Back in early 2006, foodies were abuzz about the pizzas and Italian food products on offer at Mandola's Market on 47th Street. The shop fast became a neighborhood mainstay and maintains a loyal following. When we recently became aware that they were also planning a combination winery and restaurant venture in Driftwood (home of The Salt Lick), we contacted Mandola Estates hospitality head Lynn Zeller to find out more. The upshot of our talk:... more ›

THURSDAY [1] party • Learning Secrets hosts Optimo's JD Twitch (Glasgow, UK) at Whisky Bar (10pm-2am, $5) art • Public Tour: The Geometry of Hope: Montevideo in the 1930s at The Blanton (7:00 - 8:00 PM) art • Curator's Tour: The Geometry of Hope at The Blanton (12:30-1pm) art • Texas Biennial Opening Reception at Dougherty Arts Center (7-10pm) art • Art Fix: Enjoy an introduction to Latin American wines with Seth Pollard, Central... more ›

FIRST THURSDAY [1] music • Tre Orsi (members of Shearwater, South San Gabriel, Little Grizzly), The Paper Chase, Red X Red M, at Emo's music/benefit • ME! Live presents the Emerging Artist Series Debut with Meagan Tubb band, Tacks, the Boy Disaster and the Channel at Antone’s (7pm, $5) music • Yonder Mountain String Band at La Zona Rosa music • Onion Creek Crawdaddies at Waterloo Records (5pm, Free) music • Horse + Donkey,... more ›

South Austin beermeisters Rob and Amy Cartwright of Independence Brewing Company are kicking off a campaign this summer to help out the Barton Springs Greenbelt. Through the Freestyle Summer Fund, they'll donate a buck from every case of Freestyle Wheat Beer sold until mid September to the Austin Parks Foundation, to help out with various greenbelt preservation projects. To launch this effort, they're inviting you out to their Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, where you'll... more ›

The 18th Annual Old Settler’s Music Festival kicks off today out at the Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCullough, just south of town. The festival features one of the best bluegrass, folk and Americana lineups of any fest in the country, with more than two dozen bands set to perform. For those of you who have not attended, the weekend is a truly unique experience. The ambience of the pecan tree-lined Onion Creek provides a rustic setting for campers and festival goers alike, as the weekend takes on the feel of a time gone-by, one resplendent with campfire singing and outdoor cooking under the lgihts of the Hill Country stars. more ›