Iranian American

***[CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE DETAILS](https://pinballz.com/events/anime-arcade-anime-day-celebration/)*** The **Anime Alliance of Austin is back at Pinballz Lake Creek** to celebrate their biggest holiday yet: National Anime Day! Join us **Saturday, April 25th**, for an afternoon filled with anime, cosplay, raffles, and so much more for the family to enjoy. Come hang out with the AAoA community and celebrate everything there is to love about anime and Japanese culture. _________________________________________________________ **Anime Arcade Highlights:** * **Meet The Community:** Gather with fellow anime enthusiasts and meet members of the AAoA community group. * **Chibi Artist Alley:** Shop local vendors and artists as they bring their best anime merch, fanart, and collectables. * **Cosplay Contests:** Compete for awesome prizes and show off your craftsmanship in the kid and adult cosplay contests. * **Food & Drinks:** Enjoy food from Mikki’s Tavern scratch kitchen, a mobile bar with themed drinks, and two full bars serving beer, cocktails, & more. * **Community Panels:** Take part in community-run panels and mini-games, exploring various aspects of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. * **After Party DJ:** Keep the energy going late into the night with an 18+ after party, featuring a live DJ. _________________________________________________________ **Event Schedule:** * 4:00 PM: Doors Open, Artist Alley & Community Hangout Begins * 5:30 PM: First Community Panel * 6:45 PM: Door Raffle Giveaway * 7:00 PM: Cosplay Contests (Kids & Adults) * 8:15 PM: Evening Panel * 9:00 PM: Transition to 18+ Late Night Mixer * 9:30 PM: 18+ Panel * 10:30 PM: DJ Mixer & After Party *\*\*\*Schedule subject to change as panels and programming are finalized.* _________________________________________________________ **Chibi Artist Alley:** Every anime con needs an artist alley! From retrogaming to modern anime trends, shop and support local vendors during the event. _________________________________________________________ **Themed Drink Menu:** Enjoy one of our feature themed cocktails or mocktails, available throughout the event at our mobile bar. (Must be 21+ with valid ID to order alcoholic drinks.) _________________________________________________________ **18+ Late Night Mixer:** When the sun goes down, the party comes around! For guests 18 and over, enjoy an evening filled with interactive games and a dance featuring a live DJ. *\*\*\*Guests must have a valid ID to be permitted into the Late Night Mixer.* _________________________________________________________ **Cosplay Contest:** Want to show off your latest cosplay creation? Sign up for the cosplay contest! Whether this is your first contest or your twentieth, all experiences and ages are welcome to participate. * **Kids Contest:** Open to ages 17 and under. Prizes and winner certificates will be awarded to Top 3 overall costumes. * **Adults Contest:** Open to ages 18 and over. Prizes and winner certificates will be awarded to Top 3 overall costumes. _________________________________________________________ **Anime Arcade Event Details:** * **Date:** Saturday, April 25th, 2026 * **Time:** 4 PM – 12 AM * **Location:** Pinballz Lake Creek * **Address:** 13729 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750 * **Admission:** Free to Attend

There will be an opportunity for American AND Chinese Mahjong play. This is a special event celebrating the great games of Mahjong. Come play! All supplies are included and it's free!

**San Gabriel River from Blue Hole Hike & Georgetown Red Poppy Festival** This was a fun event last year - let's do it again! We'll hike about a 5-mile portion of the San Gabriel River Trail. We will meet at 9am on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at the Blue Hole Park trailhead. (Reference: [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/san-gabriel-trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/san-gabriel-trail)) The Blue Hole Park trailhead is at the corner of Rock Street & 2nd Street in downtown Georgetown, next to the Encantada Cocina-Cantina (formerly El Monumento). The [Red Poppy Festival](https://visit.georgetown.org/events/red_poppy_festival/index.php) is a fantastic event. After the hike, we can have lunch at Encantada or a food vendor at the festival, then enjoy booths and live music throughout the rest of the day. Also, I have been doing a lot of travel in 2026 and that will continue for a while. I'm looking for one or two more co-organizers who want to schedule local Austin-area hikes for this group, and I'll plan only a few out-of-state hikes this year. If you're interested in being a co-organizer, come on out to this event and let's chat. Thanks, Mike . . \-\-\- Legal Disclaimer \-\-\- By clicking on "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Austin Weekend Hiking & Backpacking Club Meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant Austin Weekend Hiking & Backpacking Club permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose. I further attest that I, the registrant, am fully and completely responsible for any guests that I bring to the event, whether registered or not.

