Fans of the 30-year-old movie will be able to see the characters in a never-before-seen way. | Photo courtesy of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Trail
May we suggest taking out your calendar? It’s time to rally your group chat and start making plans.
Your monthly Plan Ahead is here — these are the top events we recommend heading to next month.
iHeartCountry Festival | Saturday, May 3 | 7 p.m. | The Moody Center | $431+ | Don your cowboy boots at this fest featuring performances from Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, Megan Moroney, and more country music chart-toppers.
Austin Fashion Week | Thursday, May 8-Saturday, May 10 | Times vary | The Domain | $50+ | Calling all fashionistas — snag a seat near the runway to see a series of stylish showcases.
Hot Luck Fest | Thursday, May 22-Sunday, May 25 | Times vary | Multiple locations | $195+ | This citywide celebration of chef-driven food + local music was founded by Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and supports the Southern Smoke Foundation.
Diana Krall | 7:30 p.m. | The Long Center | $79+ | Prepare to be dazzled by this GRAMMY Award-winning jazz vocalist and pianist.
Wednesday, April 30
Noche de Serenata | 6-8 p.m. | Bar Toti | Cost of purchase | Acclaimed guitarist JJ Poyatos will provide the tunes while you enjoy dinner + cocktails at the neighborhood bistro — be sure to make a reservation.
Mayor’s Book Club: “We Loved It All” | 7-8:30 p.m. | Austin Central Library | Free with RSVP | Join Pulitzer Prize finalist Lydia Millet for a book signing + conversation with ocean scientist Juli Berwald.
Thursday, May 1
Trick Hat Invitational 2025 | 3 p.m. | Trick Hat Workway | $25 | Get ready for a springtime par-tee featuring a knockout putting tournament, live music, and eats from Gimme Burger.
Friday, May 2
May Market | Friday, May 2-Sunday, June 1 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Blue Genie Art Bazaar | Cost of purchase | Shop ‘til you drop at this indoor vendor market happening Fridays-Sundays that features ~200 local and regional artists.
“Wicked” | 7:30 p.m. | Community First! Village | Free with RSVP | Watch Elphaba and Glinda’s story unfold at this outdoor, family-friendly movie night featuring classic concessions.
These fully electric, easy-to-operate cruisers offer a smooth, quiet ride through the lake’s scenic no-wake zone — perfect for date nights, family hangs, or chill mornings with coffee from Mozart’s.
Pro tip: Each rental includes a quick safety and boat operation briefing, so you can navigate with ease.
Skylark Lounge will close on Sunday, May 4 after 12 years in business. The east Austin blues bar’s staff took to Instagram to announce the closure + “a farewell week packed with great music.” The team also invited locals to share their favorite memories of the venue via social media.
Health
Don’t hold your breath. Austin’s air quality received an “F” from the American Lung Association’s latest report, which analyzed data from 2021 through 2023. The failing grade for Travis County is based on ozone pollution + levels of fine particulate matter (or soot) in our air. (KUT)
Open
Skinny’s Off Track Bar recently shuttered and a new venture called Nunya Neighborhood Bar opened in its place on East 12th Street. Weekly specials at the watering hole include $5 street tacos on Taco Tuesday, $2 hot dogs on Wiener Wednesdays, and $5 smash burgers on Sundays.
Edu
Austin ISD celebrated the groundbreaking of a “modernization” project at east Austin’s Oak Springs Elementary School yesterday. Funded by a 2022 bond program, the work includes enhanced security features, new mental health + wellness areas, additional outdoor learning opportunities, and more flexible space. (KXAN)
Arts
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. An immersive art installation called “The Eyes” will be on display from Tuesday, May 6 to Sunday, May 18 at Domain NORTHSIDE. The exhibit, created by art collective Cool Sh*t, will stand 26-feet-fall and is made of inflatable eyeballs.
Community
It’s the end of an era — Austinites hit the dance floor at Outer Heaven Disco Club for the last time over the weekend.According to an Instagram post, the dance club permanently closed due to leasing woes. A GoFundMe has been set up to help staff members transition to new jobs.
Sports
The Texans invested in their offense during the NFL Draft, but will the new players bring an immediate impact? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Seasonal
Get ready for an unforgettable season in Hill Country. Omni Barton Creek Resort’s Summer in the Hills is happening from Memorial Day through Labor Day. With breathtaking views, luxury accommodations, a world-class spa, and mouthwatering dining, the resort is perfect for a weekend retreat or a summer staycation. Book your stay.*
Travel
A tropical vacay doesn’t have to cost thousands. For a limited time, shop Hawaiian Airlines’ sale on select fares, like $291 from AUS to Hawai‘i.*
Announced
You’re awesome — thank you so much for taking a moment to participate in the survey we ran on April 10. We’re excited to announce our winner. Drumroll please. Congrats to Karen W. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to share your thoughts and enter for a chance to win.
Lovers of live music will find a haven of soulful sounds at Sahara Lounge. | Photo by @wordsarevibrations
Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Austin’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.After all, they don’t call us the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing.
From 100-year-old spaces to award-winning arenas, here’s your sign to wander into one of these 20+ venues.
Sahara Lounge
This 21+ space is known for its laid-back atmosphere. While Sahara Lounge didn’t open until 2011, the building has hosted venues for 50+ years, including the now-closed Lincoln Drive Inn, RC’s, and TC’s Lounge.
Antone’s Nightclub
This nightclub first opened on 6th Street in 1975, but now operates out of a different Downtown location. Fun fact: You can pick up its famous sandwiches in H-E-B.
C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
Head to South Congress for some soul and R&B tunes. Don’t miss the patio and the “Jade Room”-styled lounge upstairs.
The car tech upgrades you need ahead of summer road trips for better, safer driving:
🗺️ No more phone in your cup holder — keep navigation instructions in your eyeline with a suction cup phone mount equipped with one-button release.
🔊 Skip plugging in your phone to activate CarPlay and use this wireless CarPlay adapter for a faster, more reliable bluetooth connection.
🚙 A front and rear dash cam can make all the difference in a fender bender — this one captures crystal-clear footage even at night.
📲 Everyone gets to charge their devices at once with a four-port car charger that’s here to end road trip squabbles.
🌸 Looking for an air freshener upgrade? This No. 1 best-selling wood air freshener looks chic on your sun visor.
Let’s end today’s newsletter with a sweet tree-t.Nominations are open for the Austin Tree of the Year Awards, which allow residents to nominate and vote for their favorite trees in several categories: Small Tree, Large Tree, Story Tree, Unique Tree, and Schoolyard Tree. You can also take a look at past winners here.
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