Lite + Brite: 52 Conspiratorial Austin Events 11/13
Hello, what’s up, and welcome to the Lite + Brite newsletter.
This is a huge weekend. We’ve got both the Texas Book Festival downtown, featuring 286 authors (including a Sunday panel featuring Leila!), and the first weekend of the Austin Studio Tour, featuring 815 artists all over the city. We either need one of those Hermione Granger Time-Turner devices, or we need to make peace with the fact that we cannot see and do everything in this life. (Tbh, finding a magical time-turner sounds more likely.)
If you need yet more options, this week also brings us ephemeral large-scale sound + light art along the banks of Waller Creek, Renaissance dinner theater, a Renaissance faire, opportunities to show-and-tell your creative projects and your inventions, cyclists biking over way too many hills for reasons I do not understand, progressive parodies of Turning Point USA and of the Texas Legislature, at least four PowerPoint-based shows (1, 2, 3, 4), a Twilight drag show, hammering dead plants, and the long-awaited (by Brian) grand opening of Micro Center.
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Let’s do fun stuff!
—Leila + Brian
liteandbriteatx.com
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
This week we celebrated 300 episodes of Brian’s radio show with a little backyard party featuring a couple guest DJ sets. It’s an extraordinary milestone and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s tuned in over the past years. Here’s to 300 more!
On Saturday we went to Pottery World Rasslin’ (aka Party World Rasslin’ held at a ceramics shop), where we watched the unthinkable: Big Daddy Bolero teaming up with Luigi Primo to fight the Underbaker and his creepy Terror Cotta Warrior! If this means nothing to you, that’s fine I guess, but you really need to go to the next PWR (December 5 at Jester King) and catch up on the lore.
On Tuesday we attended the Austin Salon, where philosophy professor and competitive crossword completer Dr. Robbie Kubala talked about games—why playing them brings us joy, and how gamification can hijack our actual goals. The salon was held at this incredible private home called The Falling Leaves, which we did not have enough time to explore (and may never return to because it is in the middle of absolutely nowhere).
Speaking of cool venues, on Wednesday we went to a panel at Justine’s Secret House, a beautiful, art-filled old house that you’ve probably driven past a hundred times. The panelists discussed the value of art spaces and community in Austin, and we ate as much Justine’s baguette as could fit into our stomachs.
Last night we went to the Texas Book Fest pre-party at Vintage Books. Looking forward to lots more book festivaling this weekend!
EVENTS WE’RE EYEING
Friday 11/13
- First Sight at Shed Shows
Artwork + performance art by grad students w/live music in DIY venue - Mystic Salon at Ace of Cups
Live music, storytelling, “occult lecture” + “mutantstrosities” - Games Y’all: PowerPoint Edition at 1908 Kramer Ln.
DIY game makers + enthusiasts give esoteric talks, discuss, + play games - In Living Memory Opening at the Carver
Art exhibition documenting Black and Hispanic Austin’s people + places - Opening Night Party at Grackle House
Austin Studio Tour mainstay w/live music, art workshops, kids activities, + freebies - Boy Harsher vs. Crystal Castles at Swan Dive
Dance party pits modern darkwave flagbearers against 00s electroclash forebearers - Grand Opening at Micro Center
Join a slew of geeks poring over motherboards, w/DJ, food trucks, content creators - Karaoke Underground at Stoney’s Good Time Ranch
Sing karaoke to your favorite punk, indie + alt classics - The Madrigal Dinner at The Texas Union
“Renaissance-style comedy play” w/orchestra, + dinner served - In Spite of All the Roses at Klerje Coffee
“Intimate, immersive dance theater experience” about 1950s home life - Watch on the Rhine at an unannounced venue
Site-specific play about fascism invading the home staged in someone’s actual living room - Henry 4.1 at How Much?! Studios
Choose-your-own-adventure Shakespeare w/multiple paths inspired by modern music - The Poison Circus at the Paper Plate Gallery
Experimental theater incorporating immersion, mysticism, + circus vibes - Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway
