Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at local small businesses like Prototype Vintage. | Photo by ATXtoday
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out our list of some of the ATXtoday City Editors’ favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our followers.
Sea of Beads | Morgan and Figi both create their own beaded jewelry, so it’s only natural that they found themselves here while making friendship bracelets for ACL festivalgoers. The north Austin shop is truly a beading wonderland and it’s been family-owned and operated since 2006.
Unwind, relax, and shop small while you’re at it at Ceremony Social Spa.
Photo by ATXtoday
Ceremony Social Spa | The ATXtoday City Editors loved spending a morning at this wellness oasis on South Lamar Boulevard, where they booked an hour on its serene patio with a sauna and cold plunge. Founded by a UT Austin alum in 2010, the spa also offers massage + acupuncture services.
Prototype Vintage | This colorful store is a vintage lover’s paradise, and Morgan has taken home several quirky items from its collection. Whether you’re looking for a new garment, a pair of sunglasses, or a unique piece of jewelry, you’ll find something stylish to add to your wardrobe.
Atown | Morgan could wander around this boutique for hours while smelling candles and soaps, giggling at knickknacks, and shopping for friends and family. Not only is it a go-to spot for finding gifts, but its inventory of Austin-themed goods also makes it the perfect place for visitors who want to take home a souvenir.
Oak Hill Boys | 7:30 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Head to the brewery to catch a show from this Austin-based country blues musical duo.
Golden Hour: Kacey Musgraves After Party + Drag Show | 9 p.m. | Cheer Up Charlies | Cost of purchase | Drink themed cocktails, shop from local vendors, and see a drag show hosted by Moxie and Brigitte Bandit.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Mozart’s 2024 Lake Austin Festival of Lights | Thursday, Nov. 28-Saturday, Jan. 4 | 5-10 p.m. | Mozart’s Coffee Roasters | $5+ | The beloved local coffee shop’s annual holiday tradition includes a marketplace, holiday pastries, donut boat rides, cozy igloos, and live music.
Saxon’s Annual Thanksgiving Night Show | 8 p.m. | The Saxon Pub | $10 | Spend your Thanksgiving evening listening to live music by Patrice Pike, a local vocalist and songwriter.
Friday, Nov. 29
The Midnight Cowgirls + Surfrajettes | 10 p.m. | The Continental Club | $22+ | See the two bands perform live at the “grandaddy of all local music venues.”
Saturday, Nov. 30
Santa on the Terrace | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | The Long Center | Free with RSVP | Bring the kiddos (and furry friends) to take pictures with Santa and meet Mrs. Claus.
Expect road closures tomorrow morning when Austin runners flood the streets for the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot. If you’ll be out and about, check the map of major closures (which will be in place between 3 a.m. and 1 p.m.) to avoid traffic.
Travel
Canada, here we come. Folks flying out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will soon have a new option for a nonstop route to Vancouver through Canadian airline WestJet. The seasonal route will operate three times per week beginning in May. (KXAN)
Development
Construction at the Stassney Lane and South Congress Avenue intersection is complete. The project, which began in May 2023, is designed to improve safety by adding new turning lanes, concrete medians, bicycle + pedestrian paths, CapMetro bus stops, and more.
Pets
Travis County, the City of Austin, and Greater Good Charities are teaming up to provide free spay and neuter services for local dogs and cats through pop-up clinics. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis from Thursday, Dec. 5 through Monday, Dec. 9.
Environment
The region’s first fully integrated construction and demolition materials recycling facility is now open in southeast Austin. The facility — which is owned by Texas Disposal Systems — will help keep concrete, aggregates, untreated wood, cardboard, plastics, and metals out of local landfills. (Community Impact)
Sports
Head coach Sonny Dykes had to make some changes for the Horned Frogs to improve in the second half of the season. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the TCU Horned Frogs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
Thelast weekend of the Texas Renaissance Festival is right around the corner. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic event, Margaritaville Lake Resort in Conroe (read: a ~30-minute drive from the fairgrounds) is offering an exclusive package with two free tickets + discounted overnight accommodations. Get the details.*
You know how awesome your business is, but do our 79,145 readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how ATXtoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds peppermint-mocha nuts. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Category
Culture
🧡 Keep Austin thankful
We’re always thankful for the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. | Photo by ATXtoday
It’s the season of giving thanks, and we’re overflowing with gratitude for Austin. From its music and restaurant scenes to its green spaces and natural beauty, there are many reasons to be thankful for the Capital City.
In that spirit, we asked ATXtoday readers what makes them thankful to call Austin home.
Here’s what our audience said. (Psst — some of these entries have been edited for clarity or brevity.)
“A great and supportive art community” —@artbyfed
“Austin has a long history of family-owned businesses and properties. Those of us whose roots go back over a century provide perspective.” —Alice K.
“Thankful for Town Lake!” —@madison_hartintv
“For the weather and the scenery” —@isabelyonara
“Best driving I have seen in a hot minute. And I’ve been around. Lots of happy and healthy people. Warm winters. Pretty clean for being so popular!” —@endlesslyvictorious24
“I’m thankful for @chuysrestaurant” —@everybodyisaplebexceptforme
A really good pickleball paddle — it’s rated 4.8 stars and is 62% off for early Black Friday. Notable features include: a larger sweet spot on the paddle + a handle with sweat-wicking ventilation for an anti-slip grip.
I wanted to see “Wicked” on Thanksgiving Day, but I couldn’t wait and ended up snagging tickets over the weekend. Not only was the film incredible, but I also loved seeing it in Austin’s only 4DX theater at Regal Gateway.
