AUSTIN
Kick the Cannes
Fantastic Fest, a genre-film showcase, trumps mainstream festivals because its organizers schedule gonzo events (e.g., a boxing match with festival co-founder Tim League) next to premieres of blockbusters, like Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar, September 20–27, fantasticfest.com
COLLEGE STATION
Howdy, SEC
Beating the University of Florida Gators would make for an auspicious SEC debut for the Aggies, with the added bonus of exacting revenge on Will Muschamp, Florida’s head coach and the man who helped the Longhorns defeat the Aggies twice when he was defensive coordinator for UT. Kyle Field, September 8, aggieathletics.com
FORT WORTH
Piano Peace
The Van Cliburn Foundation’s Gold Medalists Concert features performances by four pianists from different countries in an homage to Cliburn, the Fort Worth virtuoso whose 1958 Russian appearance helped break the Cold War ice. Bass Performance Hall, September 6, cliburn.org
HOUSTON
Art Attack
Support freedom of expression by attending “Made in America: 250 Years of American Art,” an exhibition highlighting nearly 240 pieces from the MFAH’s expansive collection of homegrown art. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, September 1–16, mfah.org
LUBBOCK
Go Western
Cowboys seem endangered in an increasingly urban Texas, where high fashion threatens to supplant boots and jeans, making the National Cowboy Symposium and Celebration critical for preserving the legacy of this character. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, September 6–9, cowboy.org
