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for Wed., Dec. 20

  • The Amazing Acro-Cats: Keep It Weird in Austin!

    The Acro-Cats tour supports Rock Cats Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Rock Cats Rescue is focused on saving cats "One Click at a Time" through cat welfare, rescue, and adoption. The Acro-Cats show promotes the importance of bonding and training cats with positive reinforcement, while also finding homes for rescued cats.
    Apr. 24-May 5  
    get tickets
    Long Center for the Performing Arts

  • BookSpring Fest: A Read Aloud Celebration

    Join BookSpring for an enchanting celebration of reading at BookSpring Fest: A Read Aloud Celebration! Enjoy inspiring stories read aloud from pillars of the community, carnival games, a petting zoo, face painters, balloon makers, books, and refreshments (ALL FREE).
    Sat. May 4, 12pm-6pm  
    More Info
    BookSpring
Recommended

  • Community

    Events

    Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

    This vibrant and immersive fine art and music festival has stood the test of time as Austin’s premier destination for high-quality art, live music, and artisan gifts for the holiday season, now in its 48th year. Three dozen musical artists are scheduled to perform, and almost 200 artists will have goods on display.
    Dec. 15-23, 11am-9:30pm  
    get tickets
    Palmer Events Center

  • Community

    Events

    Austin Trail of Lights

    Austin's beloved tradition returns for its 59th year, featuring more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels.
    Dec. 8-23  
    get tickets
    Zilker Park

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    Events

    Blue Genie Art Bazaar

    Austin's fave shopping destination for the holidays is the place to find unique jewelry, art, home goods, and gifts with oodles of Austin flair.
    Nov. 17-Dec. 24. Free entry.  
    info
    Blue Genie Art Bazaar

  • Community

    Events

    Maywald Family Lights Display

    See a stunning light display and bring a donation for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, for which the Maywalds raised over $80,000 last year. New this year: a gift shop offering hot chocolate, mugs, shirts, Christmas ornaments, and more.
    Nov. 23-Dec. 28, 6-10pm. Donations for Make-a-Wish encouraged.  
    facebook
    10505 Twilight Vista

  • Community

    Sports

    Texas Stars

    Vs. Grand Rapids Griffins.
    Tue.-Wed., Dec. 19-20, 7pm  
    get tickets
    H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
All Events

  • Community

    Civic Events

    Affordable Care Act Help

    Now's the time to sign up for Affordable Care Act health coverage! Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2024, and the city has gathered a ton of helpful resources to help you sort out options. Go online to learn more or call 800/318-2596.
    Through Jan. 15, 2024  
    more info

  • Community

    Events

    Bee Cave on Ice

    Strap on your skates and hit the ice at the rink in Hill Country Galleria's Central Plaza.
    Nov. 10-Jan. 15. $15.  
    get tickets
    Hill Country Galleria

  • Community

    Events

    Belles & Chimes Pinball Meetup

    Women and nonbinary pinball players are welcome to join this casual pinball group for all levels, meeting at Bender Bar on first Wednesdays of the month and Cidercade on third Wednesdays.
    First & third Wednesdays, 8pm  
    instagram
    Bender Bar, 321 W. Ben White #300; Cidercade, 600 E. Riverside

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    Events

    Buddhist Meditation

    Asenath Avinash, who has over a decade of experience practicing both Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, leads an hourlong meditation session. Drop-ins welcome; no registration required.
    Wednesdays, noon. Donations appreciated.  
    more info
    Ceremony Social Spa

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Cistern Illuminated

    Experience this limited-edition, site-specific art piece of light and sound in the former underground water reservoir.
    Sat., Nov. 25-Sun., Jan. 7
    Houston

  • Community

    Civic Events

    City Council Calls for Central Health Board of Managers Applications

    Austin City Council seeks applications from qualified individuals to serve on the nine-member board of Travis County's health care district, Central Health, for an unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2025. Get more details and apply at the city's Boards & Commissions page.
    Applications open until positions filled  
    apply now

  • Community

    Sports

    College Day at the Dock

    The eyes of Texas are upon college students on Wednesdays. Have your student ID ready, because it'll get you half off a boat rental all day.
    Wednesdays  
    info
    Rowing Dock

