City Cast Austin
🪩 The Majestic Ball is nigh
June 18, 2025 · Kelsey Bradshaw
🎉 Hello, hello! We love a Wednesday that’s actually a Friday, don’t we? Before you head out for the long weekend, take a peek at our Juneteenth guide for some fun events!
What's CITY Talking About?
🏅 Birdie’s Wins ‘Oscars of Food’ Award
Arjav Ezekiel, the beverage director and co-owner of East Austin’s Birdie’s, won the James Beard award for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. He is the first ever winner of the award. [Eater Austin]
🪩 Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Majestic Ball
Sure, Austin’s Pride month isn’t officially until August, but that doesn’t mean cool things aren’t happening right now! The Majestic Ball is bringing ballroom, drag queens, lavish decor, and more to Paramount Theatre on Saturday. [City Cast Austin 🎧]
🫶 Texas Chili Parlor Owner Dies
Scott Zublin,the savior of Texas Chili Parlor known as “Zoob,” died this month. Zublin bought the iconic restaurant in 2002 and paid off its debt after the state comptroller seized it. [KXAN]
🚙 Austin Plans for More Electric Vehicles
The city wants to up its number of battery electric vehicles from 373 to 703 over the next five years. The move would save more than $5 million by 2030, officials say. [KVUE]
Sponsored Content
Sweet as Pie—Waitress is on Stage Now!
A slice of Broadway heaven is on stage now through July 27 at Zach Theater. Get tickets for Waitress, the hit musical with music by Sara Bareilles—this feel-good favorite is sweet as pie!
What To Do
Wednesday, June 18
- 🐝 BEE the CHANGE! at Austin Public Library Central Library | Downtown Austin
- 🧘 Toddler Yoga at Pease Park | Old Enfield
- 🫶 Community Volunteering: Fabric Rolling at Austin Creative Reuse | Windsor Park
- 🎥 “Pariah” + “Rafiki” Double Feature at Paramount Theatre | Downtown Austin
- 🎨 DAC Nights Pride: Camp Camp at Dougherty Arts Center | Bouldin Creek
- 🕺 Soul 2 Sole 2025 at Come and Take It Live | Riverside
- 🖌️ Arts & Craft Night: Sip & Paint a Pot at Meanwhile Brewing Co. | McKinney
Thursday, June 19
- 🎊 Central Texas Juneteenth Parade and Festival | East Austin
- 🎶 The Drop-In at the Long Center | Bouldin Creek
- 🕊️ Juneteenth Remembrance Ceremony at George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center | East Austin
- 🪩 Hella Free: The Juneteenth Function in the Garage at Empire Control Room & Garage | Downtown Austin
- 👏 Juneteenth Celebration at Hotel Vegas | East Austin
- 🕺 Bodega Nights: Juneteenth Celebration at Volstead Lounge | East Austin
- 🪭 Soul Trib Sapphic Mini Ball at Cheer Up Charlie’s | Downtown Austin
- 💿 Eternal Soul Summer at Hotel San José | South Congress
Friday, June 20
- ⭐ Music Under the Star: The Tiarras & Llamativa at Bullock Texas State History Museum | Downtown Austin
- 🎶 AC-L Live Summer Sets at ACL Live at 3TEN | Downtown Austin
- 🎉 Summer Solstice Party at Hotel Vegas | East Austin
- 🪩 Gimme Gimme Disco at 29th Street Ballroom | UT Campus
- 💃 Party Girl – A Night of Party Girl Anthems at Empire Control Room & Garage | Downtown Austin
- 💚 SHREK RAVE XXL at Emo’s | Riverside
- 🎷 Antone's 50th Celebration | Downtown Austin
- 🌈 Shots & Slams: A Pride Party at Amitys featuring Quee at Hole in the Wall | UT Campus
- ☀️ TreeFolks 7th Annual Summer Solstice Party at Hold Out Brewing | Old West Austin
👋 Bye, y’all! I’ll meet you back here on Friday with a special edition of this here newsletter! 👀
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