The Favorite Events of Your Favorite Event Producers

As we enter 2026, we asked local luminaries to tell us about Austin events that they’re looking forward to this year. The only requirement was that it be something that they’re not personally involved with—just an event they’re a fan of. Here’s what they told us:

“Every year I look forward to Music Gear Swap Meet at Knomad Bar. You can find some really unique instruments, amplifiers, and accessories, but it’s also fun just to see what toys have been living in the dark corners of other people’s closets.”—Justin Sherburn, Rocket Cinema 

“I will go to literally anything Minor Mishap Marching Band is putting on or a part of. Their canoe show on Town Lake is always one of the highlights of my summer, and I was thrilled to finally make it out to my first Lantern Parade on the winter solstice (solst-ish this year) at Pease Park. And, I would be remiss to not mention HONK, which marks the start of spring for me—dancing in the park to sweet brass tunes with so many Austin friends. They are a community treasure.”—Winnie Hsia, Sky Candy 

“As a die-hard reader and frequenter of locally owned bookstores in Austin, The Austin Book Trail is yet another excuse for me to spend money on my favorite things. It’s wholesome, and family friendly, and maybe best of all—it’s a whole lotta books.”—Zac Solomon, The ATX Writing Club

“Iconic feminist bookstore BookWoman is celebrating 50 years on Saturday, January 24th, at Cheer Up Charlies! Never has there been a better time to gather wisdom and inspiration from our queer, feminist elders. Plus, a reunion show by lesbian, sex-positive punk band Girls in the Nose!”—Becky Bullard, Democrasexy

I’m looking forward to the premiere of Frutos de la Muerte (or, The Breakdown Play) by Khristián Méndez Aguirre and co. Khristián’s work is “shaped by land & imagination” and last year Beto, Beto, El Abeto at Zilker Botanical Gardens had me unexpectedly and uncontrollably sobbing as I sat criss-cross-apple-sauce on the floor with a good friend sooooooo…. I’m expecting a similar sensation of vulnerability to be cracked open through this show. AND! I’ll also be making sure I attend any of the Austin Unconducted concerts when their new season is announced. I haven’t missed a single one since their founding, and they’re all a unique delight, reflecting different local curator’s perspectives.”—Kate Murray, Unfine Arts

“I love the creative and strange light displays on 37th Street. I always look forward to what the Stuffed Animal Rescue Foundation does!”—Mike Michaels, Austin Events Wall Calendar

“Improvised Shakespeare—literally, a Shakespearean play improvised tip to tail in iambic pentameter—is bar none the funniest (and most intellectually impressive) improv I’ve ever seen. The Bard would approve.”—Dale Markowitz, the Austin Salon

“I recommend the annual ColdTowne bit show. It happens in October, and it’s all high-concept and often really dumb bits. It takes place during ColdTowne’s anniversary. Last year I loved “major league tape measuring” and all it was, was extending a tape measure until it buckled under its own weight.”—Matthew Stoner, Hyde Park Storytelling