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for Fri., Dec. 21
  • 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
  • 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
Recommended
  • Community

    Sports

    Texas Stars

    Vs. San Antonio Rampage: Fri., Dec. 21, 7pm; Thu., Dec. 27, 7pm. Vs. Ontario Reign: Sat., Dec. 29, 7pm. $22-58.  
  • Community

    Events

    Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

    Nothing says holidays in Austin like scouring aisles and aisles of local art, crafts, and self-care products. But there's live music. And beer. And this year, the bazaar is hosting 12 Days of Giving, which means your dollars go to helping local nonprofits like HAAM, the Austin Art Alliance, Sun Radio, and (nine) more.
    Dec. 13-24. Daily, 11am-10pm. $8; children 12 and under, free.
  • Community

    Events

    Blue Genie Art Bazaar

    Need something Austin-y (art, jewelry, prints, clothing, etc., whatnot, and then some) for a loved one this year? Thousands of original works from more than 200 artists and artisans will help you with your gifting conundrums.
    Nov. 23-Dec. 24. Daily, 10am-10pm. Free.
    Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Mercado Y Pachanga

    Frida Friday's monthly pop-up is expanding to two days for the holiday shopping season. There's a Friday night lotería with Grandma Steven, and a Saturday screening of The Tacos of Texas. There's DJs, food for sale, photo ops, local orgs tabling, and more.
    Dec. 21-22. Fri., 6-10pm; Sat., 11am-3pm. Free.  
  • Arts

    Comedy

    Immigrants, the Musical: No Place Like Home

    This is a Hamilton-inspired show in which, each week, a new monologist tells of their experience in coming from Mexico, from Russia, from Vietnam, from El Salvador, and more. Then the cast, directed by Lahari Dunn and Asaf Ronen, expands these stories into "fully improvised musicals, giving life to the emotion, the journey, and the laughs and hardships along the way." Note: The Chronicle's Robert Faires recently took in a show, and here's his reaction. Featured this final week: Marcia Sanchez from Mexico.
    Through Dec. 21. Fridays, 8pm. $10-12.  
  • Community

    Events

    Mozart's Light Show

    Check out the holiday lights and get you a home-baked Bavarian treat, while local musicians play tunes on the grand piano.
    Through Jan. 2. Free.
  • Community

    Events

    Pound 4 Pound Pet Food Drive

    Every holiday season, Tomlinson’s Feed hosts Austin’s largest pet food drive in support of local animal rescues and shelters. It's easy to give: Every bag of pet food you buy through Christmas Eve will be doubled by pet food makers, pound for pound. (Their goal this year is 150,000 pounds of pet food.) More of an Internet shopper? Just donate online.
    Through Christmas Eve
    Area Tomlinson's Feed stores
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Trail of Lights at EmilyAnn

    Stroll through a walking path featuring more than 100 holiday light displays created by businesses, organizations, school groups, and families. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows at the Yule Log, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy live entertainment most evenings. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
    Nov. 24-Dec. 28. Sun.-Thu., 6-9pm; Fri. & Sat., 6-10pm. Free.
  • Community

    Events

    Winter Solstice Lantern Parade

    Celebrate the longest night of the year at Minor Mishap’s annual parade. Attendees can enjoy a night of music, community, and creativity as hundreds of flameless lanterns come together under the night sky.
    Fri., Dec. 21, 5:30-7:30pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Winter Wonderland at The Circuit

    The racetrack transforms into something resembling the North Pole with the largest outdoor skating rink in Texas, the Tunnel of Lights, and Santa's Workshop; plus live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and Chinese Lantern Festival.
    Through Dec. 30. $16,.  
All Events
  • Community

    Events

    37th Street Lights

    This is how Austin does holiday lights. This yearslong tradition took a hiatus, but it's back this year and it's weirder than ever.
    Through Jan. 5. Free.  
    505 W. 37th, across from Amy's Ice Creams on Guadalupe
  • Community

    Sports

    Austin Bold FC

    The city's newly minted United Soccer League team will be hosting games at COTA starting in March 2019. Season passes are now available.
    $189 for 20-game season pass.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Austin Strategic Mobility Plan Draft Review

    View the ASMP's draft policies and maps – now available in both English and Spanish – to see the city's revamped transportation plan, then share your feedback online.
    Feedback accepted through Jan. 13  
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Trail of Lights

    The Austin Trail of Lights has been an Austin tradition since 1965! Holiday light displays line a 2-mile trail through the park, and there are food trucks, live entertainment, and interactive activities. General admission is free and open to the public (on weekend nights admission is $3).
    Dec. 10-23  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Ayomi Yoshida Exhibition

    The Japanese artist makes her Texas debut with a large-scale multimedia exhibition that evokes a pool with flowers falling into it that complements the center’s water garden.
    Tue.-Sun., through Jan. 13. Free.
    Asia Society Texas Center, Houston
  • Community

