Austin, TX — Looking for something fun to do this weekend?
Whether you’re in the mood for a Halloween scare, a magical ballet, a night of dancing or a chance to support local artists, there’s plenty happening around Austin.
This week’s Weekend Check features four events celebrating the city’s creative community, including two major anniversaries, an independent horror film festival and a family-friendly performance inspired by Vietnamese folklore.
1. Esquina Tango celebrates 20 years with Hollywood-inspired fundraiser
Lights, camera, fiesta!
East Austin’s Esquina Tango is celebrating 20 years of dance, music, culture and community with its annual fundraiser, “Esquina Goes Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Fiesta!”
Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Hollywood-inspired outfits, walk the red carpet and enjoy live music, performances and social dancing.
Founded in 2006, Esquina Tango is a Latino-led nonprofit cultural arts organization offering everything from Argentine tango and salsa to samba, Afro-Latin dance, youth programming and bilingual workshops.
The anniversary celebration begins with an exclusive VIP Sponsor Gala from 6 to 8:30 p.m., featuring performances, music and hors d’oeuvres.
At 8:30 p.m., the community celebration begins, with multiple dance floors, live entertainment and a party continuing until midnight.
The event is also Esquina Tango’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting affordable arts programming, instructor and artist compensation, youth and senior classes and community workshops.
Event details
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m.–midnight
Community celebration: 8:30 p.m.–midnight
Where: Esquina Tango, 209 Pedernales St., Austin
Admission: Tickets available online
2. Ballet Austin TWO presents The Seventh Night Sky
How about a love story written in the stars?
Ballet Austin TWO returns to the stage this weekend with “The Seventh Night Sky,” a family-friendly production inspired by a Vietnamese legend of two lovers separated by the Milky Way.
The ballet draws inspiration from the Double Seventh Festival, known as Thất Tịch, a traditional celebration of love and reunion.
Choreographed by acclaimed Vietnamese-born choreographer Thang Dao, the production blends classical ballet, contemporary movement and Vietnamese dance traditions.
Audiences can expect colorful costumes, original music, puppetry, shadow and light effects, and storytelling through movement.
The production offers families an introduction to live ballet while celebrating Vietnamese culture and folklore.
Event details
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18
Where: Ballet Austin’s Austin StudioTheater
Admission: Ticketed performances
3. Ethereal Horror Fest returns for three days of scares
Love a good scare? Austin is getting three days of horror films just in time for Halloween.
The Ethereal Horror Fest returns to Violet Crown Cinema for its seventh year, bringing independent filmmakers, actors and horror fans together for a weekend of movies, competitions and special events.
The festival celebrates independent horror filmmaking, with a lineup featuring supernatural thrillers, psychological horror, dark comedies and short films.
But it’s more than just movie screenings.
The festival also features filmmaker Q&A sessions, industry discussions and a live competition called “Pitch or Perish!” where aspiring filmmakers pitch original horror movie ideas to a panel of judges.
Other programming includes a screenplay competition, a showcase highlighting LGBTQ+ voices in horror and an awards ceremony.
Organizers say the event is designed to give independent filmmakers opportunities to share their work and connect with audiences.
Event details
When: Friday through Sunday, Oct. 16–18
Where: Violet Crown Cinema, 434 W. Second St., Austin
Admission: Day and weekend passes available
4. Art From the Streets celebrates 35 years of creativity and community
Want to find a one-of-a-kind piece of art while supporting Austin artists?
Art From the Streets is celebrating its 35th annual Art Show & Sale this weekend at Blue Genie Art Bazaar.
The two-day event features original artwork created by Austin artists who have experienced homelessness.
Visitors can browse and purchase artwork, meet participating artists and learn about their creative journeys.
And here’s what makes this event special: 95% of artwork sales go directly to the artists.
For 35 years, the nonprofit has provided people experiencing homelessness with access to art supplies, studio space and a supportive creative community.
Its mission is to help artists express themselves, build connections and earn income through their creativity.
The annual show provides an opportunity for participating artists to showcase their work and connect directly with the Austin community.
Those who can’t attend can still support the organization through donations, volunteering or purchasing art supplies from its wish lists.
Event details
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin
Admission: $5, available online or at the door
Artwork sales: 95% goes directly to participating artists