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for Mon., Dec. 7
  • Laundry & Bourbon with Lonestar

    Laundry and Bourbon with Lonestar, two companion one act plays set in backyards of a small Texas town. Three ladies come together to talk about their life's ups and downs. Lonestar follows the life of three small town boys and the events that have shaped them. Both shows give us highs & lows with humor spread around, for good measure.
    Apr. 19-May 5  
    Navasota Theatre Alliance
  • Affordable Art Fair Austin

    Affordable Art Fair Austin will launch in May 2024, showcasing original contemporary artworks ranging between $100 to $10,000. Welcoming a whole host of local, national and international exhibitors, their spectacular first edition is set to be unmissable!
    May 16-19  
    Palmer Events Center
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  • Arts

    Classical Music

    Conspirare Christmas 2020

    Begin the holidays with songs that go deep with love, courage, and hope, as Craig Hella Johnson curates this beloved concert bridging everyday songs with seasonal favorites and amazing guest performers.
    Mon., Dec. 7, 7:30pm. Donations accepted.  
    • Community

      Events

      Luminations at LBJ Wildflower Center

      In a year that could use some sparkle, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is bringing back a beloved winter tradition. It's a strollable Hill Country experience where thousands of luminarias light the way. For the first time ever, Luminations will wind through the Texas Arboretum among glowing oaks and the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia, a collection of forts custom-designed and built by local architects, designers, and artists.
      Through Jan. 3. Members only on Mondays; closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1  
    • Community

      Events

      Winter Wanderland

      Snow close, yet snow far out! Austin Motel is decked out for the holidays with a neon rainbow, and they're serving up hot chocolate (with optional peppermint schnapps), a Sugar Plum cocktail, and La Colombe coffee. Snacks include Reindeer Chow and hot pretzels.
      Through Jan. 3. Free, but RSVP.  
    • Arts

      Books

      ACC Literary Coffeehouse

      This is a livestreamed Zoom edition of the Austin Community College Creative Writing Department’s Literary Coffeehouse, hosted by Charlotte Gullick, featuring author Richard Z. Santos.
      Mon., Dec. 7, 7pm
    • Community

      Events

      Austin Trail of Lights

      Austin's 56th annual holiday tradition returns to Zilker Park as a drive-through event this year and runs two additional weeks. As you drive through the trail illuminated by more than 2 million lights, tune in via your car radio for holiday music, highlights, and history. This year guests can choose a ticket type based on their preferred date and time, with prices ranging from $25-35 per vehicle for GA or a $60 per vehicle "Dash Pass" which includes early entry and festive refreshments.
      Through Jan. 3 (except New Year's Day). GA, $25-35 per vehicle; Dash Pass, $60 per vehicle.  
    • Arts

      Dance

      Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker

      Local luminaries enliven the stage with holiday splendor and wintery exuberance in this Nutcracker digital film, featuring Ballet Austin’s 2019 stage production by Stephen Mills, now streaming on-demand and including a plethora of bonus material, cast and crew interviews, and behind-the-scenes featurettes. Note: You can get access with a tax-deductible donation to Ballet Austin and view the kinetic wonderment until the new year dawns.
      Through Jan. 1  
    • Community

      Events

      Blue Genie Art Bazaar

      The beloved Austin holiday shopping experience returns for its 20th year with four shopping options to ensure safety in the time of COVID-19. For in-store shopping, reserve free tickets online for a "no wait" entry. Walk-ins are also welcome, but guests may have to wait outside if it's at capacity. Online shoppers can either pick up items in-store or have them shipped anywhere in the U.S. Personal shoppers and virtual shopping will also be available through the BGAB website. BGAB is a family-friendly experience where you can find one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry, artwork, home goods, and gifts for everyone on your shopping list.
      Through Dec. 24, 10am-10pm daily (10am-6pm on Dec. 24)  
    • Community

