Home Events

A graphic novel which sits beside Maus and American Born Chinese on the high shelf labeled “Important Drawn Biographical Tales,” Persepolis went from esteemed literature to film in 2007. Author Marjane Satrapi’s story of youthful rebellion, resilience in the face of oppression, and the teetering balance between loving and critiquing the culture you grew up in continues its relevance well into the 2020s. We Luv Video invites fans and new readers alike to join this discussion and watch party – with a special discount on the graphic novel if purchased through the Adaptations Book Club’s Bookshop.org page. – James Scott

Everyone may have hopped on the chess trend when The Queen’s Gambit came out during the pandemic, but some have stayed there. For those who want to take their game off Chess.com and into real life, it may be hard to find a community of players – but fear not, one of the most pleasant spaces in town offers just that. First Light Books on Speedway transforms into a chill wine bar vibe at night, staying up till 9pm – and on Wednesdays, they bring out the boards for anyone to use. Sample their summer snack menu including crudité, charcuterie boards, and assorted sandwiches to nosh on while you ponder your next move. – Lina Fisher

“A lusty, self-written, one-woman oration on female sexual discovery, exploration, and empowerment.” That’s what we called Katie Folger’s one-woman show about dating in the pandemic when she debuted it in May 2023 at Crashbox. A year later, with a sellout L.A. run, a Best of Austin win for best actress, and a rave review from Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls podcast, now she’s bringing her raunchy memoir back for her hometown audiences. Make sure you’re in your seat early Friday and Saturday for a special comedy opening set from the hilarious Stef Dag. – Richard Whittaker

For its 50th year, the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series partnered with AFS Cinema for a pair of double features, as Austin Film Society screened films at Paramount before opening their own theatre – which this year is a Best of Austin Readers Poll winner. For this pairing we have two Australian gems, both edited by one of the world’s finest, Jill Bilcock, who got an Oscar nod for Moulin Rouge! For rom-com Muriel’s Wedding (1994), Bilcock’s handiwork turned Toni Collette’s Muriel from awful to awful but likable, and for 1986 cult classic Dogs in Space it captured a grimy post-punk aesthetic matched by the music of INXS’s Michael Hutchence, also starring in the film. – Kat McNevins

It often feels like the fate of a short film after festival season is ignominious anonymity at the whim of some streaming platform’s algorithm. Luckily, Utah’s Sundance Film Festival is giving these short but sweet delights more time on the big screen. The touring selection of seven miniature wonders includes three award-winners from this year’s festival: Spanish class war satire “The Masterpiece” (Short Film Grand Jury Prize), Japanese interspecies rom-com “Pisko the Crab Child in Love” (Special Jury Prize for Directing), and sexy insect comedy “Bug Diner” (Jury Award: Animation).: – Richard Whittaker

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

At the start of her drag career, Divina host Tatiana Cholula told Qmmunity she’d be critiqued for not assimilating enough “American” culture into her acts. “Before I started Divina,” she said, “the scene was rich in amazing Latinx drag performers and artists, but there weren’t any spaces focused on them or they didn’t feel comfortable performing certain songs at certain spaces.” Thankfully, Tatiana did start Divina, and now every other Wednesday you’ll see Oilcan Harry’s stage taken over by the spirits of Latina legends like Gloria Estefan and Paulina Rubio – courtesy of local Latinx drag talent. – James Scott