On Wednesday, May 14, Hot Luck Festival is teaming up with Equipment Room and Breakaway Records for Frankie’s Lounge—a one-night-only jazz-themed evening blending food, music, and cocktails in true retro style. From 5 to 9 p.m., guests can enjoy a menu created by acclaimed pitmaster Aaron Franklin, vinyl-spun jazz selections from Josh LaRue of Breakaway Records, and specialty cocktails from the Equipment Room bar team.

The event is a special preview of the upcoming Hot Luck Festival, happening May 22–25.

Almuerzo Club, a new monthly summer brunch series hosted by Rocky’s Bar at the Austin Motel, kicks off Friday, May 17 with tacos by Nixta Taqueria, cocktails by Rocky’s, and music from Perreo Club. The free event runs throughout the summer, pairing rotating guest taqueros with Latin beats and a lively daytime atmosphere on South Congress.

Held at one of Austin’s best-kept cocktail secrets, Almuerzo Club offers a mix of Latin music, bites, and curated drinks in collaboration with local favorite Perreo Club. Future dates include June 14, July 12, and August 9, with tacos from Discada on deck for the rest of the summer.

Pool day passes at the Austin Motel will also be available for purchase. Entry is free with RSVP.

The SIMS Foundation will celebrate 30 years of supporting mental wellness in Austin’s music community with a special anniversary event on Sunday, May 18, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Empire Control Room & Garage. Open to the public and family-friendly, the event features performances by Heartless Bastards, Fastball, Nakia & The Never Not Now, The Bros Fresh, and more, including a special set from Night Glitter and Friends featuring SIMS Foundation founders Alejandro Escovedo, Don Harvey, and Wayne Nagel.

Founded in 1995 in memory of Austin musician Sims Ellison, the nonprofit has provided mental health and recovery services to more than 25,000 musicians, music industry professionals, and their families. Proceeds from the celebration will directly support SIMS Foundation programs, helping ensure continued access to affordable emotional wellness resources for the local music community.

Kisses from the Diaspora is an AAPI Heritage Month music showcase and vendor market hosted by Austin’s first Asian American music label, mHart. Taking place May 31st at Cheer Up Charlie’s, the event highlights AAPI artists in the pop and indie genres across two stages, and also features dancers, DJ’s, and local vendors.

The outdoor stage features mHart’s full artist roster – Allie Arnaez, Francene Rouelle, and Promqueen – joined by dancers and debuting new projects including fm radio and off the carousel. The indoor stage brings together three rising AAPI-fronted indie acts: Jon Colambo, Felt Out, and Zak P, with closing B2B DJ sets by VO.A_2000 and LOVEYOURGERMS keeping the night going til 2AM.

The YeeHawties Honky Tonk Pool Party, a 21+ summer series blending country flair with poolside fun, returns to the Austin Motel on Sunday, June 1. Hosted by DJ Boi Orbison, the event runs from 2 to 6 p.m. and features sets from Good Time and performances by returning hosts Lawrie Bird and Harlot, and additional appearances from Lady Bull Johnson throughout the season.

Now in its second year, the monthly series invites guests to don cowboy hats and swimsuits for an afternoon of line dancing, sun-soaked vibes, and eclectic country-inspired entertainment. Additional dates include July 6 and August 3. Admission is free with RSVP.

BIBI (Kim Hyoung-seo) is an artist under Feel Ghood Music, recognized for her distinctive musical style and emotionally captivating performances.

With her unique sound and deeply expressive lyrics, she has captured the hearts of fans in Korea and beyond. Effortlessly blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop, her music showcases a genre-defying versatility.

Since making her debut with the single BINU in 2019, BIBI has released hit songs such as BIBI Vengeance, The Weekend, and Bam Yang Gang, establishing herself as a rising global artist.

Renowned for her exceptional songwriting, composing skills, and dynamic stage presence, she continues to carve out a musical identity that is entirely her own.

Beyond music, BIBI has also made a name for herself in film and television, displaying her multifaceted talents. Seamlessly balancing mainstream appeal with artistic originality, she constantly delivers fresh and unexpected sounds, making her one of the most exciting artists to watch.

With a distinctive sound that resists categorization, Grammy-nominated violinist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird makes his Texas Performing Arts debut backed by a full orchestra. Balancing swelling sounds with jazz, folk, and pop melodies in an unforgettable display of unique virtuosity, Bird celebrates the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed record The Mysterious Production of Eggs. Featuring a top-to-bottom album performance with orchestra, Bird caps off the performance with a suite of fan-favorite tunes from his near 30-year repertoire.

Since beginning his recording career in 1997, Andrew Bird has released 18 albums and performed extensively across the globe, headlining concerts at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and festivals worldwide. Bird has been a featured TED Talks presenter, a New Yorker Festival guest, and an op-ed contributor for the New York Times. He performed as the Whistling Caruso in Disney’s The Muppets and scored the FX Series Baskets. Shortly after receiving his 2020 Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album, Bird made his professional acting debut in the cast of FX’s Fargo. In 2025, Bird celebrates the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed record The Mysterious Production of Eggs with a limited run of concerts, performing the record for the first time in its entirety alongside a full orchestra.

Andrew Bird is donating $1 per ticket to his Hope This Helps Fund to support deserving organizations doing the good work.