Planetarium Mobilis
Details
Planetarium Mobilis is turning June 4 into a dreamy little launchpad for the senses. This immersive art experience pairs local ambient music with space imagery projected across a planetarium dome, creating the kind of slow, glowing atmosphere that makes you forget what day it is in the best possible way.
For this edition, ambient classical duo Highway Lights takes the controls. Cellist Sara Nelson and pianist-composer Justin Sherburn weave together sweeping cello lines, hushed piano textures, and deep drone-rich soundscapes inspired by the meditative worlds of Brian Eno, Arvo Pärt, and Stars of the Lid. If “astral projection meets sacred minimalism” sounds like your vibe, this is absolutely your orbit.
The experience is designed for full-body relaxation: lounge on yoga mats and pillows, or settle into traditional seating if you prefer your stargazing a little more upright. Either way, the visuals and music work together like a soft-spoken rocket engine, carrying the audience through NASA imagery reimagined by filmmaker Anlo Sepulveda and into a serene, cinematic voyage through the cosmos.
Expect an hour of atmospheric wonder, from first note to final fade-out. And when you touch back down, herbal tea helps ease the re-entry, which is exactly the kind of thoughtful finishing touch that makes this more than a performance—it’s a mini retreat for the mind.
- Immersive planetarium-style art experience
- Live ambient classical performance by Highway Lights
- Space imagery and video installation throughout the show
- Relaxed viewing with yoga mats, pillows, and seating options
- Herbal tea served after the performance
Whether you come for the music, the visuals, or the chance to spend an hour floating somewhere between concert hall and galaxy, Planetarium Mobilis promises a uniquely soothing night out in Austin.
Venue Details
Factory on 5th is a lively countercultural art center tucked inside a vintage 1948 pink Quonset hut in the East Austin arts district. It blends underground charm with a welcoming, community-driven vibe, making it a go-to creative playground for artists, performers, and audience members alike.
- Figure Drawing & Painting Sessions
- Regular life drawing classes with live nude models, open to everyone from sketchbook beginners to seasoned illustrators and painters.
- Emphasis on traditional life studies as a foundation of artistic training, with a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
- Supplies available on-site: community pencils, markers, drawing boards, easels, and drawing horses, plus optional sketch pads for purchase.
- Casual, come-as-you-are energy that encourages experimentation, learning, and creative play.
- Creative Events & Performances
- Hosts a rotating lineup of events, from immersive theatre productions to high-energy live music and multidisciplinary shows.
- Past and recurring happenings include:
- Intimate theatre performances in a flexible, industrial-style space.
- Live bands, DJ sets, and dance-forward nights that turn the venue into a glowing, eclectic party.
- Special celebrations and arts community gatherings that highlight local creatives.
- Events often feature a festival-like mix of sound, movement, and visual art, giving each night its own distinct personality.
- Atmosphere & Amenities
- The pink Quonset hut exterior sets a playful tone, while the interior feels like a mash-up of warehouse gallery, rehearsal room, and neighborhood hangout.
- Round-the-block free street parking during many evening events adds to the easygoing, drop-in-friendly feel.
- Complimentary drinks such as wine, beer, or water are often part of figure drawing nights, encouraging guests to relax and stay awhile.
- On select evenings, food trucks park nearby, turning the art session or show into a full night out.
- Community & Culture
- Operates on an “All are welcome, all make art here” philosophy, lowering the barrier to entry for anyone curious about participating in the arts.
- Values creative labor by offering strong pay rates for models and performers, reinforcing a culture of respect for working artists.
- Acts as a crossroad for different Austin scenes: visual artists, theatre-makers, musicians, dancers, bike folks, and more all intersect here.
- Ideal for people who love art but prefer spaces that are offbeat, unpretentious, and community-oriented rather than polished or formal.
- What Makes Factory on 5th Stand Out
- Its distinctive pink Quonset hut shell and East Side location give it instant character and a sense of discovery.
- The mix of figure drawing, experimental theatre, concerts, and creative parties means no two visits feel the same.
- It captures a slice of classic Austin energy: DIY, artsy, slightly rebellious, and endlessly welcoming.
Factory on 5th at 3409 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702 is a place where people come to sketch, watch, perform, dance, and simply be part of a DIY art community. Whether you are picking up a pencil for the first time, supporting local theatre, or catching a genre-blending live show, it offers a colorful, come-as-you-are experience in the heart of East Austin.
Location
- monday9 AM-8 PM
- tuesday9 AM-10 PM
- wednesday9 AM-8 PM
- thursday9 AM-8 PM
- friday9 AM-8 PM
- saturday9 AM-8 PM
- sunday9 AM-2 PM