Lite + Brite: 59 Reusable Austin Events 10/16
Hello, what’s up, and welcome to the Lite + Brite newsletter.
We’re two weeks out from Halloween, and at this point our catalog of Austin Halloween events is, dare we say, a work of art. It includes more than 300 options, all hand-selected and hand-described by us. Some of these events have found their way into the newsletter, and those are marked with pumpkin emoji—like this week’s two horror film festivals, Coco Coquette’s annual vintage and handmade costume sale, some undead ballerinas, and a blindfolded clown makeup tutorial. Plenty more options are just in the Halloween spreadsheet.
Of course this week’s newsletter also includes loads of non-Halloween events, too. Scroll down to find out about a fashion show full of outfits made of reused materials; a deeply chaotic night of wrestling; majestic gatherings of shiba inus and pugs (separately, not together); a “sandwich gala”; a parade and puppet show celebrating pollinators; a party celebrating 100 years of the Austin Public Library; a “puppet theater musical”; a performance from a Deaf Finnish rapper; and a band that covers Black Sabbath songs but rewrites the lyrics to be about fast food. And so much more!
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Let’s do fun stuff!
—Leila + Brian
liteandbriteatx.com
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
This week, Leila celebrated the release of her newest novel, Encore Performance, by hosting a party at First Light Books. It was standing room only + we appreciate those of you who came by, asked questions, and said hello. Afterward, we did a bunch of 00s indie sleaze karaoke at Common Interest since that is the era that inspired the novel. We’re nothing if not consistent.
Brian checked out We Luv Video’s showing of Scary Movie over the weekend. No, not the big mainstream horror movie; this Scary Movie was the phantasmagoric low-budget film made in Driftwood, TX, in 1991 with a soundtrack full of Roky Erickson + Butthole Surfers songs. The Q+A afterwards was a fascinating slice of Austin film history in the 80s and 90s, as half the theater was made up of cast + crew members from the cult film. There is a LOT more Halloween film programming happening this year from folks like We Luv Video, Hyperreal, the Paramount Theater, and many others. We cover some of it here, but a lot more is in our Halloween spreadsheet, so if you’re looking to catch something scary that doesn’t involve Elizabeth Holmes staring directly into your soul, check it out.
EVENTS WE’RE EYEING
Friday 10/16
- Bit Brigade at Come and Take It Live
Video game speedrunners perform w/live responsive chiptune band - Multilingual Shakespeare Mixer at Scottish Rite Theater
Hear a Shakespeare speech performed in multiple languages - VHS Marathon + Swap at We Luv Video
Trade VHS tapes w/vendors + watch live special fx demo - The Experts Are Wrong at Future Front
“Comedic PowerPoint improv night + fundraiser” - HalloSeen at Hyperreal Film Club
Halloween-themed filthy queer underground erotic cinema - 333: Fantasy Drag at Tiny Minotaur
Tarot-inspired fantasy drag performers from the Trans Era - Little Big Things at Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Community art show w/lots of local artists, all under 30, + live band - Mosaic at the Dougherty Arts Center
“An evening of dance showcasing ballet, jazz, contemporary, + tap” - Future Traditions Fest at dadaLab
“Experimental multidisciplinary performance + video” focusing on Latine artists - Med Fest at St. Elias Orthodox Church
Food, vendors, + traditional dance from Greece + beyond - 🎃 Ethereal Horror Fest at Violet Crown Cinema
Film fest w/horror screenings + industry panels - In Spite of All the Roses at Klerje Coffee
“Intimate, immersive dance theater experience” about 1950s home life - Wonderland Burlesque at the Vortex
Burlesque performers recreate the 2010 film “Burlesque” - Gerl, Gurl, Gorl! at Stage Austin
“Solo show about love, autonomy, and well, McDonald’s” - 🎃 Austin Horror Film Festival at 29th St. Ballroom
Fest of horror films about creepies, crawlies, swamp dwellers, + murderous ball pits - 🎃 Nosferatu with Austin Camerata at AFS
Watch the silent horror classic w/live score performed by string musicians from Austin Camerata - 🎃(weekly thru 10/30) Cvnty Vampires at Fallout
“A queer majority improv show about messy vampires and their lives & loves”
Saturday 10/17
- Slam Portal at St. Elmo South
“Will there be Robots? Mad Scientists? Mustaches? People from Kentucky? We don’t know!” - Reuse on the Runway at Branch Park Pavilion
Fashion show of ’fits made from reused materials, + DJ, photobooth, charm station - Centennial Party at the Austin Central Library
Celebrate the library’s big bday w/live music, demos, poetry, live art, + more - East Side Mini Open throughout East Austin
An ephemeral DIY mini golf course scattered across Austin - Shiba ATX Pawrade at Pease Park
A parade of Shiba Inu puppers ending in Japanese snacks - Great Pug Grumble at Sherwood Forest Faire
Calling all pugs + their owners for games, adoption, + fund raising - Sandwich Gala at Lynny’s
Dress as a sandwich, walk the red carpet/runway for prizes - East 5th Block Party at venues throughout E. 5th St.
