Et Cetera Archives - Page 18 of 35

You’re in for Big Air and High Speed at X Games Austin 2015

June 3, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler 3 Comments

X Games Austin 2014 downtown (Credit: JTpics.com)

In 2014, more than 160,000 fans poured into Circuit of The Americas for Austin’s inaugural X Games. Though ESPN doesn’t release numbers, Tim Reed, Vice President of ESPN X Games, labeled the event a success: “Austin was a great fit–music, culture, lifestyle–for action sports.” And now X Games is back in town for its second year, and these upcoming four days will be epic. As Reed reminded reporters, “X Games never does anything twice.” [Read more…]

Alcomar Takes You to Mexican Seaside with South 1st Eatery

May 29, 2015 by Erin May 1 Comment

Editor’s Note: To the community’s surprise and disappointment, Alcomar closed at the end of May 2018 due to a rental dispute.

A teal octopus swims across the facade of Alcomar on South 1st Street

Back to my old haunt: South 1st Street. When I wrote my neighborhood guide to this rich area, two painters had a ladder propped against what used to be El Chile. With a sinking feeling, I watched as they painted a giant white octopus on the newly-blue building.

Fortunately, however, El Chile has not disappeared—not exactly, anyway. The South 1st location now houses their newest concept: Alcomar. The menu is full of tapas, featuring primarily seafood, and each dish is delicately crafted with interesting and varied ingredients. [Read more…]

Complete Guide to 3 Days of Local Music at X Games Austin

May 27, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Bright Light Social Hour is poised to bring their signature sound to X Games Austin 2015 (Credit: Jim Wall via Flickr CC)

BMX and half pipes. Roaring super trucks and speeding motorcycles. Skateboarders flipping double grabs and 360’s against the Austin skyline. Entering its second year at Circuit of the Americas, X Games Austin brings the best of extreme sports to local fans and visitors to our city.

But X Games isn’t all flips and tricks. It’s actually become one of the best music events of the year. While big names like Metallica and Nicki Minaj have been grabbing headlines, KUTX is showcasing some of the best local talent Austin has to offer.

Here’s your complete list of ATX bands and acts set to rock X Games Austin this year. [Read more…]

Exclusive Preview: Austin Weird Homes Tour 2015

May 12, 2015 by Kelli McDonald 2 Comments

The Queen of the Weird, Under the Sea and The Music Home – all new homes featured on this year’s tour

Last year, I went on the first Weird Homes Tour, a self-guided excursion through exceptional and unconventional homes all over Austin. After snooping (courteously) through the houses, I wanted to know more about the people who lived in those spaces day-to-day. First, I interviewed Stefanie Distefano of Flamingo Ranch, where I learned how she transformed a 420 square foot house into a mosaic work of art. Then I journeyed across the plank to a treehouse at James Talbot’s Casa Neverlandia to hear about how he created an eco-friendly wonderland.

On May 23, 2015, Casa Neverlandia returns to the 2015 Austin Weird Homes Tour as the location of the VIP party. Other returning favorites are Professor Dumpster’s 33 square foot genuine dumpster home, the beehive-shaped Earthbag House and the artsy Freeman House. Six additional homes will make their debut this year. I was lucky enough to meet three of the homeowners and sneak a peek at their odd abodes. [Read more…]

Explore Austin Nature at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

May 8, 2015 by Erin May 1 Comment

Austin wildflowers at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

At Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, you can see natural Austin as never before

Wildflowers don’t only line the highways of Central Texas.

Although you can find them scattered around town or further out in Hill Country, visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a unique way to learn more about our native blooms and fully appreciate their beauty up close.

Originally established by Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes in 1982, Austin’s Wildflower Center has become 279 acres of land dedicated to conservation, education and research of Texas’ original natural environment. [Read more…]

6 Things to Eat and Do in Austin on Mother’s Day

May 7, 2015 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

The day is quickly approaching when we show our love for our moms and want to make them feel extra special. There’s a bounty of Mother’s Day activities and events going on in Austin, so no need to fret if you’ve waited until the last minute to make plans.

Below are a few of my local favorites that will show Mom your appreciation this Sunday.

#1 Threadgill’s

Threadgill’s downtown (Credit: Threadgill’s)

Get some mimosas for your mama at Threadgill’s this Mother’s Day. They’ll be offering a free [Read more…]

4 Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Austin

April 28, 2015 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Taste of Mexico Cinco de Mayo Event in Austin

Aromas from delicious Mexican cuisine will fill the air during Taste of Mexico

Guest article by Emily Burns

Every year since 1862, we celebrate Mexico’s unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in our own Texan way with outrageous festivals, copious amounts of alcohol and the best in Latin music. With over 34% of Austinites identifying as having Hispanic or Latino descent, there is plenty of culture to celebrate here!

There’s something for everyone to enjoy this year, with the following four Cinco de Mayo events to choose from. [Read more…]

Elizabeth McQueen Debuts Interactive Musical Experience

April 22, 2015 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

EMQ, Elizabeth McQueen’s latest ensemble

One of the things I love most about Elizabeth McQueen is that she’s constantly reinventing herself as a musician and artist. She has the talent to slide into one niche and stay there, but her adventurous attitude seems to always have her exploring boundaries and experimenting with a little of this and a little of that. Whether it’s DJing on local radio or teaming up with genre-melding groups from St. Louis, she puts a priority on keeping things fresh and I appreciate it.

Fortunately for us, McQueen’s latest venture, Infinity + Infinity, is right around the corner with shows debuting at Austin’s Museum of Human Achievement on April 30th and May 1st. Infinity + Infinity is an interactive, multimedia performance with cutting edge animation and life sized, audience controlled visual environments working in tandem with McQueen’s original music. Here’s a sneak peek of the interactive, pseudoholographic experience you can expect at the show: [Read more…]

Taste of Mexico: Authentic Cinco De Mayo Event in Austin

April 20, 2015 by Edgar Barguiarena Leave a Comment

May 5, 1862. Mexican forces overtake a significantly better equipped French army at the Battle of Puebla in an unlikely victory. It was a symbolic victory more than anything else, but when Mexican miners working in California heard the news they were so overjoyed they spontaneously fired off rifles and fireworks.

And so began Cinco de Mayo celebrations. They became especially popular in the United States around the 1980’s, once marketing companies took hold of the holiday and gave us all another reason to drink.

Cinco de Mayo festivities in Austin range from community parties in local parks to block parties downtown. This year, the Mexic-Arte Museum throws its sombrero back in the ring with the return of one of its premier events, Taste of Mexico. [Read more…]

Moontower Comedy Festival Is Back with Over 100 Comedians

April 15, 2015 by David Thomas Leave a Comment

Puddles Pity Party sings Abba song 2014 Moontower Comedy Festival

You ever see a creepy clown sing Abba cover songs?

It’s Christmas in April for me because Moontower Comedy Festival is back. I’m wringing my hands in anticipation.

Here’s what you can expect from the festival this year, running April 22-25, 2015.

Moontower Returns to Downtown Austin

Now it it’s fourth year, Moontower Comedy Fest is taking over 11 venues, most of them in the downtown area. Beyond downtown, Cap City Comedy Club will be hosting events at 8120 Research Blvd, while Cactus Cafe will have shows at 2247 Guadalupe, just north of 22nd Street

Like last year, three badges are available to event goers. Starting at $129, the four day [Read more…]

#1 Threadgill’s

Moontower Returns to Downtown Austin

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