Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.
One mark of being a true Austinite is having a “back in my day” story. It’s a rite of passage to tell the tale of when you discovered a now-headliner at a free SXSW show, or when your commute was “mostly country roads.”
Luckily, as Austin grows, so do opportunities to experience newer gems. In its second year, Chingona Fest Texas is ripe for discovery by true Austinites, especially those looking to create or update their “back in my day” repertoire.
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It’s no secret Austin is always bustlin’ with events. And while many of them may be dog-friendly, not many are entirely dedicated to our furry friends. Now, there’s an event that gives you both a chance to socialize, while getting free pet food and product samples. It’s called First Sundays Yappy Hour.
[Read more…]As SXSW Film Festival roared through Austin, I was pleased to see the wide range of talent walking among us. SXSW Film encompassed movies, television, VR, AR, and motion capture film, full length features, and excellent shorts.
The programming for SXSW in general is mind-boggling, most especially because it’s run so efficiently. Kudos to the SXSW team! Another thing I loved was seeing so many badass women at the helm of Austin-based films, and speaking on panels.
Here is a sampling of the Austin-focused female filmmakers who really caught my attention this year. I want to add that I also loved another female-focused hilarious film, Olivia Wilde’s “Booksmart,” though there’s no Austin connection.
Let’s go fly a kite at the 90th ABC Kite Fest on March 31, 2019! Whimsical freedom whooshes through the air as tangled colors dance in the wind. Heads are cocked up at the splendiferous Austin skyline, while live music pumps throughout the friendly ambiance.
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SXSW was alive with local talent like model and app developer Brooklyn Decker, who won the Rising Star Award at 2019 Texas Film Awards
Austin is a wonderful boiling pot of techies, film directors, musicians, fashionistas, and foodies and Austinites represented that mix well at SXSW 2019. Here are the best SXSW panels of 2019 featuring locals who touched on all things business, food, fashion, and tech in our capital city.
Credit: Anais Alesya Photography
With March being Women’s History Month, it’s a great time to celebrate women in a special way. Lucky for us, Austin has an answer for not just this month, but any time of the year you want to support women, shop local, join a community party, or participate in a multi-generational event.
Frida Friday ATX started as a monthly women’s market, offering the opportunity for local women of color makers to show and sell their work. With this founding mission, Frida Friday ATX developed a space that’s not just a market, but a creative, communal space. The women vendors give back, as well, with a local cause and/or community partner selected as a beneficiary for each event. [Read more…]
Face painting during Family Sunday Funday at backYARD at Waller Creek (Credit: backYARD by Waller Creek)
Guest article by Mandy Heintzelman Smith
As a mom of three little kids, one of my favorite things about Austin is how inclusive its restaurants are for the youngest members of the community. With spring in full bloom, it’s time to get outdoors and relish everything this city has to offer. And I have the perfect event for you to check out with your family: Family Sunday Funday, hosted by backYARD at Waller Creek.
Austin film director Richard Linklater discusses his film “Boyhood” (Credit: LBJ Library via Flickr CC)
For 10 days, SXSW is the epicenter of entertainment, making it the perfect place for filmmakers to unveil their cinematic masterpieces. While many come from all over the world to do so, homegrown Austin film directors don’t have to go far to take advantage of the festival’s opportunities each year.
Here are five local directors who have premiered films during SXSW over the years. You’ll recognize some of the names, but hopefully you’ll also uncover a new favorite to follow.
If you’re planning to attend SXSW Film Festival 2019, you probably have a long list of screenings you want to attend. As you’re firming up your schedule, consider these four locally-oriented documentaries. From unforgettable personalities to irreplaceable communities, these films highlight bright lights across Austin’s past and present.
Leslie Cochran was one of Austin’s most beloved weirdos (Credit: Tim Pipe/courtesy of “Becoming Leslie”)
Credit: Ryan Loughlin
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “I didn’t shell out money for a badge, so why should I care about SXSW?” Well, because there are tons of free things to do! Things like panels, film screenings, and parties–all of which are accessible to those with no badge. So, read on to join in on all the free SXSW festival fun! [Read more…]