East side venues open for live music, screenprinting, vendors, DJs, + pilates - The Night Shift at the Vortex
Learn about nocturnal pollinators w/pollinator parade + costume contest - GAEA Revisited at Co-Lab Projects
Watch performance artist “disfigure her own persona” w/clay - 🎃MoHAlloween at The Museum of Human Achievement
Craft trinkets, apply clown makeup blindfolded, live experimental music, + costume contest - Games Y’all at The Museum of Human Achievement
Indie game devs + fans meet up to try out games in progress - 🎃Night Parade of 100 Demons at Tiny Minotaur
Dress up as Japanese spirit or just admire others’ costume creativity - 🎃The Haunted Carnival at Copperhead Club
Aerialists, pole, burlesque, + drag performers, DJ, costume contest, plus artist + wellness vendors - PowerPints at the Highball
“Drink + learn things” at comedic talks on a variety of esoteric topics - Votes + Voices Zine Fest at Future Front
Read zines w/information on voting, plus bingo, dance performances, free food - Regency Soiree at Lark + Owl
Dress up in Jane Austen attire for dance lessons, period workshops - EcoFest at Bartholomew Park
Nature celebration w/live music, demos, kids activities, + free trees - Lowco Gringo Lowrider Exhibition at HOPE Outdoor Gallery
Check out some tricked out lowriders w/vendors + giveaways - Community Garden Kickoff at Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park
Plant seeds, learn about food forests, plant walks, activities, + live music - Austin Coffee Festival at the Palmer Events Center
Tasting, vendors, + live music for fans of bitter caffeination - Eastside Kings Festival at 12th + Chicon
Live music celebrating + preserving African American Blues, Jazz, + Gospel - Mosaic at the Dougherty Arts Center
“An evening of dance showcasing ballet, jazz, contemporary, + tap” - Future Traditions Fest at dadaLab
“Experimental multidisciplinary performance + video” focusing on Latine artists - Med Fest at St. Elias Orthodox Church
Food, vendors, + traditional dance from Greece + beyond - 🎃 Ethereal Horror Fest at Violet Crown Cinema
Film fest w/horror screenings + industry panels - In Spite of All the Roses at Klerje Coffee
“Intimate, immersive dance theater experience” about 1950s home life - Gerl, Gurl, Gorl! at Stage Austin
“Solo show about love, autonomy, and well, McDonald’s” - 🎃 Austin Horror Film Festival at 29th St. Ballroom
Fest of horror films about creepies, crawlies, swamp dwellers, + murderous ball pits - 🎃 Nosferatu with Austin Camerata at AFS
Watch the silent horror classic w/live score performed by string musicians from Austin Camerata - 🎃 Supernatural at Ground Floor Theatre
“Immersive journey where dance, music, + storytelling collide” for breast cancer survivors
Sunday 10/18
- The Very ‘Rary at Laguna Gloria
“Eco safari” w/eco-inspired artmaking, activations, + activities - Panoramic Voices: Curios at HOPE Outdoor Gallery
Choral collective performs “part concert, part art walk” in outdoor gallery - Big Texas Little Film Tour at Hyperreal Film Club
Watch curated short films from Texan filmmakers w/Q+A - Black History Music Ride at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard
Tour landmarks of Austin’s Black music history scene by bike - Revenge Revue at Revenge Bar
“Fiery tribute to feminine rage” w/burlesque, drag, + cabaret - 🎃 11th Annual Vintage + Handmade Costume Sale at Coco Coquette
Vendor market for vintage + handmade costumes - Austin Coffee Festival at the Palmer Events Center
Tasting, vendors, + live music for fans of bitter caffeination - Eastside Kings Festival at 12th + Chicon
Live music celebrating + preserving African American Blues, Jazz, + Gospel - Med Fest at St. Elias Orthodox Church
Food, vendors, + traditional dance from Greece + beyond - 🎃 Ethereal Horror Fest at Violet Crown Cinema
Film fest w/horror screenings + industry panels - 🎃 Supernatural at Ground Floor Theatre
“Immersive journey where dance, music, + storytelling collide” for breast cancer survivors
Monday 10/19
- First Day of Early Voting at polling sites throughout Texas
Early voting for the primary begins! Please make a plan to vote - MeMerMo Monday at dadaLab
Live experimental music, puppets, + ”haunted hearse phone rollercoaster”
Tuesday 10/20
- Astronomy on Tap at Celis Brewery
Gather + talk astronomy w/fellow enthusiasts in the orbit of beer - 🎃 Indieween at Cheer Up Charlies
Indie dance party w/DJ, drag performers, + costume contest
Wednesday 10/21
- Mac Sabbath w/Clownvis at Come and Take It Live
Possibly the world’s only Ronald McDonald/Black Sabbath combo - Kintsugi-Inspired Sidewalk Repair at the Dougherty Arts Center
Community sidewalk repair inspired by Japanese gold lacquer technique - Synth Soundbath Communal Drone Session at Tiny Minotaur
BYO synths to “harmonize with the infinite” or just take it in - Greetings from Queer Mountain at Ani’s Day + Night
Storytelling + performances by local queer folks
Thursday 10/22
