2016 HOOT for the Holidays: A Festive Cabaret That You Won’t Want to Miss

Finding the perfect tree and taking a spin around the ice-skating rink might be your go-to holiday traditions, but don't stick with the status quo this year. Start a new holiday tradition when you snag a few tickets to the 2016 HOOT for the Holidays event hosted by a local production company dedicated to works starring diverse casts and women.

The HOOT for the Holidays show puts a side-splitting spin on your typical holiday entertainment. The musical comedians who star in HOOT for the Holidays create their own evening of cabaret, a blend of original tunes, covers, and seasonally inspired parodies. Tickets are $10 apiece if you buy online or $15 at the door, and the show starts at 8 p.m.

2016 HOOT for the Holidays
When: 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16
Where: Spider House Cafe and Ballroom, 2908 Fruth Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
do512.com/events/2016/12/16/hoot-for-the-holidays
www.eventbrite.com/e/hoot-for-the-holidays-tickets-27467306453

Shop Local This Season at the Armadillo Holiday Bazaar

Long before pop-up holiday shops were a common sight, the Armadillo Holiday Bazaar was already bringing some extra seasonal shopping opportunities and unique gifts to Austin. In fact, it's been around for almost 40 years. That's 40 years of city residents being able to really wow recipients with thoughtful gifts—and support their own community at the same time.

The Armadillo Holiday Bazaar comes back to the Palmer Events Center this year from December 14th to the 24th. Show up anytime between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. to do some holiday shopping in the fun atmosphere. The artisans and crafters who set up shop here sell a wide variety of items, from trinkets to massive pieces of fine art, so there's something for every person on your list, no matter your budget.

Armadillo Holiday Bazaar
When: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., from Dec. 14 – 24
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX
www.everfest.com/e/armadillo-christmas-bazaar-austin-tx
www.facebook.com/armadillobazaar

Austin Sunshine Camp Donation Locations!

Sunshine Camps is an Austin-based organization dedicated to engaging and empowering youth through education and outdoor experiences.

In 1928, The Young Men's Business League (YMBL) of Austin recognized the serious community threat of youth tuberculosis and established the Austin YMBL Summer Sunshine Camps in Zilker Park, as it was said that exposure to sunshine could promote healing from the disease.

The park provided a space in which local economically disadvantaged children could gain weight, grow strong and spend time outdoors. Today, Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps (ASC) is still serving youth living near or below the poverty line.

Our programs enrich the community by encouraging and facilitating the power to succeed through education and healthy living. Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps renders the space and comfort kids need to look beyond their current situation and dream big.

This holiday season, we encourage others to donate to children in need. Please visit LiveGreystarATX.com to contact a participating location at a Greystar property nearest to you and ask to fulfill specific items on a child's wish list.

Brandy Blues’n BBQ: A Celebration of American Brandy

If you're a fan of fine spirits, then you won't want to miss your chance to taste several craft-boozy creations at Brandy Blues'n BBQ at Freedmen's. Featuring brandy by Copper & Kings, a Kentucky based distillery, this night of drinking and eating reflects the good old-fashioned Southern tradition of booze, blues, and barbecue.

It focuses on the various types of American Brandy that Copper & Kings creates. When you walk in, you'll receive a taste of aged apple brandy. As you sip, listen to a brand expert share the nuances of American Craft and Butchertown Brandy, and then enjoy a cocktail that features even more fine spirits. You can drink it alongside a heaping plate of fresh barbecue. Save some room, though, because the evening culminates in dessert and special after-dinner mixed drinks.

Brandy Blues'n BBQ
When: 7 – 9 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15
Where: Freedmen's, 2402 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $36
www.eventbrite.com/e/brandy-blues-n-bbq-tickets-28876440210
www.copperandkings.com/event/brandy-blues-n-bbq-at-freedmens-austin-tx

Give to a Good Cause at Operation Turkey

While you may be beginning to prepare for a bountiful Thanksgiving feast with family and friends, there are many people who do not know where their next meal will come from. If you would like to help out the less fortunate in the community while enjoying a fun event, then you should be a part of Chicon's Wild Game Dinner on Sunday, November 13th.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour, followed by a meal created by renowned Chef Andrew Wiseheart, which includes wild-caught deer and goat as the main course. Admission is $100 and includes both wine and the meal itself. Proceeds will go to Operation Turkey, an organization whose main focus is to ensure everyone receives a warm meal Thanksgiving Day. Seating is limited, so get your ticket soon!

