This week you'll find all kinds of free family fun, some free coffee and some holiday gift ideas. Enjoy!
Free F1 fun
Austin Fan Fest - Friday, November 16 - Sunday, November 18 - A downtown street celebration that is free to the public and located in an area bordered by 5th Street, Congress Avenue, 2nd Street and Lavaca Street. The street party will include interactive exhibits and displays from Formula 1™ teams and sponsors, simulators, gaming, food trailers, photo booths, street performances, a kids' zone, and live music on several stages. Check out the schedule for the five free stages. You can find the 9-zone street festival interactive map here. As a heads up if you plan to attend with kids, the Austin Fan Fest website says they are expecting an attendance of more than 200,000 people.
Buda Fan Jam - Thursday, November 15, from 6 - 11 p.m. A free concert in Buda City Park, featuring Jimi Berd Band, Dara Niemi, Charlie Hurtin & The Hecklers, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Click here for the schedule.
Cedar Street Courtyard - Friday, November 16 - Sunday, November 18. 3 days of free music. Click here for the schedule.
Whole Foods Formula 1 Kickoff - Sunday, November 18 at 1 p.m. Nibbles, champagne tasting, and live viewing of the Grand Prix at the Whole Foods Market Lamar store.
If you do plan to drive downtown this weekend, be sure to have a look at this interactive map of street closures first. You can also download a copy of the Austin Fan Fest Road Closure Schedule (pdf).
Family fun
The Hill Country Galleria is having its 6th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival Event this Thursday, November 15 from 6pm to 9pm. Activities kick-off with a holiday dance performance by PAIYH Dance Studios and Boutique in the Amphitheater at 6pm. Following that there will be a performance by the Veritas Academy drum line. Mix 94.7 FM will be onsite to pump up the crowd and get everyone into the holiday spirit as we await Santa’s arrival at 7pm. The event will conclude with a spectacular firework show, and The Vintage 15 will perform live holiday music. For more information on the event please visit www.HillCountryGalleria.com or call 512-263-0001.
Wake Up Santa, Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m., Highland Mall -- Santa has been fast asleep at the North Pole and it's time to wake him and welcome him to his holiday home at Highland Mall! Children and parents are invited to come help wake Santa with music, merriment, donuts and hot chocolate. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. FREE. Santa will be available for photos for purchase at the photo set following the event. (6001 Airport Blvd)
Gingerbread House-Raising, Saturday, November 17 at 11 a.m., Neill-Cochran House Museum -- The Neill-Cochran House Museum will host its Fourth Annual Gingerbread House–Raising event for kids ages 6 – 11. The event will be an opportunity for participants to decorate and keep their very own gingerbread houses while learning about Greek Revival architecture and the amazing history of the Neill-Cochran House Museum. In addition, they will help choose and prepare materials for the miniature gingerbread Neill-Cochran House that will be taken to a local charity for kids to enjoy. The hard part is already done! Pre-assembled gingerbread houses will be provided, ready for decorating. Light snacks will also be offered. Be sure to wear clothes that can get a little messy. Parents are invited to stay to help decorate or drop their children (6 – 11) at the well-supervised event. The Gingerbread House-Raising is $10 per participating child, to cover the cost of materials. Reserve a spot for your child. (2310 San Gabriel Street)
Marble Falls
Walkway of Lights, November 16 - January 1, 2013 Lakeside Park -- Newly expanded. Over 2 million lights transform Lakeside Park into a holiday wonderland. Open every night from 6 to 10 p.m. (weather permitting) with Santa on the weekends. FREE.
Gruene
Photos with Cowboy Kringle, November 17 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 18 (12 p.m. - 5 p.m.) -- Gruene's own brand of Santa. Pictures will be taken in the breezeway between The Grapevine and Gruene General Store. Packages are available, along with photo ornaments, Christmas cards and other special order items. A portion of the profits from photos taken on November 17 & 18 will benefit Communities in Schools. For more info including future dates and hours, click here. After taking photos with Santa, stop by and do some Christmas shopping at Gruene Market Days. (1610 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels)
Marble Falls
Walkway of Lights, November 16 - January 1, 2013 Lakeside Park -- Newly expanded. Over 2 million lights transform Lakeside Park into a holiday wonderland. Open every night from 6 to 10 p.m. (weather permitting) with Santa on the weekends. FREE.
Thanks Free Fun in Austin.com for the great lists of upcoming holiday events!
Puppet show
A cold, lonely winter seems the fate of a poor shoemaker and his wife until the magic of the season intervenes. Join the Austin Public Library's Literature LIVE! for happy surprises and fun in this traditional puppet show., The Elves and the Shoemaker, recommended for ages 4 and up.
