August Curated: Tribeza’s Top Austin Events
Plan your monthly social schedule with these local cultural events including concerts, art openings, dinner parties, festivals, and more
While it may be very tempting to hide away indoors enjoying the comfort of your own air-conditioned retreat from the heat, we’re here to beckon you out and about this August. Whether it’s live music, elegant dinners with wine pairings, charity fundraisers, or the latest museum exhibit openings, we invite you to join us out at one of these wonderful social happenings in Austin this month.
Arts & Culture
UMLAUF After Dark
August 1, 6 – 8 p.m.
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
Enjoy a fabulous night in the garden with live music from Shimmer Island, a live painting from Paul Stankiewicz, cocktails and beverages, and Garbo’s Lobster food truck.
Nat Geo Live Speaker Series with Photographer Brian Skerry
August 4, 7:30 p.m.
Long Center
Brian Skerry has spent nearly four decades exploring and documenting the world’s oceans. Hear his behind-the-scenes stories straight from the field and get an inside look at the science of whale culture.
Free Admission Week & Closing Exhibits
August 9 – 13
Jones Center
The Contemporary Austin is wrapping up the current exhibit season by offering free admission to the Jones Center from Aug 9–13. Plus, you can join curator Julie Le for a public exhibition tour on Friday, August 11. Both exhibits, Eamon Ore-Giron: Competing with Lightning / Rivalizando con el relámpago and HOST: Celeste will close on August 20.
Third Thursdays
August 17, 5 – 8 p.m.
Bullock Museum
Enjoy special extended museum hours, happy hour at their cafe, and music from R&B singer-songwriter Mélat at 6 p.m. in the Grand Lobby. This night of art and music is designed to pair with the special exhibition, The Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper.
New Exhibit Opening: The Long Lives of Very Old Books
August 19
Harry Ransom Center
Learn about the stories behind books published by Europeans between the mid-fifteenth and late-seventeenth centuries, see exceptional objects including a Don Quixote, the Shakespeare First Folio, and a Bible that purportedly traveled to New England on the Mayflower.
RELATED: 6 Marvelous Musicals to Sing Along to this Summer
Music, Movies, Comedy & Festivals
The Drop-In Concert Series
August 3 & 10, 8 p.m.
Long Center
ACL Radio & The Long Center teamed for this weekly concert series on the Long Center lawn, and there are two more chances to check it out this summer. Get the details on how to RSVP for free tickets.
Austin Pride Festival
August 12
Fiesta Gardens Festival & Downtown Parade
Celebrated during Austin Pride Month (which is in August instead of June), you can take part in the festival at Fiesta Gardens during the day, followed by a giant parade down Congress Avenue in the evening at this largest annual LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising event in Central Texas.
Stevie Nicks
August 15, 7 p.m.
Moody Center
Catch this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Fleetwood Mac superstar, solo artist, and fashion icon during the Austin stop on her tour.
Fred Armisen
August 19, 8 p.m.
Empire Control Room & Garage
Don’t miss American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and musician as he presents Comedy for Musicians But Everyone is Welcome as part of the celebration for A Decade of Empire.
John Oliver
August 20, 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall
John Oliver is an Emmy and Writer’s Guild award-winning writer, comedian and host of the acclaimed HBO show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. On this tour, Oliver returns to stand-up comedy.
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
August 21, 22 & 23, 8 p.m.
ACL Live at the Moody Theatre
The concert will feature an arrangement of Lovett standards, as well as songs from his critically acclaimed album 12th of June.
Beck & Phoenix
August 22, 6 p.m.
Moody Center
Enjoy a night of music from Beck and Phoenix on their Summer Odyssey tour with special guests Weyes Blood and Sir Chloe.
Lionel Ritchie and Earth, Wind & Fire
August 29, 7:30 p.m.
Moody Center
Join the legendary Lionel Richie along with and Earth, Wind & Fire at the Austin stop on their Sing A Song All Night Long tour.
RELATED: Paramount Theatre’s Summer Programming
Food, Drinks & Fundraisers
IL Borro Wine Dinner + Chamber Music Concert
August 9, 7 p.m.
Gusto Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Gusto is hosting an evening of Italian food, fine wines, and classical entertainment featuring a six-course dinner with wine pairings from IL Borro Winery and an enchanting musical performance by Michelle Schumann, Austin Chamber Music Artistic Director.
Abbey Lights up COTA Gala
August 12, 5 p.m.
Circuit of the Americas
Join an evening of culinary delights, music, and entertainment at The Abigail E. Keller Foundation’s 5th annual fundraising soirée. This year’s gala will feature guest emcee, Holly Mills-Gardner, guest speaker and founder of Ryan’s House, Jonathan Cotter, and music from Suede.
Alaskan Seafood Benefit Dinner
August 20, 5 p.m.
Switft’s Attic
Get tickets for a fine dining experience benefiting Austin’s Operation Turkey. This event starts with a cocktail hour and live music at 5pm, followed by seating at 6:15 p.m. for a unique five-course seafood dinner, prepared by a powerhouse of local Chefs.
Lagers and Literature
August 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Meanwhile Brewing Company
his unique event celebrates Austin’s diverse literary scene and various storytelling mediums while supporting the Inside Books Project. With many activities and vendors, guests can expect a day of fun, education, and more, free and open to all.
2023 Ice Ball Gala
August 26, 6 p.m.
JW Marriott Austin
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas for their night of elegance to raise critical funds to support children in our community. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, auctions, live music, and more at this top annual Austin event.
Shops & Boutiques
Blue Print Store Opening
August 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Popular Dallas shop known for their highly curated array of decor, furniture, home accessories, fine art, and gifts is expanding to Austin at 1601 W 38th St.
Le Garage Sale
August 26 & 27
Palmer Events Center
This semi-annual Austin event features top fashion and accessories from Austin’s independent boutiques and local labels under one roof for a two-day shopping event. Expect an expertly curated mix of 100+ local businesses.
