Time Out Austin news

There are plenty of things to do in Austin throughout the year, but deciding on what live music to see is a whole different conundrum. In the Live Music Capital of the World, there are literally dozens of gigs happening each night, including plenty of touring artists plus more must-see local acts than the average concertgoer knows what to do with (we’ve got a ton of talent here, ya’ll). To help you out, we’ll be taking the liberty of putting together monthly lists of the top 10 concerts you’ve got to see. In chronological order, here are our June picks. June 4: Paul Simon at Frank Erwin Center, 8pmHarping off the title and context of his 1966 single with Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon brings his ‘Homeward Bound—the Farewell Tour’ to Frank Erwin Center for a bittersweet goodbye to Central Texas fans. The storied singer-songwriter promises a set list spanning his thirteen solo albums and five classic records in his original duo—surely a worthy investment (tickets here) if you haven’t yet crossed this legend off your live music bucket list.June 5: Royal Blood at Stubb’s, 8pmOnly two albums and five years into their career, English duo Royal Blood are still new blood among heavy rock outfits, yet they’ve already scored opening spots for genre giants like Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters. Even more impressive, they achieve their riveting raucousness using only multi-effects-laden bass grooves and a drum kit. Witness the prowess of their sonic swagger for yourself when...

Still coming down from that burger coma, eh? We feel you. If your goal today is working off everything you ate over Memorial Day Weekend, head to Republic Square Park for their Tuesday free fitness class,  Rō Fitness. Rowing machines will be set up throughout the park starting at 6:30pm, and an instructor will be there to lead through a workout.  The Paramount's Summer Classics Series is back in action, and you can make it a double feature today: Catch the Marx Brothers’ Monkey Business before The Bank Dick, which stars W.C. Fields as a n’er-do-well who winds up working at the bank. Your ticket is good for both films, and the air-conditioned theater is a welcome respite from the heat.  Play tourist for an evening with a Full Moon Bat Tour from Congress Kayaks, a relaxing float down the river that's brilliantly lit by tonight's Flower Moon. It's only their second one of the year, and costs $35 for a two-seater kayak (bring a friend!). The tour starts at 7pm. Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

The Paramount Theatre's Summer Classic Series is back, and they're kicking it off with a truly iconic film: Casablanca. Watch Bogart and Bergman as two lovers torn apart by war in this 35mm screening that follows an opening night party—for Film Fan members only—celebrating the start of this beloved annual event. Now back for a second year, Hot Luck Festival has become one of the best events of the summer, a food and music festival from the most creative minds behind both arenas: Aaron Franklin (Franklin BBQ), James Moody (Mohawk) and Mike Thelin (Feast Portland). For four days, the city will be filled with indulgent food events and music performances; while the food portion doesn't officially start until tomorrow (unless you were lucky enough to score a ticket to Franklin's opening party), there are a couple shows happening tonight: Hot Snakes at Mohawk, Girlpool at Baraccuda and Con Brio at Antone's. Tickets are still left—get ’em here. Southold Farm + Cellar—one of the state’s newest wineries—is popping up at Better Half to share some of its wine made exclusively with Texas grapes. Owner and winemaker Regan Meador will be there to discuss how nature decides what wines the winery will make, and Better Half has a corn dog special on the menu. Come for the food and drink, stay for the classic country spinning on the record player. Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.      

Blues on the Green is officially back for the season! It doesn't feel quite like summer without a pilgrimage to Zilker Park for KGSR’s annual (and free!) summer concert series, and it's off to a stellar start as The Black Angels and Night Glitter take the stage tonight. Don’t forget to bring a blanket to sit—and if you're looking for some close-up action, you'll want to get there early to snag a spot. Don your finest Fritz Bernaise dress and join the Bridesmaids Pub Run for what Whole Foods is calling "the ultimate wedding party." The grocer is organizing the event, which starts at the Paramount and Stateside Theatres. From there, participants will dash to the market for some food, beer and music compliments of an actual wedding emcee. The fête continues back at the Paramount with a costume contest and movie screening. You can répondez s'il vous plaît here. Chick Corea and Bela Fleck are joining forces on stage tonight at the Paramount, when the pianist and banjo player perform in what's guaranteed to be a breathtaking performance that mixes genres, standards and even gospel.  Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

It's supposed to hit 90 today, so how about a dip in our favorite watering hole? Barton Springs' late night swims have started up again, so you can take a moonlit dip for free every night from 9 to 10pm (otherwise it's a cool $3, which, let's be honest, isn't enough to keep us away).  Steak Out! is back at Cosmic Coffee and Beer with a night of grilling from Dan Dyer and Evan LeRoy, pitmaster at Cosmic's own backyard trailer, LeRoy and Lewis. Dinner is cooked over a grill and will be available from 6-8pm, live music will begin at 9pm and tickets will be available at the door for $35. There's still time to check out Bike Night at Circuit of the Americas if you haven't ventured out to the track yet. From 6pm until dark every Tuesday through July 3, cyclists can bike the 20 turns over 3.4 miles at your own pace—or try to beat your friends. Registration required. Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.  

