For the Love of Dolly

For the Love of Dolly is happening this Sunday, August 30, at Hole In The Wall, one of the many tributes popping up across Austin for Dolly Parton. The country legend, actress, and philanthropist died at 80, and since this city was a place she loved, the afternoon is framed as a goodbye to her from Austinites. There's a particular nod to the fans, LGBTQIA folks, and anyone who goes against the grain who found a home in her music.

The afternoon is built around what Dolly meant to people: Dolly karaoke, posing with a life-size Dolly, and plenty of time to laugh, sing, and maybe cry a little together. Attendees are encouraged to turn up in rhinestones, and the organizers make it clear that everyone is welcome. It's less of a formal service and more of a community gathering—the kind of thing that works best when you're singing along with a room full of strangers.

The setting adds its own history. Hole In The Wall, on The Drag, is one of Austin's oldest live music venues, dating back to 1974, with two stages, a beer garden, and a pinball arcade. This particular gathering takes place in Calamity's, the back room, which keeps things intimate. It's a good spot for a tribute like this, where the singing and the stories are the whole point.

It runs from 3 PM to 5 PM on Sunday, August 30, at Calamity's in the back of Hole In The Wall, 2538 Guadalupe St. Admission is free.