Weekend Watch: Western Days, Pride celebrations, and Retromania
AUSTIN (KXAN) – The last weekend in June brings a film festival, western days, pup parades, and Betty Who, who you can’t miss!
Weekend Forecast
The warm trend continues as we wrap up June, with temperatures remaining in the mid-to-upper 90s. Rain chances are non-existent until at least Monday, where we could get a slight 10% chance of a shower or two.
Austin Asian American Film Festival
Going on its 17 year, the Austin Asian American Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday, June 25, and runs through Sunday, June 29. Taking place at the AFS Cinema, the festival brings local filmmakers together to show off their work. This year’s program has themes of Playful Rebellion. Each night, there will be films, shorts, documentaries, and more. Badges for the festival are still available on their website along with a full schedule of events and screening times.
Elgin Western Days
Bust out the cowboy boots (unless you always have them on because it IS Texas), Western Days return to Elgin once again! This three-day event, kicking off on Thursday, June 26, and running through Saturday, June 28, brings together everything country and western. Get ready to enjoy a Family Foam Hoe Down at Memorial Park. Friday continues the fun with a Western Days Golf Tournament, a Fashion show at 6 p.m., and Roping at 7 p.m.! Then, to make a day of Saturday, be sure to swing by for the Grand Parade at 10 a.m. along with an arts and craft market, live music, and plenty of food! Be sure to visit their website for more information and details on the schedule of events.
Bastrop Annual Big Bang! Celebration
You don’t have to wait until the 4th of July to celebrate, as Bastrop is holding its annual Bastrop Big Bang Celebration! Taking place on Saturday, June 28, the event kicks off at 8 a.m. and lasts all day long, leading to the fireworks exhibition at 9:30 p.m. The very first part of the day, at 8 a.m., is the Pet & Pal Parade, where you get to bring your four-legged friend decked out in patriotic outfits. At 10 a.m. is the bike-friendly Freedom on Wheels, Toads & Treasures Scavenger hunt, and the North Main Games in the evening. For more information on where to go and a detailed schedule, be sure to visit their website.
Retromania
Dripping Springs is playing host to a fun event that you have to see to believe. It’s the Retromania Collectibles Show running Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, at the Event Center. From comics to toys, records, games, movies, cards, and more, this is the place to find some of the coolest current and past items to complete your collection. General Admission times are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with VIP able to come in a bit earlier, plus, kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are still available on their website, so be sure to stop by!
Pride Pup Parade and Pride Picnic
Two different Pride events are happening this weekend, with a Pride Pup Parade on Friday and a Pride Picnic on Saturday.
Pride Pup Parade is on Friday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m. and is at Auditorium Shores – Trail Entrance. Anyone who wants to participate is encouraged to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for Glow Up. You and your pups are encouraged to show your pride. Plus, there will be treats and goodies for your pups along with a few vendors in the area. Plus, feel free to donate while there to help LGBTQ+ organizations, along with Austin Pets Alive!
Another Pride event happening this weekend is Pride Picnic 2025 at Pease Park on June 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be art installations, community resources, crafts, drinks, food, music, vendors, and more for you to do! Show your pride, support local businesses, and have some fun while doing it.
Betty Who in Austin
Singer Betty Who makes her way to Austin this Sunday, June 29, with opening act Rozzi. Who, best known for “I Love You Always Forever,” has also appeared on Broadway in Hadestown as Persephone and as a host for the Amazon TV show The One That Got Away. Be sure to catch Betty Who at Mohawk Austin with the show kicking off at 8 p.m.
