Jiab Prachakul (Courtesy of the Contemporary Austin)
Jiab Prachakul: Sweet Solitude
Through August 3, The Contemporary Austin
Whoever says Austin isn’t a fine art town can get the hell out of here. We continually break artistic ground with innovative and international taste. The Contemporary once again adds to that rep by hosting artist Jiab Prachakul’s first solo museum show. Born in Thailand, living in France, and with a solid film background behind her, Prachakul’s work has a bold style and clear point of view. Heavy graphic lines and soul-stirring colors fill her art. Each moment could be a film still, each stroke staking her claim on a far-too-Western art world. Widely accessible but intensely intimate, Prachakul’s scenes beg for close inspection. Join the Contemporary, and the artist herself, in examining her offerings during Friday’s opening night festivities or in conversation on Saturday, Feb. 1. – Cat McCarrey
Double Indemnity
Monday 3, We Luv Video
Parents not included: This screening’s for the teens! We Luv’s adolescent cinema education series Flick Clique continues its hot streak of introducing a new generation to movie magic with Billy Wilder’s classic noir. Much to enjoy here for the teenage set, from the snappy dialogue, cool costumes, and that sick-as-hell thing actor Fred MacMurray does to light his cigarettes. If your teen – or you, possible teen Chronicle reader – attends this screening, they may end up leaving with an indescribable urge to own an overcoat. Or, at least, that’s the hope – the other option is they become interested in insurance fraud. Happy watching! – James Scott
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Sing-Along Party
Tuesday 4, Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane & Lakeline
In a world of emboldened YouTube hacks, we should all be thanking The Lonely Island for ushering in the viral musical parody era with a bulletproof knowledge of their source material. In other words, Andy Samberg actually understands rap and pop music – as 2016’s ridiculously underrated Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, a mockumentary starring the comedian as a fictional Justin Bieber type – makes clear. Alongside SNL alums like Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, and Will Forte, cameos by such stars as Usher, Miley Cyrus, and Rihanna serve as proof that this satire of white boy idol worship is, how we say, 4Real. – Carys Anderson
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Broadway in Austin: Les Misérables
Tuesday 4 – Sunday 9, Bass Concert Hall
Less digressive than Victor Hugo’s original 1862 novel, that 1,400-some-page doorstopper, but still a significant investment of time at nearly 3 hours, plus intermission, this sung-through musical is one of the most popular stage productions ever, and for good reason: It’s wildly entertaining stuff. A cat-and-mouse game between ex-con Jean Valjean and a by-the-book policeman driven to send him back to prison plays out against the backdrop of the Paris Uprising of 1832 and a classic love triangle where boy opts for pretty-but-boring over the more interesting choice. (Justice for Éponine!) “Do You Hear the People Sing?” is so stirring it’s no wonder it’s been adopted as a protest anthem. – Kimberley Jones
UMLAUF After Dark: Lunar New Year
Tuesday 4, UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
Got ophidiophobia, or a fear of snakes? Don’t go running away just yet. 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake in the lunar calendar, but fear not, as this snake brings good fortune. As we start the Lunar New Year with fresh beginnings in mind, let’s not forget about the lively festivities that come along with it. The UMLAUF’s Lunar New Year celebration hosts an evening replete with gong meditation, food, and a glow-in-the-dark dragon and lion dance. Admission is free for members, but $12 will get nonmembers in. – Catalina Perez
Squish and Squash: Kitty Cat Storytime
Wednesday 5, BookPeople
One of the cool cats around here had to be the one to share this mews you can use: There are two new picture books that a young friend to felines will certainly adore! BookPeople will hold a reading of Squish along with the latest edition of the Squash, the Cat series, and if there’s time, a few more cat tails. Gather your kittens and paws at the BookKids Amphitheater at 10:30 for a purr-fect midmorning storytime. – Kat McNevins
Courtesy of the Long Center
Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández
Thursday 6, the Long Center
This might sound cheesy to the uninitiated, but if you’ve ever been to the Ballet Folklórico in Mexico City you know it’s 100 percent legit. The Ballet has been around since the early Fifties and is constantly changing. When I checked it out in 2019 it was a gorgeous, confident pageant of indigenous music and dance from traditions little known in the U.S., like Son Huasteco, Son Jarocho, Son Istmeño, and Pirekua. It’s the exact opposite of fall-asleep music and the dancing has nothing to do with European ballet. It’s glorious, fun, inscrutable Mexico. – Brant Bingamon
Want to see all of our listings broken down by day? Go to austinchronicle.com/calendar and see what’s happening now or in the coming week.