- The Storyteller’s Apprentice at Delilah’s Front Porch
Staged reading of a fantasy play about storytelling - 🎃 Ventana Ballet: Undead Haunted House of Dances at ESPA
“Immersive, adults-only” ballet inspired by Dracula + “classic Halloween creatures” - Gerl, Gurl, Gorl! at Stage Austin
“Solo show about love, autonomy, and well, McDonald’s” - 🎃 Supernatural at Ground Floor Theatre
“Immersive journey where dance, music, + storytelling collide” for breast cancer survivors - (weekly thru 10/29) Kicking the Bucket Listening Club at Yarborough Library
Basket weaving, group audiobook listening, + end-of-life discussion
Friday 10/23
- Signmark w/ASL Slam at the Highball
Slam-style performances in American Sign Language, feat. Deaf rapper - Curiosity: Tiny Worlds at Crafternoon ATX
Workshop on miniature making + materials for you to craft your own - 🎃 Ventana Ballet: Undead Haunted House of Dances at ESPA
“Immersive, adults-only” ballet inspired by Dracula + “classic Halloween creatures” - Gerl, Gurl, Gorl! at Stage Austin
“Solo show about love, autonomy, and well, McDonald’s” - 🎃 Supernatural at Ground Floor Theatre
“Immersive journey where dance, music, + storytelling collide” for breast cancer survivors - 🎃(weekly thru 10/30) Cvnty Vampires at Fallout
“A queer majority improv show about messy vampires and their lives & loves”
NHA297
Express Cash
By random happenstance, this week’s No Humans Allowed lay at the confluence of various shopping holidays with names like “Techtober.” Who are we to ignore the overwhelming flow of capitalistic fervor? Instead we embraced the moment with tunes about shopping, fashion, cash, + leather.
Tracklist
Eyeliner – Chit Chat
Valerie Claire – I’m a Model (Tonight’s the Night)
Parallel Dance Ensemble – Shopping Cart
Deltron 3030 – New Coke
Chicks on Speed – Glamour Girl
Boy Harsher – Jeans
Maxx Mann – Leather Man
Avenue D – Buy Me Things
Ladytron – Black Plastic
Boys’ Shorts – Nostalgia
Ernie Watts – Just Holdin’ on (Rahaan Edit)
Passengers – Girls Cost Money (Cap’ Edit)
Saint Etienne – The Clothes Show (Sad Refrain)
Dire Straits – Money for Nothing
No Humans Allowed is Brian Blackout’s award-winning, weekly robots-themed radio show on internet station KPISS.fm. Machine vibes 4 machines. Songs for robots, androids, mandroids, cyborgs, AIs, cylons, skinjobs, roombas, wifi routers, smart devices, anything colored Bondi blue, and virtual assistants. Humans not required. Broadcasts live every Wednesday at 6pm CT on kpiss.fm, with over 200 episodes now streamable in the archives on topics like and Beach Simulations, Roomba dance parties, undersea adventures + Cyber Texas.
PATREON THANKS
A huge thank-you to our Patreon subscribers Olivia Vance, Jairid, Andrew Creswell, Kelsey C., Liz, Melissa Dunn, Kat, James Gray, Emily Heddleson, Robert B., Roman Gonzalez, Nick Ivons, Molly Fonseca, Lilly Ettinger, Michael Sales, Zach, Erica Speegle, Thomas Refferson, Bones Malones, Katie Green, Colleen MB, Alexander Freed, and Kristen Backor. We’re deeply grateful for your support, which allows us to do things like “pay our Beehiiv fee” and “spend hours researching Austin events when technically we should be working.”
If you’d like to support us on Patreon and get access to exclusive member-only benefits, you may do so here.
SOCIALS
Recent weeks found us attending a classic video game fest, admiring a flock of Purple Martins, and checking out some of the unique activities we could find in the UK. Follow Lite + Brite on Instagram to keep up with our adventures. We’re now on Bluesky too. Yay federation! And come chat with us and the rest of the L+B community on our Discord server (where we sometimes post stuff early too).
ABOUT US
How do we choose which events to feature?
Honestly, it’s pretty random. We might include anything in Austin that we, personally, would conceivably want to go to, generally excluding normal concerts, comedy shows, and movie showtimes because there are many other good resources for finding those. (We especially recommend Showlist and Side by Sideshows for live music, The Darker Side of Austin for goth and metal stuff, Concept Animals’ ATX Art for You for gallery openings + artist talks, ATX Theatre for plays, and Superfantastica for weird Austin places + things. This list is by no means exhaustive; it’s just stuff that caught our eye this week. If you have an event that you want us to consider including, send it over.
Who are we?
We are Leila + Brian. We make this newsletter. We do our own events, most often No Lights No Lycra, + also BYOT, a party where we share very good YouTubes (here’s a playlist from the last one). We go very hard seeing bands at SxSW (here are playlists of our favorites from 2026). We once got called “local Austin couple” by KXAN. We do some other stuff here and there. We love going out to creative events in Austin, and we want you to join us. Visit us at liteandbriteatx.com, and support us on Patreon if you like what we do.