Austin, TX \u2014 Looking for something fun to do this weekend?<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
1. Esquina Tango celebrates 20 years with Hollywood-inspired fundraiser<\/a><\/p>\n Lights, camera, fiesta!<\/p>\n 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!”<\/p>\n Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Hollywood-inspired outfits, walk the red carpet and enjoy live music, performances and social dancing.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The anniversary celebration begins with an exclusive VIP Sponsor Gala from 6 to 8:30 p.m., featuring performances, music and hors d’oeuvres.<\/p>\n At 8:30 p.m., the community celebration begins, with multiple dance floors, live entertainment and a party continuing until midnight.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Event details<\/p>\n When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 6 p.m.\u2013midnight<\/p>\n Community celebration: 8:30 p.m.\u2013midnight<\/p>\n Where: Esquina Tango, 209 Pedernales St., Austin<\/p>\n Admission: Tickets available online<\/p>\n 2. Ballet Austin TWO presents The Seventh Night Sky<\/a><\/p>\n How about a love story written in the stars?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The ballet draws inspiration from the Double Seventh Festival, known as Th\u1ea5t T\u1ecbch, a traditional celebration of love and reunion.<\/p>\n Choreographed by acclaimed Vietnamese-born choreographer Thang Dao, the production blends classical ballet, contemporary movement and Vietnamese dance traditions.<\/p>\n Audiences can expect colorful costumes, original music, puppetry, shadow and light effects, and storytelling through movement.<\/p>\n The production offers families an introduction to live ballet while celebrating Vietnamese culture and folklore.<\/p>\n Event details<\/p>\n When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17\u201318<\/p>\n Where: Ballet Austin’s Austin StudioTheater<\/p>\n Admission: Ticketed performances<\/p>\n