We’ve searched high and low (OK, we searched on the Internet) for some of the overlooked events taking place in Austin this weekend. We found a brilliant live musical, a utopia for old school game geeks and a heavy metal birthday party.
So, sure, you could simply hang out at the bars downtown. Again. Or you could so something different and check out these awesome events.
The Classic Game Fest
Saturday, August 16th – Sunday, August 17th – 10 am – 7 pm
Palmer Events Center – 900 Barton Springs Rd.
For the second year in a row, Game Over Video Games bring their Classic Game Fest to the Palmer Events Center. A small, in-store gathering for its first five years, the CGF has expanded to a full fledged convention. Featuring booths, contests, demonstrations and meet & greets, this event has something for every kind of gamer out there.
Among the special events include nerdcore comedy by Alex Ansel, a presentation on Atari homebrew games and a meet & greet with Ernie Kline, the author of “Ready Player One” and screenwriter of “Fanboys”. There will also be cosplay contests for all age groups and more nerdy live music than you ever thought possible in one place. Wristbands for the whole weekend are $10 and gives you access to everything: contests, tournaments and more. Children under 12 will be admitted free, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Lone Star Metal Magazine Five Year Anniversary Party w/ Snake Skin Prison
Friday, August 15th – 8:00 pm – $10-$12
The Parish – 214 E. 6th St.
Lone Star Metal Magazine has been covering the metal scene, not just in Austin but all over Texas, for the past five years. That’s worthy of a celebration. The party is going to be held in The Parish on 6th and you are invited.
The night’s headlining artists are the bands Fear Control, Switchblade Lover and Snake Skin Prison (seen above), along with End Effect. Tickets are $10. Presale tickets are $12 and come with a free draft beer, ages 21 and up only.
Urinetown: The Musical
Urinetown: The Musical. Photo: Flickr user Mike King, creative commons licensed
Friday, August 15th – Saturday, August 16th – 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 17th – 5:30pm
The City Theater – 3823 Airport Blvd.
When a downtrodden city faces a massive water shortage, the government places a ban on private toilets. It’s not long before an evil corporation sets up public facilities and charging ridiculous fees to use them. Soon, a revolution is at hand
Debuting in 2001, “Urinetown: The Musical” won Tony awards in 2002 for Best Score and Best Direction of a Musical. Since then, it’s run everywhere from Broadway theaters to high school productions. This weekend, The City Theater in Austin close out their 2014 summer season with this witty satire on government, business and society. General admission tickets are $25 or two tickets for $40. You can purchase these and tickets for other seating areas online via Brown Paper Tickets.
We’ll be back next week with another list of suggestions to keep your weekends entertaining!
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Featured photo: Flickr user daveynin, creative commons licensed.
