Hot Rods and Hatters: See Stunning Classic Cars

If you're looking for something fun to do this February not far from Folio, look no further than the Hot Rods and Hatters car show. Scheduled for Saturday, February 4th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., this free car show fills more than 30 city blocks with stunning hot rods and other classic cars.

The roadsters alone are reason enough to make your way to Hot Rods and Hatters, and more than 30,000 people typically show up to see the hundreds of cars. However, there's more to do than just ogle automobiles. You can also grab food and drink from more than 100 local food vendors and food trucks as well as explore an array of handcrafted items that are perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. Don't miss the award-winning cars at this year's Hot Rods and Hatters in Lockhart.

Halal Bros: Mediterranean Cuisine On the Go

When you think about it, Mediterranean food is a great cuisine for the on-the-go lifestyle. Okay, so maybe it isn’t the easiest thing to eat rice while walking, but the kebabs, wraps, and general handheld nature of so many dishes make it perfect for the person who doesn't have time to sit down at a restaurant. And that’s part of what makes Halal Bros so great; sure, you could sit and enjoy your meal, but it’s just as enjoyable on the go.

The West Braker Lane establishment in Gracy Woods has become a favorite of area residents, and it’s easy to see why. The food is both affordable and delicious, and there is no shortage of variety. Shawarma, kebabs, gyros, falafel, and more can be found here in a number of variations here. The quick and friendly service turns meals out like clockwork, making this the ideal spot for a quick yet entirely satisfying bite.

Le Garage Boutique Sale: Shop an Array of Trendy Local Brands Under One Roof

Living at Folio, you already have access to all of Austin's trendy, independent boutiques, but it can be difficult to hit every store in a single day. That's why Le Garage Boutique Sale is the perfect way to spend one of the first weekends of your new year. It gives you the opportunity to shop at a slew of different boutiques without ever leaving the Palmer Events Center.

Kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 21st for VIP ticket holders and running through Sunday evening, Le Garage Boutique Sale is an opportunity for local boutiques, designers, and Austin-based brands to converge on the Palmer Events Center and show off what they've been working on. Tickets are just $10 per day, and they grant you access to all of the handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items on sale at Le Garage Boutique Sale. Don't miss your chance to shop local at this special annual sale.

Tegan’s Nail: A Top-Notch Nail Salon Experience

When it comes to treating yourself, it’s all about the details, and if you’re looking for a special nail salon experience, you should make an appointment with Tegan’s Nail, located on Metric Boulevard.

Regulars of Tegan’s rave about the nail technicians, who are friendly, helpful, and artistic and treat your nails as if they were their own. There are a number of techniques you can choose from here for both manicures and pedicures. Be sure to take a look at the huge color collection—you may need some time before settling on one! The attention to detail at Tegan’s, when combined with the variety of options, makes it one salon you’ll want to frequent, so be sure to check it out!

Have Some Wintry Fun at the Barton Springs Polar Bear Splash 2017

Living in Austin, there's really no time of year when you can partake in a true Polar Bear Splash—which could be a good or bad thing, depending on how you look at it. The Barton Springs Polar Bear Splash 2017 on January 1st is the closest you can get to a truly frigid dip in your area. Don't worry, the water will be far from balmy, so you'll still be able to brag to your friends about your bravery.

From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., locals are invited to test their endurance at the Barton Springs Pool, where you'll splash into chilly water with other thrill-seekers. After taking a dip, warm back up with a cup of coffee from the Save Our Springs table. Proceeds from the sales of coffee, doughnuts, and souvenir t-shirts will go right back into keeping the Barton Springs Pool beautiful. Bring a change of clothes and a warm jacket so you can enjoy everything the event has to offer even after you participate in the Polar Bear Splash.

Don’t Miss Holiday Pairings: How to Celebrate with Cheese

Antonelli's Cheese House specializes in gourmet wedges, which is why it's the perfect place to host Holiday Pairings: How to Celebrate with Cheese. This seasonally specific class delves deeper into the cheeses that would look perfect on the hors d'oeuvres table at your holiday party.

From tactics for plating to the wine or beer that works best with the cheeses, the experts at Antonelli's Cheese House will shed some light on all aspects of cheese. You'll even learn a little bit of history regarding each cheese as you taste it. Drink pairings will be available for purchase at the store, but you can also BYO for a $4 fee. Stick around after class to buy fresh cuts of the featured cheeses to take home for your next gathering.

Holiday Pairings: How to Celebrate with Cheese
When: 7 – 9 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21
Where: Antonelli's Cheese House, 500 Park Boulevard, Austin, TX
Cost: $50
www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-pairings-how-to-celebrate-with-cheese-tickets-28695505028
info.antonellischeese.com/calendar-cheese-classes-events

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

Start Your Day with Something Sweet from River City Donut 2

If you've been to River City Donut 2, then you know how great it can be to start your day with a delicious sweet treat or two. When it comes to doughnuts, this shop offers a large variety to choose from, including classics like apple fritters but also more inventive flavors that you'll have to try yourself.

In addition to the sugary delights, River City also offers several different breakfast taco varieties for those looking for a savory way to start their day instead of a sweet one. If you're in a rush, River City Donut 2 conveniently has a drive-thru. If you do decide to indulge, be sure to get here early, not only for the best selection but also because this restaurant is only open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

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

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