Fall fun is in full swing in Austin! You don’t want to miss these FREE events coming up in November!
Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade; photo by Nicole Basham
Free “Don’t Miss” Events In Austin This November
Downtown Street Market
November 4, 11, & 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Congress Ave & 9th Street, Austin
Join the Downtown Austin Alliance for the Downtown Street Market along Congress Ave and 9th Street every Friday through November 18. Each week the market will offer a variety of popular food trucks, local artisans and retailers, as well as musicians and street performers. Support local businesses, enjoy the work of local artists and entertainers, and experience the creative spirit of downtown Austin. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Veterans Day Toy Helicopter
November 5 from 9 a.m. – noon | The Home Depot; locations vary
Join this hands-on workshop in honor of Veterans Day, and you and your child can build a toy helicopter with turning blades! Once the toy helicopter is built, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers to create a mini-military vehicle. Register before you go! FREE!
Fall Festival
November 5 from 9 a.m. – noon | Austin Nature and Science Center, 2389 Stratford Drive, Austin
FREE all ages festival for the whole family!
Free Kids’ Music at Strange Brew: Staci Gray
November 5 from 10-11 a.m. | Strange Brew, Lounge Side, 5326 Manchaca Rd, Austin
Staci Gray will be performing a FREE all ages shows. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
It’s My Park Day
November 5 | Locations vary
Each year, thousands of volunteers work to improve parks and greenbelts throughout the city. Learn more and register here.
Day of the Dead Party
November 5 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Verde’s Mexican Parrilla Hamilton Pool, 16018 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin
Enjoy the traditions of Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) with music, art, dancing, and shopping in the mercado lined with art, home decor, and wares from local businesses. Artists and students will create ofrendas (celebration of life altars). Members of the community are welcome to create their own altars to celebrate the life of a loved one. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. This event will be held rain or shine. Verdes Mexican Parrilla has indoor, seated dining options. Bring an umbrella if you wish to visit the mercado and view the artists’ ofrendas (altars). FREE, but please register here.
Texas Book Festival
November 5-6 | State Capitol and surrounding grounds, Austin
One of the largest and most prestigious literary festivals in the country, the annual Texas Book Festival features 250+ nationally and critically recognized authors, 20+ venues including the State Capitol, 80+ exhibitors, live music, local food trucks, family activities, and countless opportunities to meet authors and fellow book lovers. FREE!
Free Kids’ Music at Cherrywood Coffeehouse
November 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E. 38 1/2 Street, Austin
November 6: Hey Lollies; November 13: Groundwork Music; November 20: The Que Pastas; November 27: Staci Gray will be performing FREE all ages shows. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
H-E-B Free First Sunday: American Indian Heritage
November 6 from 12-5 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin
Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Special family programs from 12-3 p.m. combine art creation, exploration stations, and gallery activities. Kick off American Indian Heritage Month with dancing, drumming, and hands-on activities for all ages. Special family programs from 12-3 p.m.
Sunday Funday
November 6 from 1-4 p.m. | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin
Sunday Fundays at the Neill-Cochran House Museum feature historically-inspired activities for children, scavenger hunts in the historic house, and informal tours of the museum. This Sunday, find out more about how people first started communicating over long distances in real time (the telegraph) and communicating wirelessly (the radio). FREE!
Creek Show
November 10-19 from 6-10 p.m. | Waller Creek, between 5th & 8th Streets
It’s Alive! Creek Show 2016 is back with 10 nights of FREE light-based art installations along Waller Creek. Stroll along the creek, between 5th and 8th Streets, while taking in these 5 new illuminating works of light-based art. This free event, open nightly from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., will captivate visitors through visionary art that illustrates the intersection of natural environment, innovative design, and urban life.
Free Movie in the Park: The Goonies
November 10 at 8 p.m. | Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin
Pease Park Conservancy hosts an epic season closer with a pre-show scavenger hunt. FREE!
Hands On History (Georgetown)
November 12 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Williamson Museum, 716 S Austin Ave, Georgetown
The second Saturday of each month, the museum hosts an interactive activity where children can get up close and personal with history, learning something new and creating their own artifact. Lincoln wins close race: elections and trains. FREE for children of all ages.
Miffy’s Fountain by Tom Sachs at Laguna Gloria
Second Saturdays are for Families: Miffy’s Friends (RSVP)
November 12 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street, Austin
Oink, quack…wait, what sound does a bunny make? Find out along with plenty of other cuddly creatures, to this animal reunion inspired by our cutest sculpture, Tom Sachs’s Miffy Fountain. Rub feathers with new friends, then make an animal work of art to take home! Recommended for ages 2-11. Reservations are requested for family art-making workshops; please reserve your spot here.
