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for Sat., Oct. 17
  • Earth Day Jubilee with The Trail Conservancy

    Join The Trail Conservancy on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail for the 2nd Annual Earth Day Jubilee celebration! Enjoy live music by Mr. Will, Motenko, and Brother Thunder, eco-friendly activities, a market by Austin Flea, and fun for the whole family.
    Sat. Apr. 20, 10am-2pm  
    Butler Park
  • 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  
    Long Center for the Performing Arts
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  • Community

    Halloween and Dia de los Muertos

    Día de los Muertos With ESB-MACC

    The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center's programming is mostly virtual this year, and it's time to begin preparations. To participate, you can register for a free sugar skull kit and watch instructional videos on creating them and other crafts, submit photos or videos of your ofrenda, enter the Catrina/calavera contest, visit the outdoor art installation, and more, all leading up to the digital program packed with performances and presentations.
    Sugar skull kit pickup: Oct. 26-30; digital program: Nov. 1-2  
    ESB-MACC and online
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    Events

    Early Voting for the Nov. 3 Election

    Make your voice heard! Find a polling place online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Make a plan to get to the polls and learn about all the local races on our election page.
    Tue. Oct. 13-Fri., Oct. 30  
    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

    Out of Town

    Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

    This year’s event will be limited to 10 contestants with visitors participating in the “Gumbo Stroll” to choose their favorites.
    Sat., Oct. 17  
    Galveston
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    Events

    Scare for a Cure

    Scare for a Cure is raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation with a fun Halloween challenge. Participate by uploading photos of your spooky decor, and they'll make you a donation page that you can share with your fans, with the option of adding your location to the map. Everyone's welcome to visit the displays (virtually or IRL) and contribute to your faves.: Read more here.
    Through Nov. 9  
  • Film

    Special Screenings

    Shock Cinema Series: Pet Sematary (1989)

    Celebrate women in horror at a drive-in screening with Women in Film & Television Austin and Shock the Vote ATX. There's trivia for prizes, a special pre-show featuring a horror short from an Austin filmmaker, and plenty of treats, and 80% of the proceeds go to Shock the Vote's featured nonprofits.
    Sat., Oct. 17, 8pm. $15-50.  
  • Community

    Events

    Shock the Vote ATX Online Auction

    Shock the Vote ATX is all about community engagement, with 80 cents of every dollar of profit going directly to featured local nonprofit orgs. And this auction is a chance to score some very cool items including an abundant selection of art by Tim Doyle, Devin Lawson, and others; autographed albums; a priceless Robert Plant signed and framed print – and so much more. You don't want to miss this one!
    Through Nov. 8, 8pm  
  • Community

    Halloween and Dia de los Muertos

    The Austin Chronicle's Costume Contest

    The Austin Chronicle is hosting its first-ever readers' Halloween Costume Contest, sponsored by Zip Lost Pines. Enter your most creatively spooky getups by sending hi-res photos to halloween@austinchronicle.com. The grand prize winner will receive a weekend staycation from Springhill Suites by Marriott (San Antonio Northwest at the Rim) and be featured in the Halloween issue of the Chronicle. Runners-up and honorable mentions will also be eligible for special prizes. Not dressing up this year? That’s okay! Send pics of your best Halloween home displays and tell us how you’re spooking up the neighborhood! Follow @AustinChronicle and @ChronEvents for more info.
    Through Tue., Oct. 27  
All Events
  • Community

    Events

    2nd Street District October Sidewalk Sale

    The popular sidewalk sale is back by popular demand, with a variety of sales and promotions at several local businesses. Enjoy the fall weather and maybe knock out a little early holiday shopping, or just treat yourself!
    Sat., Oct. 17, 11am-6pm  
    2nd Street District Downtown
  • Community

    Sports

    Absolute Beginning Tap Dance Workshop for Adults

    Tap is a great workout for the mind and body, and the perfect dance style to pick up as an adult. Ballet Austin's fun four-week workshop is the perfect way to get started so you can learn something new and fulfill a dream.
    Mondays, Oct. 26-Nov. 16, 2:45-3:45pm. $85 for four weeks.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    ADL Walk Against Hate

