Weekend Event Guide

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

Art shows and epic concerts top this weekend’s list of the hottest things to do in Austin. Feast on shellfish during the Austin Oyster Festival or rock out at the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Hall of Fame Awards Show. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, February 22

Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation presents Barbara Jordan Exhibit
The achievements of Barbara Jordan are celebrated at the Texas State Capitol. The first African-American woman elected to the Texas Legislature, and the first woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives, this interactive exhibit chronicles Jordan's storied life and historic political career. Exhibit on display through February 24. Admission is free.

Elisabet Ney Museum presents Catherine Lee: “The Ney Project” opening reception
Renowned artist Catherine Lee’s new exhibition, “The Ney Project” makes its debut at the Elisabet Ney Museum. The installation features work from Lee’s career with pieces both indoors and out. The capstone of the exhibition is Lee’s monumental “Herbides #6: Clach An Trushal,” a bronze sculpture currently on loan from the Contemporary Austin. Additional works include paintings, smaller three-dimensional pieces, and more. Admission is free.

St. Vincent in concert
Guitarist and songwriter Annie Clark – better known as St. Vincent – makes her way to the ACL Live stage for two days of performances. The talented performer comes to the Capital City in support of her newest album, Masseduction. St. Vincent is joined in concert by Tuck & Patti.

Saturday, February 24

Austin Oyster Festival
Oysters fresh from the Gulf and East coasts pack the menu at the highly anticipated Austin Oyster Festival. Guests at this foodie heaven can enjoy oysters prepared by Eddie V’s executive chef Chris Bauer, local beers from Blue Point Brewing, a decked-out oyster Bloody Mary bar, live music, and more. The performance lineup includes local bands The Lost Pines and Robert Kelly and the Blue Mist. For more information, visit the festival website.

Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Presents 2018 Hall of Fame Awards Show
Music legends Buddy Holly, Mickey Newbury, Liz Rose, and Ray Wylie Hubbard will be inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Paramount Theatre. The commemorative concert is set to include performances by Eric Church, Bob Schneider, Joe Ely, Eli Young Band, and many more. Select tickets still available.

Music legends Buddy Holly, Mickey Newbury, Liz Rose, and Ray Wylie will be inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame this weekend.

Photo by Courtney Chavanell

Music legends Buddy Holly, Mickey Newbury, Liz Rose, and Ray Wylie will be inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame this weekend.

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Hot Headlines

Famous Austin tower sells for $522M in this week's hottest headlines

Rendering courtesy of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

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Editor's note: This week's top Austin news includes many exciting restaurant openings and holiday happenings aplenty. Plus, the famous "sailboat building" gets a new owner. Get the details on our hottest headlines of the week below. And for the best things to do in Austin this weekend, go here.

1. Austin's famous 'sail tower' sells for $522 million. An iconic piece of Austin’s skyline is getting a new owner. Cousins Properties announced it is acquiring the tower that's shaped like a sail in downtown Austin for more than $521.8 million. The property is leased to Google and was developed in 2022.

2. 8 openings in a month lead Austin's restaurant and bar news. Here's a rundown of eight exciting restaurants that have opened in the last month.

3. Former Food Network host debuts Round Rock bar with fancy comfort food. Former Food Network host John Green is heading to the Austin suburb with a new concept dedicated to "elevated bar fare." It's opening January 11, 2025.

Odds Bar & Bistro Round Rock French Toast Odds Bar & Bistro will serve very upscale "bar food." Photo courtesy of Odds Bar & Bistro

4. These 9 Austin restaurants will be open for Christmas Eve or Day 2024. If your ideal Christmas doesn't involve a whole lot of cooking, cleaning, or hosting, there are several Austin restaurants that are happy to do the work for you. In fact, not only are many restaurants staying open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but they're offering special menus and events, too.

5. Where to see the most dazzling Christmas lights in Austin and beyond. The magical holiday season is in full swing, and that means beautiful holiday lights displays. Here's a list of the best holiday light events and attractions happening in Austin and nearby.

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