    Out of Town

    “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit”

    Seventy years after the luxury liner sank in the Atlantic more than 150 items from the wreck were brought up from the ocean floor and brought together for this fascinating show. Timed tickets are required.
    June 2-Jan. 5
    Mayborn Museum, Waco
  • Music

    Blue Mist

    Thursdays, 7pm, Fri., Dec. 7, 8pm, Fri., Dec. 21, 8pm and Mon., Dec. 31, 7:30pm
  • Community

    Events

    Buda Trail of Lights

    This free holiday event features lighted and decorated displays – ranging from the traditional Christmas Nativity to Star Wars and Toy Story – that are provided by local businesses and organizations. Visitors are able to walk the lighted trail in the park to view the dazzling exhibits, sip hot chocolate, and meet Santa himself.
    Thu.-Sat., Dec. 6-8; Fri.-Sun., Dec. 14-16 & 21-23. Free.
    Stagecoach Park, Buda
  • Community

    Events

    Celtic Christmas at the Cathedral

    The Celtic Cultural Center of Texas presents this night featuring some of the city's most honored vocalists led by director Jeffrey Jones Ragona and traditional Irish and Scottish music, too.
    Fri.-Sat., Dec. 21-22. $30.  
  • Community

    Kids

    Christmas at Capital of Texas Zoo

    The zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Hours are extended to 9pm (except for Mondays). Get a picture with Santa or Moses the Christmas Camel. There will also be games, prizes, and plenty of cheer.
    Through Dec. 30. Free for kids under 12 with purchase of adult ticket ($11.73).
  • Community

    Civic Events

    City Council Calls for Central Health Board of Managers Applications

    Qualified folks – with an interest in "serving the health care needs" of Travis County residents with low income and no access to insurance – are encouraged to apply. The term runs January 2019 through December 31, 2022.
    Due Fri., Jan. 4, 5pm  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Eisbahn: Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

    A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Lifeline Foundation (supporting cystic fibrosis research) and the Boys & Girls Club of Fredericksburg.
    Nov. 23-Jan. 6. Open daily except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. $15, day pass.  
  • Community

    Events

    Family Eldercare's 80 Over Eighty Nominations

    Family Eldercare's 80 Over Eighty is challenging Central Texas to discover, share, and celebrate the stories of older adults who are living life to the fullest. Nominate a Central Texan who is 80 years young and thriving by Dec. 31, 2018. Categories include: Adventure, Creativity, Family, Humility, Integrity, Optimism, and Service.
    Nominations open through Dec. 31. Free.
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Five Years of Austin B-cycle

    Austin B-cycle celebrates five years, 1.1 million miles ridden, and 76 stations, with discounted memberships. Sign up or renew for another year and get 50% off. Through Jan. 6, 2019!
    Through Jan. 6, 2019  
  • Community

    Events

    Geraldine's Holiday Disco Bar & Lounge

    For four nights, Geraldine’s will transform its fourth-floor pool deck into a life-sized snow globe. Decked out with a snow machine, disco ball, and festive decor, the tented rooftop will transport guests to a winter wonderland complete with marshmallows for roasting and holiday cocktails for toasting.
    Wed.-Sat., Dec. 19-22, 7-10pm. Free admission.
  • Community

    Events

    Give Blood, Get Ice Cream

    Anyone who donates, or attempts to donate, during the entire month of December at any We Are Blood donor center will leave with a voucher for a free pint of Amy’s Ice Cream. The need for donors is high during the holiday season, so now is a great time to give!
    Dec. 1-31. Free.
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Help Families This Tax Season

    United Way of Williamson County is looking for volunteers to help provide free tax prep assistance in Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, and Taylor. Tax preparers, translators, and greeters are needed. Those interested should apply by January 1, 2019.
    Apply by Jan. 1. Free.
    Throughout Williamson County
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Build A Bike for Kids

    The Ghisallo Cycling Initiative and the Hell Yes Project want you to do some good this holiday season by connecting more kids to the cycling community, and you can even get it done on your lunch hour. Each bike takes 15-20 minutes to build, and Ghisallo mechanics will be there to help.
    Nov. 27-Dec. 23. $300 to sponsor a bike.
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Food Drive to Benefit Local Food Banks

    US Storage Centers has partnered with Move for Hunger to be a designated drop-off point in the community. Until the end of December, they will be collecting food items to donate to local food banks.
    Oct. 26-Dec. 28. Free.
    201 W. Stassney
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Model Train Exhibit

    Take a timeout from your holiday shopping and join Tinplate Trackers for an afternoon. The trains run through a variety of scenes, including a snow village and a circus. There's also a tiny roller coaster and wind turbines. The kids can run their own train for 10 minutes at a time for a donation of $5.
    Through Dec. 29. Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm. Free admission.
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Toy Drive

