Weekend Event Guide

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

There's no shortage of festive fun this Thanksgiving weekend in Austin. Sing along to tunes from hit musical Annie or witness the Zilker tree lighting ceremony with the whole family. For a full list of Austin happenings, visit our events calendar.

Friday, November 25

Long Center presents Annie
America's sweetheart is taking over the Long Center stage this weekend with memorable tunes like "Tomorrow." Director and original lyricist Martin Charnin reinvents the classic musical in a fresh-yet-familiar production, and you can bet your bottom dollar this is a show you don't want to miss. Through Saturday.

Saturday, November 26

Renegade Craft Fair
More than 125 local artisans will showcase their unique creations at the fall installment of the Renegade Craft Fair. The free event at Fair Market, running through Sunday, features food and booze, live music, and much more.

Sunday, November 27

Jo's Coffee presents Sinner's Sunday Holiday Pop-up
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the South Congress location of Jo's. Attendees can shop sweet finds at the local vendor marketplace, jam to live music by Jo's House Band, and meet Santa Claus himself. Bring a toy for the Blue Santa toy drive, and enjoy a free coffee while you hang out.

Austin Trail of Lights presents Zilker tree lighting
The Austin Trail of Lights celebrates all things merry and bright with the lighting of the iconic Zilker tree. Bring the whole family down to this free affair.

Ms. Lauryn Hill in concert
Grammy Award-winning Lauryn Hill will perform at ACL Live for one unforgettable night only. Revisit Hill's hit songs from her solo career and her time with the Fugees. Tickets are going fast — get them while you can.

Witness the Zilker tree lighting ceremony on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Licarione Photography

Witness the Zilker tree lighting ceremony on Sunday.

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Music Notes

The Octopus Project plays for Sims Foundation, plus more Austin music picks

Photo by Spencer Kelly

The Octopus Project to play a benefit for the Sims Foundation

It would be a shame to waste the generally mild winter that Austin is currently experiencing, so get out there and take in a local show or two. Recommendations for the back half of January can be found here.

Modernform at the 13th Floor – Friday, January 17
Modernform will put out a new single, “French 75,” this Friday, January 17, and then play a release show for it on the same day at the 13th Floor. Support for the up-and-coming post-punk act will come from Magic Rockers of Texas and Queen Serene. Tickets are $12.26.

Sonic Guild Ball at the Long Center – Saturday, January 18
The 11th Annual Sonic Guild Ball will take place at the Long Center this Saturday, January 18, and for the first time ever, it will be open to the public. The Point, Parker Woodland, Geto Gala, and more are set to perform at the event, which will see $150,000 in grants awarded to 20 Austin artists. Tickets range from $30 to $130.

Sims Foundation Benefit at Hotel Vegas – Sunday, January 19
Get to Hotel Vegas this Sunday, January 19, for a benefit for the Sims Foundation, which provides mental health care services to thousands of members of Austin’s music industry. The lineup is a big one that features the likes of the Octopus Project, Slomo Drags, Daphne Tunes, and Katie Claghorn (of Redbud). Cover will be a suggested donation of $25 at the door.

Quiet Company at 29th Street Ballroom – Friday, January 24
After a chunk of time off, veteran rock act Quiet Company are back and will be celebrating their “resurrection” — plus the release of a new song — at the 29th Street Ballroom on Friday, January 24. The Kickback and Dossey will get the evening underway. Tickets are $18.

Abortion Access Benefit Series at Hotel Vegas – Saturday, January 25
Ground Control Touring and Noise For Now, a non-profit that specializes in reproductive justice, will put on the Third Annual Abortion Access Benefit Series at Hotel Vegas on Saturday, January 25. The lineup is loaded with some of Austin’s finest artists, including Font, Good Looks, Sun June, Touch Girl Apple Blossom, and more. Tickets are $27.88.

Witches Exist at Hotel Vegas – Friday, January 31
Get to Hotel Vegas on Friday, January 31, to ring in the arrival of an anticipated new EP from Witches Exist, who released a great 90s rock-leaning single, “Drown,” in the back part of 2024. Support for the evening includes A.L. West and Amelia’s Best Friend. Tickets are $15.

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