Locals create spectacular site-specific neon art along Austin’s creeks
Saturday 11/14
- Tacos + Tires at HOPE Outdoor Gallery
Bicycle swap meet + custom bike contest, BMX show, + free tacos - Tour Das Hugel at every hill in Austin
Join the toughest cyclists in town as they tackle Austin’s roughest hills - Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin at Brushy St. Commons
Italian prog rockers perform live soundtrack to a giallo slasher classic - Turning Point U.S. Gay at Elysium
Drag performers parody right-wing culture to raise money for the ACLU - The Scorpio’s Ball at Strangelove
Old-timey circus performers, clowns, ballerinas, harlequins, other miscreants - Legend of the Realms at Sky Candy
Competitive fantasy-themed aerialists, burlesque, + “draglesque” - National Pickle Day Party at Hotel Vegas
Whether or not you’re in a real pickle, live music paired w/“secret pickle menu” - Nightmarket.fun at Lakeline Park
“Asian pop culture festival” w/live music, competitive eating, anime takeover, + vendors - Conspiracy Night at Nunya
Present yr own conspiracies, or absorb the influence of others’, tinfoil hats optional - PowerPints at Radio Coffee + Beer
“Drink + learn things” at comedic talks on a variety of esoteric topics - Angers Days at the French Legation
Celebrate our sister city w/French film, DJs, + baguette contest - Lit Crawl at various venues
Literary luminaries produce book-themed events + readings across town - Texas Book Festival in downtown Austin
Authors + book fans descend upon downtown for free talks + signings - Mosswood Renaissance Faire at Ani’s Day + Night
Pop-up ren faire w/vendors, mead, medieval garb, live music + other performances - Austin Studio Tour at venues throughout Austin
Artists across Austin open up their studios + hold wacky activities - The Madrigal Dinner at The Texas Union
“Renaissance-style comedy play” w/orchestra, + dinner served - In Spite of All the Roses at Klerje Coffee
“Intimate, immersive dance theater experience” about 1950s home life - Local Frequencies at RichesArt
Block party w/live music, DJs, + art gallery - The Barrio Futbol Project at Lustre Pearl East
Friendly soccer matches, vendor market, DJs, + art exhibition - TAYO NA Sa Sari-Sari Store + Home Reno-vations at the Millennium
Mag launch, vendors, + home renovation-themed immersive art exhibit - After Image at AND&AND Studios
Exhibition w/paintings, video art, + on-demand “screen printing mini-truck” - Watch on the Rhine at an unannounced venue
Site-specific play about fascism invading the home staged in someone’s actual living room - The Poison Circus at the Paper Plate Gallery
Experimental theater incorporating immersion, mysticism, + circus vibes - Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway
Locals create spectacular site-specific neon art along Austin’s creeks - (weekly thru 12/19) Doom Metal Goat Yoga at Jester King
“We call out to the beasts of the land to come forth and JOIN US!”
Sunday 11/15
- Nothing Natural at Soundspace at Capt. Quack’s
A DJ night full of shoegaze, dreampop, + their modern descendants - Mac + Cheese Cook-off at Latchkey
“Take home the title of mac + cheese champion” or help crown a mac king/queen - Cut It Out at the Dougherty Arts Center
Make collage art w/provided materials + check out exhibition of collage work - Texas Book Festival in downtown Austin
Authors + book fans descend upon downtown for free talks + signings - Mosswood Renaissance Faire at Ani’s Day + Night
Pop-up ren faire w/vendors, mead, medieval garb, live music + other performances - Austin Studio Tour at venues throughout Austin
Artists across Austin open up their studios + hold wacky activities - Local Frequencies at RichesArt
Block party w/live music, DJs, + art gallery - The Barrio Futbol Project at Lustre Pearl East
Friendly soccer matches, vendor market, DJs, + art exhibition - TAYO NA Sa Sari-Sari Store + Home Reno-vations at the Millennium
Mag launch, vendors, + home renovation-themed immersive art exhibit - After Image at AND&AND Studios
Exhibition w/paintings, video art, + on demand “screen printing mini-truck” - Watch on the Rhine at an unannounced venue
Site-specific play about fascism invading the home staged in someone’s actual living room - The Poison Circus at the Paper Plate Gallery
