How much family-friendly fun you can squeeze into one month? From free Thanksgiving feasts, festivals and parades to tree lightings, holiday bazaars, and Santa sightings, there won’t be a dull moment in November. Check out our list of 40+ upcoming events in Austin, so you won’t miss a thing!
Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade, coming up at the end of the month!
The Rolling Sculpture Car Show
November 1 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Since 2008, the Hill Country Rolling Sculpture Car Show has become an institution in Bee Cave, with upwards of 200 collector, classic, and special interest cars, trucks, motorcycles and even bicycles lining Hill Country Boulevard and its side streets to the continuing benefit of the Bee Cave Public Library. Hill Country Boulevard will be reserved for collector cars, antiques, modern classics, exotics, muscle cars, street rods, foreign sports cars and art cars all parked on display for the public. FREE!
As You Like It
November 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m. | Rain Lily Farm, 914 Shady Ln, Austin
En Route Productions and Shakespeare On The Farm present As You Like It. Some cosponsors for this event include The Steeping Room, Hops and Grain Brewery, and Dripping Springs Vodka. So, bring a blanket and enjoy the bard with an assortment of free beverages. Anyone and everyone is welcome. Shakespeare on The Farm is FREE but donations are appreciated. Every penny goes to support creating these magical events.
The University of Texas Día de los Meurtos
November 2 from 6-9 p.m. | UT Tower, 2400 Inner Campus Drive, Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is hosting its annual Día de los Muertos event featuring performances from local and student organizations, along with altars, an altar building contest, face painting, and free food, as long as supplies last. This fun event is FREE and open to the public.
Wurstfest
November 6-15; hours vary | 120 Landa Street, New Braunfels
Wurstfest is a 10-day salute to sausage. See the schedule here. During the 10-day festival, you’ll find a variety of entertainment, food and fun on the Wurstfest Grounds in Landa Park as well as many special events throughout New Braunfels and Comal County. Cost: $8 in advance; $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are always admitted FREE. No admission ticket is required if you enter the gates before 7 p.m. on Friday, 11/6 or after 3 p.m. on Sunday, 11/15. If you’re coming Sunday, 11/8 to Wednesday, 11/11, be sure to download the BOGO coupon and bring it with your purchased ticket. That means you only need to buy one ticket for every two adults, as long as you bring your printed BOGO coupon!
FARE Walk for Food Allergy
November 7 at 9 a.m. | Camp Mabry, 2200 W 35th St, Austin
FARE’s mission is to find a cure for food allergies, and to keep individuals with food allergies safe and included. This family-friendly event, presented by Mylan, seeks to raise funds and awareness for food allergy research, education, advocacy and awareness. In addition to the walk, there will be live music and family-friendly activities including a moon bounce, face painting, tattoos, games, various sponsor booths, and a cool photo booth. Register for the walk here. Registration is FREE.
Hays Veterans MusicFest
November 7 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and November 8 from 1-6 p.m. | Gregg-Clarke Park, 1300 W Center St, Kyle
Honoring all military veterans from the surrounding area of Austin, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos. Featuring live music, FREE family fun, and a chili cook off.
Rockin’ Dudz Kids Consignment Event
November 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and November 8 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Frank Fickett Boy Scout Center, 12500 North IH-35, Austin
Best Lil’ Rockin’ Children’s Consignment Event in Texas! Shop for gently loved pre-owned and new newborn-junior items. Visit the craft and vendor displays for unique Christmas gifts and more. Admission is FREE!
Fall Festival at Austin Nature and Science Center
November 7 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Austin Nature and Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin
All ages welcome! Learn interesting facts about our resident wildlife, see a bat and an owl up close, examine differences in animals teeth, fur, and skeletons, find constellations in the planetarium, explore the nature preserve on a guided hike. FREE!
East Austin Community Fall Fest
November 7 from 1-6 p.m. | Space 12, 3121 E 12th St, Austin
This family-friendly annual festival supported by the McKinley Heights, Clifford Sanchez and Homewood Heights Neighborhood Associations gives an opportunity for neighbors to meet each other, enjoy food, vendors, and live music. Admission is FREE with a suggested donation of three non-perishable food and monetary donations for the food bank.
