Category: Events

Top 7 Labor Day Weekend Events in Central Texas

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

Top 7 Labor Day Weekend Events in Central Texas

 

Last week, I dished out the top flight deals from Austin, Texas, for Labor Day weekend, but if you’re all about keeping it local this long weekend, I’ve got a treat for you! Get ready to dive into the top 7 Labor Day weekend events in Central Texas, from San Antonio to Belton. I’ve even thrown in a wild card from Galveston! Stay tuned to discover some of the awesome happenings near you this Labor Day weekend.

 

1. San Japan Anime Convention – San Antonio

  • What: A vibrant three-day anime, manga, and Far East pop-culture convention at the Henry B. González Convention Center (spanning hotels nearby). Expect cosplay, gaming, concerts, workshops, charity auctions, and more.  
  • Why go: With over 28,000 attendees in 2024, it’s one of the largest pop-culture gatherings in the region—perfect for anime fans and pop-culture enthusiasts.

 

2. Labor Day Artisan Show – San Antonio

  • What: A free, weekend-long artisan showcase along the scenic River Walk Extension near Rivercenter (August 29–September 1, 2025).  
  • Why go: A great opportunity to support local craft makers—browse pottery, textiles, jewelry, paintings, and more in a beautiful riverside setting.

 

3. Central Texas State Fair – Belton

  • What: A classic fair over Labor Day weekend featuring bull riding, live concerts, carnival rides, fairside food & shopping, and livestock competitions.  
  • Why go: Delivers quintessential fair-fun for families—rides, rodeo, music, and plenty of fair treats.
photo courtesy of Central Texas State Fair

 

4. WestFest – West (near Waco)

  • What: A charming Czech-heritage festival, held every Labor Day weekend in West, TX. Includes live music, authentic Czech food, entertainment, vendors, and a kolache-baking contest.  
  • Why go: A delightful blend of culture, food, and community—plus, Thursday admission is free, offering a budget-friendly cultural experience.

 

5. Labor Day Weekend Getaway at Horseshoe Bay Resort

  • What: Lakeside resort celebrations featuring poolside relaxation, fun activities, free s’mores Friday & Saturday (8–9 PM), and a live concert by The Spazmatics.  
  • Why go: Perfect for those who want a restful, yet festive, retreat—mixing outdoors, music, and family-friendly leisure.

 

6. “Galveston Classic Car Auction & Texas Music Festival” – Benefit for Central Texas Flood Relief

  • What: A three-day festival at Moody Gardens Convention Center combining classic-car auctions and Texas music. All ticket/VIP proceeds go to Central Texas flood relief.  
  • Why go: Great cause-driven event that blends car culture and live music while giving back to communities impacted by recent flooding.

 

7. Blue Hole Regional Park – Wimberley

  • What: Central Texas’ iconic swimming hole, offering trails, picnic spots, amphitheater, playscape, and volleyball courts. Open for swimming through Labor Day and weekends in September (reservations required). Recently earned a 2025 Travelers’ Choice Award.  
  • Why go: Stunning natural beauty, fun for all ages, and a highly rated spot to cool off—and avoid crowds later in the season.
photo courtesy of Wimberley Parks and Recreation

Why These Events Stand Out

  • Diverse Appeal: From anime and artisan markets to fairs, nature, and beach-style getaways—there’s something for every kind of fun-seeker.
  • Unique & Local: Celebrate distinct cultural heritage (like WestFest’s Czech charm) or local crafts along San Antonio’s iconic River Walk.
  • Action Level Variety: Options include active entertainment (fairs, conventions), relaxing escapes (Blue Hole, resort), and feel-good engagement (benefit events).

 

No matter what mood you’re in this Labor Day weekend, one of these events is bound to pique your interest. Are there other events you usually attend? Let me know in the comments.

For more Fall events and activities, be sure to sign up for my newsletter!

 

Austin Film Society Hosts Third Annual Pan African Film Festival: A Celebration of Black Cinema and Storytelling

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

Austin Film Society Hosts Third Annual Pan African Film Festival: A Celebration of Black Cinema and Storytelling


The Austin Film Society (AFS) will proudly present the third annual Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) in Texas July 31 to August 3, 2025. This exciting collaboration brings a curated selection of feature-length films and shorts from the Los Angeles-based festival to Austin, showcasing powerful narratives that resonate with audiences. The festival will also include engaging panel discussions focused on immigration and impactful storytelling, making it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and community members alike.

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival is renowned for its commitment to celebrating the artistic contributions of the African diaspora. As the largest Black film and arts festival in the United States, PAFF serves as a vital platform for creatives to share their work and connect with audiences. This year, AFS will host a selection of films that premiered at the February 2025 PAFF, alongside special invitation titles that are making their Texas debut.

Opening Night and Notable Films

The festival will kick off with the opening-night film, Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, directed by Elegance Bratton, known for his acclaimed film The Inspection. This documentary delves into the origins of house music, spotlighting producer Vince Lawrence and the vibrant Chicago music scene. Following the screening, attendees are invited to a reception at AFS Cinema, where they can enjoy complimentary light bites and engage with fellow film lovers.

