Whether you’re looking for something to show to your out of town visitors, trying to get away from the family, or simply looking for a way to spend time with friends, Austin has a lot in store for you this week. We’ve put together a list of the best Thanksgiving events happening in Austin this holiday week.
Hill Country Holiday Village | Happening All Week | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Boulevard
Hill Country Galleria will host a Holiday Village on the lawn, where guests can walk the decorated walkways and shop for gifts and goods like custom gifts, ornaments, seasonal coffee and cocoa, mulled cider, toys, spices, and apothecary goods from holiday vendors. Guests can also enjoy holiday entertainment like carolers and local dance and choir performances. Santa’s Workshop will be open within the Holiday Village starting November 24 for guests to meet Santa and get special keepsake photos taken. Check their site for daily hours.
Funsgiving | Wednesday, November 27 | Punch Bowl Social, 11310 Domain Drive
Punch Bowl Social is your pre-holiday destination for friendly festivities. Meet up with friends new and old while your pants still fit, order a drink… and see what happens. The seasonal punch this year is “Friendsgiving Frenzy,” a blend of bourbon and house-made pumpkin pie spice syrup, with notes of cranberry, cinnamon, and orange. Punch Bowl Social has plenty of ways to overcome differences and find common ground, whether on the Putt Club or in a private karaoke room.
Thanksgiving Night Dance Party | Thursday, November 28 | 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. | Volstead Lounge, 1500 East 6th Street
When you’re done with family time, join the Volstead Lounge downtown for DJ’s, dancing, and drink specials, all at no cover. It’s a great way to dance off all those Thanksgiving carbs.
Snow Much Fun on Congress (Thanksgiving Edition) | Thursday November 28 | 6 to 10 p.m. | Edge Rooftop and Bar, 110 East 2nd Street
Enjoy rooftop views of downtown and a special Holiday Catalog performance by the Christian Wiggs Jazz Quartet. Dress for the cool weather but enjoy warm fire pits, a holiday crafted cocktail menu, and table-side s’mores. This event gives all those Thanksgiving to Christmas memes a whole new meaning.
Cowboys VS The Bills at Buford’s | Thursday, November 28 | 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Buford’s, 700 West 6th Street
Watch the Cowboys play the Bills in the heart of the city. Buford’s will also be hosting a potluck during the game in the beer garden, so feel free to bring your favorite dish. It’s a great way to watch the game and share a meal.
Black Friday International Food Truck Pop-Up | Friday, November 29 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Barton Creek Square, 2901 Capitol of Texas Highway
The Black Friday International Food truck Festival will commemorate food inspired from all over the world. This will be family friendly and will have entertainment for both adults and kids alike. So if you’re tired of Turkey left overs, this ones for you.
Thanksgiving Weekend at Vista | Friday, November 29 though Sunday, December 1 | Vista Brewing, 13551 FM 150 West, Driftwood
The release of two beers perfect for the winter holiday season is happening on Friday, November 29. Sample both new releases on draft and take home 500ml bottles. Hint: these make a perfect holiday or hostess gift. On Saturday, December 30, they welcome The Austin Flea. Shop local, handmade and vintage items from 12 to 5 p.m. You can also score a limited edition “Explore Texas Craft Beer” glass in support of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild from 11 a.m. until sold out. Then, on Sunday, December 1, it’s the launch of Vista Sunday Brunch: Farm-to-table brunch specials, plus mimosas and drink specials available from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Dishes include brisket and potato hash, biscuits and pork belly gravy, and a Fallen Oak mushroom frittata with Vista Farm greens.
Dumpstaphunk’s 2nd Annual Phunksgiving | Friday, November 29 and Saturday, December 30 | 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. | Antone’s Nightclub, 305 East 5th Street
Head to this two-night musical alliance event at Antone’s, featuring an amazing gathering of Dumpstaphunk with Erica Falls Band and CHA WA. The collective live works and credits include an eclectic gumbo for a range of tastes: Rolling Stones, Neville Brothers, 50 Cent, Keith Richards, Dave Matthews & Friends, Harry Connick Jr., Etta James, Jason Mraz, Soulive, Derek Trucks, Zac Brown Band, and Blues Traveler.
Friendsgiving Block Party | Saturday, November 30 | 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. | Halcyon Mueller, 1905 Aldrich Street, Suite 110
Many of us have made our own hodge podge of families here and it’s time to get those crews together and catch up! Halcyon Mueller throws you a gigantic party full of funky pop up shops, live music, burlesque performances, face painting, cocktails, s’mores, yard games, bubbles, dancing, hoola hoopin’, and, of course, delicious food whilst you catch up with the ones you love. Free s’mores for friend groups of six or more! Prize giveaways every hour for friends who really know their friends (think friend trivia). Drink specials based on friend dynamics (pick the buzz that represents your friendships most).
Biergarten Bazzar | Saturday, November 30 | 12 to 8 p.m. | Live Oak Brewing Company, 1615 Crozier Lane, Del Valle
Local Holiday shopping at its finest at the 3rd Annual Biergarten Bazaar! Mosey your way through the biergartens, delicious beer in hand, being serenaded by live music, getting thoughtful holiday gifts for your loved ones — all the while supporting local artisans and vendors.
Between all the turkey, Friendsgiving parties, and Black Friday shopping, we hope our list provides you with enough fun activities to keep you busy until the dreaded back to work Monday. And no matter what you end up doing, we wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!
Featured photo provided by Vista Brewing.
