Weekend Event Guide

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

Gear up for several days of nonstop action and high-speed entertainment thanks to this roundup of can’t-miss happenings. Enjoy the competition and entertainment of Formula 1 Weekend, or catch a comedy show starring Eric Andre or Jonathan Van Ness. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, October 19

Bolm Arts presents Nature And Nurture Opening Party
Local mixed-media artists Marta Shirt and Sydney Dettmar debut their latest work for Austin art aficionados at Bolm Arts. Highlights of the exhibition opening party include a solo music performance from Redbud and a live DJ set from DJ BABY JAKE. Following the opening, “Nature And Nurture” will be on display until November 3. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Eric Andre Explosion Tour
Comedian and actor Eric Andre brings his explosive brand of humor and late night entertainment to The Far Out Lounge & Stage. He’s best known for his hit series on Adult Swim, The Eric Andre Show, and is an expert panelist on the ABC show, The Prank Panel, alongside Johnny Knoxville and Gabourey Sidibe. Get ticket details at thefaroutaustin.com.

Friday, October 20

Formula 1 Lenovo United States Grand Prix Weekend
World-class racing rolls into the spotlight at Circuit of the Americas with the return of the Formula 1 Lenovo United States Grand Prix weekend. This year’s top moments include races featuring the fastest drivers in the world, music performances by headliners such as The Killers and Queen + Adam Lambert, amusement rides, and more. All ticket purchases include access to the Germania Insurance Super Stage Festival Lawn shows scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Get more information at circuitoftheamericas.com. Find out what else to do leading up to the race in our event roundup.

Texas Performing Arts presents Lila Downs: Día de los Muertos
Latin music singer-songwriter Lila Downs pay homage to the rich Texan and Mexican traditions during of Day of the Dead through song on the Bass Concert Hall stage. This special evening will feature a selection of Downs’ original music and her own renditions of classic rancheras that evoke a deeply personal significance. Members of the audience are encouraged to don their best Día de los Muertos-inspired costumes and make-up and are invited to bring tokens of their late loved ones for the evening’s celebration of love, loss, and reconnection. For tickets, visit texasperformingarts.evenue.net.

Saturday, October 21

Puptopia Festival
Bring your four-legged friend to a unique amusement park for dogs at the opening of Puptopia Festival, happening at Pease Park Treehouse. This highly curated and sensory experience is designed to provide dogs with their biggest fantasies in the comfort of their owners and fellow canines. Highlights of the all-day festival include an obstacle-packed Pupformance Zone, food and beverage from the K9 Lounge, photo opportunities, self-care services at the Spaw, a stunt dog show featuring the Canine Stars, and more. For tickets and more information, check out puptopiafestival.com.

MAXIM Austin Race Weekend Party with Diplo
World-famous DJ Diplo performs a live set in honor of Formula 1 Weekend. The man behind top songs like “Lean On” and “Genius” also hosts the party in collaboration with MAXIM at Superstition. Additional party highlights include a star-studded guest list and opening sets by local DJs. Go to vipnightlife.com for more information.

Sunday, October 22

Moontower Comedy presents Jonathan Van Ness: Fun & Slutty
Jonathan Van Ness performs in his current hometown for two back-to-back live performances at The Paramount Theatre. In addition to his starring role on Netflix’s reboot series, Queer Eye, he’s known as a New York Times best-selling author and as a self-care advocate. This event is suitable for ages 18 and older. Go to austintheatre.org for more information.

Photo courtesy of Circuit of the Americas

Formula 1 is zooming back into town this weekend at Circuit of the Americas.

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Winter Sports

Austin sports venue gets festive with all-weather ice rink and events

Photo from thepitchaustin.com

The Pitch's Winter Wonderland will include an ice skating rink and hot cocoa bar, among other holiday activities.

The holiday season is officially starting on November 22 at The Pitch in North Austin. This sports and entertainment center will transform into a family-friendly winter wonderland, including a 2,000-square-foot ice skating rink and tons of holiday activities.

Some festive offerings at The Pitch include horse-drawn carriage rides, a Christmas Market, Christmas caroling, a holiday movie series, a Christmas food drive benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank, supply drive for the dogs at Austin Pets Alive!, a hot cocoa bar (with boozy options for adults), and, of course, a few visits from Santa himself.

Ice skating and the cocoa bar will open November 22; the North Pole kids' play area will open December 4; the Holiday Market will take place from noon to 5 pm every weekend in December; and Santa will make an appearance at 5 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December.

There will also be pickleball tournaments for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and "New Year's," according to a press release that doesn't share specific match dates.

On top of all the seasonal offerings, The Pitch will continue serving its regular burgers, tacos, and barbecue.

All this is packed into a sprawling entertainment venue that opened in 2022 and now includes food vendors, a soccer field, and event spaces. The ice skating rink is a holiday addition that survives in Austin because it is made out of a synthetic ice material that won't melt.

Outside of holiday programming, The Pitch is always hosting events, from watch parties covering national and college sports to the occasional market or trivia night.

The Pitch North Austin. On November 22, The Pitch will transform into a winter wonderland, including an ice skating rink and visits from Santa himself.thepitchaustin.com

Admission is $15 per guest, which includes skate rentals and an hour of rink time. If you're looking for a more VIP experience, they're also offering a $50 ticket, which includes access to an exclusive hot cocoa VIP lounge overlooking the rink, with the ability to come and go throughout the day.

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