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    Events

    Donate Blood, See a Movie

    We Are Blood and Alamo Drafthouse team up to reward blood donors with passes for a free movie.
    Dec. 15-24  
    more info
    We Are Blood donor centers & mobile drives

  • Community

    Events

    Fill a Holiday Table

    Central Texas Food Bank always welcomes donations, but now is a great time to chip in because thanks to community partners Beaumont Foundation and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, every dollar donated through Dec. 31 is doubled (up to $400,000).
    Through Dec. 31
    Central Texas Food Bank

  • Community

    Civic Events

    Free Vaccine Clinics

    Help limit the spread of nasty viruses as holiday travel ramps up. Find a list of free vaccine clinics and other health info on the city's site.
    Ongoing
    Various locations

  • Community

    Events

    Fresh for Less Mobile Markets

    This program from the city of Austin, run by Farmshare Austin, has opened new market locations. There are now six weekly markets around town that sell Texas-grown produce, eggs, honey, and other groceries all at reduced prices. Most major cards are accepted at these markets and if you are a SNAP customer, you can also use your Lone Star card and Double Up Food Bucks. Locations and schedules are subject to change, so check the current info online to find one near you.
     
    more info

  • Community

    Events

    Geeks Who Drink Trivia

    The masters of minutiae present trivia games for prizes, covering everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, science to sports, the Billboard Hot 100 to Better Call Saul. Find them at watering holes all over town each week.
    Ongoing

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Holiday Lights on the River Walk

    The famous River Walk is bathed in colorful lights from the top of the trees to shimmering waves left by the river barges.
    Through Jan. 7. Free.
    San Antonio

  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Model Train Exhibit

    Austin Tinplate Trackers will have tons of cool model trains set up at the new library, and future engineers young and old are welcome to run them.
    Dec. 13-30. Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm. Free.  
    facebook
    Round Rock Public Library, 200 E. Liberty Ave.

  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Puppuccinos at Alfred Coffee

    Alfred Coffee at the Line hotel has partnered with Oakland-based sustainable dog nutrition company Petaluma to raise money for the Beagle Freedom Project this holiday season. Treat your pup to a dairy-free whipped cream puppuccino topped with a Petaluma sweet potato jerky garnish, and all proceeds will benefit the nonprofit. Plus, while supplies last, your doggo will get a limited-edition bandanna.
    Dec. 1-31. Free.  
    more info
    Alfred Coffee, 111 E. Cesar Chavez

  • Community

    Events

    Ice Rodeo

    Skate beneath the stars and overlooking Lady Bird Lake at an outdoor ice rink with outdoor dining cabins, pop-up lounges, immersive holiday decor, extravagant art installations, and more.
    Nov. 18-Jan. 7  
    more info
    Four Seasons Hotel

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Inspired Minds Holiday Bazaar

    Get your holiday shopping started from a selection of uniquely local handmade gifts.
    Select dates Fri., Nov. 17-Sat., Dec. 23; get details online
    Buda

  • Community

    Events

    KMFA's 12 Days of Giveaways

    The classical radio station partners with a host of local arts organizations to give lucky listeners tickets to upcoming shows, including Austin Opera's Carmen, Texas Performing Arts and Broadway in Austin's Wicked, and lots more.
    Dec. 13-24  
    more info

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style

    The holiday lights around the old courthouse are truly spectacular, but don’t miss the forest of lights at the PEC headquarters at 201 S. Avenue F.
    Through Jan. 7. Free.
    Johnson City

  • Community

    Events

    Longhorn Lights

    UT-Austin introduces a new tradition by illuminating 24 heritage oak trees with burnt orange and white lights coordinated with tunes from the Longhorn Band.
    Nov. 29-Jan. 1, 5-10pm. Free.
    The Drag (Guadalupe Street between 21st & 24th streets)

  • Community

    Civic Events

    Minority and Women-Owned Business Pre-Certification Workshop

    MBE/WBE certification is your small business' No. 1 resource to doing business with the city of Austin. Join and find out more.
    Wed., Aug. 16 (session full); Sept. 20, 11am; Oct. 18, Nov. 15 & Dec. 20, 5:30pm. Free, but RSVP.  
    Register here
    Virtual

