Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top things to do in Austin this weekend

The holiday season is in full swing, and Austin is packed with festive happenings the whole family can enjoy. See The Nutcracker on opening weekend or sing along to holiday hits at the capitol. For a full list of happenings, visit our events calendar.

Thursday, December 1

Zach Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with A Christmas Carol. The beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life in a fresh adaptation on the Zach Theatre stage. Stunning Victorian-era costumes, an incredibly catchy score, and a talented cast make this production a must-see. The production runs through December 31.

Saturday, December 3

Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll
Carolers from across the Capital City are invited to join in on the free Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll this weekend hosted by KUT/KUTX and the Downtown Austin Alliance. The stroll kicks off at the Texas State Capitol with the lighting of the tree and an epic sing-along to holiday favorites. Afterwards, enjoy family activities, live music, and more as restaurants, museums, and galleries stay open late.

Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker
It's opening weekend of The Nutcracker at the Long Center. Tchaikovsky's classic composition brings the magic of Christmas to life, with the help of talented Ballet Austin performers and the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Grab your tickets for this can't-miss Austin holiday tradition. Through December 23.

TexARTS presents Holiday Extravaganza
The TexARTS Broadway Company returns for the festive Holiday Extravaganza during back-to-back days at the Kam & James Morris Theatre. This kid-friendly revue will feature stunning Rockette-inspired performances, holiday songs, and a special appearance from the man in red himself.

St. Elmo Brewing Co. Grand Opening
St. Elmo Brewing Co. makes its grand debut with beer and food truck eats this weekend. Guests can jam out to live music by The Bluegrass Unit and pick up some sweet St. Elmo swag from Industry Print Shop.

Zach Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol begins this weekend.

Photo courtesy of Zach Theatre

Zach Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol begins this weekend.

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Hot Headlines

New Butthole Surfers documentary leads Austin's top 5 stories

Photo courtesy of Day for Night

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Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Austin news of the week, starting with an epic premiere at SXSW. Plus: the exciting reopening of a historic restaurant, the return of a Rainey Street favorite, and the latest in our Tastemaker Awards editorial series. Catch up on the hottest Austin headlines below, and then find the best things to do this weekend right here.

1. New Butthole Surfers documentary embraces utter Austin weirdness. Butthole Surfers: The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt premiered at SXSW 2025, following the band through archival footage, well-curated cameos, and candid stories from its dozen-or-so members.

2. Historic inn near Austin reopens 78-year-old eatery after renovations. The restaurant at the historic Stagecoach Inn has opened its doors once again, welcoming diners from Central Texas and beyond.

Stagecoach Inn exterior The Stagecoach Restaurant is open again after two years of renovations. Photo courtesy of Stagecoach Inn

3. Downtown Austin food hall welcomes 3 new permanent restaurants. Austin's favorite food hall, Fareground, is now home to three permanent eateries.

4. Popular downtown Austin bar returning to Rainey Street after 3 years. Rainey Street favorite Bungalow will make its grand return in the former Icenhauer's space on March 23.

5. Home is where Austin's 10 best neighborhood restaurants are. Exceptional neighborhood haunts are what make Austin feel so welcoming for locals and visitors alike. Meet the 2025 CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards nominees for Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year.