Words by Deven Wilson Photos Front Market
Temporary experiences that offer a chance to make lasting memories.
There’s something about a seasonality to pop-ups that gives them a bit of an enticing kick that shakes up the routine of life. Whether it’s through the excitement of a creative culinary collaboration, perusing unique wares at a market, or the chance to take a course learning something not typically taught, these local pop-ups break up the ordinary with extraordinary.
Get Baked
Every Second Saturday gets sweeter at Springdale General with Clover + Maven’s bake sale, hosting a collection of local bakers selling all kinds of goodies like cookies, pastries, cakes, breads, and anything else that warms the soul. From 11am to 1pm, it’s free to attend, but of course a cookie or twelve will come at a cost.
1023 Springdale Rd. | cloverandmaven.com
Honey’s Pop-up
Guest chefs take diner’s taste buds on a journey across five farm-to-table plates in an intimate and lovingly restored Govalle bungalow at SWOOP Garden. Every Friday at 7pm, sit across from strangers at the communal tables for $105 per person with each month’s menu changing to match the season; so no dinner is exactly alike. With lively conversations, consider going with as few friends as possible˛to invite the chance of leaving the dinner with new ones.
3012 Gonzales St. | swoopwine.com/honeys
Beat Sessions
Texas’s own homegrown art battle, Beat Sessions at Spokesman Coffee South, wrangles together artists each month to compete in a timed-format battle of mural art. Voting with the almighty dollar, attendees can cast a dollar to the artists via Venmo or cash. The artist with the most votes wins. Free to attend on the last Monday of the month and open to all ages, with doors opening at 7pm, the vibes are kept high thanks to live DJ sets to keep records spinning while the battle rages on at 8pm.
440 E St. Elmo Rd. | spokesmancoffee.com | @beatsessions.tx
The Front Market
Back this fall, Future Front’s massive market returns to Waterloo Park on November 21 and 22. This event pops up every fall and spring, featuring over 150 artists, makers, and craftspeople along with creative small business owners. It’s a treasure trove of trinkets and one-of-a-kind art. From 11am to 5pm and free to attend, just plan on bringing a sizable tote so that you can leave with local art for your home.
500 E 12th St. | futurefronttexas.org
Drag Queen Bingo
Hosted by the formidable and fantastic Louisianna Purchase, The Little Gay Shop pops into St. Elmo Brewing for Drag Bingo every third Wednesday. Starting at 6pm, it’s a night of high heels and higher odds for a chance to get lucky with a winning card. Free to attend but be sure to bring a few dollar bills for tips or to get tots from the Spicy Boys food truck out back.
440 E St. Elmo Rd. | stelmobrewing.com/events
Bolos & Bourbon
Is there anything more Texan than making a bolo while sipping bourbon? At the Driskill Hotel, grab a ticket for $68 and exactly that. A local artisan teaches guests how to make their own custom bolo while sampling curated bourbons complete with light snacks. Starting at 5pm, Monday to Saturday it’s nearly an hour’s worth of learning the art of bolos in Austin’s most historic hotel.
604 Brazos St. | driskillhotel.com