Diwali Festival
November 7 from 1-11 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Royal Events present Diwali Festival Of Lights. Come and celebrate Diwali with family fun, food, shopping, henna, kids activities, music, and more. FREE entry and free parking.
Día de los Muertos Procession and Festival
November 7 from 4-9 p.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E. Main Street., Round Rock
Join the Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee, Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, City of Round Rock, Round Rock Arts and Univision for the third annual Día de los Muertos procession and festival. Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mesoamerican holiday dedicated to the ancestors; it honors both death and the cycle of life. There will be crafts and activities for kids and art, craft and food vendors. San Antonio-based Las Monas Performance Group, which includes giant, interactive puppets, will also be at the event. Performers include Singer Nicole Reyes, Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, ballet folklorico groups from Round Rock High School, Stony Point High School and Cedar Ridge High School, Hopewell Middle School Mariachis, Folkloric Dance Collaborative and Latin Band Son de Rey. More info here. FREE!
The Dougherty Art Center’s 1st Annual Young Theatre Maker’s Fest – Canceled due to flood damage.
November 7 from 4-8 p.m. | Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The Dougherty Arts Center wants to celebrate the future of Austin theatre by presenting the 1st Annual Young Theatre Maker’s Fest. More than 50 performers, from high schoolers to young professionals, will take the stage with six fresh exciting original shows. Original performances from The Young Journey Foundation, Gigglepants Improv, Don’t Forget Kimberly, The Chamber St. Writers and Creative Action as well as the world premiere of “Buzzkill” an original play by up and coming playwright, Trey Gutierrez. FREE! Appropriate for children 13+.
Southpark After Dark Concert Series: Marcia Ball
November 7 from 7-10 p.m. | Southpark Meadows, 9300 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin
This FREE concert in The Grove will be fun for the entire family.
Saturday Night Concert Series: Trees Marie
November 7 from 7-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live folk/blues music, free kids activities, and great shopping. The music begins at 7 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this FREE event every Saturday night. Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the grassy lawn during the show. Arrive early to ensure you get a free swag bag filled with fun items and discounts from the Hill Country Galleria merchants & sponsors! Sun Radio 100.1FM will be on-site to emcee the event and introduce you to the band.
The Settlement Home Charity Garage & Estate Sale
November 7 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and November 8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Each year, more than 25,000 shoppers flock to The Settlement Home Charity Garage & Estate Sale at Palmer Events Center to get their hands on unique items and bargain priced merchandise. Shoppers can browse in 21 different departments, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, toys, furniture, books, linen, art, holiday items and more. There is something for everyone at The Sale! 100% of the proceeds from this sale go to The Settlement Home for Children. FREE admission (or you can pay $7 to shop a day early, on November 6). On Sunday, from 3–5 p.m., there is a Box Sale, where you can purchase an empty box to fill!
SchoolFair ATX
November 8 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 7811 & 7817 Rockwood Lane, Austin
The 1st annual SchoolFair ATX 2015 brings together more than 75 preschools, private schools, homeschool options and enrichment programs from all over the Austin area. SchoolFair ATX also offers free seminars and panels on subjects such as: preschool readiness, bilingual education, AISD admission, alternative schools, homeschooling, and school choices. The event also offers parents an opportunity to connect with multiple enrichment providers and opportunities for children to participate in soccer, music, art, yoga, and movement demonstrations. School Fair ATX has partnered with BookSpring, an Austin non-profit organization that equips children, families, and communities with the tools and skills required for long-term school success. Admission to the event is FREE with the donation of one new or two gently used books for BookSpring AND your RSVP.
Veterans Day Parade
November 11 from 9:30 a.m. – noon | Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin
The 62nd Annual Veterans Day Parade to honor our nation’s members of the armed services will begin at the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at 9:30 a.m., after a flyover, and continue to the Capitol building. The Del Valle High School Band will perform, and the Memorial Ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the south steps of the Capitol. FREE.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Metz Rec Center
November 12 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Metz Recreation Center, 2407 Canterbury Street, Austin
Enjoy a FREE, homemade Thanksgiving meal, with live music and entertainment.
