025 season will feature Sergei Prokofiev’s score and be performed live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Audiences can expect the story of young, tragic love made historic by William Shakespeare brought to life through the artistry of ballet. Tickets to all three showtimes are available.
Contracommon presents Secret Garden
Bee Caves art gallery Contracommon hosts an evening that fuses art and music in the spirit of philanthropy. The Secret Garden is the opening reception for the upcoming group exhibition, Perennials, which focuses on the theme of creative resilience. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the party activities by discovering the interactive installations, touring the private art studios, and shopping the $100 art sale. Tickets are available now.
Saturday, May 10
48th Annual O. Henry Museum Pun Off World Championships
Wordsmiths and humorists alike converge for the chance to compete in the art of punnery at this longtime Austin event. Participants will showcase their spoken word talents in a variety of categories including Punniest of Show and PunSlingers. The event at Brush Square Park will also feature live musical performances, an evening social, and a silent auction. Admission is free.
Moody Amphitheater presents Lucy Dacus in concert
Singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus performs live in concert at Moody Amphitheater. Fans can expect a setlist of music from her new album, Forever Is A Feeling. Dacus is best known for her time in the musical group Boygenius and for her hit songs such as “Not Strong Enough” and “Night Shift.” Get more details on Ticketmaster.
The CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards return to Fair Market on May 8.
Sunday, May 11
Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Outdoor classical music is showcased as part of the annual Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park series. This week’s show will feature music by the orchestra's brass ensemble. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic dinners, lawn chairs, blankets, and beverages for the most comfortable listening experience. This concert is free and open to the public.
The School of Civic Leadership will be housed in the Biological Laboratories building.
Photo courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin