Oooh, if you like fancy theaters or Texas history or antiques or Illuminati conspiracy theories,…read moreyou simply must come visit the Austin Scottish Rite Theater (ASRT). Best known these days for delightful children's programming, the ASRT also serves as a rentable events venue, the site of many interesting touring act performances, and the ongoing home of one of the oldest Freemason groups in the state, Austin Lodge #12. The building was constructed in 1871 as a German opera house called Turner Hall, and you'll still find many interesting architectural details that hint at the original use. There's even an official state historical marker medallion out front. You can learn more about the fascinating history of the building and the men who met here over the years at the Freemason's site, http://www.austinscottishrite.com/av-temple/ and Historic Theatre Photos, https://www.historictheatrephotos.com/Theatre/Scottish-Rite-Austin.aspx My usual reason to be here is to hear some live music by one of our awesome local bands, or a touring act that is willing to perform in a venue that holds less than 400 audience members. The seats are comfortable and the room is gorgeous, from the old-time decor around the stage to the dreamy night sky on the ceiling and the priceless hand-painted antique backdrops. I really enjoy the intimate listening space and ease of movement out to lounges and the restroom, especially from the first row of the back of the theater. Parking for evening and weekend events is not too bad. There's a small surface lot at 1710 Colorado that is free for theater visitors after 5:30p and on weekends. If that doesn't work out, there is ample metered street parking managed by Texas Capitol (not by City of Austin) and a few private surface lots around with pay-on-site or reservations through ParkWhiz app. I usually don't have to walk more than a couple of blocks or pay more than 5 bucks. One thing that is not easy to do is to understand when upcoming public events are happening at ASRT. The theater's calendar lists only productions that they are managing directly (such as children's plays), and this is only a small sliver of what goes on here. However, if you are tuned into our local performing arts & culture scene, chances are that you'll see some upcoming events scheduled at ASRT and promoted through the hosting organization, such as SXSW, Sonic Guild, Russian Speaker Society of Austin, and others.

My family attended a Russian performance and this theatre delivers on the atmosphere and customer…read moreservice! It is an older theatre, with not a whole lot of seating. It is perfect for local Austin cultural groups who want their community to get together.

Lane and Tay were incredible professionals and created an environment for our work function that…read moreabsolutely wowed our employees. From the 20+ arcade machines, 7 pinball machines, to the Rock Band setup, and even the Mario Kart / Smash Bros competitions, everything was smooth and fun! This was our first time working with Game Flash but you can be sure it won't be the last.

Nick, Travis, and other staff members made it a memorable night with their photobooth and props…read more If you check out their website, you'll see a grand selection in how you want your photobooth to set up. There's a lot to pick from and it's a great thing as they can work with your event by being outdoors or indoors. There's special effects they could do with their photos as well as customize the background to however you like. Our company truly enjoyed what this company has to offer. Highly recommend and will use them again.

Canopy is such a cool place and Austin is lucky to have an event like Open Canopy at this creative…read morecampus each month! In East Austin, you can find this complex full of art studios of various mediums sprawling over several buildings. They have a big parking lot but if you go during Open Canopy, we saw people waiting for spots. There aren't enough spaces for all the humans! However after parking, the area doesn't feel congested with human traffic so that's a good thing. Canopy has their very own coffee shop full of drinks & eats, so fear not if you come here hungry. Check the Sa-Ten listing for reviews on the eatery/beanery. Again I was lucky enough to be in town during Open Canopy which happens the first Saturday of every month from 1-4pm. I found there near opening and found it only got busier as the day went on. Not only were many of the Art Studios open, but also most of the shops, plus they had live music! I was not expecting a DJ, nor to see so many cute dogs roaming around, but was pleasantly surprised. There were so many talented artists with their pieces on display. I took a couple business cards and hope to buy a few things. I was happy to see so many forms of art for sale, as well, with some real creativity and fun on display. Not just paintings, but jewelry, decor pieces, 3d works, weaving, tons of different types of things. I saw many of the artists eagerly chatting about their work, while my introvert self shuffled through each studio. And that was okay, too, by the way. Artists were pleased to just say hi & bye, definitely no sales- stuff going on here. It was truly like walking thru art galleries. People watching was fun here, too. I've heard the who's who of the creatives in Austin convene at the monthly Open Canopy. Best of Austin for sure. Free & fun events for the win!