    Get creative in how you walk and how you take a stand against hate by committing to walking 3.6 miles or one mile per day leading up to the official online closing ceremony on Oct. 18.
    Oct. 12-18; closing ceremony Sun., Oct. 18, 10am. Free.  
    Online
  • Community

    Halloween and Dia de los Muertos

    APH Recommendations for Safe Holidays

    Austin Public Health has published recommendations for celebrating Halloween and Día de los Muertos safely during the pandemic, encouraging families to make new traditions this year and be mindful of the risk level of holiday activities. Low-risk ideas like a candy hunt at home or virtual celebration are advised, and you can get more inspiration and advice on what to avoid with their helpful infographics online.
    Ongoing  
    Citywide
  • Community

    Events

    Artisan Mercado

    The Artisan Mercado has reopened at La Peña Gallery with social distancing and safety measures in place. The market features Latino products from different regions of Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, and the Southwest, including handcrafted jewelry and ceramics, ethnic clothing and handbags, as well as paintings and drawings. Parking is available at the Austin Convention Center.
    First and third Saturdays, 10am-4pm. Free.  
  • 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 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
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Self-Guided Hemp Tour

    Learn more about hemp while social distancing. Visit all seven retail locations for special discounts, education, and free swag.
    Through Oct. 22. Free.  
    Citywide
  • Community

    Halloween and Dia de los Muertos

    Bethany Lutheran Pumpkin Patch 2020

    Pumpkin season has arrived! Get your gourds here, and don't forget to wear your mask.
    Through Oct. 30. Mon.-Fri., noon-7pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-6pm  
  • Community

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    Busking Hours

    Domain NORTHSIDE is hosting busking hours featuring local musicians so you can enjoy some tunes as you shop. Find them near Restoration Hardware, Brighton, and on the lawn across the street from Apple.
    Sat., Oct. 17 & 24, 5-7pm  
    www.domainnorthside.com
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Canyon Lake Gorge Tours

    In the summer of 2002, for the first time floodwaters rushed over the spillway carving a geological wonder exposing dinosaur tracks, creating waterfalls, and carving a new lagoon now a part of a three-hour tour.
    Ongoing. $10.  
    Canyon Lake
  • Community

    Civic Events

    City of Austin "How to Help" Portal

    Looking for the right way to help your community during the pandemic? Or do you have a volunteer opportunity that you want to list? Visit the city's "How to Help" portal to make a match. The portal includes ways to help from home, donation drives, and active community engagement opportunities.
    Ongoing  
    Online
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    Events

    Don't Fall for the Call

    Austin utility customers are targeted by scammers every day, and the city wants everyone to be aware of how to recognize them. Scammers may call from spoofed numbers and request a call back at an 800 number, and may tell you metering equipment needs maintenance or threaten immediate service cutoff. Austin Energy will never ask for sensitive information over the phone or request non-traceable payment like gift cards. If you get a suspicious call, text, email, visit, or letter, make note of the callback number and report it to 311 and/or contact Customer Care online or at 512/494-9400.
    Ongoing  
    Citywide
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Eagle Nest Webcam

    The eagle cam is back after being dark for nearly two years, and the pair of eagles are building their nest in preparation of the eggs sometime in December or January. Watch their progress from home.
    Through early spring. Free.  
    Online via JBS Wetland Center, Seagoville
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Flight of the Bats

    The bats have returned to the 350-foot-deep cavern three hours from Austin. Evening tours of the bat emergence have begun with social distancing. Reservations required.
    Wed.-Sun., through Oct. 31, 7:30pm. $6-14.  
    Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area, Rocksprings
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Happy Fall Y'all

    Fall is beautiful in Texas, and Natural Bridge Caverns offers a gorgeous outdoor setting to enjoy the season, with daily attractions and special weekend events from live music to animal shows. Check out the Trail of Treats the last two weekends of October, which features special Halloween events for little ones.
    Weekends through Nov. 1  
  • Community

