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Sponsored Listing
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 16-19Palmer Events Center -
Sponsored Listing
Courthouse Nights in Lockhart, Texas!
Don't miss the return of Courthouse Nights in Lockhart! Centered around the beautiful Caldwell County Courthouse lawn, the FREE and family-friendly live music series features an all-star lineup with Dale Watson, EZ Band, Deadeye, Rattlesnake Milk, and Simons Says. Held every third Friday of the month from April to August!Fri. Apr. 19, 7pm-10pmLockhart, Texas
Recommended
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Arts
Theatre
Xmas Unwrapped: A Holiday Cabaret
Shrewd Productions, one of Austin's most vibrant, independent theatre companies, brings back the classic holiday cabaret with a cast of performers engaging in song, dance, burlesque, aerials, and storytelling, all for your virtual viewing pleasure – and hosted by none other than Jesus Valles.Streaming through Dec. 26. $15-25. -
Qmmunity
Community
Frida Friday Holiday Market
Check off your last-minute holigay shopping between an outdoor IRL (Dec. 19-20, noon-4pm) or online market (Dec. 18-21), featuring 24 vendors rotating daily while Revival Coffee serves up conchas and cafecito. Music by Chorizo Funk, Kay Cali, Zetroc, and KickIt.Fri.-Mon., Dec. 18-21Online; Revival Coffee, 1405 E. Seventh -
Community
Events
Heirloom Christmas
Celebrate the holidays 1800s-style to experience the sights and sounds of holidays past. Three historic homesteads and the 1899 village will be decorated and filled with Christmas spirit, with historical crafts, ornament making, live music, and a horse-drawn wagon ride.Dec. 17-20. Thu.-Sat., 1-5pm; Sun., 10am-7pm -
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. -
Qmmunity
Arts & Culture
2 Gays Fundraise
It's two gays – local performers Oolaf Oolafensen and KD Kinetic – and one rad 24-hour livestream benefiting LGBTQIA and BIPOC orgs. Descend into madness for a good cause with educational convos, all-around silliness, special guests, and more.Sat.-Sun., Dec. 19-20, 2pm-2pm. Free (donations suggested).Online -
Arts
Theatre
Abuelita's Christmas Carol
Here's a holiday treat for audiences of all ages: Alex Garza's one-man show, a loving tribute to his maternal grandmother, in which the actor portrays a cast of dear and wacky characters including Lucas, Pedro, Feliza, and a pet pig ghost named Agapito.Sat., Dec. 19, 7:30pm -
Arts
Visual Arts
Almost Real Things: Virtual Vacation
Join the moving-and-shaking scene-raisers of Almost Real Things magazine for this at-home art and music experience: a live, interactive variety show featuring 45-plus talented musicians, artists, and performers who've banded together to give you a break from reality. Note: It's free to watch and participate – but to ensure your trip will be extraordinary, you could purchase a Companion Box, full of art souvenirs, excursions, and snacks.Sat., Dec. 19, 6-9pm. Free. -
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
Visual Arts
Bale Creek Allen Gallery: Promised Land
Musician John Doe and visual artist Michael Mogavero have been friends for almost 50 years, witnessing and enjoying each other’s work as it progressed and evolved. Recently, Mogavero sent Doe a group of new images, some of which Doe paired with poems. During the process, titles were changed and unexpected stories were added within the images. This collaboration at Bale Creek Allen Gallery is a celebration of melding poetry with visual images and a testament to the artists' friendship, and our Robert Faires tells you more about it right here.Through Jan. 4 -
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) -
Arts
Dance
Chamacos Dance Company: Asteroide B-612
Here's a movement interpretation of Le Petit Prince, the beloved fable by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupery, in which eight dancers will explore the world of adults through the eyes of that little prince and ask: What makes us lose our imagination and thirst for knowledge?Streaming online: Fri.-Sun., Dec. 18-20, 8pm. Free. -
Arts
Classical Music
Chorus Austin: On a Winter's Eve