This weekend was a doozy—Cinco de Mayo, Derby Day, JMBYLA, you name it. Let's focus on flexing our brain and bodies instead of our liver today, shall we? First up: Wild Heart Yoga is presenting Yoga in the Park at 6:30pm today. Head over to Republic Square for a free yoga session, which takes place every Monday in May. Just remember to bring your mat! Ever wanted to learn how to make nigiri? Learn from the best with chef Tyson Cole's nigiri making class at Uchiko tonight. Tickets are $95 (secure a spot by calling the restaurant at 512-916-4808), and include a full lesson about the process and technique used to make the Japanese specialty. And, of course, there will be plenty of nigiri bites.  Native Hostel is turning one, and it's celebrating with an entire week of festivities starting with today's Wanderlust—Travel Stories & Tango. From 6pm to midnight, you'll be able to mingle with like-minded travelers, share your own stories and learn how to tango. Plus, Walker Lukens will be there with his blue mobile recording studio to document the celebrations. Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.    

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a few days early with an evening honoring the culinary history and arts of Austin and Mexico at Taste of Mexico. Bites and drinks from over 50 Austin restaurants and food trucks will keep you sated (this year's focus is on indigenous cuisine), as will plenty of tequila. Enjoy music from DJ uLOVEi. Tickets can be purchased here. Support Cine Las Americas, a non-profit cultural organization, during their annual international film festival highlighting films made by and about Latinos and indigenous groups of America. Features (39 of ’em!), short films, music videos and more are all included, and you can see a complete schedule here. Jack White’s just-released third solo album Boarding House Reach has proven polarizing in its reception (admittedly, it’s a weird one), but fans of the former White Stripes frontman should remain confident that his live show tonight will inject his set—a mixture of songs from all his projects, including the Raconteurs and the Dead Weather—with unmatched kinetic energy at every turn. After all, White’s shred-filled stage show is his specialty, and the same goes for local outfit A Giant Dog, set to tear up as openers on each of his Texas dates. Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.    

Bought your ACL weekend pass? Good. Now that you've got that settled (and depleted your entertainment stash for the next few weeks), here are a few more activities to take advantage of today—ones that won't hit your wallet so hard.  Cosmic Coffee & Beer is hosting its first Steak Out! with Dan Dyer, which takes place every Tuesday this month but launches tonight. Each week, Dan will partner with a guest chef (tonight features Lou Lambert) to grill over a fire from 6 to 8pm. Tickets, which are $35 and can be purchased at the door, include dinner (a steak and sides) and live music. You don't have to wait until Cinco de Mayo to start partaking in tequila-friendly festivities. Head to Azul anytime between 5 and 9pm tonight to score a free taco after purchasing one of their blood orange and anchiote margaritas. It's all part of Azul's five nights of Cinco de Cinco, a week-long celebration leading up to Cinco de Mayo. Bike Night continues to dominate Circuit of the Americas on Tuesdays. Ever dreamed of careening around a course in a race car? Now you can come close, albeit a bit more slowly. From 6pm until dark every Tuesday through July 3, cyclists can bike around the COTA track. Take the 20 turns over 3.4 miles at your own pace—or try to beat your friends. Registration required.  Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.      

Pop will officially reign at this year's Formula 1 weekend, as it was just announced that Britney Spears and Bruno Mars are headlining the U.S. Grand Prix's annual concert. Please hold while we go find our best sequined bodysuit. The global superstars will perform on Saturday, October 20 (Bruno Mars) and Sunday, October 21 (Britney Spears) at the end of each race day, with tickets going on sale on Friday, April 27, at 10am. Bruno is touring in support of his most recent album, 24K Magic, which was in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 for 44 consecutive weeks. Britney is preparing for her upcoming world tour, Britney: Piece of Me, which kicks off this summer. Her Las Vegas residency has received critical acclaim, but to be honest, anything she touches at this point is gold.  “We’re excited to welcome Bruno Mars and Britney Spears to this year’s United States Grand Prix stage," says Bobby Epstein, founder and chairman of Circuit of the Americas. “The pinnacle of motorsports, two global superstar musicians and all of the festive entertainment that comes with the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix defines the weekend as the greatest sports and entertainment celebration of the year. We are proud to host such an incredible weekend for race and music fans alike.” Three-day race tickets start at $169 and include both headlining concerts (plus additional entertainment).  Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

There are plenty of musical happenings going on around town today—could it be any other way in this town? To start with, a free show: Marcia Ball live at Waterloo. Catch this Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist and singer-songwriter bring her rollicking roadhouse R&B to one of Austin's best record stores at 5pm. There's even beer, courtesy of Shiner. Feeling like a little mid-week crawfish boil? Sawyer & Co. is hosting a mudbug event this afternoon, available starting at 4:30pm until they're gone. Enjoy a pound for $8.99, plus $4.99 draft hurricanes. Can't get enough? Crawfish boils are popping up all across town this spring—check out our guide for the next one. Queens of the Stone Age is back in Austin on the heels of a successful North American tour. If you’re having second thoughts about catching them following a recent incident where frontman Josh Homme kicked the camera of a media photographer, consider this: he’s always been a loose cannon. If you can forgive Homme’s latest transgression (he did eventually offer a heartfelt apology) in time for this tour stop behind seventh album Villains, you’ll be rewarded with raucous riffs beyond compare, bolstered this go-round by support from fierce British breakout act Wolf Alice. Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.