    Kids

    HSEM Calendar Contest

    The city's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management invites Travis County students in second through fifth grades to submit artwork for the first Emergency Preparedness Calendar. Themes include family emergency preparedness actions, Central Texas severe weather conditions, and man-made disasters.
    Deadline: Oct. 18  
    Online
  • Community

    Civic Events

    I Wish I Missed My Ex-President! Vote-by-Mail Phonebank

    The TCDP is calling voters to make sure they know if they're qualified to vote by mail this November.
    Saturdays, 1-4pm  
    Online
  • Community

    Sports

    Keep Austin Weird’s 5.12K Run to Brunch

    Keep Austin Weird with scenic run courses throughout the city, unique restaurants, and local entertainment. Presented by Karbach Brewing Co. in partnership with Southern Smoke Foundation to help raise money and awareness for their Austin Relief Fund, helping people in the local food and beverage industry impacted by COVID-19.
    Sept. 20-Oct. 18. $45.  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Kerrville Folk Festival Virtual Concerts

    We can’t gather around the campfires this year, so the next best thing is the special concerts from afar by KFF regulars on your electronic devices.
    Sat.-Sun., Oct. 10-11 & 17-18. Free, but donations appreciated.  
    Online
  • Community

    Events

    Lend a Hand ATX

    Lend a Hand ATX, created by Austin Tech Alliance, is a platform to help skilled tech volunteers and those in need make critical community connections during the COVID-19 crisis. Create an account, make an offer or request, and find a match!
    April 24-Dec. 15  
    Online
  • Community

    Sports

    Livestrong Virtual Challenge

    A weeklong Strava challenge leading up to a live virtual Zwift broadcast on the morning of Oct. 18. Participants can ride, run, walk, do yoga, or any form of physical fitness and earn digital badges. Register online to challenge other individuals and teams to out-fundraise one another.
    Mon.-Sun., Oct. 12-18. Free.  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Kids

    Making Clay Animals

    Pioneer Farms brings you this fun children's class on clay, taught by local sculptor Jim Schmidt. Kids will learn to make animals that you can bake in the oven and paint. Pre-purchase of 1 pound of clay required.
    Sat., Sept. 19, 10am-noon. $30.  
    Online
  • Community

    Events

    Pig Week 2020

    OK, so Pig Week is actually seven weeks, during which Central Texas Pig Rescue's compassionate small-business friends will be offering specials, with proceeds going to the CTPR Expansion Project. Check the calendar, follow CTPR's social media, and sign up for the newsletter to get reminders and updates. Then, simply indulge in your local faves like Rebel Cheese, Plow Burger, Bouldin Creek Cafe, and more, and share on Instagram by tagging @centraltexaspigrescue and the business' account using #pigweek2020 to be entered into raffles. It's an excellent way to "swine and dine," if you will, for a great cause.
    Through Oct. 31  
  • Community

    Halloween and Dia de los Muertos

    Pioneer Pumpkin Patch

    The photogenic Pumpkin Patch in the center of Pioneer Farms' historic village square offers a wide selection of pumpkins to chose from at great prices, and proceeds benefit their unique historical programming. Hay bales, scarecrows, and benches offer opportunities for family photo ops, and shoppers can buy pumpkins without paying museum admission. Sponsored by Precision Camera.
    Through Nov. 1. Thu.-Sun., 10am-4pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Project Vote Safe

    Volunteer to help hand out bottled waters and snacks to voters lined up at the polls.
    Through Oct. 30. Daily, times vary  
  • Community

    Events

    Puppy Petting Zoo

    DogEmbark says puppies needs to meet 100 different people and dogs before they reach 16 weeks of age to learn the social skills they need to be happy, positive members of the community. So they're offering a COVID-conscious space at Barton Creek Farmers Market for dogs seven-16 weeks old to socialize. If you've got a potential puppy participant, register online. If not, you could be one of those important 100, so go pet the puppers!
    Saturdays, 9am-1pm  
  • Community

    Sports

    Saturday Rise Poolside Yoga

    Swift Fit Events presents poolside yoga every Saturday in October. Admission price includes a one-hour yoga class, plus pool and gym access post-class. Yoga mat, towel, Richard’s Rainwater, and pressed juices provided.
    Saturdays, 8:30-9:30am. Through Oct. 31. $25.  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Scarecrow Invasion

