Lite + Brite’s Guide to Austin Storytelling Nights

Ever wondered how we come up with ideas for Lite + Brite’s Monthly features? Sometimes it’s a topic we’re passionate about (like where to hang out with animals or which Austin news sources to follow). Sometimes it’s something lots of readers ask about (like how to make friends in Austin), and sometimes it’s something just one reader asks us about (like how to get involved in the Austin film scene). This month, we have a friend who recently moved to town and asked us about Austin’s storytelling opportunities. After sending them a half dozen disjointed texts, emails, and DMs, we’ve decided to put it all together into this feature which everyone can benefit from:

Hyde Park Storytelling: Deservedly voted The Austin Chronicle’s Best Storytelling Showcase in 2025. These guys have been doing a few shows each year since 2012, sometimes partnering with a local middle school to include youth storytellers, and sometimes collaborating with Austin Unconducted to pair live music with live storytelling. We interviewed the producers a couple years back. Next show is September 24-26 at Batch Craft Beer and at KMFA Studio.

Stories on the Lawn: Quarterly storytelling show on the lawn of the historic Neill-Cochran House. Next show is September 10.

Testify: Monthly storytelling, usually occurring on the first Thursday of each month. The next show is August 6 at Barrel O’ Fun.

PowerPints: Storytellers have five minutes to present a PowerPoint on any topic of their choosing. Usually happens at least once or twice a month. Next event is August 15 at the Highball.

Mortified: Adults read from their teenage journals; embarrassment and hilarity ensues. Usually happens a few times each year. Next show is September 11-12 at the Highball.

Storyoke: Tell a story about a song that means something to you, then sing the song, karaoke-style. Next show will be August 22 at the Highball.

Bike Story Night: Cyclists tell stories about bike adventures! Usually happens every couple months. Next event is August 7 at Switchback Coffee + Beer.

Tiny Talks: Eight speakers present on topics they’re passionate about. Usually happens 2-3 times yearly; the next event isn’t currently scheduled, but of course we’ll list it in the newsletter once it is.

Story Department: Presented by Austin Bat Cave, a nonprofit working with young writers and artists. No dates scheduled at present, but here’s info on the most recent one.

The Pupa: Mix of stories from professional comedians and audience members, happening most Wednesdays at East Austin Comedy, except for right now they’re on summer break.

Greetings from Queer Mountain: Queer storytelling show, happens roughly every month or so. Next event hasn’t been announced yet, but we’ll include it in the newsletter once it is. 

Campfire Queer Storytelling: Free monthly queer storytelling event. Next one is August 9 at the Vortex.

Queer Film Theory: Monthly event where LGBTQIA2S+ folks present stories about how popular media influenced them. Next event is some time this month-—not sure exactly when, but we’ll be sure to include it in the newsletter once we know.