Austin Weekend Guide: Sparkle Party, Networking, Live Music, More

AUSTIN, TX — Whether you're in the mood to go out to meet new friends, celebrate community advocacy, or listen to great live music, there's something for everyone to enjoy this weekend. Check out some of the featured events happening around town. Enjoy!

Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sparkle Party - Celebrating GSC's 15 Anniversary!: The Gender and Sexuality Center at The University of Texas at Austin (GSC) is celebrating 15 years of serving women and LGBTQIA+ members of the UT Austin community through education, outreach, and advocacy. There will be food & live performances by Bidi Bidi Banda; Tiarra Girls. Plus tunes by DJ Arlini Martini. FREE EVENT. For more click HERE. William C. Powers Student Activity Center, 2201 Speedway, Room 2.410, Austin, TX 78712

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Friday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.

Art of Celebration Opening Reception:

Art for the People is “all in” for CELEBRATION! The first exhibition of 2020 is the Art of Celebration which embraces an array of celebratory art by 33 artists (31 Austin Artists, 1 Houston Artist & 1 Austin Artist now living in Chicago). Come & view the visual journey of the artists’ interpretation of “Celebration”...Humpback Whales return to the NYC coastline, infrared photo of the Austin skyline, exquisite abstracts of color and form, and so many other superb pieces of art! FREE EVENT. For more click HERE. Art For The People, 1711 South 1st St., Austin, TX 78704

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Friday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m.

KUTX & Pershing Present | The Eleventh House with Keeled Scales: The Eleventh House is where you make your debut into society, and the reception you get out there. It's the traditional house of friendship, collaboration, shared visions and where community finds expression and then form. Pershing has been busy collaborating with local labels, management, and production companies to procure high quality showcases for Austin’s rising stars. KUTX and Pershing announce the second installment of The Eleventh House w/ Keeled Scales! Tickets $10. For more click HERE. Pershing, 2415 East 5th St., Austin, TX 78702

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Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.

Women of BXN Self-Defense and Networking: Join the Women of BXN for a empowering self-defense class to learn how protect yourself. Come learn how to escape from Bear hugs; Hair grabs; Various wrist grabs; Ground choke (pinned); Chokes (against a wall/side/front). Networking and luncheon will follow. FREE EVENT. For more click HERE. Vida Pura Juicery, 2610 Manor Rd., ##B; Austin, TX 78722

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Saturday, Feb. 8 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

17th Annual Black Composers Concert: The Living Composer: The 17th year of this annual event features music by living composers from across the country. Award-winning pianist Artina McCain returns this season to curate the program. Special guests will include some of the featured composers. PROGRAM: I Wouldn’t Normally Say - Errollyn Wallen (b. 1958); Mariposa - Valerie Coleman (b. 1970); Be Still and Know - Carlos Simon (b. 1986); Wish - Valerie Coleman; Jazz Triptych: Boogie Woogie - David Wilborn (b. 1961). INTERMISSION: The Way it Was - Marcus Wilcher (b. 1985); 9-bit Blues - Marcus Wilcher; Wanderer’s Resolve - Marcus Wilcher; Destination, Unknown - Marcus Wilcher. Ebonee Thomas, flute; Marcus Wilcher, saxophone; Martin McCain, bass trombone; Artina McCain, piano THE BLACKLIST co-led by Terrance McDaniel & Marcus Wilcher. FREE EVENT. For more click HERE. St. Andrew's Episcopal School, 5901 Southwest Parkway, Austin, TX 78735

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Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m.

Speed Dating at the Library: Want to meet new friends — or maybe a special someone? Join Amy from Nerd Nite Austin for a round of library-themed speed dating, just in time for Valentine's Day! Bring a favorite book, comic, or film to discuss to break the ice before a round of short speed dates with other interested adults. Afterward, find out if you made a romantic or friendship match! FREE EVENT. For more click HERE. Manchaca Road Branch, Austin Public Library, 5500 Manchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745

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Sunday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m.

The Purple Party featuring Music of Prince for Kids at Mohawk (Indoor): The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is an early and often first introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock and roll. See you at the show! The Rock and Roll Playhouse knows that little ears are sensitive, so the volume is turned down at the shows. However, all kids experience music differently and you may find that your child is more comfortable wearing hearing protection earmuffs, such as Baby Banz, which are available for purchase here. Tickets $12 - $15. For more click HERE. Mohawk (Indoor), 912 Red River St., Austin, TX 78701

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Sunday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m.

Latinas Who Brunch - Austin 2020 Kickoff: Latinas Who Brunch are also Latinas who... do a bunch of things. Latinas Who Brunch know what it's like to feel a bit isolated in the community when you don't have ways to meet other Latinas just like you. The group is a growing community of badass Latinas, in Austin and around the country, who lift each other up, support each other, and just straight up have FUN together. This is the first event of 2020! Typically the group hosts monthly brunches, happy hours, and other fun events to meet other ~mamacitas~ in the community. If it's your first time, come out and hang with other women in Austin who are ready to meet you. Spread the word, bring your friends, your tia, your abuela, whoever! FREE EVENT. For more click HERE. Cafe Nena'i, 1700 Montopolis Dr., Austin, TX 78741

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Sunday, Feb. 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Amala's Youth-Led Intergenerational Circle: The Amala Foundation inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with themselves and others, grow as individuals, and serve as conscious leaders in their communities. Our goal is to provide spaces for intergenerational connection on a regular basis led by our youth facilitators. The circle is led by teen leaders from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM. Afterwards, Amala's Sanctuary Yoga will be offering an optional community yoga class from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come out for yoga, mindfulness, movement, games, and sharing circles! All ages are welcome. Bring family and friends! FREE EVENT. For more click HERE. Amala Foundation, 1006 South 8th St., Austin, TX 78704

For more events, be sure and check out the Patch Austin Events Calendar.