Home Events

Before gay became okay onscreen – well, before a veeeeeery specific white, skinny, feminine version of gay became okay – movie star Bette Davis turned down a role in this film because she didn’t want to do a “dyke movie.” Sheesh! Now why wouldn’t she want to be a part of a story about an incarcerated pregnant married woman who finds herself under the non-Bette Davis acted thumb of the prison’s butch bully? According to Vito Russo, this film’s got an “astonishing amount of lesbianism.” How about that… Examine this chapter of queer cinema history with a video intro from newly New York-located programmer Elizabeth Purchell. – James Scott

As someone whose high fashion is graphic print T-shirts, I’m in awe of those who look at clothes and see the possibilities in an outfit. In a world of staple pieces and timeless fashion, local designer Jean Jones reigns supreme. Her effortlessly chic pieces, from perfectly draped button-up shirts to skirts and pants with immaculately nipped waists, showcase the enduring nature of her creations. So naturally, a book highlighting her ode to handmade, quality clothing reflects the cool calm of her collections. Dive directly into the secrets of Jones’ style with an author talk. Will she reveal how to perfectly tuck in those shirts? Or the magic behind keeping linens and silks fresh? See for yourself at First Light. – Cat McCarrey

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is still under construction, but they are continuing their programming at alternate locations. This free cooking demo with Common Threads, a nonprofit with a mission to improve community health through nutrition, offers a chance to learn about some nutritious and tasty snacks while meeting some neighbors. Make chili-lime popcorn, sweet plantain chips, and watermelon agua fresca at this one, and register by Friday, July 12, so they’ll know how many supplies to bring. – Kat McNevins

Now on twice a month, host Aira Juliet and the Little Gay Shop test your knowledge – and dancing – skills in five rounds of trivia. Each event has a new theme. From Aira herself: "The theme is REAL HOT GIRL $HIT for queer trivia, we are talking pop divas, rap divas, women’s rights, women’s wrongs and all the femininomenon in between."

The virtuoso power trio to end them all, the Aristocrats perform a delicate balancing act at every show. British guitarist Guthrie Govan (Asia, Hans Zimmer), American bassist Bryan Beller (Steve Vai, Dweezil Zappa), and German drummer Marco Minnemann (Joe Satriani, Mike Keneally) shove their progressive rock/shred metal/jazz fusion gumbo right in your face, but do it with genuinely sticky melodies and self-aware humor. These guys understand the absurdity of their craft (titles from new album Duck: “Sgt. Rockhopper,” “This Is Not Scrotum,” and “Muddle Through”), which makes them as likely to evoke belly laughs as dropped jaws. – Michael Toland

Hoo-wee! Does anything feel better than a dip in the pool during a hot Texas summer? While some among us may be privileged to own private watering holes, most of us get to enjoy the great Austin PARD’s work at the 44 public aquatic facilities to choose from this summer. You’ve got regional, neighborhood, and community pools; a wading pool; splash pads; and the crown jewel: Barton Springs. Check austintexas.gov/pools-splashpads for up-to-date info on which pools are open, what their entry fee is, and whether you have what it takes to be a public pool lifeguard. Now, outta the way if you don’t wanna get wet: I’m gonna do a cannonball! – James Scott

Hosted by Carlton Wilcoxson and Angelina Martin, and featuring the best local and national comics every Wednesday.

Art and … math? Not as improbable as it may seem, especially when seen through the veil of fantasy. And that’s exactly what artist/gallerist/therapist Deanna Miesch does. Compiling works inspired by 1800s mathematician Edwin A. Abbott’s imaginary world of Flatland (with touches of fellow mathematician Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, of course), Miesch presents reality with a fanciful twist. Her visuals show our world, blurred or tilted a little askew. It’s easy to see portals to another world in every line and angle. What dimensions will you discover? – Cat McCarrey

Louisianna Purchase hosts this night of drag, bingo, beer and shopping in partnership with the Little Gay Shop.