Operation Turkey
When: 5 – 9 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13
Where: Chicon, 1914 E. 6th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $100
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicon-2016-wild-game-dinner-benefiting-operation-turkey-registration-28568779990

Don’t Miss the Sound on Sound Festival This November

Music festivals are certainly popular these days. Year after year, it seems as though more upstart fests vie for your attention. If you’re a music lover, one such event that should capture your eyes and ears is the Sound on Sound Festival. This three-day event is jam-packed with a fantastically diverse set of music acts and features both well-established stars of the indie music scene and some of the hottest up-and-comers you won’t want to miss.

With ample camping and hotel accommodations available in the area, all you really have to worry about is what bands you want to catch the most. With such a loaded lineup, difficult decisions abound, but Sound on Sound has made things a little bit easier with their “Treat Thy Self” option. This VIP package gives you access to all three days of the festival—as well as the chance to watch from areas that are closer to the stage—and plenty of other special perks. Regardless of which option you choose, this music festival is one that is shaping up to be quite memorable.

The Sound on Sound Festival
When: Nov. 4 – 6
Where: Sherwood Forest, 1883 Old Highway 20, McDade, TX
Cost: $85+
www.eventbrite.com/e/sound-on-sound-fest-november-4-6-2016-tickets-26061625022

Take Part in a Fun-Filled Halloween Event at Trunk-or-Treat at Towne Square Community Center

The night before Halloween, on October 30th, Towne Square Community Center hosts a neighborhood-wide Trunk or Treat, an event that provides a contemporary spin on a classic event. Community members, local groups, and clubs are invited to decorate their cars and stock up on candy for this trunk-or-treating event. Those who would like to decorate their car are encouraged to register online, and registration is free.

Participants should be stocked with 350 pieces of candy, toys, or a combination of both to ensure they have something for everyone at this event. The fun runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 30th. Car decorators should arrive around 3 p.m. to ensure that their car is ready for trick-or-treaters at 4 p.m. You won't want to miss this fun event this season!

Trunk-or-Treat at Towne Square Community Center
When: 3 – 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30
Where: Towne Square Community Center, 12550 Country Trails Lane, Austin, TX 78732
Cost: Free
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-trunk-or-treat-vehicle-participation-tickets-27184635978

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Austin: Don’t Miss This Annual Racing Event

Whether you're a fan of professional racing or a fan of Taylor Swift, you should definitely be at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Austin. Held from October 21st to the 23rd at the Circuit of the Americas, this nationally renowned racing event also includes a major concert.

On Sunday evening, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd will bring down the house after a weekend of adrenaline-inducing racing. Watch drivers zip around the curves and corners designed specifically for them at the Circuit of the Americas, an Austin venue that only opened in 2012. You can expect plenty of other forms of entertainment, food, and fun at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Austin, so you won't want to miss it. General admission starts at $109.

Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Austin
When: Oct. 21 – 23
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, TX 78617
Cost: $109+
www.formula1.com/en/championship/races/2016/United_States.html
www.facebook.com/events/1647658182168021

Browse a Huge Selection of Candy and Sodas at Rocket Fizz

Whether you’re a fan of sweet candy or craft sodas, Rocket Fizz is sure to have plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Frequented by celebrities when they visit Austin, the specialty shop is a staple in Austin’s candy scene. The sweet options at the shop include pocky, Pez, rainbow lollipops, chocolate, and so much more.

The shop even carries more than 500 different kinds of inventive craft sodas (including sodas in its own line) in flavors like chocolate strawberry, bacon, peach, root beer float, apple pie, and more. Many patrons visit the shop just to stock up on the unique, tasty drinks. There are a number of Rocket Fizz locations throughout the city, including a shop that is just 1.3 miles away from Folio. The next time you’re looking for a sweet treat, make plans to check out Rocket Fizz.

Enjoy a Wonderful Tradition at the Fall 2016 Pecan Street Festival

The Fall 2016 Pecan Street Festival is an event that celebrates and preserves the history and landmark status of Sixth Street. This is one of the oldest events in Central Texas. It raises money for year-round projects to beautify this noteworthy block, formerly named “Pecan Street.” The two-day festival features a strong lineup of live music from local bands. Other entertainment includes street magicians and dance performances. There will be a traditional carnival and petting zoo as well.

Local vendors will be selling all kinds of crafts, including soaps, handmade jewelry, honey, beer growlers, and more. And you can expect the usual fair eats, like turkey legs and funnel cake, alongside fresh fruit smoothies and healthier treats. This twice-yearly event is a must-visit, and it won’t happen again until springtime, so make sure to catch it while you can. The Fall 2016 Pecan Street Festival is happening not far from Folio, so be sure to check it out!

Fall 2016 Pecan Street Festival
When: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sept. 24; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sept. 25
Where: 200 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701
www.everfest.com/e/pecan-street-festival-austin-tx

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