Creative and Creepy Films Await at Fantastic Fest 2017

Anyone who loves all things creepy, crawly, and delightfully odd should mark their calendar for Fantastic Fest 2017. This offbeat film festival comes to the fittingly weird city of Austin from September 21st to the 28th, screening horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and action films created for the indie genre.

These films may not be mainstream, but they're complemented by appearances from some pretty high-profile actors and directors. Previous festivals have hosted celebrities such as Paul Rudd, Tim Burton, and Keanu Reeves. This year's festival will be no different, attracting all types of actors and filmmakers for panels and lectures about the films, starring big names like Vince Vaughn and Colin Farrell. So buy a fest-long badge to enjoy different movies each day, or pick and choose a few films to check out at Fantastic Fest 2017.

Give Back to Local Pets in Need at the 2017 TRIO for Paws Lawn Party and Silent Auction

The Austin Humane Society, Emancipet, and Austin Pets Alive are all doing good for the critters of Austin. And these organizations will receive 100% of ticket sales and silent auction sales from the 2017 TRIO for Paws Lawn Party and Silent Auction on Wednesday, September 20th from 6 to 8 p.m.

The festival gets owners and canines mixing and mingling with other animal lovers at the pet-friendly TRIO at Four Seasons. Your $35 ticket ($40 at the door) includes apps for both you and your pup. While you munch on tapas, your furry friend will chow down on peanut butter banana cookies, apple-bacon oatmeal biscuits, and homemade chicken jerky. Take part in the Best Dressed Dog Contest by dressing up your pup before you leave home, or head to the Smooch Your Pooch photo booth to snap some sweet photos at this fun event. Don't miss it!

World Premieres and Visual Mixtapes Await at the Austin Music Video Festival 2017

The Austin Music Video Festival 2017 is much more than an MTV-esque screening of trending music videos. You only have to look back to its first two years in business to understand that. The first theatrical screening of Beyonce's epic Lemonade happened here, as did a mashup of hundreds of different music videos from all over the globe, and an intro to music videos via virtual reality.

From September 12th to 16th this year, the video lineup includes a music video mixtape by renowned director Spike Jonze, a "video freakout" courtesy of the Flaming Lips and a special guest, and a retrospective and performance from Christeene and Holodeck Records. The list of other music video contributors ranges from She & Him to Chuck Berry, and they'll be viewed in unexpected ways—at theaters, poolside, and by bike. Passes start at $15 for general admission.

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Gear Up for a Week of Laughs at the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival, Tomorrow Through September 4th

The Out of Bounds Comedy Festival began 15 years ago, but back then, Austin's comedy scene wasn't enough to hold down the fort. In fact, when Out of Bounds debuted in 2002, it was part comedy festival and part mini-golf tournament. The festival has come a long way to get where it is today, a massive seven-day celebration of funny folks from around Austin and beyond.

Tomorrow through Monday, September 4th (Labor Day), more than 500 funny-people converge upon Austin to perform in 130-plus shows held at 10 different venues across the city. If you're a fan of comedy, you'll probably recognize headliners like Katie Rich—an SNL writer and decorated comedienne—and Dave Hill, whose past credits include Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. If you snag an all-festival pass ($139), you can attend any and all of the performances, including those by headliners. Don't miss this world-class comedy festival in Austin this summer!

Cochon 555: Learn About an Agricultural Tradition Via Your Taste Buds

In a time when information about your food is readily available, you probably keep a closer eye on exactly where it comes from. So perhaps you've heard of heritage breed pigs. These are pigs that are raised on longstanding family farms the old-fashioned way: without any hormones and in a humane setting. Cochon 555 is a food fest celebrating the heritage breed pig.

The traveling festival is coming to Austin on Sunday, August 20th, so you can come out to learn more about the heritage breed pig. More than 30 local chefs from all types of Austin eateries will come out to show what they can do with this ingredient, sourced from local farms. You'll learn more about this type of Old World livestock as you taste test your way through the assortment of gourmet bites. Tickets start at $125 for general admission, which includes unlimited food tastings, so don't miss it!