The Schedule*:
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
3:30pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Milwood Branch
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
10:15am Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Windsor Park Branch
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
10:15am Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Ruiz Branch
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
3:30pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Twin Oaks Branch
Thursday, November 29, 2012
10:15am Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Manchaca Road Branch
Monday, December 03, 2012
3:30pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Howson Branch
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
10:15am Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Cepeda Branch
3:30pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Old Quarry Branch
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
3:30pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at North Village Branch
Thursday, December 06, 2012
10:15am Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Little Walnut Creek Branch
Friday, December 07, 2012
10:15am Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Southeast Branch
Saturday, December 08, 2012
1:00pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Yarborough Branch
Sunday, December 09, 2012
1:00pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Faulk Central Library
Monday, December 10, 2012
3:30pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Spicewood Springs Branch
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
10:30am Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker - Tuesday Tales at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road
Saturday, December 15, 2012
1:00pm Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Pleasant Hill Branch
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
10:30am Literature LIVE! Presents The Elves and the Shoemaker at Carver Branch
* Please double check the schedule before heading out as performance times may change.
Free Sample Classes
Music Forever Music Together offers an internationally recognized, research-based program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the adults that love them. In their weekly classes they sing songs, dance, play with simple percussion instruments, have fun with chants, finger plays, rhythm games, and a rich variety of other music and movement activities. Classes are available in Central Austin, Cedar Park, Brushy Creek, Round Rock, Lakeway, Steiner Ranch, and Oak Hill. From November to January, Music Forever Music Together invites you to one of their many FREE sample classes in and around Austin. Check out their schedule and mark your calendars:
November 14, 2012
Leander Public Library at 9:30am (during preschoolers’ story time)
November 16, 2012
Wells Branch Community Library at 10:00am (during toddlers’ story time) and 10:45am (during preschoolers’ story time)
November 19, 2012
Round Rock Public Library at 7:00pm (during preschoolers’ story time)
November 21, 2012
Round Rock Public Library at 9:30am (during babies’ story time) and 10:30am (during toddlers’ and preschoolers’ story time)
Coffee deals
Bruegger’s is celebrating its third annual free coffee day this Wednesday, November 14th until 2pm. Enjoy a free medium cup of coffee. They just ask that you donate your spare change, or more, to support your local Children’s Hospital. And a reminder that they also are selling the bottomless mug again. The mugs cost $159 but it is literally good for unlimited refills of sodas, tea and coffee for all of 2013. Thanks Laurie for the tip!
From Thursday November 15th through Sunday November 18th 2 to 5pm you can buy one Starbucks and get one free. Buy any one Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha or Gingerbread Latte and get a second one free. Check to see if your Starbucks is participating here. Thanks Irma for the tip!
Free car seat safety checks
Scott & White and Texans in Motion are hosting several car seat safety checks in December. I’m letting you know in advance because you need to call ahead to reserve a spot. So below is the list of locations and dates. Thanks Leslie!
- 12/11/12- Buda Fire Station #2; 10am – 1pm,151 FM 2001, Buda – 78610, (512) 295-2232
- 12/12/12- Baby Earth; 10am – 1pm, 106 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock – 78664, (512) 600-7050
- 12/18/12 - Manor Fire Station; 3pm – 6pm, 405 W. Parsons, Manor – 78653, (512) 336-3423
- 12/19/12 - Marble Falls EMS Station; 10am – 1pm, 609 Industrial Blvd., Marble Falls – 78654, (830) 693-7277
- 12/20/12- Luling EMS; 3pm- 6pm, 685 S. Hackberry St. – 78648, (830) 875-7038
On line savings
Austin based Offers.com has some great holiday gift ideas that won’t break the bank. These specials below are all under $60. (Next week they promise gifts for men.) You can also find a list of some of the savings you’ll find on Black Friday on the Offers.com Black Friday Deals page. Thanks Shermayne for the tips!
Ashford Coupon Code
73% off Women's Bulova Diamonds Watch
Was $225 - Now Only $59.00
Expires 11/21/12
6PM Deal
Over 80% off Betsey Johnson Apparel + Free Shipping
Expires 11/15/12
Ulta Coupon Code
40% off Chi Hair care Products
Expires 11/27/12
Dillard's Deal
65% off BCBGeneration Teal Spaghetti Strap Dress
Was $98 - Now Only $34.30!
Expires 11/29/12
Cooking.com Deal
76% off Del Ray 3pc. Stoneware Bake Set
Was $170 - Now Only $39.99!
Expires 12/1/12