This virtual concert, from Austin's oldest community choir, features the singers giving glorious voice to classic holiday tunes – including Handel’s Messiah, which, we reckon, is about as classic as it gets, n'est-ce pas? Note: After this night's debut, access to the video will continue for free online until January 1.Sat., Dec. 19, 6pm. Free. -
Community
Out of Town
Christmas Celebration
It’s happening at the zoo decorated with thousands of lights, an ice skating rink, ice sculptures, a live: nativity scene, and three new giraffe calves.Fri.-Tue., Dec. 18-23, 4-10pm. $15.Abilene -
Arts
Visual Arts
Collection Rert: Super Saturday Surprise
Ah, these guys. Once again (and just before Christmas) they're presenting a sort of self-service buffet of crafty oddities, with tables spaced out and full of spaced-out stuff. Why, it's a perfect opportunity to rummage for weird treasure – and your stockings will never be stuffed the same way again.Sat., Dec. 19, 9am-5pm2608-B Rogers -
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. 31Downtown Austin -
Community
Events
Frida Friday ATX
The final Frida Friday of the year features 24 vendors offering jewelry, vintage goods, handmade artistry, homewares, unique artwork, and more. Grab shopping fuel of conchas y cafecitos or a complimentary bev by Bacardi and enjoy tunes by Chorizó Funk, Kay Cali, Zetroc, and KickIt. Bonus: Kind Clinic will be on hand offering free STD/HIV screenings.Sat.-Sun., Dec. 19-20, noon-4pm -
Food
Food Events
Geraldine's: The South Pole
This is still, they're reassuring us, That Most Wonderful Time of the Year, so Geraldine's in the Hotel Van Zandt is sparking joy all tinsel-bright each Friday and Saturday night in December until Christmas – with continuous cocktail tastings, a roving s'mores station, and "santa-tized" seating among the festive atmosphere of your favorite holiday tunes. Note: The tables of 2-10 will be socially distanced, and masks must be worn at all times unless seated.Through Dec. 19. Fri.-Sat., 7:30-9:30pm. $70-350. -
Community
Events
Home for the "Howl"idays
If you're ready to make the commitment and have extra love to give this season, now's the perfect time to add a new furry friend to the family. For one week, Austin Humane Society is offering discounted adoption fees: only $20.Dec. 17-24 -
Arts
Classical Music
Inversion Da Capo: This Snow Globe World
The Inversion Ensemble's treble choir celebrates the music of wintertide, performing online and exploring the many expressions of the season, from darkness and solitude to elation and rebirth. Featuring music by Tim Takach, Moira Smiley, Austin composers Susan Meitz and Carol Brown, and Inversion's in-house composers Adrienne Inglis and Robbie LaBanca.Sat., Dec. 19, 7pm. Free. -
Qmmunity
Arts & Culture
Mama Duke & Friends
Local queer rapper Mama Duke celebrates her debut album,"Ballsy," with a nonstop livestream featuring her fave artists, Nayome, Daddy Nat, K Like the Letter, Wave Tribe, Maikéru, Sin Ryu, Cece Hustle, J Bluuu, and J Soulja. And closing out the night is the premiere of her new vid “Get Off My Dick.”Sat., Dec. 19, 6-11pm. Donations suggested.Online -
Arts
Dance
Metamorphosis Dance: The Nutcracker
The Metamorphosis Dance company presents this annual and unique telling of the beloved holiday classic – coming to you virtually this year, via video of the ballet's performance at the Carver Museum.Through Dec. 24. $10-50. -
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 -
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
Sports
The Verde Van
Beep beep! The Verde Van, Austin FC's merch shop on wheels, is on the move. Schedule an appointment online to get hot new jerseys and more.Sat., Dec. 19, noon-6pm (Armadillo Den); Sun., Dec. 20, 10am-4pm (H-E-B)The Armadillo Den, 10106 Menchaca Rd.; Westlake H-E-B, 701 Capital of TX Hwy. N. -
Arts
Dance
The Watchmaker's Song: A Drive-In Nutcracker Experience.
This year, the audience will follow the Watchmaker and his loved ones through an entirely new narrative, as conceived by Ventana Ballet's new co-artistic director, Jerreme Rodriguez, in an effort to make the most of this nontraditional venue. "The new adaptation honors the elements of The Watchmaker’s Song that set it apart from traditional stagings of The Nutcracker Ballet," they tell us, and it's enlivened by Duke Ellington’s jazzy rendition of the original Tchaikovsky music.Through Dec. 19. Fri.-Sat., 6:30 & 8pm. $25 per person.2400 E. Cesar Chavez