What a serendipitous stumble. I had lunch across the way at the adorable cafe Sa-Tén on a random…read moreSaturday, and we peeped a big crowd lingering outside this modern and simple little art studio and found a free exhibit that led to a whole adventure to find even more free exhibits right around the corner! This event is called Open Canopy which happens on the first Sat of each month which is such a nice community event. Basically Canopy features a huge amount of artists in this artsy compound, countless studio offices in a handful of buildings (I believe there were 5 areas you could go to and some were occupied). Definitely peruse and even pick up some pieces if you fancy anything, there's something for everyone here. Pottery, paintings, sculptures, textiles, and much more artsy offerings. It feels like an elevated art fair you get to walk through.

Beautiful shop!! Decided to visit this lovely shop on a whim…read moreand it did not disappoint. So many incredible artist's works that are displayed! At our visit we were stoked to purchase some beautiful prints and jewelry, I would definitely recommend this place for purchasing local incredible art!!!

My husband and I recently visited Austin and participated in the Keep Austin Weird Scavenger Hunt…read more We are so happy that our scavenger hunt led us to Art for the People! What a fantastic hidden gem of Austin! We had questions for the staff to earn points in the scavenger hunt and the staff was more than welcoming and accommodating. We learned so much and purchased and take two unique pieces of art home with us. We highly recommend checking this place out! They had art as well as jewelry and some body oils. Super cute shop with something for everyone.

Located just east of downtown Austin is a cute little newsstand selling locally curated zines by…read moresome great creatives and minds in Austin, along with large print magazines from publishers like Dazed, Dust, Filthy, and more. They also sell a little bit of vintage merch and other goodies that fit the beautiful aesthetic of the shop. It is a small little joint with a lot of personality, and the owners are great to chat with. They recently celebrated their one year anniversary a couple months ago and have become important to the arts and culture of Austin. It is a place worth stopping by and checking out when you are in the area to support local artists and creatives in Texas or to get your hands on some amazing magazines you cannot get easily in Austin. RIYL: An easy way to get your hands on local art

I've been to both Toy Joys in Austin plenty of times. The main location on Burnet is always a place…read moreof joy for my girlfriend when she's in town. Even when she's not in town, I find myself going there for her to get Sonny Angels and Smiskis that are oh so popular these days. The store's entrance has slightly been taken over by blind boxes, but if you step to the other side, there are so many exciting toys all over the place here. It's always a thrill to step in and find a little trinket to take home with me. A true toy store. We are lucky to still have some like this in Austin. RIYL: Childhood wonder

This location is the largest of all of them. There are always interesting finds here. Prices are…read morealmost always average. But a good place to stop by if you need a gift in a pinch

This establishment opened just before Covid hit. It is located in a strip center directly on S…read more Lamar Blvd. This rock 'n' roll shop is definitely a black T-shirt Mecca. Tons of T-shirts, lots of action figures, studs for your leather apparel, used and new records. The owner is usually on site Monday and Tuesday in case you wish to sell your records, toys or VHS tapes. Perfect spot for the metal head in you or if you like rock 'n' roll nostalgia.

All-time favorite store whether you're looking for punk memorabilia or vintage toys or just cool…read moreknickknacks, definitely the place to go. Great customer service especially their employee Spencer , super helpful 10/10!!

One of the "must-see's" in Austin…read more Stumbled into this quixotic place a couple of years ago and keep coming back. Celebrating women artists and creators the dual museum/store features all women artists (go figure) with many of them local. If you are looking for something unique, creative, different and just downright beautiful, this is where you go. The fact that you can celebrate women while doing so? Icing on the cake. Go now.

This is my favorite gallery in Austin for the following reasons:…read more 1. The curatorships, collaborations, and openings are inspired and well thought out. 2. The gallery celebrates Texas women artists as well as women artists in general, two subjects that have vastly been overlooked for centuries upon centuries by art circles. I've discovered remarkable talents such as Lisa Ludwig and Sarah Lasley through a show called "Sugarcoated" back in May, which, pointing back to point #1, served pink champagne, frosted animal cookies and doughnut holes instead of the stuffy wine and cheese fare more typically associated with a gallery opening. 3. They encourage new talent, giving several opportunities a year to participate in showings alongside relatively established artists. For $40 you can join as a friend of the organization and have four images of your own art included in their online slide registry project. I believe there is a discounted rate for students and educators. 4. The giftshop kicks ass. Can I say ass? Most of it is tangible, practical art made by local artists or women artists elsewhere. Some of it is less than practical, such as the felt orange bird with pink feathers spewing out of the tail I purchased last Saturday. There's a fantastic selection of books on women artists and some really unique jewelry. Why would you buy anything from a department or corporate store again with such quality, and the money going directly back into the hands of the lady that made them?