    Bring new, unopened toys (not gift-wrapped), a City of Austin bus pass, or an H-E-B gift card for Refugee Services of Texas.
    Through Dec. 31
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Inside Out

    The evolution of women’s undergarments is exposed in the groundbreaking exhibit that explores what’s under the fashions of the day.
    Sept. 20, 2018-Jan. 20, 2019
    San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, San Angelo
  • Community

    Events

    Jazz Kween Presents: Naughty & Nice

    She’s making a list, checking it twice – but why can’t we be Naughty and Nice? Join Jazz Kween for an evening of hot jazz, local comedy, and tales of empowerment by some of Austin’s most talented ladies.
    Fri., Dec. 21, 9-11pm. $15.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Melanated Community Book Drive

    The Community Advocacy and Healing Project is collecting books featuring black and brown characters for children and adults living in public housing.: Drop-off sites:: Kane's Barbershop (1719 E. 12th),: Plant Party/Gadabout Goods (1200 E. 11th),: KAZI (8906 Wall St.),
    Nov. 29-Dec. 29, 1-6pm  
  • Community

    Events

    Miracle on 5th Street

    The Roosevelt Room & the Eleanor have teamed up for this second annual holiday pop-up bar, transforming the space to look like a classic family living room on Christmas morning. There's also a ski lodge on the dance floor and a mountain summit on the mezzanine. Snag a special holiday drink and explore.
    Through Dec. 29  
  • Community

    Sports

    Morning Walk Austin

    Meet at Jo's for a cuppa coffee, then take a stroll through Downtown Austin with an ATX tour guide.
    Ongoing. Wed.-Sat., 10-11:30am. $10-20.
  • Community

    Events

    Nightly Spirits Ghost Tours

    The two-and-a-half-hour tours begin at the upstairs bar of the paranormal-laden Buffalo Billiards and visit three more ghostly pubs: Russian House, the Gatsby, and Waller Creek.
    Fridays & Saturdays, 8:30pm (plus Halloween night, 7:30pm). $25.  
  • Community

    Kids

    Santa Photo Experience at Barton Creek Square

    Go straight to the source and tell Santa what you want for Christmas. You can skip the line with a fast pass; see website.
    Through Dec. 24. Prices vary.  
  • Community

    Events

    Scream Hollow’s Twisted Christmas

    For those of us that love to get spooked all year round: It's a family-friendly Winter Wonderland by day and a fright fest by night. Day activities include a live reindeer exhibit, sledding, Candyland bounce house, live Christmas music, outdoor movie screenings, holiday vendors, s’mores & hot cocoa, and more. Nighttime presents two haunted houses, a walk-through Christmas light maze, the vampire-themed Rabid Bat Bar, vendors, and more.
    Dec. 1-23. Fri.-Sun., 4-11pm. $14.95, adults; $7.95, children 12 & under.  
    Scream Hollow Wicked Park, 149 Split Rail Ln., Smithville
  • Community

    Events

    Shop and Give: Blood Drive at Barton Creek Square Mall

    Anyone who donates, or attempts to donate, at this blood drive hosted by We Are Blood will receive a free Alamo Drafthouse movie pass.
    Through Dec. 31. Free.
  • Community

    Events

    Shop and Give: Blood Drive at Lakeline Mall

    Anyone who donates, or attempts to donate, at this blood drive hosted by We Are Blood will receive a free Alamo Drafthouse movie pass.
    Through Dec. 31. Free.
  • Community

    Events

    Soul-Fuel Gathering

    The Solstice Soul-Fuel Gathering is a two-day convergence of local leaders, artists, and activists discussing social change, personal growth, spiritual development, and environmental responsibility. Guests can expect a sound bath, tea lounge, fire under the moon, talks & workshops, yoga & meditation, live art & music, and a community dinner.
    Fri.-Sat., Dec. 21-22. $60-79.  
  • Qmmunity

    Community

    Survey for QPOC Communities

    QPOC community members are asked to fill out an anonymous survey on health care to better support allgo’s upcoming health care provider trainings to ensure providers better serve QPOC patients.
    Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019  
    Online
  • Community

    Kids

    Tortoise and Hare

    A new spin on the old fable with modern music, written by Allen Robertson and Damon Brown.
    Sept. 8-Jan. 27. $18-24.  
  • Community

    Sports

    UT Men's Basketball

    Vs. Providence: Fri., Dec. 21, 8pm. Vs. UT-Arlington: Fri., Dec. 28, 7pm. $5-60.  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Walkway of Lights

    Two million lights reflect off the lake and you get to be part of the decorations while strolling among the display.
    Nightly through Dec. 26, 6-10pm. Free.
    Marble Falls
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Walkway of Lights

    More than 2 million lights turn Lakeside Park into a wonderland of the colors and sounds.
    Nov. 16-Jan. 1. Free.
    Marble Falls

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