Each month I’ll be investigating events around town that might pique the interest of the book nerds, the literature obsessed, and those who enjoy stimulating entertainment and/or socializing. Not surprisingly, Austin has a number of things going on every month the Book People community would enjoy.
One Page Salon @ The Whip In
Tuesday Oct 6th at 7pm
It’s the One Page Salon 2nd anniversary! Come see novelist/lawyer/do-it-all Mark Falkin, teacher/thinker/human-lover Christopher Gandin Lein, Graceless powerhouse Carla Cook and much more! All at the unbeatably cool Whip In!
Readers at The One Page Salon read one page of a work in progress. I have never been to a place filled with as much talent, and as much respect for talent, where the beer flows so freely. Be sure to get there early, or you’ll be stuck without a seat. It’s standing room only, every time.
Join the Facebook page to get updates and invites each month!
Communal Celebration of Howl:
A Service Of Semi-Religious Significance
Malvern Books Oct 7th at 7pm
October 7, 2015 marks the 60th anniversary of the first reading of Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl.” To honor the occasion, Malvern Books is hosting a crowd-sourced performance of the poem, featuring people from all over Austin. The event emphasizes the religious nature of the piece, combining elements of worship from various spiritual traditions into one magical night of community.
For more info and to sign up to read, email: whoppe@austincc.edu
Nerd Nite at The North Door
Every Second Wednesday of the Month (October 14th)
Doors at 7:30, starts at 8pm
Right now, there is no information regarding the theme of this month’s event. However, every time I have gone I have had an amazing time, and walked away a little more informed than I was before. It will not disappoint! Did I mention this event is FREE?!?!
Previous shows have featured scientists, explorers, PhD candidates (also, PhD recipients), astrophysicists, video game developers, sociologists, and much much more. All talking about their research or field of expertise in a way us lay-people can understand, while drinking beers.
Join their Facebook page to keep up to date, or visit the Official Nerd Nite website!
The North Door is located at 501 Brushy St, just east of I-35 between 5th and 6th street.
BedPost Confessions at The North Door
Thursday, October 15th at 8pm
Smart. Sexy. Stories.
This adult oriented storytelling event focuses on the topic and themes of human sexuality in the form of true stories and anonymous confessions. Started in Austin, Tx in 2010, there is now a chapter in San Francisco. BedPost Confessions exposes both the humor and vulnerability inherent in sex and sexuality.
“I was afraid to talk to my partner about sex. We came to BedPost, and it broke the ice. Now we talk about intimacy and nothing seems taboo.” – Audience Member
“BedPost is the only place in Austin where I can come and hear people talk about sex in a way that makes it ok. It’s changed my life.” – Audience Member
Now with tiered pricing:
The Full Monty: $20 Available presale only. Avoid the lines and the wait, get your seats early! The Full Monty gets you a private and early entrance through the East Door (the kitchen side) beginning at 7:00. General admission seating begins at 7:15.
General admission: $15, entrance through the north door (alley side). Available pre-sale and at the door.
Student admission: $12 at the door (alley side) with a valid University ID
Ticket link here: https://northdoor.queueapp.com/events/9177
Join their Facebook group and check out their official website!
Texas Book Festival at the State Capitol
October 17th-18th
This is the 20th anniversary of the Texas Book Festival, and as such, they’ve scheduled to be the biggest and best Texas Book Fest ever! There will be over 300 authors in attendance (including Margaret Atwood, Marie Lu, Chuck Palahniuk, Tavi Gevinson, Sandra Cisneros, Jonathan Lethem, and so many more), author panels and signings, The Chuck Palahniuk Show (a variety show hosted by Chuck Palahniuk), a Lit Crawl, Yoga With Authors… the list goes on. Go to the official Texas Book Festival website to get the full schedule.
And the best part is, it’s FREE and open to the public!
Dinaw Mengetsu at St Edward’s University
Wednesday Oct 28th 6pm
Author Dinaw Mengetsu will read and answer questions about his work in the Carter Auditorium at St. Edward’s for the Marcia Kinsey Visiting Writer Series. Mengetsu is an Ethiopian-American novelist and writer. In addition to his three novels, he also writes for Rolling Stone, Harper’s, and The Wall-Street Journal. He’s received numerous literary awards, and was selected as a McArthur Fellow in 2012.
For more information on the Marcia Kinsey Visiting Writer Series and to find out their upcoming schedule, visit their website!
Wizard World at The Austin Convention Center
October 30th-31st
Wizard World Austin is Austin’s very own Comic-Con. Originally created as a convention for comic book fans, comic-cons the world over have grown exponentially as the comic book world has expanded more and more into popular culture. TV shows and movies based on comic books, or just within the genres previously dominated by comic books, now define these conventions, whether for good or for ill. I’m not here to discuss the evolution of comic-cons though. I’m just here to let you know about it. There are panels, signing events, vendors with some of the coolest t-shirts on the planet, original artwork for sale, cosplay the likes of which you’ll never forget, and of course the writers and artists of some of the greatest comic books in the world – the creators, without which this cultural phenomenon would not be possible. In short, Wizard World is pretty freakin’ great.
Here’s a list of just some of the talent appearing there: Brent Spiner, Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi, Kristin Bauer, Chris Sarandon, Caroll Spinney (he’s the puppeteer for Big Bird!!), Mike McKone (artist – Justice League), Tim Doyle, etc etc.
Admission starts at $85 (or $74.95 advance purchase). And there are other packages you can purchase for autographs and photo ops. Click HERE for ticket information!
NOTE: These events are not affiliated with Book People, except that we think they are great, that you’ll like them too, and hope to see you there!
Are you hosting, or know about, a literary themed event here in Austin in the upcoming months??? If so, email sarah.h@bookpeople.com and let her know about it (hopefully with at least a few weeks advance warning)!
BookPeople 
One day I will be one of the ‘events’ [wry smile].
Wow this is really interesting. I would love to see a recital of some of Sylvia Plath’s poems.