Creek Show
November 12-21 at sundown | Waller Creek, Austin
Creek Show is presented by the Waller Creek Conservancy and is FREE and open to the public! Experience Austin’s dynamic Waller Creek between 5th St. and 8th St. as it transforms into a walkable community space! Stroll along the creek and under bridges while taking in five illuminating works of art. The five light-based installations designed by local architects, landscape architects and artists will showcase Waller Creek in ways that highlight the inherent beauty and future transformation.
East Austin Studio Tour (EAST)
November 14-15 & 21-22 | Various East Austin locations
EAST is a FREE, annual, self-guided art event occurring over two weekends in November, providing the public with an opportunity to meet the makers: the local artists and artisans who leave a lasting imprint on Austin’s vibrant, dynamic culture. Tour-goers are invited to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists’ tools, techniques, and inspirations, and explore unique exhibition spaces and local businesses.
25th Annual Fossil Fest
November 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Old Settlers Association Headquarters, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
Learn about the fossils in your backyard. The Paleontological Society of Austin is sponsoring the 25th Annual Fossil Fest at Old Settlers Association Headquarters. Admission to Fossil Fest is $3 for adults, $2 for students, and FREE for children under 6. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of event. Cash only. Event flyer with map.
Market of Hope Holiday Market
November 14 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock
Market of Hope is a non-profit open-air Christmas market in downtown Round Rock. With a festive atmosphere that gets you in the holiday spirit, Market of Hope features goods that were handmade by artisans in need from all over the world. Grab a cup of coffee or hot cider, and get a picture of your kids with a few of Santa’s most fun elves! The vendors featured at Market of Hope support families and communities in over 20 different countries by providing education, training, financial investment and emotional restoration to victims of human trafficking and economic slavery. It’s guilt-free Christmas splurging. Admission is FREE.
Children’s Business Fair
November 14 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Acton Academy North, 1300 N Mays St, Round Rock
Acton Academy North in Round Rock Children’s Business Fair will host 30 young entrepreneurs, ages 6-16. This event is FREE and open to the public. Kids create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. The children are responsible for the setup, sales, and interacting with customers.
Family Photos with Santa
November 14 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | La Patisserie, 602 West Annie St, Austin
Get your family photos taken in front of the “Greetings from Austin” postcard mural with Santa Claus early enough to make it on your holiday card! FREE, but donations will benefit Any Baby Can.
Laura’s Library Artisan’s Market
November 14 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin
Laura’s Library Artisans’ Market is a craft show featuring over 20 unique, local artists and a silent auction! There will also be two food trucks—LoadABowl and mmmpanadas. The show benefits the Friends of the Westbank Library organization, which supports many of the programs at the library. Admission is FREE and the market will happen rain or shine.
Home Slice Carnival O Pizza
November 14 from 12-7 p.m. | Home Slice Pizza, 1415 South Congress Avenue, Austin
Another afternoon of pizza-themed zaniness in South Austin is right around the corner! The carnival is at once a celebration of the art of hand tossed pizza, a 10th birthday party for the restaurant, and a charitable endeavor intended to give back to the neighborhood and the community that has made Home Slice one of Austin’s favorite eateries. Admission and entertainment is FREE; carnival games cost extra.
Southpark After Dark Concert Series: Bri Bagwell
November 14 from 7-10 p.m. | Southpark Meadows, 9300 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin
Enjoy FREE fun for the entire family at The Grove.
Bliss Bash
November 15 from 12-5 p.m. | Moontower Saloon, 10212 Manchaca Rd, Austin
Bliss Bash is a family friendly event hosted by Moontower Saloon to benefit Bliss Kid Yoga. Bliss Kid Yoga is a nonprofit dedicated to providing yoga programs for children, families and educators in order to help nurture physical and emotional health within the community. FREE yoga classes for kids at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. (Spanish bilingual and ASL interpreter available), plus a raffle, free books, vendors, face-painting, live music, crafts, and more.
Third Thursday at the Blanton
November 19 from 12-9 p.m. | Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin
A FREE, monthly themed event that features extended hours (until 9 p.m.), multiple programs including Yoga in the Galleries, tours, and other offerings.
