Amber Williams

Who doesn’t love a good scare? How about a few dozen of them, each terrifying and unique? That’s what the newly conjured Austin Horror Film Festival will be providing over three days and eight blocks of bloodcurdling shorts and features designed to shock, disgust, raise a smile, and more. Hey, who said horror could just be horrifying? So with horror hotter than ever at the box office, here’s your chance to see the fear wranglers of the future. – Richard Whittaker

Rabbi Neil Blumofe tributes jazz legends and shares their stories at this monthly show By Amber Williams, Fri., Oct. 25, 2024

The longstanding groove-makers won't cool down

Plan you week in live music

Events to attend before you're too stuffed to move

If all the shopping, hosting, baking, and ugly sweater-wearing are making your winter break feel more like a sprint, Luminations might be your chance to take five. Going on 19 years, this annual winter light exhibit hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers a chill alternative to fast-paced festivities by connecting visitors with nature, light, and art.

Shoegaze, hip-hop, jazz, and three days of Wilco

I’m not your mom – although, LOL, imagine if I was and you were my gay child. I’d probably raise you to respect drag performers because any child of mine would need to be appreciative of the arts. We’d probably attend the Austin International Drag Festival together – when you were old enough, of course, to express interest in such matters. After enjoying performances from such luminaries as Dustin Schlong, Good Lucifer, Kurt Cumstain, etc. I’d bring you to one of the fest’s many panels. There, we’d learn side-by-side about empowering trans-masc performers, cosplay and drag’s intersections, and moving drag beyond just gay bars. Yes, yes: This might happen if I were your mom – but I’m not! So you’ll just have to make the choice to attend AIDF all on your silly little own. – James Scott

Through December 16, Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter, Mueller, Lakeline

Hotel Vegas and Volstead fill hearts with cheer year-round, and the Yuletide season serves as no exception. Celebrate at the East Sixth staple with Minor Mishap Marching Band’s festive horn line, resident drag ensemble Vixens of Volstead’s Holiday Revue performance, and DJ sets from King Louie and ulovei. After snacking on pop-up bites from Crumpet Bottom and El Borracho Tacos, peruse an ATX Thrift-curated market, say cheese in a photo booth with drunk Santa, or shine bright at Christmas karaoke. – Genevieve Wood