Support Women at the Dames & the Giant Peach II Concert

There's no better way to kick off your new year than to enjoy some fresh bands and give back to a cause you care about, and you can do both at the Free Week of Music: Dames & the Giant Peach II event at Swan Dive. Later today, this Austin bar hosts a free showcase of local lady-led bands, and 10% of bar sales go to Planned Parenthood.

So if you're a lady (or fella) who cares about other ladies, show your face at the Dames & the Giant Peach show at Swan Dive. Kicking off at 9 p.m., it features Calliope Musicals, Zettajoule, Magia Negra, Lou Rebecca, and other performers. Don't miss the chance to enjoy this fun event!

Get in the Holiday Spirit at the 2016 Austin Trail of Lights

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department decided that the city of Austin deserved something special around the holidays in 1965, so it launched the Yule Fest, a celebration of the season. Now more than 50 years later, the tradition continues but as the Austin Trail of Lights.

The Trail of Lights consists of more than 40 stunning light displays that are sure to get anyone who sees them into the holiday spirit. Along the entire trail, more than 2 million lights shine against the dark Austin sky. Along with performances and other seasonally themed activities, there's a lot to do when you visit the Austin Trail of Lights, so show up when it starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free from December 10th to the 16th and $3 on other evenings.

2016 Austin Trail of Lights
When: 7 p.m., Dec. 10 – 23
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX
Cost: $3; free from Dec. 10 – 16
austintrailoflights.org
austin.culturemap.com/eventdetail/austin-trail-lights-2016

Learn How to Make a Vegetarian Holiday Meal at Thanksgiving Reinvented: Veg & Gluten-Free Cooking Class

Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday for those with a food allergy. The dishes are often loaded with meat or gluten, but on Monday, November 21st, Patricia's Table invites folks in to learn how to cook a vegetarian and gluten-free Thanksgiving meal for this holiday season. Guests of the Monday evening class will learn how to make Thanksgiving-ready meals and sides like Brussels sprout salad, quinoa and wild mushroom dressing, and pumpkin maple custard.

The class starts at 6:30 p.m. on November 21st and continues until 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bottle of their favorite wine or a six-pack of beer as all Patricia's Table events are BYOB. Admission is $70 per person and is required for entry. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets online. Patricia's Table is only two miles from Lamar Union, which makes this a great class to check out next week after work.

Thanksgiving Reinvented: Veg & Gluten-Free Cooking Class
When: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 21
Where: Patricia's Table, 1510 W 35th Street Austin, TX
Cost: $70
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thanksgiving-reinvented-veg-gluten-free-cooking-class-tickets-28366866060

Don’t Miss the 14th Annual Great PUGkin Fest

Whether you're a dog owner yourself or just a dog lover, the 14th Annual Great PUGkin Fest is the place to be on the Saturday before Halloween. This fun festival puts local pugs in Halloween costumes in the spotlight. Although there is a $10 fee if you want to enter your pug in the costume contest, being a spectator is totally free.

In addition to the contest, there will also be a raffle with prizes up for grabs and a decent collection of vendors selling unique items. Allow ample time to peruse the vendor booths if you're looking to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Don't forget to grab one of the freshly baked treats to savor as you enjoy the festivities at the 14th Annual Great PUGkin Fest, held at Woodland Park at River Place.

14th Annual Great PUGkin Fest
When: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29
Where: Woodland Park at River Place, Big View Drive, Austin, TX 78730
Cost: Free admission, $10 per dog for costume contest entry
www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-great-pugkin-fest-tickets-27827755566#tickets
www.facebook.com/events/1774525446158844

Challenge Yourself at the Ironman 70.3 Austin

Do you think you have what it takes to complete one of the toughest races around? If you think you do, head over to the Ironman 70.3 Austin, a triathlon happening at the Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, about 30 minutes from Lamar Union.

You’ll start off with a 1.2 mile freshwater swim in Lake Walter E. Long and then hop on a bike for a 56-mile ride though stunning Texas landscapes filled with ranches, cedar-covered vistas, and sunflower fields. Last but not least, you’ll finish off with a half-marathon, concluding inside the Luedecke Arena where your friends and family can cheer you on. This is one of the only Ironman races that finishes indoors, which is a nice perk for spectators and participants alike. Check the website for training tips and to see if you would qualify.

