Chow down on chili, tune in to inspirational chats during Austin Design Week, or partake in a virtual wine and cheese tasting. Check out the top five things to do in Austin this weekend.
Thursday, November 12
Austin Design Week
Austin Design Week goes virtual with a packed schedule of workshops, presentations, and more. Locals can tune in for exclusive online and in-person sessions and talks hosted by Austin creatives and spanning a variety of topics, such as career advice and equity in the design space. The three-day event concludes with a special online performance by Austin-based musician Mobley. For a full schedule of events, visit the Austin Design Week website. Admission is free.
Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker Gift Barre
Ballet Austin Guild’s holiday gift market goes online with all the festive flair locals have come to know and love. Designed to accompany nightly performances of The Nutcracker on the Ballet Austin stage, the event will be held virtually for guests to shop a selection of seasonal gifts, including ornaments, tiaras, actual nutcrackers, and much more. Gift Barre orders are available for pickup and local delivery, and shopping is open through December 18.
Sound Unseen Film + Music Festival
For the first time in its 21 years, the Sound Unseen Film + Music Festival presents its programming virtually across two states: Minnesota and Texas. Film lineup highlights include Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal as the opening night selection and Alex Winter’s Zappa as the closing night selection. Additional events include live music and a series of appearances by authors and subjects of music-related books. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets or badges, go to the festival website.
Central Market presents Virtual Wine & Cheese Tasting
Indulge in curated wine and cheese pairings from the comfort of your kitchen thanks to this virtual Central Market event. Attendees will get to sample five cheeses and three complementary wines, while experts share insider knowledge and educational tidbits. Interested parties can purchase a pre-arranged tasting kit for pickup from participating Central Market locations ahead of the evening’s programming. For ticketing options, visit the class website.
Saturday, November 14
Texas Humane Heroes presents 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Head to the sprawling Leander property for a day of socially distant fun for the entire family — furry friends included. Visitors to this annual fundraiser can sample a variety of chili and vote on their favorite. Additional highlights include live music, face painting, a kiddie train, raffle prizes, and more. Purchase tickets on the cook-off event website. Admission is free for kids age 8 and under.
Sample a variety of chili, and enjoy live music, face painting, and more during the 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Texas Humane Heroes.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri