Keep Austin Weird Festival: It’s Back Near Lamar Union, June 27

It's ba-a-a-a-a-ck.

The 12th Annual Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5k Run Returns to Austin tomorrow, June 28th. Anyone who's been here more than a year knows what that means — costumes, live local music, crafts, food, and weird, wild fun. A word about costumes: we do mean weird. Zombie Superman? Good. Zombie Richard Nixon in drag? Better. Run, dance, skip, fly, or otherwise make your way through the best Austin has to offer.

That's not to mention the designated fun stops along the way, which range from vodka to slip 'n' slides. Aren't you glad you live at Lamar Union?

Check out the full details at keepaustinweirdfest.com.

Public Domain/Public Domain

The Mountain Goats Live Near Lamar Union — June 22

One of his best records is called All Hail West Texas, for goodness' sake.

But John Darnielle — aka The Mountain Goats — defies categorization. Combining folk, rock, blues, acoustic, beat box, high fantasy and low reality with witty, novelistic lyrics that have been called the best since Morrissey . . .

Whew. Can we just say this guy is an American original, maybe even a genius? Your feet will tap, your heart will ache, you'll smile and wonder how you ever lived without him.

The Mountain Goats are at Austin's Mohawk on Sunday, June 22. Doors are at 6:30, and it's an all-ages gig — click here for tickets.

Public Domain/Public Domain

Tonight: Hillary Clinton Moments From Lamar Union

Love her or hate her, Republican, Democrat, or otherwise, she's a force to be reckoned with, and you have to understand her.

Former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will be at Austin's Long Center (701 West Riverside Drive) tonight at 7 p.m. to plug her new book Hard Choices, a memoir of her time as America's top diplomat and a potential prescription for future foreign policy — and you know what that might mean.

Tickets aren't cheap, but they get you seats for an extensive interview, a copy of the book and a few seconds with Secretary Clinton should you like her autograph.

No matter your political views, a legend will be just minutes from Lamar Union. Will you be there?

Click here for details.

Circuit of the Americas: Go Faster Near Lamar Union

If you don't already know it, Circuit of the Americas is a 3.5 mile auto racing circuit near Lamar Union in Austin. For racing fans, this is the big leagues — Circuit of the Americas hosted America's Formula One championships in 2012 and 2013, along with the Road Racing World Championship, the American Le Mans Series, and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

But there's not just speed here; there's also rock and relaxation. The Austin 360 Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas hosts some of the world's top acts: the upcoming bill includes Blake Shelton (6/30), Lionel Richie (7/10), Rascal Flatts (7/11), and Kiss with Def Leppard (7/12).

There's always something going on here, so click through above for racing, event, and ticket information.

Movies & More at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar — Minutes From Lamar Union

Since closing in January 2013 for major redevelopment at Lamar Plaza, Austin film fanatics have been clamoring for the reopening of the revamped Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar. Well, good news Alamo fans! Although somewhat behind their original schedule, the South Lamar Drafthouse is set for a grand reopening returning this summer.

The venue will be fully renovated to include three new theaters, all of which have been enhanced with surround sound speakers. Locals should note that the signature red facade of the South Lamar Alamo has been maintained and will certainly keep this hot-spot a focal point of the major construction and development at Lamar Plaza.

As with the remaining Alamo locations where South Lamar guests have been seeking their fix for the last year and a half – Ritz, Slaughter Lane, Village and Lake Creek – the revamped location will host the same variety of exclusive indie, mainstream and oddball films and serve up top-notch food and drinks, including plenty of adult beverages.

Don't miss this Austin landmark just moments from Lamar Union!

Have Fun Near Lamar Union This Summer

There's lots to do in Austin this summer.

Check out this list of awesome things to do near Lamar Union. You surely know a few, but we guarantee there are some surprises. It's one of the beauties of living here!

Some highlights:

Enjoy Lady Bird Lake — Rent a sailboat and relax on one of Austin's greatest jewels, or bring a bike and enjoy the surrounding trails.

Ride, Ride, Ride — Hutto's Maverick Riding will teach you how to ride horses in the Texan wilderness.

The Cathedral of Junk — Definitely one of Austin's weirdest.

Trailer Night Tuesday — On the last Tuesday of every month, Austin's best food trucks gather at Long Center for a taste extravagana.

Saturday Nights at Hill Country Galleria — Featuring kids' musicals and fun, fun, fun!

Let us know what you think of the list, and if you have anything to add!

The Frisco: Burgers, Fries & Coconut Cream Pies Near Lamar Union

Fast food chains may have conquered the American countryside, but there is still room for a good old-fashioned local burger joint to prosper. Case in point: The Frisco, which has been serving up excellent hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes to Austin locals since 1953. With more than a half-century in business, you know that these guys have speedy service down to a science. The history of this place is pretty cool, too: It was opened by actor Harry Akin and was the first Austin restaurant to practice racial integration in its hiring.

Some of the specialties here include the awesome chopped steaks, made from specially-ground USDA sirloin, the exceptional deviled eggs, and of course the burgers, which are accented with the perfect combination of sweet pickle relish and “Frisco sauce.” Leave room for dessert, as the coconut cream pie here is out of this world. Portion sizes are huge, and prices are incredibly reasonable.

Don't miss it near Lamar Union.

The Frisco
6801 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 459-6279
mainstreethub.com/thefriscoaustin
www.yelp.com/biz/the-frisco-austin

South Congress Books: Explore New Worlds Near Lamar Union

Austin is one of the most literate cities in Texas, so it’s not surprising that the town supports a good many excellent independent bookstores. One favorite near Lamar Union is South Congress Books.

Unlike many used bookstores, this place is light, airy and clean. They specialize in interesting and rare books, so their selection is carefully-curated and reasonably priced. The majority of what they sell is current and classic fiction and non-fiction, so if you’re looking for a recently-published novel at a good price, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. The staff is unanimously pleasant, happy to shoot the breeze or help you find just what you’re looking for. Their photography section wins raves from frequent shoppers, and fans of Texas history have lots of cool tomes to choose from as well. Don’t miss the vintage map display!

South Congress Books
1608 South Congress
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-8882
http://www.southcongressbooks.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/south-congress-books-austin

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