THE LONG WEEKEND FIVE THINGS TO DO
1 CHEAP TRICK AT EMO’S
8p.m. Friday.$44.25. 2015E. Riverside Drive. emosaustin.com.
If nothing else, Cheap Trick has proven to be a survivor. Following their rise to mainstream-rock stardom in the late 1970s, the Rockford, Ill., foursome’s fortunes gradually ebbed over the next couple of decades, as with most of their peers from the golden era of arena rock. Something scrappy about Cheap Trick’s brand of rock ’n’ roll lingered, though, to where bands such as Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam helped revive their career in the ’90s by inviting them to open tours. They escaped near-disaster in Canada when a festival stage collapsed during a thunderstorm while they were onstage. Rising local rockers Ume open.
— PETER BLACKSTOCK
2 NOLAN RYAN AT BOOKPEOPLE
6 to 8p.m. Friday. Free. 603 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-4725050,www.bookpeople. com.
In his post-Ranger life, Nolan Ryan has become almost as well known for his love of beef as his skills on the pitching mound, and this month, the Georgetown resident and cattle rancher has teamed with Cristobal Vazquez, executive chef for the Texas Rangers, to write his first cookbook, “The Nolan Ryan Beef and Barbecue Cookbook.” The book features 75 recipes for steaks, ribs, burgers, side dishes and desserts, including smashed potatoes and carrot cake, as well as stories from Ryan’s life both on and off the field. He’ll share a few of the stories behind the dishes at several book events. Besides Book People on Friday, he’ll be at the H-E-B at 1700 East Palm Valley Road from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. — ADDIE BROYLES
3 BEER AND A SHOT AT DRINK. WELL
6p.m.Thursday. Free. 207E. 53rd St .www. hops and grain. com/news/ acbw-beer-and-a-shot-atdrink-well-thursday-515.
Hops & Grain and Drink. Well are teaming up to release the Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrel-aged version of the El Portero Greenhouse beer called La Tortuga and the Hare. La Tortuga will be on tap all night starting at 6 p.m. and, just like last year, will pair with a shot of Buffalo Trace bourbon. It’s one of the American Craft Beer Week events highlighting the efforts and enthusiasm of local and national breweries. Visit austin360.com/liquid for more of these beer-centric events, which end Sunday.
4 RICE FESTIVAL AT THE ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER
10a.m. to4p.m. Saturday. Free. 8401 Cameron Road. 512-974-1700,www. austintexas. gov/aarc.
A food festival highlighting rice in all its forms, Rice: A Celebration of Asian American Culinary Pursuits, will feature a variety of activities. First up is a battle of Asian-themed food trucks creating their best rice-based dishes. You’ll have the chance to try them and vote on your favorite. (This portion of the festival costs $20.) Plus, there’s also a series of outdoor games called the Rice Olympics, interactive food booths and a moon bounce for kids. Then, from 3 to 4 p.m., restaurant and food truck owners will share their take on the current culinary landscape of Asian cuisine in Austin, a discussion led by food writer and historian M.M. Pack, of the Austin Chronicle and Edible Austin, who is working on a project about the history of rice in Texas.
5 BUBBLE Q AT W AUSTIN
2 to 5p.m. Sunday. $49. 200LavacaSt.512-5423600,www. whotelaustin. com/bubbleq.
Kick off the summer in style with Champagne and seasonally inspired fare poolside at the W Austin. Trace chef Lawrence Kocurek will be serving an assortment of his signature smoked meats such as roast suckling pig, Windy Hill goat legs and roast gulf oysters. Those seeking lighter bites can enjoy summer salads with fresh, local ingredients. End on a sweet note with treats from pastry chef Angel Begaye. Savor sparkling sips of champagne from brands including Veuve, Veuve Rose, Mumm Napa, Perrier-Jouet and Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur.