Austin Museum Day to open nearly 40 museums for free this weekend
Local artist collective Atelier Dojo will give a live sketching demonstration at the Elisabet Ney Museum on Austin Museum Day. | Photo by ATXtoday
For one day each year, all of the major museums in Austin open their doors to residents for free. Buckle up, art and science lovers, that day is this Sunday, Sept. 17.
The annual Austin Museum Day involves nearly 40 Central Texas museums, many of which also offer special programming and activities. Here’s what to know.
What is Austin Museum Day?
This year is the 26th anniversary of Austin Museum Day, which was founded in 1998 by the Austin Museum Partnership. This organization (also founded in 1998) is dedicated toward promoting and supporting local museums — Austin Museum Day is their signature event.
Which museums are participating?
Basically, all of them. Some have special pop-up activities planned. Here are a few to consider:
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum | 605 Azie Morton Rd. | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | See the sculpture garden’s new contemporary exhibition while you take in live demos and displays from more than 25 artists.
Neill-Cochran House Museum | 2310 San Gabriel St. | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Dig into a full day of activities including lawn games, ice cream-making, and art.
Mexic-Arte Museum at the Austin Central Library | 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. | 12 p.m.-3 pm. | Take in the Nuestro Mundo exhibit, try screen printing, and listen to music DJ Mierba Malita.
LBJ Presidential Library | 2313 Red River St. | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kids will be able to use instant cameras for a special scavenger hunt and use the photos to create memory books of the experience.
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms | 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | This immersive farmstead space will host activities, music, and food on Austin Museum Day.
Check out the full list of activations + openings online.
Events
Wednesday, Sept. 13
Escuela de Nada Presenta: Semper Bichos | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $49-$69 | Find out whether the souls of Chris Andrade, Leo Rojas, and Nacho Redondo make it into the afterlife.
Thursday, Sept. 14
Leanne Morgan: “Just Getting Started” | Thursday, Sept. 14-Friday, Sept. 15 | Times vary | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $35-$60 | The stand-up comedian’s extensive resume includes online special “So Yummy,” which has more than 50 million views on YouTube.
Hershey Felder as “George Gershwin Alone” | Thursday, Sept. 14-Sunday, Oct. 1 | Times vary | ZACH Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $28-$86 | This one-man show chronicles the life and music of George Gershwin.
Friday, Sept. 15
Iliza: “Hard Feelings” tour | Friday, Sept. 15 | 7 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $40-$180 | Award-winning “Elder Millennial” comedian and actor Iliza Shlesinger will perform her new tour onstage in Austin.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Pecan Street Festival | Saturday, Sept. 16-Sunday, Sept. 17 | Times vary | 6th Street, Austin | Free | Shop from more than 300 artisans and food vendors at this biannual festival.
Downtown Italian steakhouse Red Ash caught fire Monday night, causing the restaurant to close for at least the rest of the week. The fire was ruled accidental and did not cause any injuries. (Austin American-Statesman)
List
Southern Living named two Austin-based restaurants in their list of best spots for barbecue in the South. The Capital City honorees were Franklin Barbecue at No. 16 and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue at No. 26 — four other Central Texas businesses were also recognized.
Award
Nixta Taqueria’s Edgar Rico was named one of the Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine. Just 10 other chefs were included and Rico was celebrated for his dedication to the “art of the taco.”
Number
8.8 million. That’s how many people tuned into this past weekend’s Texas-Alabama game, making the event the most-watched regular-season game on ESPN since 2015. Horns up. (Austin American-Statesman)
Community
The removal and celebration of life for Barton Springs tree “Flo” has been indefinitely postponed while Austin Parks and Recreation reviews “additional considerations.”
Legacy
Bandera-born singer-songwriter Charlie Robison died in San Antonio this past Sunday at 59 years old. Robison is well known for his hits “New Year’s Day” and “My Hometown,” plus his impact on 90s-era country. (Austin Chronicle)
Edu
Looking for new ways to volunteer? Become an Academy 4 mentor. Mentors provide valuable one-on-one attention to their mentee (for 90 minutes, once a month), and are part of a community supporting the whole school. Academy 4 aims to serve nine schools in and around the Austin area this year. Learn more + sign up to mentor.*
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Home
Dramatic and moody, yet tranquil and grounded. Are we describing ourselves, or Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month for September 2023? Discover the colorfor your next home project.^
Tech
💻 AI comes to life
Dozens of AI experts to speak at Austin’s Applied Intelligence Live! conference
The Applied Intelligence Live! conference will bring together leaders in AI for two days at the Palmer Event Center. | Photo courtesy Applied Intelligence Live!
AI: it seems to be the buzzword on every tech mogul’s mind these days. In the coming decades, the growing industry is predicted to make big waves in almost every industry, from health care to retail.
The future of automation will take center stage at Applied Intelligence Live!, a two-day conference at the Palmer Events Center from Wednesday, Sept. 20 and Thursday, Sept. 21. In addition to an expo, the event includes panels like:
Put your holiday gifting headaches in the past with Six & Main’s gifting quiz. Get the perfect gift for your friends and family with just a few clicks. Start quiz.
Arts
Kathyphantastic items are perfect for spicing up your wardrobe, water bottle, or fridge. From unique magnets to art prints, shop the collection.
Drink
The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.
Travel
Love flying first class? Snag an Elite membership from Going and get emailed when first + business class flights are 40-90% off (hello, European vacation).
Wellness
It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.
City Editor Figi and I recently stopped by my favorite Austin cocktail spot: Midnight Cowboy.
We tried the speakeasy’s new menu, which we were told took weeks to put together. My recommendation? The “Southern Gent” which is as delicious as it is fun.
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