If you're ready for some fun that isn't quite the Fun Fun Fun happening at Auditorium Shores, here are 10 other festivals, attractions and activities around town to check out this weekend.
See the Unseen Hendrix exhibit
Gaze upon never-before-seen pictures of Jimi Hendrix from 1969 at Modern Rocks Gallery's presentation of Unseen Hendrix by Austin photographer Robert Hewgley. The opening reception on Friday is free and includes cocktails from Deep Eddy Vodka and a few limited edition prints signed by Hewgley.
Celebrate Wurstfest in New Braunfels
October may be over, but that doesn't mean you've missed your chance to celebrate Oktoberfest. Take a mini road trip down to New Braunfels for Wurstfest, a 10-day celebration of German culture, beer and food that's been going strong for four decades. Carnival rides and games will be available for the kids and everyone can enjoy performances from folk dancers, yodelers, polka bands and more. Wurstfest is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday; but if you can't make it out this weekend, don't worry. Wurstfest runs through Sunday, November 16.
Enjoy the magic of Harry Potter Fest
All wizards, witches and muggles are invited to attend Hogwarts — which is a tad closer than you might think. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in is transforming itself into the famous wizarding school for Harry Potter Fest with screenings of every film in the franchise as well as treats, trivia and prizes. Friday will feature Chamber of Secrets (No. 2), Prisoner of Azkaban (No. 3) and Goblet of Fire (No. 4). On Saturday you can watch Goblet of Fire again, Order of the Phoenix (No. 5) and Half-Blood Prince (No. 6). Finally, on Sunday enjoy both installments of The Deathly Hallows. If you've missed any of your favorites, the fest continues every day until November 15.
Practice yoga at Wanderlust Festival
Calling all yoga practitioners, from beginners to masters: there are still passes available for Wanderlust Festival. This four-day yoga experience is a great mixture of parties and practice, with classes, lectures, paddleboarding, city bike tours and a variety of other outdoor activities. The festival runs through Sunday, November 9.
Support live music at Black Fret's Black Ball
Black Fret hosts its inaugural Black Ball gala on Saturday — and all you have to do to get in is become a member. Black Fret is an Austin nonprofit that helps the local music community by awarding grants and organizing performances, so becoming a member means supporting a great local cause. At the first ever Black Ball, the 2014 grant recipients will be announced and award $100,000. On top of that, attendees will enjoy live performances from this year's nominees.
Laugh at the "McGutchins" comedy show
According to the gals and gals at ColdTowne Theater, this sketchy comedy show will "touch you in places that you may not want to be touched." If that doesn't scare you off, then check out Thicker Than Water: The McGutchins' 18th Annual Family Reunion Show this Saturday, a yearly (and clearly hilarious) collaboration between sketch groups Off the Wall and Wing Plant.
Revel in opera music at A Masked Ball
Austin Opera will be performing a version of Giuseppe Verdi's A Masked Ball onSaturday evening and Sunday afternoon. This classic tale has it all — love, lust, betrayal and sprinkling of comedy.
Stroll along the Travis Heights Art Trail
Artists in the Travis Heights neighborhood are opening their doors on Saturday and Sunday for the Travis Heights Art Trail. Everyone is invited to take a walk and shop at the homes and studios of these local artisans, who specialize in everything from jewelry to woodworking to photography.
Watch puppets perform as Jekyll and Hyde
See Jekyll and Hyde as you've never seen them before at the Salvage Vanguard Theater during Trouble Puppet Theater Co.'s production of The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde & Dr. Jekyll, a dark and original adaption of the classic tale. This weekend's showings are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Note: Despite the abundant presence of puppets, this is not suitable for children and intended for adult audiences only.
Eat Thanksgiving early with Épicerie and Argus Cidery
Get your Thanksgiving fix early at Épicerie and Argus Cidery's five-course Thanksgiving supper on Sunday night. Think fried turkey, cured ham, pumpkin beignets and Argus Cider pairings — or don't, because you might start drooling on the keyboard.
See this guy in action during Trouble Puppet Theater Co.'s adaption of the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
