Some executive orders from Gov. Greg Abbott have allowed certain businesses to reopen and host visitors. Here are some upcoming events to safely check out in the coming weeks in and around Northwest Austin.
Aug. 22 - Mobile blood drive
Local blood and plasma donation organization We Are Blood is holding a blood donation drive in one of its mobile clinics on Aug. 22 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Austin. According to event organizers, more than a dozen spots are still available for donations. People interested in participating in this blood drive can sign up here.
In late June, Nick Canedo, vice president of Community Engagement for We Are Blood, said the organization was facing critically low levels of blood donations throughout the coronavirus pandemic. We Are Blood has enacted several safety guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19, according to the organization, including mask mandates, using touchless thermometers on donators and requiring people to stay in their vehicle while they wait to entire the mobile clinic. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1000 Rutherford Lane, Austin. 512-206-1266. www.weareblood.org
Aug. 22-Sept. 19: Movie night at the Arboretum
The Arboretum in Northwest Austin throughout the summer invites families to watch movies outside on a big screen. Every Saturday night, The Arboretum will screen movies on its lawn, which is located down the stairs from Amy’s Ice Creams at 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 140, Austin. Movies to be screened include “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” and “School of Rock.” Families are asked to wear masks while walking around and maintain social distance. 8:30-10:30 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 19. Free. The Lawn at the Arboretum, 10000 Research Blvd., Austin. www.thearboretum.com
Aug. 26: Wine Chat Wednesday at The Domain
Upscale eatery Cru Food & Wine Bar in The Domain in North Austin is hosting a special tasting event for local wine enthusiasts. On Aug. 26, diners are invited to taste four regional chardonnays paired with small plates from Cru’s kitchen. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $30 per person. Cru Food & Wine Bar, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 104, Austin. 512-339-9463. www.cruwinebar.com
Aug. 29: Asian American Resource Center hosts virtual exhibit
The Asian American Resource Center is hosting an online reception for an upcoming exhibit. The exhibit, “Tea and Time,” showcases work from Central Texas photographers Deleigh Hermes, Ed Malcik, Carol Schiraldi and Peter Shen from their travels across the world. Attendees are asked to RSVP for the event online. 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin. 512-974-1700. www.austintexas.gov/department/asian-american-resource-center
Sept. 5: Virtual Weird Homes Tour
Organizers of the annual Austin Weird Homes Tour have opted to hold the event entirely online this year. Now in its seventh year, the Weird Homes Tour allows guests to tour through eight of Austin’s most unique architectural residences. A portion of all ticket proceeds goes to nonprofit LifeWorks to support their mission of providing affordable housing for at-risk teenagers. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $25 per device. www.weirdhomestour.com/tour/austin
