Soul Thursdays at The Blackheart with Mrs. Glass
With equal parts jazz, folk, and world music this jazz quintet with soulful vocals will be previewing their new material in Eastside Showroom’s intimate music space. Starting at 10:30pm, this FREE performance will be their last show of the year. (Eastside Showroom, 1100 East 6th Street, Austin)
Friday, December 5, 2014
Cedar Park Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop
Starting at 6:30pm, Cedar Park will illuminate their largest oak tree with over 60,000 holiday lights to kick off their holiday festivites. Shortly after the tree lighting, Santa’s Workshop will begin with live music, carriage rides, games & prizes, inflatables, photos with Santa (bring your own camera), and arts & crafts projects. (Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park)
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Celebrating its 14th year, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar art show features one-of-a-kind artwork and handi-crafts from over 200 local and regional artists. The show and parking are FREE and sales benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas. The show opens November 28th and lasts until Christmas Eve; hours are 10am-10pm daily. (The Marchesa Hall & Theatre, 6226 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin)
FREE Music Fridays are back at Hill’s Cafe. This week features Lost Pines from 7-9pm. It took the Lost Pines only two years to go from their first shows on Congress Ave to being named as the runner-up in the Bluegrass category of the Austin Chronicle Annual Reader’s Poll. They’ll be returning to their musical roots for this show at Hill’s. (Hill’s Cafe, 4700 South Congress, Austin)
Artxplosion at Mindzai Creative
A holiday social gathering for artists and collectors with a chance for everyone to get involved. Bring a t-shirt and Mindzai Creative will do a FREE live screen-printing for you! While you’re waiting for the ink to dry, check out the featured artists, beverages by Pabst Blue Ribbon, and a Best in Show Giveaway by Jerry’s Artarama. Live performance by Charlie and the Nightcrawlers. Starts at 8pm. (Mindzai Creative, 2001 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin)
Saturday, December 6, 2014
German Christmas Market
The German-Texan Heritage Society has curated handmade and imported crafts including plenty of Christmas themed decorations such as nutcrackers and ornaments for shoppers interested in German tradition. From 10am – 4pm, this mini-festival will feature German Christmas music, tables full of handcrafted items direct from the Erzgebirge region of Germany, a visit by both the historic American Santa Claus and the traditional German Sankt Nikolas with gifts for the children, a hospitality serving of Glühwein (hot spiced wine), coffee, apple cider/juice and gingerbread cookies and plenty of German style baked goodies for purchase. All purchases are Sales Tax Free on this special day. (German Free School, 507 East 10th Street, Austin)
2nd Street’s “Deck the District”
2nd Street’s annual “Deck the District” event will be held from 1-6pm and the winner of the Window Walk competition will be announced, with college scholarships awarded. If you haven’t already, be sure to take a stroll down 2nd Street to take in the 15 creative and elaborate storefront window art installations done by local theatrical art students. Along with the winner being announced, there will also be an appearance by Santa Claus, carolers, and in-store specials at select stores. (2nd Street District, Austin)
KUT & KUTX’s Annual Holiday Sing Along
The annual Sing-Along is FREE and takes place on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol (11th Street and Congress Ave.). The tree is stationed at the south gates of the Capitol Lawn. The stroll will take place along Congress Avenue from 11th Street to 7th Street. Join hundreds caroling in front of the Capitol as the tree is lit before heading down Congress Avenue for live music, shopping, art and much more. (Texas State Capitol, Austin)
SURE THING Comedy Show
SURE THING comedy show at the original Austin Java, 8pm. Headliners include performers seen on Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, Letterman, and more, as well as the city’s best comics on the rise, plus special out-of-town guests. Hosted by Duncan Carson and Brendan K. O’Grady. These events have been filling up quickly so be sure to get there early! Doors open at 7:30pm. FREE! (Austin Java Parkway, 1206 Parkway, Austin)
Sunday, December 7, 2014
“Christmas in Austin” Holiday Ice Show
Austin Graffiti Art: Celebrating Austin’s Street Art by SouthPOP
Heather Schuck is the CEO of the children’s lifestyle brand, Glamajama. When she’s not scheming “glama” world domination or mentoring young designers, you can find her in her front yard chasing her three children with a garden hose. Connect with her at glamaLIFE or on Facebook.