Live music, a boozy birthday bash, and some major merrymaking are on the agenda. Get a first glimpse at this year’s Trail of Lights, or celebrate St. Elmo Brewing’s anniversary with a cold one. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, December 5

Bawdy Storytelling: Happy Endings!
Indulge in an adults-only evening of curated true stories about the sauciest and most sensual encounters at Austin's Scottish Rite Theater. Highlights include a variety of adult product prizes, gay comedian Jason Dudey, music by "The Dolly Parton of Austin" Brigitte Bandit, and more. Sexual Folklorist Dixie De La Tour will host the event. Discover more about this production in our editorial coverage. Tickets are available now.

  

Photo courtesy of Ballet Austin

Experience The Nutcracker performed by Ballet Austin this weekend.

Austin Parks Foundation presents Movies in the Park: The Grinch
Settle in under the stars at Balcones District Park for the 2018 hit animated film The Grinch. Arrive early to enjoy the holiday crafts station, take photos with puppies, and snack on seasonal treats. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the most comfortable viewing experience. Dogs are welcome. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wilco in concert
Rock band Wilco performs live for three nights straight at Austin City Limits Live. The Chicago-based group comes to Austin in support of their Winterlude tour, which will feature no opening act, intermission, or a repeat of any song. Fans can expect music from Wilco’s 13 albums, including their most recent album, 2023’s Cousin. Tickets for the weekend residency are available now.

Friday, December 6

Trail Of Lights presents Night Lights Preview Party
Be among the first to enjoy this year’s Trail of Lights in swanky style at Zilker Metropolitan Park. Tickets to this exclusive party include all-access admission to the trail, live entertainment, food tastings, complimentary drinks, and more. Buy your tickets on Ticketbud.

The Driskill presents Christmas Tree Lighting
Ring in the holiday season with a commemorative tree lighting at the famous Austin locale, The Driskill. Guests can see the hotel’s 16-foot Douglas fir alit with holiday lights, enjoy a champagne toast, and merrymake to festive tunes of the Chalumeau Clarinet Quartet. St. Nick himself will make a guest appearance. Admission is free and open to the public.

Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker
Get lost in a world of holiday wonder when you enjoy The Nutcracker performed by the talented Ballet Austin company. This Long Center for the Performing Arts production features beloved characters and will be accompanied by the Austin Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Tickets are available now. Performances are scheduled through December 23.

Saturday, December 7

St. Elmo Brewing presents 8th Anniversary Party
Raise a pint to another year of St. Elmo Brewing Company at their beer-centric anniversary bash. Highlights include 25 beers on tap, food specials from Patty Palace and Spicy Boys, tapings throughout the day, and live music from DJ Horizon Funk and The Grassmen, beer releases, and more. Party admission is free.