      Events

      Downtown Holiday Stroll

      This year, the hallmark event is more than just one evening; it's a month of free activities and holiday happenings. Visit the 45-foot-tall holiday tree by the Capitol, catch a movie at Paramount or the new Blue Starlite, and download or pick up a holiday passport to guide your way and collect stamps as you experience all that Downtown Austin has to offer.
      Through Dec. 31  
      Downtown Austin
    • Community

      Events

      Early Voting for Dec. 15 Run-Off

      Vote early for the run-off elections in City Council districts 6 and 10 as well as the Austin ISD Board of Trustees District 5 and Place 8 seats. Get more info on the candidates, voting by mail, and early voting locations at austinchronicle.com/elections.
      Dec. 3-11  
      Citywide
    • Community

      Events

      Final Call for RENT: Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants

      This program through the city of Austin provides full rent payment for income-eligible renters financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the details on their FAQ and apply online.
      Applications due Tue., Dec. 8, noon  
    • Community

      Events

      Mozart's 2020 COVID-Cautious Christmas Light Show

      Sip a delicious hot bevvie and see the beautiful light show by the lake. Reservations required.
      Through Jan. 6, 6pm-12mid. $10 per table for one-hour show.  
    • Qmmunity

      Community

      Pandemic Pity Party 2020

      Express your feels about this mess of a year through an open mic night for the qmmunity. It's a space to express yourself creatively and respectfully, so material glorifying any -isms won't be tolerated. Email for info on how to sign up.
      Mon., Dec. 7, 7:30-9pm. Free, but RSVP.  
      Online
    • Film

      Special Screenings

      Paramount Holiday Film Series

      The series comes to a close this weekend with White Christmas, Love Actually, and It's a Wonderful Life. Get your tickets soon because the theatre is operating at very limited capacity.
      Dec. 6-20  
    • Food

      Food Events

      The Eleanor: Miracle on Fifth Street

      Yes, the beloved Christmas-themed pop-up bar returns to The Eleanor for another year of spirited celebration. Joann Spiegel, the mastermind behind the brand’s cocktail repertoire, has created a roster of delightful, holiday-inspired libations, featuring cocktails that play on classic holiday flavors. New this year: Jolly Koala (gin, vermouth, and pine-cardamom-sage cordial), On Dasher (bourbon, mezcal, sweet vermouth, spiced hibiscus, bitters, and lemon), and a Fruitcake Flip (brandy, Jamaican overproof rum, Amaretto, fruitcake, cherry bitters, and a whole egg). (Our personal fave, the Bad Santa, is likewise among the heady lineup.) Also, the full cocktail menu will be available at the main downstairs and mezzanine bars. Note: This year, all Miracle cocktails can be ordered to-go. Note: This year, all Miracle cocktails can be ordered to-go – and a portion of all to-go sales will benefit the Austin Children’s Shelter and Austin Pets Alive. God bless us, everyone!
      Daily, through Dec. 27  
    All Events
    • Community

      Events

      #TsoGiving Holiday Initiative

      Tso Chinese Delivery has partnered with seven local organizations with the goal to provide $100,000 in meals to Austinites in need. Make a direct donation online, or add a donation to any food order placed at Tso Chinese Delivery. For every $1 raised, #TsoGiving can donate $3 worth of meals.
      Through Dec. 31  
      Remote
    • Film

      Special Screenings

      A Christmas Story (1983)

      Paramount Holiday Film Series
      Mon., Dec. 7, 7:30pm  
    • Community

      Events

      AAYHF Annual Toy Drive

      African American Youth Harvest Foundation is seeking donations of toys for youth 3 months to 17 years of age. Gift cards are also welcome.
      Through Dec. 18  
    • Music

    • Film

      Special Screenings

      AFS Holiday Gift Memberships

      This holiday season, when you buy an Austin Film Society membership, you get two bonus months and a free gift of a ballcap or a T-shirt designed by local illustrator Alana Louise.
      Ongoing  
      Online via www.austinfilm.org
    • Community

      Civic Events

      AISD Board of Trustees Information Session

      Check here for agenda posting. Agendas are posted at least 72 hours before the start of meetings.
      Mon., Dec. 7, 5:30pm  
      AISD.TV; AISD FB page
    • Arts

