Looking for free things to do all week? The Scoop,
Sunday
Black History Month Concert. Duke Ellington highlights the performers at the Butler School of Music’s 10th annual concert. Leon P. Turner, the UT Jazz Orchestra, UT Austin and Huston-Tillotson choirs will also perform. 7:30 p.m. Bates Recital Hall, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive. music. utexas.edu.
Art in Bass. Landmarks hosts a docent-led tour through Bass Concert Hall filled with art on loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. 11 a.m.-noon. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive. landmarks. utexas.edu.
Monday
Blazer Tag’s 17th Birthday. OK, this one isn’t free. But for their 17th birthday, Blazer Tag will charge only 17 cents for a game of laser tag in the largest laser tag arena in Texas. 4-9 p.m. Blazer Tag, 1701 W. Ben White Blvd. 512462-0202, blazertag.com.
Tuesday
Party Gras. To celebrate Fat Tuesday, the arcade will be giving out festive beads and free beer while supplies last. Anyone wearing beads will be given four free tokens for game play. 10 a.m.-midnight. Pinballz Arcade, 8940 Research Blvd., Suite 100. pinballzarcade.com.
Wednesday
Karaoke & Chill. Get in the Valentine’s Day mood with singles and lovers alike. Singles can get a kiss from Hank the dog and other wrinkly pets from Pug Rescue Austin in the kissing booth and couples can have their love fortune read. Also expect photobooths, love potion cocktails, spin the bottle, crafts and karaoke. 8 p.m.2 a.m. Spiderhouse Ballroom, 2906 Fruth St. spiderhouseaustin.com.
Thursday
Carnaval Austin Pre-Party. It’s probably not necessary to warm up for Carnaval, but it won’t hurt, either. Get in the shimmy-shaking spirit a few weeks early with this musical mash-up party with local D Js and Austin samba schools. Those willing can also get airbrush painted. You’ll be prepared for the Feb. 27 party in no time. 8 p.m. Spiderhouse Ballroom, 2906 Fruth St. spiderhouseaustin.com.
Friday
Look Inside: New Photography Acquisitions. The Har- ry Ransom Center boasts one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive photography collections. See the almost 200 of the Center’s newest additions at this newly-opened exhibit. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St. hrc.utexas.edu.
Feb. 13
Smoke Out Saturday. The Mardi Gras celebration isn’t over at Bangers. Get authentic Cajun Hog and Dirty Rice and Abita beers while enjoying live performances from Gumbo Ya Ya and more big bands. Noon2 a.m. 79 Rainey St. bangersaustin.com.