Please note, due to events at Dragon's Lair, we are currently scheduled to be on on the large 4x6 miniature tables, rather than the back room, or on folding tables. Please plan accordingly. Let's play some Twilight Imperium, 4th Edition! ## Details Twilight Imperium Fourth Edition Mecatol Rex. The center of the known galaxy and seat of the former Lazax Empire. Scarred by the flames of betrayal, Rex is a specter of a fallen empire and of ages long forgotten, yet it remains an object of reverence— and desire—in a galaxy of conflict and uncertainty. Once, the great city that spanned its surface was the pinnacle of civilization. Today, Mecatol City is naught but a blasted shell of its former glory, a grim respite in the toxic Sea of Desolation that covers the majority of the planet. Even so, its parabolic history of decadence and destruction does little to deter those who would seek to harness its power. The Winaaran custodians who dwell within the remnants of the city maintain what is left of the former capital, waiting for one of the Great Races to step forward and take up the mantle of the former Emperors. But who among the races of the galaxy could fill the void left by the Lazax? To lay claim to the throne is a destiny sought by many, yet the shadows of the past serve as a grim warning to those who would follow in their footsteps... \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Please note, this is not part of any league, or any tournament. This is a casual, friendly game. If you are a new player, or want a refresher, here are a couple of videos: -4th edition in 32 mins: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u2xEap5hBM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u2xEap5hBM) -Prophecy of Kings expansion in 7 mins: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AltGwY-bmfY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AltGwY-bmfY) -All in One Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toGTh6niLqE

**Come join us as we celebrate our very successful 2nd year as a group!** We will gather on the patio of Whitestone Brewery around 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 25th. We will socialize for a little while as the team finishes preparing the crawfish. At 2:30, we will share a moment of gratitude for the friendships and connections that we have fostered during our first year together. After that we will eat, drink, and socialize...what we do best! **Please note there are 2 events for the same celebration**. The event you are reading about now is for those who do NOT want crawfish. For those not eating crawfish, I encourage you to come and enjoy some great pizza from 600 degree pizza that is collocated with Whitestone Brewery! If you want to attend the celebration and enjoy some crawfish, you can sign up for the event that has the same title but **WITH crawfish**. Please reach out to anyone you connected with through this group and encourage them to come celebrate with us. And, if you haven't joined us for an event yet, this will be fantastic opportunity to make some great new friends! I hope to see you there, Mike

**Come join us as we celebrate our very successful 2nd year as a group!** We will gather on the patio of Whitestone Brewery around 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 25th. We will socialize for a little while as the team finishes preparing the crawfish. At 2:30, we will share a moment of gratitude for the friendships and connections that we have fostered during our first 2 years together. After that we will eat, drink, and socialize...what we do best! **Please note there are 2 events for the same celebration**. The event you are reading about now is for those who want to chip in and eat crawfish prepared by our very own Henry. Henry will cook up some delicious mud bugs for us and the cost for this privilege is $20 for approximately 3 pounds of crawfish and other fixings. After you RSVP I will send you instructions for paying your $20. This event is capped at 25 to keep the crawfish preparation manageable. If you want to attend the celebration but do not want crawfish, you can sign up for the event that has the same title but WITHOUT crawfish. Please reach out to anyone you connected with through this group and encourage them to come celebrate with us. And, if you haven't joined us for an event yet, this will be fantastic opportunity to make some great new friends! I hope to see you there, Mike

***Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk.*** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎***This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 Save Soil Walkathon here in Austin and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children!*** Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Champion Park 3830 Brushy Creek Road Cedar Park, TX 78613 ⏰ Time: 7:30am - 10:00am 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-austin-tx-registration-1985883072729?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼***Free and Open to All.*** Share this message and bring your neighbors, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!

We focus on personal transformation. If you are not growing in Christ and you seek to be like Him in Character and in Power, this is the group for you. We meet outside of eBar, which is inside of Barton Creek Shopping Mall on the first floor, next to Nordstroms. (It is Nordstrom's coffee shop). 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 [You will find us if you park near Nordstroms on the first floor and walk into the Mall.]

We play a wide variety of Euro-style board games, including anything new that's out there plus usual favorites. Bring your favorite game! Someone will most likely want to try it. Game Kastle has snacks and drinks, plus there is a Subway, Taco Bell, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Wing Street and Wanfu in the shopping center. Sorry, no alcohol allowed in the store. There are usually 10+ folks playing games, regardless of the number that sign up. If you show up after 1pm, you may have to wait.

Join with us for a peaceful and uplifting gathering and experience the soothing spiritual sound vibration of Kirtan meditation. We'll finish off the evening with a guided deep relaxation. This free event is open to all and offers an opportunity to explore a meditative state through the singing of sacred mantras. This evening will allow you to participate as much or as little as you’d like, whether you prefer to chant along, listen, or simply absorb the peaceful yoga sound. No previous experience is necessary. Just bring an open heart. Feel free to bring a friend! We look forward to sharing this special evening with you.

