Fantastic Fest, the Museum of Ice Cream, and other must- see events this month

To-Do List

By Madeline Hollern

SPOTLIGHT SEPT. 23-30

Fantastic Fest

After weathering a brutal year of empty movie seats, theater closures, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the wake of the pandemic, Alamo Drafthouse has risen like a film geek phoenix from the ashes of buffalo cauliflower and bottomless popcorn. In addition to announcing five new nationwide locations to debut next year, the Austin-based cinema chain is resuming its trademark events, starting with its first big in-person gathering, Fantastic Fest. The fall film festival includes screenings of around 90 movies from genres such as horror, science fiction, fantasy, action, and cult. Look forward to raucous parties every night of the eight-day celebration, such as Nerd Rap, Fantastic Feud, Karaoke Night, and fan-favorite 100 Best Kills, a kitschy clip show featuring dozens of cinematic murder scenes. The live screenings and parties take place at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar from Sept. 23 to 30, or for those who prefer to enjoy the flicks at home, the brand is offering a virtual version from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11. See the full film lineup and schedule at fantasticfest.com.

9/1

MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM

Take some Instagram-worthy photos while satisfying your sweet tooth at this internationally acclaimed pop-up museum, which features 12 immersive installations. Slide into a pool filled with sprinkles, ride on a life-size animal cookie, and enjoy frozen treats and cocktails in a retro-inspired 1960s diner at this playful Domain exhibition. For details and event dates, visit museumoficecream.com.

9/4

UT FOOTBALL GAMES

With the arrival of a new head coach and starting quarterback—not to mention the return of full-capacity attendance at Darrell K Royal—the Longhorns are kicking off a promising new era of football. This month, watch the University of Texas face off against Louisiana- Lafayette (Sept. 4), Rice (Sept. 18), and Texas Tech (Sept. 25) at home. texassports.com

9/12

LEON BRIDGES

Catch the soulful crooning of this Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter, who is best known for hits such as “Smooth Sailin’” and “Texas Sun.” The Fort Worth native released his critically ac- claimed third album, GoldDiggers Sound, this past summer and will appear at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater for one night only. stubbsaustin.com

9/14

HAAM DAY

Mark your calendar for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians’ annual all-day fundraising event, which will include a mix of live-streamed virtual experiences and inperson concerts all over the city. The event raises money for the nonprofit, which provides access to affordable health care for Austin’s low- income working musicians. myhaam.org/haam-day

9/22

MOONTOWER COMEDY FESTIVAL

This popular festival boasts sets by more than 100 com- edians, including Margaret Cho, Maria Bamford, and Doug Benson. The event also includes live podcast recordings and soirees across the city. Through Sept. 25. austintexas.org/moon tower-comedy

9/24

JOY/3 HAPPY DANCES

Performing in front of a live audience for the first time since early 2020, Ballet Austin returns with a trio of contemporary ballets centered around bliss. The ballets include The Pink Confetti Dance, an homage to the court dances of yesteryear set to the sounds of Johann Sebastian Bach, and Preludes/Beginnings, which pairs ballet solos with powerful piano music by Frédéric Chopin. Through Sept. 26. The Long Center, balletaustin.org

Fowl Play

Nickel City co-owner Travis Tober considers himself something of a dive bar aficionado. Tops in his estimation is Portland, Oregon’s Reel M Inn, where the beer is always ice cold and fried chicken is prepared right behind the bar. Looking to capture that same salty-sudsy magic, alongside an “Old Austin” ambience, he opened Old Pal in Lockhart this May. The latest high-profile name to make the transition to the barbecue capital, Tober has teamed up with chef Rich Reimbolt (Better Half Coffee & Cocktails) to turn chicken into the toast of brisket country. Brined for 24 hours, hand-battered, and then dropped in the grease for an appetite-inducing 25 minutes, it all but begs for the chilly long necks standing ready in fishing coolers that are constantly being refilled with crushed ice. “Nickel City is 100 percent the bar I always wanted to open up,” Tober says. “But Old Pal is the bar I always wanted to hang out at.” —Chris Hughes