From garment mending circles and cult film screenings to discussions on true crime and sustainable fashion, Austin offers a rich lineup of events for all interests between March 28 and 30.
On Monday, March 28, the Austin Public Library at its Yarborough Branch hosts the Mending Circle, a community meet-up that encourages both beginners and experienced individuals to bring their garments in need of repair. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive guidance and support in sustainable clothing care, emphasizing the value of repairing wearables to reduce textile waste. The library invites everyone to “bring your favorite garments that need some tender loving care.”
Also on Monday, and again on Wednesday, March 30, select Alamo Drafthouse theaters—Lakeline, South Lamar, and Village—will screen The Keep, a rarely shown 1983 film directed by Michael Mann. This 4K restoration from Vinegar Syndrome brings back Mann’s sophomore effort, which had been hampered by the untimely death of its visual effects supervisor and interference from Paramount executives. The film follows a German Wehrmacht unit in occupied Romania who confronts both SS fanatics and an ancient spirit trapped inside a castle. The dark and atmospheric horror film stars Scott Glenn, Jürgen Prochnow, Gabriel Byrne, and Ian McKellen.
Tuesday, March 29, the Hyperreal Film Club presents Shhhinema for the People, a mystery movie night curated by experts Ziah Grace and Morgan Hyde. Prior events in this series have featured cult classics such as John Waters’ A Dirty Shame and the tokusatsu film The Super Inframan. Grace described the upcoming screening as “truly a once in a lifetime theatrical experience … the craziest movie either of us have ever seen.” Tickets are priced around $5, and attendance is encouraged as this may be the final edition of the series.
Also on March 29 at BookPeople, Laurie Gallardo, a multiple Best of Austin-winning radio host, leads a discussion of Katy Horan’s new book, Murder Ballads. The book explores 20 illustrated narrative folk songs centered on murder, including “Delia’s Gone” and “The Death of Queen Jane,” and provides sources for recordings to accompany the readings. The event caters to fans of true crime, history, and music.
The cult film Seizure! screens at the AFS Cinema on both Tuesday, March 29, and Saturday, April 3. Oliver Stone’s directorial debut stars Jonathan Frid and features a horror writer experiencing terrifying events that blur fiction and reality. Though the film had a limited original U.S. release, it has since become available on DVD and Blu-ray through Scorpion Releasing. The AFS Cinema will present the film in digital cinema package format for an enhanced viewing experience.
On Wednesday, March 30, the Hyperreal Film Club showcases Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, widely regarded as one of the best Batman films ever made. The animated movie features Kevin Conroy as Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, and a story that explores the detective roots of the Dark Knight within a moody Gotham setting. The film is praised for its combination of compelling storytelling and high-quality animation, elevating it to a crowning jewel in the superhero genre.
The same evening, Austin’s Tiny Minotaur Tavern celebrates Walpurgisnacht, an ancient European holiday sometimes called the “Halloween of springtime.” The event includes seasonal treats and hexes. The holiday honors Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century German nun canonized for converting early Germans to Christianity and combating pests and witchcraft. Walpurgisnacht also connects to pagan May Day festivals involving bonfires, though the tavern’s celebration emphasizes a more modern, indoor approach.
Lastly, on March 30 at the Contemporary Austin’s Jones Center, a timely panel titled On Trend/Off Balanced: A Panel on Fashion and Sustainability will occur. This event complements the museum’s exhibit “HOST: Tenant of Culture” and follows a screening of the documentary Brandy Hellville and the Cult of Fast Fashion. Panelists Miranda Bennett, Christa Marie Clark, Emily Fenves, and Jimmy Gallo will join moderator Allison Miller to discuss the intersection of trendiness and environmental sustainability in fashion. They will highlight local initiatives aimed at reducing waste within the industry.
For those interested in a full schedule of events, the Austin Chronicle’s calendar online provides details of current and upcoming activities throughout the city.
Source: Noah Wire Services