Hill Country Galleria Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
November 19 at 6 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
Welcome Santa with FREE live music and fireworks!
6th Annual Children and Family Nature’s Workshop
November 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St, Austin
The purpose of this series is to explore and appreciate nature with children of all ages. Bey Acupuncture seeks to share the sincerity of nature with the community at large, promote a healthy lifestyle, and creative expression. Activities include “The Art of Juicing” from the Daily Juice Team, The Wonders of Crystals and Stones by Nature’s Treasures, Kid Yoga with Venus Dever, and more. FREE and open to the public.
Southpark After Dark Concert Series: Honey Island Swamp Band (New Orleans)
November 21 from 7-10 p.m. | Southpark Meadows, 9300 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin
FREE fun for the entire family at The Grove.
Austin Empty Bowl Project
November 22 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Marchesa Hall & Theatre, 6226 Middle Fiskville Rd., Austin
Potters from all over Central Texas donate bowls of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Then, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, friends and families come together from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. to purchase a bowl for $20, have it filled with soup, and enjoy the music. The bowl is yours to keep, as a reminder of those whose bowls are empty. The proceeds go to Meals on Wheels and More’s Meals for Kids, and the Capital Area Food Bank to help sponsor the Kids Cafe Program. Kids Cafe provides a safe, nurturing place where children receive a hot, nutritious dinner, as well as help with homework. T-shirts are available for purchase and you can also bid on bowls made or signed by celebrities. The event is quite popular, so you’ll need to arrive early if you’d like to participate.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 27 – December 24 | Marchesa Hall & Theatre, 6226 Middle Fiskville Rd., Austin
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday shopping season. It will be open again for its 15th year at the Marchesa Hall & Theatre. The Bazaar features unique work from more than 200 local and regional artists, with a portion of proceeds going to Make-A-Wish®. Parking and admission are always FREE.
Santa on the Terrace
November 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
It’s back! Bring the kids for a FREE photo with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer overlooking the best view in Austin! Kick off the holidays and take a break from mall madness this Black Friday when Santa Claus comes to the Long Center. Sip hot chocolate, enjoy some of Austin’s most delicious food trucks, and kick off the holiday season with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (tickets from $24). Also, check out Architects of Air: Pentalum (ticket info) on the lawn. RSVP on Facebook. This event is happening weather permitting, and pictures are on a first-come first-serve basis. Being in line is no guarantee of getting your picture taken.
Annual Lighting of the Square
November 27 at 5:30 p.m. | Georgetown Square, 710 S. Main Street, Georgetown
Kick off the holiday season with Georgetown’s annual Lighting of the Square! Join in with the holiday carols provided by The Austin Carolers and warm your tummy with hot chocolate and cookies. Stay for pictures with Santa. Plan to get in some shopping, too, as merchants will stay open late. FREE!
Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade
November 28 from 11 a.m. – noon | Congress Avenue, Austin
Giant inflatable balloons, festive holiday floats, famous children’s characters, spectacular marching bands, cool classic cars and Santa! Bring a toy to donate to Operation Blue Santa during the parade. Starts at the State Capitol at 11th and Congress, moving south on Congress all the way to Cesar Chavez, ending just north of the bridge. Click here for a parade map. FREE!
The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Trail of Lights
November 28 – December 29 at 6 p.m. | Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley
Stroll a walking path with more than 100 lighted exhibits created by local businesses, churches, organizations and families. Roast a marshmallow at the Yule Log and listen to live entertainment on most nights. The trail will be open from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. FREE!
Southpark After Dark Concert Series: Vallejo
November 28 from 7-10 p.m. | Southpark Meadows, 9300 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin
FREE fun for the entire family at The Grove.
Zilker Tree Lighting
November 29 at 6 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Each year, the Austin community eagerly awaits the lighting of the 155 foot tall Zilker Tree as a symbol of the upcoming holiday season and Trail of Lights festivities. The tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. will feature local entertainment, food, novelties and live music. Prelude Music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, Robert Laguna, Conductor. Additional event music by the Barton Hills Choir, Gavin Tabone, Director, Kati Achtermann, Principal. FREE!
