Hundreds of vendors set up shop for the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar each year. | Photo by Jennifer Ramos
The countdown is on to the holiday shopping season, and this year, we want you to go in prepared.
The Front Market, Waterloo Park
Get ahead of the holiday shopping crowds at this two-day pop-up with 150+ vendors on deck. Stop by from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 24.
Hundreds of makers showcase their work each year at Blue Genie.
Photo by Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd.
You can peruse hundreds of locally made goodies at this twice-annual holiday bazaar, from now until Tuesday, Dec. 24. Pro tip:you can also shop online
Bee Cave Holiday Market, Hill Country Galleria
Get the perfect gift from local vendors for your loved ones or take a spin at the ice skating rink at this market on Fridays + Saturdays in December.
TrailFit | 5:30-7 p.m. | Auditorium Shores | Free | Start your week with a strengthening vinyasa flow set to upbeat music.
Underoath | 6:30 p.m. | Stubb’s | $72+ | Catch the 20th-anniversary tour for the rock band’s record “They’re Only Chasing Safety.”
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Make Fresh Pasta With Chef Erin | 6-8 p.m. | Whichcraft Tap Room | $55 | Create delicious pasta with your own two hands with the expert help of Chef Erin.
An Evening with Josh Brolin | 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $37+ | The actor + director will speak with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez about his new memoir, “From Under the Truck.”
Thursday, Nov. 21
“Jane Eyre” | 7:30-11 p.m. | The Rollins Theater at the Long Center for the Performing Arts | $19 | This trailblazing classic romance will be performed by local actors.
With festive activities and joining incentives this holiday season, there’s never been a better time to become a member. Reside outside of Horseshoe Bay? Ask about the non-area initiation fee and dues incentives.
“It’s not joever” for Genuine Joe Coffeehouse. After closing earlier this month, the local shop reopened at its original location on Saturday, Nov. 16, thanks to an influx of GoFundMe donations and support from the community.
Weather
We could be in for a dry winter, according to the 2024 US Winter Outlook and La Niña weather patterns. That means there could also be persisting drought conditions. The last four Austin winters under the same weather conditions saw between 0.25 and four inches less rain. (KXAN)
Shop
The flagship Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott store is now open, directly across the street from the Kendra Scott flagship on South Congress Ave. The opening of the Western-inspired accessory store attracted celebrities including Camila Alves McConaughey, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Becca Tobin, and Liz Lambert. (Tribeza)
Opening
A Yunnan-inspired noodle house is now open in north Austin. Ten Seconds Noodle House opened on Friday, Nov. 15 at 9070 Research Blvd., Ste. #104. Expect rice-based “Cross The Bridge” noodles, cold noodle dishes, and house-made tea drinks.(Community Impact)
Try This
A new, immersive art exhibit called “Living Dream” — brought to town by Mesmerize — opened its doors in south Austin last week. Visitors will be able to walk through more than a dozen installations and uncover the story of the Colossal Crystal. Get tickets. (CultureMap Austin)
Ranked
Austin is the second-healthiest major city in the US, according to a new study from Forbes. Falling just behind San Jose, California, Austin reported the lowest percentage of adults with high blood pressure and the fourth-lowest percentage of adults with diabetes.
Sports
The Longhorns took home a 20-10 win against the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, Nov. 16. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Holiday
Grab the kids and hit the road to Conroe (~three hours away) for the Toby Powell Conroe Christmas Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy holiday festivities like photos with Santa + Mrs. Claus, snow hills, live performances, a parade, and more.*
Trending
It’s here — Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing: fluffy ear muffs, cozy slippers, french fry seasoning, and fancy chocolate bark.*
Category
City
Mayor Watson stays
Watson narrowly avoided a runoff by 14 votes. | Photo by Catalin Abagiu
It’s official. Kirk Watson was officially re-elected as Mayor of Austin on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 15 — 10 days after Election Day.
Watson avoided a runoff by ~13-14 votes, tallying 175,090 total votes across Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties. The next closest candidate was Carmen Llanes Pulido, who gained 70,535 votes, or ~20.1%.
Why did it take so long?
Basically, it took a while to count up all the votes, including mail-in ballots and provisional ballots. To avoid a runoff, Watson needed to secure 50% plus one vote. While he crossed the 50% threshold on Election Day, the campaign waited to announce a victory until all the votes had come in.
How can I keep up with Mayor Watson?
Head to this site to keep up with Mayor Watson’s schedule and agenda, or contact his office. You can also sign up for his newsletter — The Watson Wire — by emailing watsonwire@austintexas.gov.
I’ve really got books on my mind after the Texas Book Festival over the weekend. If you’re looking for some reads by local authors, I highly recommend “The Which Way Tree” by Elizabeth Crook and “A Curious Mix of People” by Greg Beets + Richard Whymark, or one of the reads on our local authors guide.