Experimental theater incorporating immersion, mysticism, + circus vibes - Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway
Locals create spectacular site-specific neon art along Austin’s creeks
Monday 11/16
- Creative Show + Tell at 2324 Studios
Show off creative projects + business ideas + watch others do the same - On Cinema Live at Bass Concert Hall
Absurdist comedy w/Gregg Turkinton + perennial Alex Jones-satirist Tim Heidecker - Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway
Locals create spectacular site-specific neon art along Austin’s creeks
Tuesday 11/17
- Austin Demo Day at Pershing Hall
Science fair-style demos of maker + engineering projects - The Experts Are Wrong at Future Front
“Comedic PowerPoint improv night + fundraiser” - Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway
Locals create spectacular site-specific neon art along Austin’s creeks
Wednesday 11/18
- The Music of Hey Arnold! at ACL Live
Hear live performances of the music of Hey Arnold! w/anecdotes + clips - Buzzed Spelling Bee at Latchkey
Sure you can spell reel gud, but can you do it after downing a few bevs? - Synth Soundbath Communal Drone Session at Tiny Minotaur
BYO synths to “harmonize with the infinite,” or just take it in - Watch on the Rhine at an unannounced venue
Site-specific play about fascism invading the home staged in someone’s actual living room - Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway
Locals create spectacular site-specific neon art along Austin’s creeks
Thursday 11/19
- Nerd Nite at Barrel O’ Fun
Hear nerdy high-caliber talks on human fertility + mollusks (not at the same time) - Watch on the Rhine at an unannounced venue
Site-specific play about fascism invading the home staged in someone’s actual living room - The Poison Circus at the Paper Plate Gallery
Experimental theater incorporating immersion, mysticism, + circus vibes - Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway
Locals create spectacular site-specific neon art along Austin’s creeks
Friday 11/20
- Twilight Drag Show at Swan Dive
Drag inspired by twilit vampire/werewolf/human romantic triangles - Beautiful Decay at Barrett’s Too
“Hammer” leaves + petals into fabric for a homemade gift + learn seed saving tips - Experimental Art + Music Night at Genuine Joe’s
Vendors + live music, puppets + dungeon synth (not at the same time though!) - Austin-Gwangmyeong Sister Cities Celebration at Austin Permitting and Development Center
Celebrate the culture of our sister city w/Korean food + “cultural performances” - Spanksgiving at Kick Butt Coffee + Sky Candy
“A gathering of burlesque, cabaret, + gloriously bad intentions” - No Idea Festival at various venues
Avant-garde + improvisational musical performances, panel, + film - Over the Lege at Fallout
Watch sketch comedy based around our now-bluer Texas Legislature - Henry 4.1 at Scottish Rite Theater
Choose-your-own-adventure Shakespeare w/multiple paths inspired by modern music - Watch on the Rhine at an unannounced venue
Site-specific play about fascism invading the home staged in someone’s actual living room - The Poison Circus at the Paper Plate Gallery
Experimental theater incorporating immersion, mysticism, + circus vibes - Creek Show at Waterloo Greenway
Locals create spectacular site-specific neon art along Austin’s creeks
NHA300
We’re celebrating No Humans Allowed’s 300th episode. For the occasion we held a little get together in our backyard. We decked out our carport with lights + DJ gear and recorded a very celebratory set live along with upcoming performances by Gino Scaramuzza + Vampira.
Tracklist
Love Command0 – Night Creep
LaTour – People Are Still Having Sex
Goldfrapp – Ride a White Horse (Serge Santiago Re-Edit)
Bag Raiders – Shooting Stars
The Juan Maclean – Happy House
Scarlet Fantastic – No Memory (Luke Million Remix)
Kate Boy – Self Control
Mylo – In My Arms
Locomotiv GT – Embertelen Dal (Captain’ Edit)
Bonnie Tyler – Married Man (Lauren Murada Edit)
The Source ft. Candi Staton – You’ve Got the Love
Lily Ann – Going Crazy
Imagination – Flashback (Kon Remix)
Swayzak – Stronger Love
Desire – Darkside (slowed + reveerb)
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 300+ 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.