August 27st - September 2nd

Laugh all weekend

Out of Bounds Comedy Festival—Austin’s longest-running comedy festival—features 80 improv, sketch and standup acts. This year’s headliners include Scott Adsit, of the NBC sitcom “30 Rock,” and Laura Kightlinger, a writer and producer of “Will and Grace,” as well as many local performers. Showtimes vary. $10-$129. Locations vary. www.oobfest.com

August 28th - September 24th

Provide feedback on the city and county budgets

The city of Austin hosts a public hearing on its upcoming fiscal year 2019-20 budget and tax rate Aug. 28 at noon; City Council is scheduled to adopt the budget Sept. 10-12. Travis County hosts its public hearings Sept. 17, 20 and 24 at 9 a.m.; commissioners are scheduled to adopt the county’s FY 2019-20 budget Sept. 24. Free. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St. Travis County Administration Building, 700 Lavaca St. www.austintexas.gov www.traviscountytx.gov

August 29th - September 15th

See a 2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama

“Dance Nation,” an original comedic play and finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize, begins a three-week run in Austin, which ends Sept. 15. The play is directed by local Jenny Lavery of Theatre en Bloc, which is partnering with the Long Center for the production. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sun.) $15-$34. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. 512-474-5664. www.thelongcenter.org

August 30th - September 1st

Attend a showcase of black filmmakers

The Capital City Black Film Festival returns for its seventh year with a slate of over 50 films that are written, directed or produced by black filmmakers; prominently feature black actors; and address topics and issues related to the black community. Showtimes vary. $30-$195. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. www.capcitybff.com

August 30th

Kick off the new school year with the GABCC

The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce Collegiate Chapter hosts a back-to-school bash open to students from all local colleges and universities. The chapter works to encourage students’ involvement within the African American and Greater Austin business communities. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Dedrick Hamilton House, 912 E. 11th. St., Austin. www.austinbcc.org

August 31st

Catch the first football game of the season

The University of Texas Longhorns open this year’s season at home against Louisiana Tech. Last year, the Longhorns had a record of 10-4, landing in second place in the Big 12 conference. 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, 2139 San Jacinto Blvd. www.texassports.com

September 2nd

Take a free yoga class

The 21st annual Free Day of Yoga encourages Austinites to try yoga—for the first time, at a new studio, with a different instructor or in an unfamiliar style. Class times vary. Free. Locations vary. www.freedayofyoga.com

September 6th

Hear Salman Rushdie speak about his new book

The British-Indian author of “The Satanic Verses” talks about his latest book, “Quichotte,” inspired by Cervantes classic “Don Quixote.” The event is hosted by BookPeople. 7 p.m. $28 (includes copy of book). First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity St. 512-472-5050. www.bookpeople.com

September 6th

Run the Zilker Relays

This 10-mile relay race benefits the Lesedi Project, which provides literacy resources in South Africa. Teams are comprised of four members. 6 p.m. (kid’s race), 6:30 p.m. (full relay race). $10 (kid’s relay), $60 (team captain). Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road. www.zilkerrelays.com

September 6th-8th

Support local artists

Local nonprofit BossBabes ATX hosts its fifth annual Babes Fest—a music, film, comedy, art and education festival featuring women and nonbinary artists. Times vary. $15 (film showcase, music showcase), $25 (panels and workshops), $60 (three-day pass). Locations vary. www.babesfest.org

September 7th-8th

Enjoy music and dance from around the world

The Texas Music Museum hosts its ninth annual International Music Festival, featuring 11 Texas artists and groups who perform music and dances from around the world. 12:30-5:15 p.m. (Sat.), 12:30-6:15 p.m. (Sun.). Free. George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, 1165 Angelina St.
512-203-4875. www.texasmusicmuseum.org

September 10th

Return to Broadway

The 2019-20 Broadway in Austin season begins with the opening performance of “Les Miserables.” The show runs through Sept. 15. This season also will include performances of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “A Bronx Tale.” Showtimes vary. Prices vary. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive. 512-471-1444. www.austin.broadway.com

September 13th

Watch a movie in a park

 
The Austin Parks Foundation continues its annual summertime Movies in the Park series with “Freaky Friday,” the 2003 remake starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. 8 p.m. Free. Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park, 2803 Loyola Lane. 512-477-1566. www.austinparks.org

