Local food journalist Toni Tipton-Martin offers a free series of cooking classes based on a traditional healthy African diet. Get more information and sign up for the class via email. Through Dec. 13, 6pm.
Activist monk and author Dada Maheshvarananda speaks on economic democracy in action, linking social crises with the struggles for peace and justice. 7pm.
MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop, 512/407-6925
Come investigate the potential scenarios about a South Austin high school (approved by voters in 2008), including future academic programming. 6:30-8:30pm.
Local architects and designers have created stylish animal abodes that you can bid on to help animal charities. Get a swanky sneak peek before the event next week. 6:30pm. $25.
The Deschutes folks set up in the Wheatsville beer/wine department with free samples of four beers paired with surprisingly delicious vegan and vegetarian appetizers, plus cool give-aways. 4:30-6:30pm.
This historic house is turned into a holiday shopping and all-around party place with vendors, live music, dinners, lunches, and more. Go online for a schedule of special events. Nov. 1-10.
Corporate and governmental representatives have jobs if you need one. Time to brush off your business garb. 8am-6pm. Free for jobseekers; $80 for small businesses.
Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, 701 E. 11th, 407-8240
Santa's tired of waiting for global warming to catch up at the North Pole. He's spending most of his pre-Christmastime among the 1.5 million lights of Santa's Ranch. Why not join him? Through Dec. 30, 6-10pm. $24 per car.
9561 N. I-35, New Braunfels (two miles south of Tanger Outlet Mall)
Chintan Modi discusses the unique uses for biofluorescent and biochemiluminescent molecules. Come early for refreshments and activities for the kids. 7:30pm. Free.
Kinda like Critical Mass without all the pretension. Relax, ride around town, chat it up with cycle-lovers like yourself, and overrun a park or a local hangout or two or three. Thursdays, 7:30pm.
Join the seven wineries along the Top of the Hill Country wine trail in a patriotic salute to the country and our armed forces on from Friday through Sunday of this Veterans Day weekend. Tickets cover a souvenir wine glass, Celebrate American T-shirt, wine tastings, and a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. Go online for more information and to by tickets.
Take a self-guided tour of Austin's favorite swimming hole. All you have to do is download the audio files and map from the Save Our Springs Alliance website, and off you go.
Barton Springs Pool, 2101 Barton Springs Rd., 512/867-3080
Share the warmth and donate new or gently used blankets, towels, and pillows to five area nonprofits – including Austin Children's Shelter and SafePlace – via city newcomers Sleep Experts. Through Thanksgiving.
Sleep Experts locations or the Girl Scouts of Central Texas
Whether you need to brush up your knife skills or throw together a romantic Thai dinner for two, these guys have you covered year round with an eclectic array of classes spanning all skill levels.
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