Sure, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are barreling towards us all, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that the first half of December is absolutely packed with a lot of great local shows and events. See here for the best of the bunch.

Sonic Guild Ball at ACL Live – Saturday, December 2
Sonic Guild, which aims to build communities to support the creation and performance of new music, will hold their annual ball at ACL Live this Saturday, December 2. The lineup includes Chief Cleopatra, Como Las Movies, Die Spitz, Jane Leo, Sabrina Ellis, San Gabriel, and lots more, and the format for the show is essentially a “live mixtape,” which will see each act perform one to two songs. Tickets are $50.

Black Pumas at ACL Live – December 3-6
With their recently released album, Chronicles of a Diamond, in tow, acclaimed soul rockers Black Pumas will take over ACL Live for four nights – December 3-6. Say She She will open the first pair of shows, and Danielle Ponder will provide support for the final two. There are still tickets available for each evening. Prices range from $59.50-$89.50.

Sleep Well at the Mohawk – Thursday, December 7
Sleep Well have a new album, It’s Getting Brighter, that will drop on December 8. The release show is happening the night before – Thursday, December 7 – indoors at the Mohawk. Middle Sattre and Large Brush Collection will open for the bedroom pop act. Tickets are $15.

Keep Austin Cheer’d at The Continental Club – December 7-9
Me Nd Adam will put on their third Keep Austin Cheer’d at the Continental Club across December 7-9. The band will headline all three nights of the “retro-Austin inspired holiday event,” but support will largely change – see below for the lineups. Tickets for each show are $15, and proceeds will benefit Casa Marianella, which welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services.

• 12/7 - TC Superstar, The Past Lives, Mister Davis
• 12/8 – THEBROSFRESH, Lew Apollo, Mister Davis
• 12/9 - Ellis Bullard, Lady Dan, Mister Davis

Bill Ball 6 at Radio East – Saturday, December 9
Big Bill’s annual bash, Bill Ball 6, is set to happen at Radio East on Saturday, December 9. The post-punk act will headline, and the rest of the lineup includes Farmer’s Wife, Batty Jr., Geto Gala, The Pinky Rings, and KindKeith. You can also expect local vendors, drink specials, and a photographer. Tickets are $22.70.

Howdy Gals Anniversary Party at The Mohawk – Friday, December 15
Howdy Gals, who book and promote shows in and around Austin, will celebrate their sixth birthday on both stages at the Mohawk on Friday, December 15. The lineup is stacked with the likes of Good Looks, TC Superstar, Glaze, Redbud, Blood, Madison Baker, Indoor Creature, and Farmer’s Wife. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of.

The Last Walt at The Paramount Theatre – Friday, December 15
Walker Lukens will put on The Last Walt — his quasi-version of The Last Waltz — at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, December 15. Aside from the singer-songwriter, there will also be appearances from Shakey Graves, Jess Williamson, Mobley, The Bright Light Social Hour, Kam Franklin, and lots more. Tickets range from $20 to $50.

Explosions In The Sky at ACL Live – December 15-16
Post-rock extraordinaries Explosions in the Sky will brin in a busy year to a close at ACL Live on December 15 and 16 — one that’s included plenty of touring and the release of a new album titled End. The first night is sold out, but the second still has tickets available – prices range from $39.50-$55.00.

Far Out Fest at The Far Out Lounge – Saturday, December 16
The Far Out Lounge will host the aptly titled Far Out Fest on Saturday, December 16. The lineup is a good one that features CAPYAC, Max Frost, Mamalarky, Trouble in the Streets, Motenko, and plenty more. Tickets are $25.