Austin Entertains and BIPOC PoP Multimedia Arts Expo Today

A Vibrant Thursday in the Capital City

Welcome to your Austin "What's On" guide for Thursday, March 5, 2026. Whether you are looking for local flavors, cultural insights, or a night of live music, the city is buzzing with activity today. Here are the top picks for events happening across the capital city, ranging from culinary showcases to multimedia arts festivals.

Culinary Excellence: Austin Entertains

One of the premier events today is Austin Entertains, held at the Junior League of Austin (JLA) Community Impact Center. This annual showcase specifically spotlights women in the local culinary arts. It is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to sample unique dishes and drinks from some of the city's most talented female chefs, pastry makers, and mixologists. The evening serves as both a high-end food-tasting festival and a significant community fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local community impact projects. It is an essential stop for anyone wanting to celebrate the best of Austin’s culinary innovation.

Multimedia Culture: BIPOC PoP 2026

For those interested in the intersection of creativity, representation, and technology, the BIPOC PoP 2026 expo and symposium is taking place today on the University of Texas at Austin campus. This event focuses on comics, gaming, animation, and various multimedia arts created by BIPOC artists and scholars. The expo features public exhibitions and provides a space for community members to engage with creators who are shaping the future of digital and visual storytelling. It is an inspiring meetup for aspiring artists, fans of graphic novels, and those interested in indie gaming developments.

Theater for All Ages

Austin’s theater scene is thriving this Thursday with several notable productions. At the ZACH Theatre, you can catch the beloved classic Charlotte's Web on the Kleberg stage. This production is uniquely enhanced by live bluegrass music and breathtaking aerial artistry, offering a fresh and magical take on the story of Wilbur and Charlotte. Additionally, the Austin Playhouse is performing Carmela Full of Wishes, a touching production based on the award-winning children's book. These shows offer excellent entertainment options for families and theater enthusiasts alike.

Live Music and Art Exhibits

True to its reputation as a music hub, Austin offers a variety of live performances tonight. The Jayhawks are scheduled to take the stage at the historic Paramount Theatre, bringing their signature alt-country sound to one of the city's most iconic venues. For a more casual and interactive night, The Karaoke Underground will be hosting a session at the Far Out Lounge & Stage, allowing locals to front a live band for their favorite punk and indie hits.

Art lovers should also make time for the B. Shawn Cox: CAKE exhibition at the Davis Gallery. This solo show explores themes of nostalgia and indulgence through vibrant paintings and sculptural "slices," offering a colorful and self-aware look at cultural decadence. The gallery is open today for public viewing, providing a perfect afternoon cultural escape.