  • Community

    Events

    Miracle on Fifth Street

    It began in NYC and it continues here, there, and everywhere festive. Bring your partyingest buds and babes to this long-running Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up with wall-to-wall decor, multiple bars, and plenty of spirits – right in the tinsely heart of Downtown Austin. Best bet for whiskey lovers at the nightly holiday hullabaloo: the Snowball Old Fashioned.
    Through Dec. 27  
    Direct Link Right Here
    The Eleanor

  • Community

    Events

    Moxy Astrology Cocktail Series: Sagittarius’ Ring of Fire

    Sagittarians, celebrate yourselves with a special fiery cocktail blending rum, bitters, vanilla, and cinnamon, and take home an affirmation card.
    Through Dec. 21. Free.
    Bar Moxy, 2552 Guadalupe

  • Community

    Events

    Mozart's Holiday Light Show

    Savor some treats with hot cocoa or coffee and take in the gorgeous lakeside light show paired with music.
    Through Jan. 6. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day  
    get tickets
    Mozart's Coffee Roasters

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    Events

    Peppermint Parkway

    A drive-thru holiday spectacular with a mile of holiday displays, millions of lights, dancing characters, and a plaza with food, rides, activities, and more.
    Through Dec. 30
    Circuit of the Americas

  • Community

    Events

    Santa Pop-up at Meanwhile Brewing

    Traverse Photography and Meanwhile offer one complimentary photo with Santa per family, plus holiday beverages and decor.
    Wed., Dec. 20, 6-8pm. Free.
    Meanwhile Brewing Co.

  • Community

    Events

    Small Business Division Webinars

    Do you own a small business or have entrepreneurial dreams? The city's Small Business Division is here to help! Find resources and a selection of instructional webinars on the city's site, with many free classes and some with a small fee.
    Ongoing  
    register here
    Virtual

  • Community

    Events

    Snow Much Fun at Edge Rooftop

    Sip festive cocktails, roast s'mores, and listen to live music while surrounded by twinkling lights and enjoying snowfall on the hour, every hour.
    Through Dec. 25. Free.  
    more info
    Edge Rooftop Bar at JW Marriott, 110 E. Second

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Trail of Lights

    Join a holiday tradition that illuminates the historic brewery with lights, food, music, and joy.
    Dec. 8-9, 15-17 & 19-23. $2-8.
    La Grange

  • Community

    Events

    Upstairs at Caroline's Naughty or Nice

    A holiday-themed pop-up activation with festive decor and seasonal drinks.
    Dec. 1-31. Free.  
    more info
    Upstairs at Caroline

  • Community

    Events

    Volunteer With CTFB

    Central Texas Food Bank runs on volunteers and donations, and it's fairly easy to sign up for a shift. Virtual food drives are also a great way to help out.
    Ongoing  
    volunteer FAQ & Signup
    Central Texas Food Bank

  • Community

    Events

    Volunteer With Meals on Wheels Central Texas

    The season of giving is a great time to get involved with Meals on Wheels, which makes a huge difference to the homebound older adults served by the org. Volunteers deliver more than a meal; they also bring warm smiles and much-needed safety checks. Apply online and get signed up for a Zoom training to get started.
    Ongoing  
    sign up now
    Apply online

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Walkway of Lights

    In its 33rd year of bringing Christmas cheer, the more than 350 lighted displays fill Lakeside Park and lead to the ice skating rink.
    Through Dec. 31. Free.
    Marble Falls

  • Community

    Events

    Yule at Azul

    Take in the scenery from the highest rooftop bar in town and enjoy festive drinks and decor. Daily holiday happy hours (3-5pm) include $5 holiday frozens, $5 house wines, and $5 drafts.
    Nov. 24-Dec. 31. Free.  
    more info
    Azul Rooftop Pool & Lounge at Westin
Ongoing

  • Community

    Civic Events

    WIC Mobile Unit

    Resources and info about Austin Public Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program for qualifying pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
    Check online for current schedule. Free.  
    facebook
    Various locations
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