Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this weekend

Free events top our list of the hottest happenings in the city. Find your valentine at the W Austin’s Friend Zone party or get your foodie fix at the Jo’s Coffee Chili Cook Off. For a full list of happenings, visit our calendar.

Thursday, February 9

Harry Ransom Center presents "From Mainz to Austin: Carl H. Pforzheimer’s Gutenberg Bible"
Join an intimate discussion about the Harry Ransom Center’s copy of the Gutenberg Bible. Princeton University Rare Books curator Eric White will discuss the historic book and new discoveries related to its place of origin. Stick around after the free discussion for a reception in the lobby.

W Austin presents The Friend Zone
No valentine? No problem. The W Austin Hotel invites the singles of the city to the ultimate friend fete. Entry is free with an RSVP, and ladies and gentleman are encouraged to bring a buddy of the opposite sex. Spend the evening mingling and enjoy all-night happy hour specials.

Friday, February 10

Ballet Austin presents Belle REDUX / A Tale of Beauty & the Beast
Ballet Austin brings Belle REDUX back to the Long Center. This grown-up retelling of the tale as old as time features gorgeous costumes, stunning dance numbers, and an original score by Graham Reynolds. Performances run through February 12.

Saturday, February 11

Austin Chamber Music Center presents The Black Composers Concert
Celebrate Black History Month with an evening of music at the 14th annual Black Composers Concert. The free experience features soprano Icy Simpson-Monroe and pianists Artina McCain and Rochelle Sennet at the St. Andrew’s Upper School. Another performance will take place at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center on February 12.

Sunday, February 12

Jo’s Coffee presents 11th Annual Chili Cook Off
Jo’s Coffee on South Congress Avenue invites foodies to eat their fill at the 11th annual Chili Cook Off in the Hotel San Jose parking lot. Sample some of the best chili in the city and jam to live music by Jeff Hughes & Chaparral and The Jo’s House Band.

Don't miss Ballet Austin's sensual take on Beauty and the Beast.

Ballet Austin presents Belle REDUX/A Tale of Beauty & the Beast

Photo courtesy of Ballet Austin

Don't miss Ballet Austin's sensual take on Beauty and the Beast.

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In the Igloo

Austin cafe Mozart's adds luxe igloos to its sprawling light festival

Photo from Mozart's Coffee Roasters Facebook Page

Euro Igloos are decked out and cozy, providing a refuge for up to 10 guests for 1.5 hours.

Every year, Mozart's Festival of Lights seems to get bigger and this year is no exception. In addition to "over a million twinkling lights," according to the website, this year's light display will include holiday markets, live entertainment, boat cruises, and for the first time ever, private "Euro Igloos."

The Euro Igloos are a more VIP way to experience the light show at Mozart's Coffee Roasters, which runs through January 4, barring Christmas Day. These clear and domed structures will act as literal bubbles around groups of up to 10 people.

The two igloos sit on the Overlook Deck just next to Mozart's Steinway grand piano, above regular deck seating, and include customized food and beverage options.

An igloo ticket will cover up to 10 guests and starts at $300, with the option to add on snacks and other goodies. This ticket includes general admission access as well, meaning guests will be able to wander around and experience the light show, holiday market, and activities, but will have the refuge of an igloo for an hour and a half.

Mozart's Festival of Lights Map A map of all the attractions at this year's Festival of Lights.Photo from Mozartscoffee.com

Other VIP experiences at Mozart's Festival of Lights this year include private Lake Austin boat cruises for up to 44 guests ($600-1,200) and a guided donut boat for up to 10 guests ($150). And of course, regular General Admission tickets are always available for $6.

For nearly 20 more holiday light show experiences in and around Austin, check out our list here.

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