      Visual Arts

      AO5 Gallery: Disruption

      Hey, you! Globally aware art connoisseur! Don't miss this show of bold visuals from some of the most famous European street artists – like Banksy, Striker, Zero, and Cee Pil – now sharing wall space with works by Austin's own Jason Eatherly, Dave Lowell, and that Impossible Winterbourne.
      Through Dec. 31
    • Community

      Events

      APA! Holiday Store Now Open

      When you're shopping for the animal lovers in your life, you'll find the perfect gift and support the nonprofit at the Austin Pets Alive! online store. They've got a people & pets cookbook, ornaments, toys, and the must-have outerwear for winter: the "I Like Big Mutts and I Cannot Lie" hoodie.
      Ongoing  
    • Community

      Events

      Armadillo Art Concierge

      Sadly, we can't visit the Armadillo Art Bazaar in person this year. The next best thing is Armadillo Art Concierge, an online, curated shopping guide pointing visitors to collections by content, process, medium, or artist location. Follow them on social media @armadillobazaar to see spotlighted art each day.
      Ongoing  
    • Arts

      Visual Arts

      Atelier Dojo: Holiday Auction

      Austin's premiere realist artists' teaching collective is holding an online auction of figurative works – a fine array of paintings and drawings – as created by the dojo's faculty and advanced students. You want some original images of human faces and bodies on your walls, classing up where you've been sheltering at home, improving the view for guests when we can all visit each other again? Here's an excellent opportunity to get some!
      Through Dec. 12  
    • Community

      Civic Events

      ATXelerator 2021 Application

      The ATXelerator aims to provide aspiring public officials with an experiential education on how Austin city government functions. This year's program will incorporate a hybrid learning model offering socially distanced, in-person activities as well as having all activities be available virtually.
      Deadline: Dec. 7. Application, free; tuition (if admitted), $195.  
      Online
    • Community

      Events

      Austin Creative Reuse

      ACR is such a neat place, filled to the brim with donations of reusable items, but you don't even have to be there to take advantage of their Earth-friendly stock. Shop online for gifts, holiday wrapping, craft supplies and notions, and even fun mystery packs.
      Ongoing  
      Online or in-store at 2005 Wheless
    • Qmmunity

      Community

      Austin LGBT Chamber Holiday Toy Drive

      The Austin LGBT Chamber Health and Wellness Committee is partnering with Austin Black Pride for its first-ever toy drive. Donate new and unwrapped toys, shoes, clothing, and gift cards appropriate for ages 18 & under at select drop-off sites (see here for locations). Gifts received will go to families enrolled in LifeWorks programs as well as ABP's distribution event on Sat., Dec. 19 at Givens Park (2811 E. 12th).
      Nov. 22-Dec. 17  
      Multiple drop-off locations
    • Film

      Special Screenings

      Austin Polish Film Festival

      This year, APFF has taken most of the screenings to the virtual realm, offering two months of Polish features and documentaries online, as well three films co-presented with Austin Jewish Film Festival and a few screenings at Galaxy Highland.
      Through Dec. 31  
      Online via www.austinpolishfilm.com
    • Community

      Events

      Austin Scavenger Hunt

      Explore Downtown in search of storied buildings, green spaces, and famous concert venues, all while solving riddles, trivia questions, and completing photo challenges. Now available: "Roam From Home," with family and date night scavenger hunt activities you can do without leaving the house.
      Anytime. $12.99-24.99.  
      Online and at home
    • Arts

      Dance

      Ballet Austin: Nutcracker Gift Barre

      This year – this relentlessly crazy-ass year – Ballet Austin brings their Nutcracker Gift Barre online to offer a great selection of holiday gifts, including nutcrackers, ornaments, tiaras, and T-shirts – with curbside pickup, delivery, or beyond-Austin shipping available. Note: 100% of proceeds will benefit Ballet Austin.
      Through Dec. 18  

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