September 13th

Toast eight years of Austin’s no-kill policy

Austin Pets Alive hosts its annual party celebrating Austin’s no-kill policy, which requires shelters to save 95% of the city’s homeless animals. Austin City Council recently approved an increase in the no-kill rate from 90% to 95%. 7-11 p.m. $100 (standard ticket), $250 (VIP). The Line Austin, 111 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-961-6519. www.austinpetsalive.org

September 14th

Attend a festival dedicated to margaritas

The Austin Margarita Festival returns with a lineup of more than 20 different flavors as well as live bands and a tequila-tasting station. Noon-8 p.m. $23-$100. Austin American-Statesman, 305 S. Congress Ave. www.austinmargaritafestival.com

September 15th

Learn about the history of Mexican independence

Fiesta de El Grito de Indepencia is a musical celebration and historical re-enactment of Mexico’s call for independence from Spain. The family-friendly event is alcohol-free and produced in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico, the Fiesta de Independencia Foundation, the city of Austin, Univision, the State Preservation Board and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus. 5-9:30 p.m. Free. South steps of the Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave. www.austintexas.gov/event/el-grito-de-indpendencia

September 15th

Be a superhero

The 5K and kids’ 1K CASA Superhero Run benefits the CASA programs of the Greater Austin Area, which train volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates to speak on behalf of children who have been abused or neglected as they navigate the court system. Participants are encouraged to wear superhero costumes; a costumes awards contest will follow the kids race. 7 a.m. $30-$50. IBM Broadmoor Campus, 11501 Burnet Road, Bldg. 902.
512-539-2993. www.casasuperherorun.com

September 19th-26th

Attend the country’s largest genre film festival

Fantastic Fest—a film festival specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi and action movies—returns to the Alamo Drafthouse for its 15th year. The theme is Mexican cinema. Showtimes vary. $10-$520. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 1120 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-476-1320. www.fantasticfest.com

September 21st-22nd

Venture out to Pecan Street

The twice-yearly Pecan Street Festival—one of the largest, and longest-running, arts and crafts and music festivals in the country—features local musicians, food vendors and kid-friendly activities. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sun.). Free. Sixth Street, formerly known as Pecan Street, between Brazos Street and I-35. www.pecanstreetfestival.org

September 22nd

Check out a museum

On Austin Museum Day, visitors enjoy free access to exhibits and activities. Participating museums include the Art Galleries at Black Studies at The University of Texas, the Contemporary Austin, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, among many others. Times vary. Free. Locations vary. www.austinmuseums.org   

September 22nd

Run to Brunch

This 5K run will culminate in a celebratory brunch at Auditorium Shores, featuring dishes from Grizzelda’s, Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum Restaurant, Loro and Austin’s Pizza. Proceeds will benefit Livestrong, a locally headquartered nonprofit that serves cancer survivors. 7:30 a.m. to noon. $30-$60. Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive. www.runtobrunch.com

September 24th

Taste some craft beer

The Texas Craft Brewers Festival returns for its 16th year to celebrate Texas-produced craft beer. Participating local breweries include (512) Brewing Co. the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co., Black Star Co-op, Friends Allies Brewing Company, Hops & Grain Brewing, Oddwood Ales and Zilker Brewing Co. 2-6:30 p.m. $15-$120. Fiesta Gardens, 2012 Jesse E. Segovia St.
www.texascraftbrewersfestival.org

September 24th

Celebrate HAAM Day

The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, which provides affordable health care for working musicians, hosts this annual fundraising event with over 200 live performances at local businesses and music venues. Last year, the event raised $565,000. Showtimes vary. Free. Donations accepted. Locations vary. 512-541-4226. www.myhaam.org

September 28th

Open Congress
Texas Tribune Festiva

Part of the annual Texas Tribune Festival, Open Congress offers a day of free programs open to the public in tents located along Congress Avenue. Panelists include current and former politicians, members of the media and entertainers. Topics discussed will including health care, Texas education, the 2020 election, the recent Texas Legislative Session and local politics. Other events during the three-day Texas Tribune Festival are held at locations across downtown Austin from Sept. 26-28, and are available to those who purchase general admission passes. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. Congress Ave. south of the Texas Capitol. https://festival.texastribune.org