Home Events

for Thu., Dec. 10
  • 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
  • Beatles Full Moon Concert in the Dark

    On the April Full Moon, come set intentions and indulge in the mesmerizing allure of live acoustic music performed by world-class musicians, surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight. Its a different kind of concert, that begins and ends in darkness, with music and a poem or two surrounding and soothing you. Audience members will be given the choice of bringing their own yoga mats and/or pillows to gaze at the shadows on the ceiling. A circle of chairs will be provided.
    Tues. Apr. 23, 8pm-9pm  
    ATX Unplugged
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  • 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.  
  • Film

    Special Screenings

    A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

    Rocket Cinema and Austin Film Society join forces to present a drive-in screening of this classic, gorgeous love story.
    Thu.-Fri., Dec. 10-11, 6pm  
  • Qmmunity

    Arts & Culture

    aGLIFF & Queer Film Theory 101: Holiday Edition

    Leave it to Austin's queer film fest aGLIFF and not-so-straight movie dissectors Queer Film Theory 101 to mine for gay gold in Hollywood's holdiay flicks.
    Thu., Dec. 10, 7pm. aGLIFF members, free; nonmembers, $12.  
    Online
  • 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)  
  • Qmmunity

    Community

    City of Austin LGBTQIA Town Hall

    Wanna learn more about the city's in-the-works LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study? Choose between two town halls to discuss key questions with the study's organizers.
    Tue., Dec. 8, 5:30-7pm; Thu., Dec. 10, 5:30-7pm. Free.  
    Online
  • Food

    Food Events

    Cooking Class: La Tamalada en su Cocina

    So, you want to learn how to make tamales, do you? This livestreamed class from Con Mi MADRE and Facebook Austin will be led by chef Charles Michel (of Netflix’s The Final Table fame) and Facebook chefs Richard Rodriguez and Christopher Crum. You'll also learn "the history of making tamales, the cultural value of family, and how together we draw strength and resilience through family traditions," and it'll all be very tasty indeed.
    Thu., Dec. 10, 7pm. $40 and up.  
  • 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

    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.  
  • Arts

    Visual Arts

    Northern-Southern: Baton

    This is a group show by relay, begun in July of 2020 as a method of socially distancing a community in the height of the pandemic: Artists took turns alone in the space, each adding to the exhibition. Now, as it nears its close, the exhibition resembles a community in which work converses and overlaps. With Adreon Henry, Vy Ngo, Dawn Okoro, Leon Alesi, Matt Steinke, Sev Coursen, Stella Alesi, and more.
    Closing reception: Sat., July 24, 3-9pm
  • 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  
  • Music

    Red Bull Estados Unidos de Bass

    Zeroing in on Latinx music culture, Red Bull hosts three consecutive weekends of concert series across five cities featuring a variety of reggaeton, Latin trap, moombahton, and more. While dance veteran Maceo Plex’s two-decade career traverses gritty electro and smooth house, the Cuban Dallas native offers more rugged bass and climactic synths on new singles “Nu World” and “Cinemax.” Also featured is Las Cruxes business founder Veronica Ortuño and Austin’s eight-DJ collective Peligrosa. Corpus Christi’s El Dusty bridges hip-hop and cumbia, while East Sixth Volstead resident Orión García’s syncopated dance fuses Colombian flutes and accordion.
    Thu.-Sat., Dec. 10-12  
  • Arts

    Theatre

    Teatro Vivo: Cuento Navideño

    It's "Bah, Humbug!" in the barrio, as Teatro Vivo presents this festive family comedy that infuses Latino culture, Spanish language, and holiday traditions into one theatrical celebration. Written and directed by Rupert Reyes, streaming online as 2020 draws to a close.
    Through 20. Thu.-Sat., 7pm; Sun., 2pm. Donations accepted.  
  • 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  
  • Community

    Events

    Winter Well-Being Toolkit

    The stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic could make this winter and holiday season tougher than usual. Integral Care recently launched a Winter Well-Being Toolkit, a compilation of ideas to boost mental health, fight the winter blues, stay safely connected and celebrate the season in new ways. Topics include ideas to make gatherings special, tips for fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder, steps for improving happiness, ways to get moving and elevate your mood, and mindfulness activities. Plus, check out their YouTube channel for a winter mental health forum video.
    Ongoing  
  • Arts

    Theatre

    ZACH's Rockin' Holiday Concert: CANCELED

    Thanks, 'ronas, you stupid, confounding pathogens.: We're at Stage 5, people. Stay safe, stay home, and stream something.
    Through Jan. 3. Thu.-Fri., 7:30pm; Sat.-Sun., 2:30 & 7:30pm
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

  • 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  
  • 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
  • Film

    Special Screenings

    aGLIFF & Queer Film Theory 101: Holiday Edition

    Volunteer "film professors" will delve into holiday classics to find hidden queer narratives for this storytelling, comedy, and film appreciation night.
    Thu., Dec. 10, 7pm. $12; free for aGLIFF members.  
    Online via www.bit.ly/agliff-qft101-fbe
  • 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

    Art for the People: Where the Bots Begin

    Lauren Briére’s art escorts the viewer on a visual journey into outer space, the fun of sports, walks in nature, and various adventures and shenanigans, as Art for the People showcases 200-plus sketches that are the artist's penciled beginnings to creating her whimsical "Robots in Rowboats."
    Through Jan. 3
  • Music

  • 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  

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