Editor’s Note: In this recurring column, staff writer Katie Walsh recommends free events in Austin for the week.

Monday, Sept. 28

Fantastic Arcade 2015 Opening Night Party
Where: Empire Control Room & Garage, 606 E 7th St.
Time: 9 p.m.

Every September, an indie game showcase called Fantastic Arcade opens during Fantastic Fest, a genre film festival. All ages are invited to celebrate the opening night of Fantastic Arcade 2015 with special guest DJ’s and games including “Forest of Sleep,” “Catnips, Butt Sniffin’ Pugs,” “World’s Fastest Pizza” and “Super Russian Roulette.”

For more information, click here.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Ocho Payasos Comedy Night
Where: 100 Pizzitas, 900 E 7th St.
Time: 8 p.m.

Austin-based comedian Josh Staab will host a comedy night at pizza shop 100 Pizzitas on Tuesday night. Order from their menu of over 100 types of pizzas, pasta, salads and risottos while enjoying the lineup of Austin-based comedians Maggie Maye, Zac Brooks, Aaron Brooks, Tanya Nascimento, Patrick Sirois, Michael Foulk, Nick Saverino and Bob Khosravi.

For more information, click here.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Last Wednesday Jazz Jam
Where: The North Door, 501 Brushy St.
Time: 6 p.m.

Eastside Musical School and Jazz Austin present Last Wednesday Jazz Jam, held in the lounge backroom of the North Door. All ages are welcome to enjoy a classy evening of jazz.

For more information, click here.

Thursday, Oct. 1

First Thursday on South Congress
Where: South Congress Ave.
Time: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

On the first Thursday of every month, businesses on South Congress Ave. between Riverside Dr. and Mary St. stay open until 10 p.m. for First Thursdays. The monthly event is reminiscent of a block party, with street vendors selling jewelry, clothes and handmade goods and businesses offering drink and food specials until close.

For more information, click here.

Friday, Oct. 2

Movies in Your Park, “The Jungle Book”
Where: Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd.
Time:  6:30 p.m. kids activities begin, movie begins at dusk

Bring a picnic and blanket to the Mueller Lake Park Amphitheater Friday night for a screening of UT alum Robert Rodriguez's "SPY Kids!" The kid’s events, including face painting and games, will begin at 6:30, and the movie will start at dusk. Free parking is available in the McBee Parking Garage and along Simond Ave.

For more information, click here.

Saturday, Oct. 3

Sure Thing comedy show
Where: Austin Java, 1206 Parkway
Time: 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. start

Every Saturday night, a lineup of several Austin-based comedians performs in the back room of local coffee shop Austin Java. Past comedians include Funniest Person in Austin-winners, out-of-town guests and performers seen on “Comedy Central,” “The Tonight Show” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.” Arrive 30 minutes early to guarantee seating for the 8 p.m. show.

For more information, click here.

Sunday, Oct. 4

Backyard Story Night
Where: Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd.

• Time: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Two Austinites will host a night of storytelling in the pavilion behind Community First! Village in East Austin. Starting at 8 p.m., 10 to 12 pre-determined audience members will share five-minute stories to the crowd. If you are interested in telling a story, visit the event’s facebook page for directions on how to get your name on the list.

For more information, click here.