13th Annual Bat Fest: Live Music and Live Bats

The 13th Annual Bat Fest marks another year of a longstanding Austin tradition. It pays homage to the Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the Congress Avenue Bridge and come out each night to hunt and explore. The beloved local bats are the focal point of the weekend, with fest-goers stopping to stare as they fly out from under the bridge between about 7 and 9 p.m. Since there are roughly 1.5 million of them, expect the process to take about 30 minutes.

Then you can get back to the other fun that the Bat Fest has to offer. Three different stages play host to both local and nationally renowned musicians to up-and-coming bands from your own backyard. There will also be 75-plus arts and craft vendors, plenty of food and drink, and activities geared toward little ones. Admission is $15 for adults and free for kids 8 and under. The fest will run from 4 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, August 19th.

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The Austin Ice Cream Festival Returns This August

On August 12th, a favorite summer treat (ice cream, of course) takes the spotlight as the Austin Ice Cream Festival makes its way to Fiesta Gardens. Running from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the festival celebrates frozen treats with a full day of tastings, ice cream contests, games, hands-on activities, and music. To wrap up the event, there will even be an after-dark screening of a classic summer movie. Some of Austin’s best frozen treat producers (in addition to some of the best in the country) will be serving up sweet treats to guests throughout the day-long festival. Guests can enjoy frozen treats from HEB Creamy Creations, Austin Scoops, Cold Cookie Company, Thai Fresh, Steel City Pops, and Shaved Ice Island.

Sounds good, right? General admission to this foodie event is just $15 per person. General admission includes three food sample tickets and access to all of the games and activities, including the after-dark film. VIP tickets are available for an additional cost.

See Weezer, Passion Pit, and Zedd at Float Fest

Zedd, Weezer, and Passion Pit are just a few of the performers headlining this year's Float Fest in San Marcos. MGMT, Cage the Elephant, and Mac Miller are among the other main stage artists. They're coming to the festival on Saturday, July 22nd and Sunday, July 23rd, and the music is only part of the fun.

True to its name, Float Fest also offers tubing along the scenic, refreshing San Marcos River. Passes start at $65 for a single day's worth of access, and you can add a day of tubing to the mix for just $15 more (note that Saturday tubing is already sold out). The passes grant you access to Cool River Ranch and all of the shows, and you can even camp at the fest site all weekend long for an extra fee. Don't miss all of the music, food, and fun at this year's Float Fest.

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Savor de Moi Serves Up Top-Notch Tacos in Austin

While Austin has a number of great options for top-notch Mexican food, there is one spot that comes to the front of many people’s minds, and that place is Savor de Moi. Savor de Moi is a taco truck that is known for its delicious tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and other Mexican cuisine. The taco truck is open Tuesday through Saturday on a section of East 6th Street that isn't far from Folio.

Most of the items on the menu cost $10 or less, and while the menu items are affordable, the portion sizes are heaping (so you won’t be leaving this place hungry!). Favorites on the menu include barbecue nachos, al pastor tacos, chips and salsa, and chicken fajita tacos. The food at this truck can be enjoyed at home or at one of the tables surrounding it, and both cash and credit cards are accepted here. Will you be stopping by soon?

Public Domain/Pixabay/savortonight

Market Days on the Georgetown Square: Enjoy Fresh Air, Food, and Live Music

July through November, the Courthouse on the Square hosts Market Days on the Georgetown Square. The Market Days serve as an opportunity to get to know the community, while also enjoying some fresh air and the sunshine in the heart of Georgetown.

The next Market Day is slated for Saturday, July 8th. The Downtown Georgetown Association rounds up artisans and crafters from all around Georgetown and the surrounding towns. Each merchant showcases her handcrafted items for sale at a table or booth. Food trucks and tents offer hot, fresh eats, and local bands provide the live music. Meander the Market Day and make some purchases, or bring a set of lawn chairs and grab a picnic lunch to enjoy at Georgetown Square.

Public Domain/Pixabay/paulbr75

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