Home Slice Carnival O’ Pizza 2016
November 12 from noon – 7 p.m. | Home Slice Pizza, 1415 S Congress Ave, Austin
The 11th annual Carnival O’ Pizza is back for an afternoon of pizza-themed fun that’s bigger and better than before. A celebration of Home Slice’s love for all things pizza, this family-friendly event will have over-the-top pizza-themed activities and exciting prizes, with all proceeds to benefit this year’s non-profit recipient: Austin Bat Cave. Join in on the fun with carnival-inspired games, dancing, a photo booth, and raffles to win one of 60 prizes. The 2016 Carnival-O-Pizza promises fun for all ages with kid themed games and booths, entertainment including music, fortune tellers, dancers, mustache painting, hairstyling and more, the tastes and smells of popcorn, cotton candy and of course, authentic New York Style Pizza. Admission is FREE; carnival games have a fee.
East Austin Studio Tour
November 12 & 13, 19 & 20 | Various locations in Austin
EAST is an annual, FREE, 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.
Round Rock Diwali Festival
November 12 from 3-10 p.m. | Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock
There will be music, Indian food and dance, lots of dance. There will be instructors to teach you the Garba Dance and we will have 2 hours of group Garba dance. You will also get opportunity to shop colorful handmade crafts, clothing and jewelry from India. FREE!
Umlauf Family Day
November 13 from 12-4 p.m. | 605 Robert E. Lee Road, Austin
Family Days offer special, hands-on programs designed for families with children, ages four to ten years old. Families have the opportunity to explore the UMLAUF while engaging in creative activities. Listen to stories, do yoga in the garden, watch sculpture demos, enjoy live music and more. FREE and open to the public.
The Blanton’s Third Thursday
November 17 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin
Enjoy art and activities at the Blanton’s Third Thursday. Admission is FREE and the museum stays open through 9 p.m. for a variety of exciting public programs.
The Jones Center Reopening
November 22 | The Contemporary Austin – The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave, Austin
The Jones Center galleries and the exhibition Monika Sosnowska: Habitat will open to the public on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. Museum admission will be FREE on opening day. Monika Sosnowska: Habitat is on view through February 26, 2017.
Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade
November 26 at 11 a.m. | State Capitol at 11th and Congress, Austin
Benefiting Operation Blue Santa so bring new, unwrapped toys to donate! At a designated time during the Parade Procession, all units will stop to collect the toys. Santa’s Helpers will line the parade route and help spectators give their toy. All toys will be distributed by the Operation Blue Santa Program to another child just in time for the holidays. Giant inflatable balloons, festive holiday floats, famous children’s characters, spectacular marching bands, cool classic cars and Santa! FREE!
Nearly free fun:
25th Annual Austin Powwow
November 5 from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln, Austin
Family friendly fun celebrating American Indian heritage. Please note the new location. $5 admission for adults; children 12 and under are FREE! Parking is also FREE!
Fossil Fest (Round Rock)
November 19 & 20 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Old Settler’s Heritage Association, Next to the Dell Diamond on US-79 & Harrell Pkwy, Round Rock
Show Spotlight: Prehistoric Sharks! Guest Speaker: “Fossils Talk – Hear their Stories”. BYOF: Bring Your Own Fossil for Fossil Identification. Meet a Scientist: Q&A, hands-on demo. “Paleo Passport” educational quest for students. Hands-on Fossil Touch Table and Microscope. Exhibits: See what amateur fossil collectors find in Texas. Fossil collections: Start yours at the Wheel of Fossils & Dig Pit. Fossils, minerals, books, gifts, jewelry, toys, and more. Hourly and Grand Door Prizes. Admission is $3/adult; $2/child (6-12); children under 6 are FREE.
Local shopportunities:
12th Annual Holiday Bazaar
November 5 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | John B Connally High School, 13212 N Lamar Blvd, Austin
Shop ‘til you drop at the 12th Annual Connally High School Bazaar. Share the holiday spirit, enjoy great food, entertainment, and support your local community school, students, and teachers, while shopping for that perfect gift. Admission is FREE! There are typically great deals on a wide variety of gifts and fun items, including ornaments, cards, jewelry, handbags, treats, Christmas decorations, toys, gourmet foods, candles, and so much more. Shoppers can enjoy live performances by Connally student groups and other local talent, snacks, and beverages. All proceeds fund student scholarships and other PTA programs. Admission and parking are FREE!
Market Days (Round Rock)
November 5 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Centennial Plaza, 301 West Bagdad, Round Rock
Market Days features farmers market items, unique arts and crafts, jewelry, home decor, food vendors, and live music all day. FREE!