    Take a leisurely drive around town to see the autumn displays in front of homes and businesses.
    Oct. 15-30  
    Comfort
  • Community

    Events

    Science Mill Virtual Benefit

    The Science Mill’s annual benefit, Navigating the In-Between: The Future of Science, is a virtual experience that promises a 360-degree museum tour, exclusive short video presentations by trailblazing scientists and visionaries, a behind-the-scenes look at the science of the museum’s exhibits, unique artworks for purchase. It's free, but all donations benefit the Science Mill’s STEM programs for Texas youth.
    Thu.-Sun., Oct. 15-18  
    Online
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Suffrage Now: A 19th Amendment Centennial Exhibition

    Contemporary Texas women photographers share photos commenting on the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
    Aug. 6-Jan. 31  
    Online
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Texas Arts and Music Festival

    Watch artists turn the sides of buildings in works of art while listening to the bands downtown and wandering through the art village.
    Fri.-Sun., Oct. 16-18  
    Brenham
  • Community

    Kids

    Texas Performing Arts Classes

    Classes for Little Stompers and Gumbo Group are taking applications now. Get in on the WeBop fun now as it's sure to sell out.
    Saturdays, Oct. 17-Dec. 12  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Texas Renaissance Festival

    Wear your face covering to win prizes while watching the jousting, playing games, and buying food from Merry Olde England.
    Sat., Oct. 3-Sun., Nov. 29  
    Todd Mission
  • Community

    Events

    The Escape Game Remote Adventures

    Play the Escape Game’s newest game, "Ruins: Forbidden Treasure," from anywhere in the world using Zoom. Control an avatar wearing a live feed camera, search 360° images of the room, and use items in your online dashboard to progress through the game. An expert game guide will be there to help along the way, just like the typical escape room. Assemble a team of friends, family, or co-workers, and see if you can escape within an hour!
    May 5-Dec. 20. $25/person.  
    Online
  • Community

    Sports

    Virtual Daisy 5K

    Run or walk any route you choose, and proceeds go to Marathon Kids, a nonprofit with a mission to introduce running to children at a young age so they remain active for life.
    Mon.-Sun., Oct. 12-18. $10-20.  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Events

    Virtual DIY: Make a Pressed Floral Mandala Frame

    Make a stunning piece of artwork with dried florals, botanicals, and other natural elements. Articulture will provide materials via curbside pickup or delivery.
    Sat., Oct. 17, 11am. $65.  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Kids

    Virtual Hoppy Hour With Tiny Tails

    Virtually hang out with the adorable animals of Tiny Tails to You and one of their animal experts, livestreamed via Facebook Live or Instagram Live (@TinyTailsToYou). Donations accepted at www.tinytailstoyou.com/donate.
    Saturdays, 9am  
    Online
  • Community

    Sports

    Walk to End Epilepsy

    This year's walk is a virtual walk week filled with activities, culminating in an awards ceremony at 10am Sat., Oct. 17.
    Sun.-Sat., Oct. 11-17. $15.  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Events

    With Malice Toward None: Anticipating Election Results

    Common Ground for Texans invites you to join Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke of Two Guys on Your Head for a panel discussion in preparation for the November election, answering questions like "How can we ameliorate hard feelings after the election, on one side or the other?" and "How do we best ensure the traditional smooth transition from one term of office to the next?"
    Sat., Oct. 17, 2-4pm. Free.  
    Online via Zoom
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Women's March Austin

    In partnership with the national Women's March organization, Women's March ATX hits the streets in opposition to President Trump's efforts to fill the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat on the Supreme Court. Hear from local speakers at Wooldridge Square Park before marching around the county courthouse and Governor's Mansion. The event will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
    Sat., Oct. 17, 2-4pm  
Ongoing
  • Community

    Sports

    Austin FC Season Membership Deposits

    Austin's Major League Soccer team, Austin FC, is officially taking deposits for 2021 season memberships. Your deposit will reserve your spot in line, which means the earlier you purchase your membership, the earlier you're eligible to select your seats for the season.
    Ongoing. $50.  

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