Move Ya Body: The Birth of House directed by Elegance Bratton

The closing-night film, Sun Ra: Do the Impossible, is a biographical documentary that explores the life of the legendary jazz musician, philosopher, and poet, Sun Ra. This film promises to be a fitting conclusion to a festival dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of Black storytelling.

Panel Discussions and Community Engagement

One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the panel discussion titled “Black Immigrants: Telling Our Stories & Visioning the Future,” scheduled for August 2. This event will feature three short films—Boat People, Cartes, and Mexico is Hell for Black Migrants—followed by a thought-provoking discussion on displacement, migration, and racial capitalism as they pertain to Black immigrants. Sponsored by the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), this panel aims to amplify the voices of those often marginalized in mainstream narratives.

Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa directed by Tara Erica Moore

On August 3, attendees can participate in a free panel discussion titled “The Power of Story: Impacting Change Through Film,” featuring local filmmakers and moderated by AFS’s Director of Community Education, Rakeda L. Ervin. This session will explore how storytelling can be a catalyst for social change, encouraging creatives to harness their narratives for impact.

Join the Celebration

The Austin Film Society’s partnership with PAFF is made possible with support from the City of Austin Economic Development Department and a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Full festival passes are available for purchase, with additional discounts for AFS members. For more information about the festival lineup, ticketing, and panel discussions, visit austinfilm.org/paff-2025.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant stories from the African diaspora and engage in meaningful conversations about the power of film. Join us in celebrating Black cinema and storytelling at the third annual Pan African Film Festival in Austin!

Austin Fashion Week 2025: Celebrating Innovation and Diversity in Fashion

Posted on by Alyse Nicole

Austin Fashion Week 2025: Celebrating Innovation and Diversity in Fashion

As Austin Fashion Week enters its 17th year, it continues to solidify its status as the largest and longest-running fashion event in Texas. This vibrant celebration of style not only showcases the creativity of independent and emerging brands but also serves as a platform for designers who are eager to sell directly to consumers. Ranking as the fourth largest fashion week concept in the United States, Austin Fashion Week is set to make a significant impact once again this spring!

Scheduled for May 8-10, 2025, in partnership with The Domain, this season promises an exciting lineup of events that highlight the best in fashion innovation and community engagement. The festivities will feature approximately 50 runway designers and 10-15 pop-up brands, with most shows taking place on the streets of The Domain, where the area will be transformed into a bustling fashion hub.

Kickoff with INCUBATE

The week will kick off on Thursday, May 8, with the INCUBATE show, presented by the ACC Fashion Incubator. This event will spotlight five exceptional brands from the incubator alongside seven other emerging talents. Notably, nine of the brightest University of Texas 2025 seniors will present their four-look Capstone collections, while twelve spectacular graduating designers from Austin Community College will showcase one look each, setting the stage for a dynamic start to the week. Preston James, Co-Founder and CEO of DivInc, will be walking the runway as the show’s Style Strutter in partnership with Macy’s to support DivInc’s incredble mission.

Fit for a King by Samuel King is one of the featured brands for the Black Designer Showcase

Celebrating Black Designers

On Friday, May 9, the Black Designer Showcase, presented by the Austin Area Urban League, will take center stage. Now in its fourth year, this event celebrates the incredible contributions of Black designers, primarily from Texas. This spring’s showcase is set to be the largest yet, featuring 19 runway designers and over 130 stunning looks. The event will be graced by Style Strutter Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President of Huston-Tillotson University, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting the university’s impactful missions.

Sustainable Fashion on Saturday

Saturday, May 10, will be a highlight of Austin Fashion Week, beginning with the SUSTAIN show at 1:00 PM, presented by Goodwill Central Texas. This groundbreaking event marks the first collaboration between Austin Fashion Week and Goodwill, featuring 30 local fashion designers and stylists who will present a fully sustainable fashion show. All garments showcased have been sourced from Goodwill and then upcycled for the runway. The show will include three Style Strutters: Jennifer Carter from Goodwill, Ashley Sauls of Tribeza, and Allison Miller from CBS Austin, with a portion of ticket sales donated to Goodwill Central Texas.

Following SUSTAIN, the EMERGE show at 3:30 PM will feature 15 emerging fashion designers from across the United States. This event will also highlight Style Strutter Michael Torres, CEO of the Center for Child Protection, who will walk the runway in partnership with Macy’s, with ticket sales supporting the Center’s vital work.

Aporia Designs by Jasmine Levario will participate in the Launch787 show.

A Grand Finale with LAUNCH787

The week will culminate with LAUNCH787 at 8:00 PM on May 10, celebrating local Austin talent. This exciting finale will showcase 18 outstanding local brands that embody the spirit of Austin, alongside a special presentation of drag fashion designers. Style Strutter Paula Bookidis, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Texas, will grace the runway, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting the Girl Scouts of Central Texas.

Austin Fashion Week Spring 2025 promises to be a remarkable celebration of creativity, diversity, and community involvement. With its commitment to supporting independent designers and promoting sustainable practices, this year’s event is set to inspire fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this vibrant showcase of talent and innovation! Tickets are still available. Purchase yours today!