The Settlement Home Garage & Estate Sale
November 5 & 6 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Each year, more than 25,000 shoppers flock to The Settlement Home Garage & Estate Sale at Palmer Events Center to get their hands on unique items and bargain priced merchandise. Shoppers browse in 20 different “departments,” such as clothing, shoes, jewelry, toys, furniture, books, linen, art, holiday items, and so much more. 100% of the proceeds go to The Settlement Home for Children. Saturday, November 5 – Shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – FREE entry. Sunday, November 6 – Shop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – FREE entry, then the Box Sale from 3–5 p.m. (You can also shop early on Friday, November 4, when admission is $5 in advance or $7 at the door.)
Bazaar Brunch
November 6 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Bouldin Creek Cafe, 1900 S 1st St, Austin
Enjoy a lovely brunch and maybe even sip on a mimosa. This event is FREE, family friendly, and dogs are welcome. Support Local Art!
Fall Festival and Craft Fair (Round Rock)
November 6 from 2-5 p.m. | 4010 Sam Bass Rd., Round Rock
It’s time for the Annual Fall Festival! Fun for all ages! Petting Zoo, Bounce House, Kids Craft Workshop, Craft Show, Antique Car Show, Great Games, Music, Free Concessions…. and much more! FREE!
A Woodland Christmas (Georgetown)
November 10-12 | First Baptist Church Georgetown (Gym), 1333 University Ave, Georgetown
The Christmas event is an annual fundraiser to benefit the First Baptist Church Weekday Education Center. This popular arts show features over 70 vendors from around the state, door prizes, and basket drawings. This year’s show will be held: Thursday, Nov. 10th 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11th 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12th 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Market of Hope (Round Rock)
November 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock
Market of Hope is a non-profit open-air Christmas market held 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. 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. Grab a cup of coffee or hot cider and get a picture of your kids with a few of Santa’s most fun elves. It’s guilt-free Christmas splurging!
Holiday Bazaar and Craft Show (Round Rock)
November 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Clay Madsen Center, 1600 Gattis School Road, Round Rock
A variety of vendors will be present for you to start shopping for unique and handcrafted items, plus live music. Admission is FREE, but please bring a canned good donation for the Round Rock Serving Center.
Artreach Fair Trade Gift Fair
November 12 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Westover Hills Church, 8332 Mesa Dr, Austin
The 8th Annual Artreach Fair Trade Gift Fair is right around the corner! At Artreach, you can find beautifully handcrafted toys, jewelry, coffee, and bags to GIVE to everyone on your list. And you can GIVE opportunity, encouragement and joy to hard-working artisans throughout the world.
Laura’s Library Artisans’ Market
November 12 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin
The Artisans’ Market is a craft show featuring about 24 unique Austin artists, a silent auction, and two food trucks. The show is a fundraiser for the library’s student scholarship program and for library programs. Admission and parking are FREE. Rain or shine.
Pfall Pfest Craft Show (Pflugerville)
November 19 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Pflugerville Recreation Center, 400 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville
It’s the best place in town to start holiday shopping or find those one-of-a-kind items for a friend, or treat yourself. Handcrafted items, baked goods, jewelry and glassware are just a few of the unique gift items to choose from. FREE admission.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 25 – December 24 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB) is an annual 4-week holiday shopping event featuring handmade artwork, jewelry and gifts from more than 200 regional artists. In addition to shopping, there will be special events and activities throughout the show. Celebrating 16 years in Austin, BGAB is a family-friendly experience where shoppers can browse in a hassle-free environment with centralized checkout. Refreshments and bar available. Parking and admission are FREE! Blue Genie Art Bazaar supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas via “Make-a-Wish Mondays” when 10% of profits every Monday throughout the bazaar goes to the charity.
Rockin’ Dudz Kids Consignment Event and Holiday Craft & Vendor Show
November 26 & 27 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Frank Fickett Boy Scout Center, 12500 N Interstate 35, Austin
Enjoy some unique shopping with Rockin’ Dudz and their amazing craft and vendor friends, who will be offering unique and amazing gift ideas. Of course Rockin’ Dudz will also have awesome winter and holiday deals for the kiddos as well….come shop in a fun and stress free environment with Rockin’ Dudz!
Renegade Craft Fair’s Austin Holiday Market
November 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Fair Market, 1100 East 5th St., Austin
This event features a thoughtfully curated selection of the finest indie-craft goods, perfect for all of your holiday gift-giving needs. Attendees will enjoy a weekend of shopping handmade, participating in DIY workshops, and joining in on the festive holiday vibes. FREE!