Saturday In-Person Writing Session – Join Us! Join us every Saturday at 9 AM for a live writing session at Lamppost Coffee on E Main in Round Rock. Whether you're diving into your novel, working on a short story, or just looking to get some words on the page, this is a welcoming space for writers of all kinds. * Drop in anytime during the session * Get feedback, give feedback, or just write * Say hello and meet fellow local writers Interested in organizing a future write-in, attending a writing conference, or submitting to a flash fiction contest? Let us know! We’re always looking for new ways to support our writing community and sharpen our craft. **Lamppost Coffee** 201 E Main St #101, Round Rock, TX 78664 If you don't see us at the big table in the front, check in the back room! See you on Saturday!

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Join us for a fun Dinner & a Movie event as we get together to see MICHAEL + Dinner at CAP City! The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) as the King of Pop! Early buzz is strong for what should be an excellent musical-biopic! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This biographical musical drama follows the life of Michael Jackson, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his early solo career! Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) stars in the title role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw) MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 3:35pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 3:10 and 3:20pm. Tickets already on sale and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie (around 6pm) at nearby CAP City Fine Diner! Seating is limited for the dinner portion of this event, so separate RSVP required. If you plan to join for Dinner AND the movie, please be sure to RSVP in both places. CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we get together to see the BAFTA-winning British biographical dark-comedy/drama, I SWEAR! The film is based on the true-life story of a Scottish man diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at an early age. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPITON: This true-life story follows a Scottish man diagnosed with Tourette's at 15. Targeted as 'insane' by his peers, he struggled with a condition few had witnessed. In search of his life’s purpose, he began campaigning for better understanding and acceptance of the condition of Tourette's as an adult. The film is written/directed/produced by Kirk Jones and stars Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeWqQN3snCU BUZZ & ACCLAIM: I Swear currently has an incredible 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says: “A deft balance of prickly and sweet that's bound together by Robert Aramayo's knockout performance, I Swear doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of Tourette syndrome while delivering an uplifting tale of resilience.” Others call it, “"funny, fierce and full of heart!” The film was released earlier in the UK making it eligible for this year’s BAFTA’s where it won Best Casting and Best Lead Actor for Robert Aramayo. The film and Robert Aramayo's performance will be eligible for next year’s Oscars! PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the bar area about 30 minutes before showtime! Once details are confirmed, advance ticket purchase is advised! Details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Should be a good one, Dan

MCKS PRANIC HEALING® Level I In PRANIC HEALING® Level 1, you learn the basics of working with your energy aura, including learning to "scan," or feel the energy, to "sweep," or clean away congested energy, and to "energize," or supplement areas in your aura that have a pranic deficiency. PRANIC HEALING® has been taught to doctors, nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, shiatsu practitioners, and many others in the healing field. It has allowed them to heal confidently and consistently in the shortest learning time possible. These professionals find PRANIC HEALING® very effective and easy to apply. Other topics covered in PRANIC HEALING® Level 1: Energetic anatomy: You will learn to work with the network of chakras, meridians and auras to accelerate the healing processes of your body. Preventive healing: You will learn to remove the negative energetic patterns of a disease to prevent it from fully manifesting as a physical ailment. Self-Pranic healing: You will learn to apply these healing techniques to accelerate your own healing. Step-by-step techniques for ailments related to your: respiratory system, e.g., asthma,; circulatory system, e.g., heart ailments; gastrointestinal system, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal system, e.g., arthritis and back pain; reproductive system, e.g., menstrual problems. You'll also learn how to address common problems as migraines and sinusitis. Additionally, you'll learn to apply distant healing to loved ones who are not present in the room with you. All PRANIC HEALING® courses are "experiential," which means that you learn by actually performing the techniques and exercises in class - on yourself and those around you. During class, all the principles will be explained thoroughly and you will practice the techniques exhaustively so you will be confident in your ability to produce positive results when you finish the course. This is Day 2 of 2 Attendance at day one is required to attend day 2. The Course text book is Choa Kok Sui, "Miracles through Pranic Healing" Please bring this with you to class. PRANIC HEALING® Level 1 is a prerequisite to all other GMCKS courses. For those interested to review the class...Review fee is only $75!! LOOK AT THIS!! Review for FREE when you bring a new student to class with you.

A movie this big deserves a big dinner! Join us after MICHAEL for fun and delicious dinner at another CMG-favorite restaurant, CAP CITY FINE DINER! RSVPs are limited for the dinner portion of this event! Here are complete details: CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. MENU: [https://capcityfinediner.com/locations-menus/gahanna/menus/dinner/](https://capcityfinediner.com/locations-menus/gahanna/menus/dinner/) RSVP: Dinner immediately following the movie at nearby CAP CITY FINE DINER! Please RSVP for here for the dinner portion of this event at Cap City Fine Diner. Since the dinner portion of this event is limited, please only RSVP if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please update your RSVP as early as possible. Please RSVP in both events, if you plan to attend the movie and dinner. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan