Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend

Live music, local eats, and a helping of humor are the perfect palette cleansers after a busy week. Sample fresh flavors at Heritage Fire Austin, or do some stargazing at the iHeartCountry Festival. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, May 2

Austin Opera presents Carmen
The passionate story of two men who compete for the affection of opera music’s most desirable character comes to life on The Long Center for the Performing Arts stage. The Austin Opera gives movement and music to the stories of Carmen and her suitors: the soldier Don José, and Escamillo the bullfighter. Performances are scheduled through May 5.

Friday, May 3

The Paramount Theatre presents An Evening with David Sedaris
Comedian, NPR radio personality, and author David Sedaris brings his humor to the The Long Center for the Performing Arts. Audience members can expect a selection of new stories as told by Sedaris followed by a live Q&A session. A limited number of tickets are still available.

Cap City Comedy Club presents D.L. Hughley
Comedian, radio personality and actor D.L. Hughley brings his humor to the stage at Capitol City Comedy Club. Acclaimed as one of the Original Kings of Comedy, his career spans decades and he’s best known for his sitcom, The Hughleys. For tickets, click here. Performances are scheduled through May 5.

Saturday, May 4

iHeartCountry Festival
One of country music’s biggest nights promises a dazzling display at Moody Center. Highlight performances of this year’s highly-anticipated festival include Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lady A, Riley Green, Ashley McBryde, Jason Aldean, and many more. For more information, go to Ticketmaster.

Sunday, May 5

Wine & Food Foundation presents Toast of Texas
Sample a selection of Texas’ most popular and interesting wines at Springdale Station. Tickets grant guests full tasting access to a variety of Texas wineries and meet-and-greet opportunities with the winemakers behind the vino. Other highlights include paella, Texas BBQ, and a silent auction.

Luis Miguel in concert
Mexican singer Luis Miguel brings his vocals to Moody Center for a live performance. The longtime star’s discography includes 22 albums, with 2017’s ¡México Por Siempre! being the most recent. Tickets are still available.

Heritage Fire Austin
Live-fire culinary event Heritage Fire Austin returns for another year of bold and local flavor. Tickets grant guests bites from Geronimo Lopez of Botika, Rob Snow of Cork & Barrel, Josh Cooper of Uchiba, and other renowned chefs. Additional features include craft cocktail offerings, live entertainment, and wine tastings.

Photo courtesy of Austin Opera

Austin Opera presents Carmen this weekend at The Long Center.

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In the Igloo

Austin cafe Mozart's adds luxe igloos to its sprawling light festival

Photo from Mozart's Coffee Roasters Facebook Page

Euro Igloos are decked out and cozy, providing a refuge for up to 10 guests for 1.5 hours.

Every year, Mozart's Festival of Lights seems to get bigger and this year is no exception. In addition to "over a million twinkling lights," according to the website, this year's light display will include holiday markets, live entertainment, boat cruises, and for the first time ever, private "Euro Igloos."

The Euro Igloos are a more VIP way to experience the light show at Mozart's Coffee Roasters, which runs through January 4, barring Christmas Day. These clear and domed structures will act as literal bubbles around groups of up to 10 people.

The two igloos sit on the Overlook Deck just next to Mozart's Steinway grand piano, above regular deck seating, and include customized food and beverage options.

An igloo ticket will cover up to 10 guests and starts at $300, with the option to add on snacks and other goodies. This ticket includes general admission access as well, meaning guests will be able to wander around and experience the light show, holiday market, and activities, but will have the refuge of an igloo for an hour and a half.

Mozart's Festival of Lights Map A map of all the attractions at this year's Festival of Lights.Photo from Mozartscoffee.com

Other VIP experiences at Mozart's Festival of Lights this year include private Lake Austin boat cruises for up to 44 guests ($600-1,200) and a guided donut boat for up to 10 guests ($150). And of course, regular General Admission tickets are always available for $6.

For nearly 20 more holiday light show experiences in and around Austin, check out our list here.

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