Ironman 70.3 Austin
When: 7 a.m., Oct. 30
Where: 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724
www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/austin.aspx#/axzz4IsPvUwwf

Don’t Miss the Austin Symphony Orchestra Halloween Children’s Concert

An event that combines musical education and eerie fun, the Austin Symphony Orchestra Halloween Children's Concert is a magnificent show for the young and young at heart. This unique concert features spooky Halloween-themed music performed by one of the nation’s top orchestras. Performers will also give the history about each of the pieces of music and talk about their instruments. It’s a unique afternoon that will engage the audience’s ears and eyes, and it's also an excellent introduction to the world of classical music. It’s perfect for ages two through ten, though everyone is sure to enjoy it.

Check out the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s website for an audio preview of the score. Costumes are strongly encouraged! Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, and the event is open seating and general admission. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will perform at Dell Hall, about six minutes from Lamar Union.

Austin Symphony Orchestra Halloween Children's Concert
When: 3 p.m., Oct. 23
Where: Dell Hall, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704
www.austinsymphony.org/events/halloween-childrens-concert-2016/

Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery: Homemade Goodness

Texas may be known for its barbeque, but it’s also home to some cherished bakeries. If you're craving some fresh baked goods, consider stopping into Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery. The Austin staple is located not far from Lamar Union.

Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery is a coffee shop and bakery specializing in homemade goods. Since Quack’s opened years ago, its menu has expanded drastically. Originally only serving espresso drinks to customers, the menu now includes a wide range of hot and cold drinks and a deli sandwich menu. The bakery menu features a large variety of tasty treats, with more than a dozen flavors of pie, homemade layer cakes, and other pastries and muffins that can all be special ordered.

Read All About It at the Texas Teen Book Festival

One of the largest events of its kind in the country, the Texas Teen Book Festival is a one-day gathering of authors of young adult literature and those who love their books. Started in 2009 as the Austin Teen Book Festival, this event has grown exponentially over the years, with 35 authors participating and thousands attending. Mindy Kaling will be on hand to discuss her two comedic memoirs, and keynote speakers Laini Taylor and Leigh Bardugo will also share stories while kicking off the festival.

Authors will tout new works and conduct readings, autograph books, and speak in panels on a variety of topics. Other festival highlights include workshops teaching the basics of traditional and spoken word poetry and a literary costume contest. The Texas Teen Book Festival will be held at St. Edward's University, about two and a half miles from Lamar Union.

Texas Teen Book Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 1
Where: St. Edward's University, 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704
texasteenbookfestival.org

BeerFeast Austin Returns With Craft Beer From 70 Breweries

Food trucks and beer are the name of the game at the annual BeerFeast Austin, which returns on Saturday, October 15th. The annual festival calls on the beer aficionados from Flying Saucer to curate a list of more than 100 beers from 70 breweries that will be readily available at the festival—many of the beers at BeerFeast are rare or limited brews. The beer list will be released as the festival date gets closer. Beyond drinks, there will be plenty of food available from local food trucks too.

The 21-plus festival runs from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Triangle Park. General admission tickets are $35 in advance and include a commemorative tasting glass and 12 beer samples. Additional beer samples are available for an additional cost. Those who want to get the full experience can purchase VIP tickets for $68. VIP tickets include beer samples, food vouchers, a commemorative t-shirt, and entry to the festival a full hour earlier. Residents of Lamar Union who are beer enthusiasts should be sure to check out this festival—it’s happening just five miles away.

BeerFeast Austin
When: 2 – 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15
Where: Triangle Park, 4600 W. Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $35 for general admission, $68 for VIP
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beerfeast-austin-tickets-26154970220?aff=es2

WorkWell Austin: Check Out This Popular Spot for Massages and Spa Treatments

With an amazing staff that makes everyone feel at ease, WorkWell Austin is a beloved spot for massages, facials, and more. Located just a half-mile from Lamar Union, WorkWell Austin earns fans from all over the city for its excellent services and convenient hours. The staff goes above and beyond to make each client feel pampered, and they will use essential oils and wraps to hone in on any area that needs extra attention. The staff really cares about each guest as an individual, so you can be sure that you'll feel comfortable here.

It’s easy to book an appointment online, and you can often book just a day or two before you'd like your treatment. WorkWell Austin even has options for monthly memberships. The basic one is $60 for a 50-minute massage or any other service you’d like—and the services even roll over if you happen to be extra busy one month. Be sure to check out this great spot!

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