Austin Highlights: November 16 To November 19

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The best free and fun events in Austin, November 16 – November 19, 2026, include A Christmas Carol, Longhorn Lights, Creek Show 2026, and more!

Austin turns up the energy long before the weekend hits, and this list rounds up the can’t-miss events keeping the city buzzing all week long. Explore what’s happening from November 16 to November 19, 2026, and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity!

Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.

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Event	Category	Location	2026 Dates	Price
Longhorn Lights at UT Austin	Holiday Light Display	UT Campus / Guadalupe St.	Opens Nov 17, 2026	FREE
Blue Genie Art Bazaar	Holiday Artisan Market	North Loop / Airport Blvd	Opens Nov 16, 2026	FREE
Dripping Springs Farmers Market	Local Produce & Crafts	Dripping Springs Ranch Park	Nov 18, 2026 (Wednesdays)	FREE
Creek Show 2026	Illuminated Outdoor Art	The Confluence (Downtown)	Nov 16–21, 2026	$10
ZACH Theatre: A Christmas Carol	Holiday Musical Theater	South Lamar / Lady Bird Lake	Opens Nov 18, 2026	Starts at $62
The Light Park – Austin	Drive-Through Holiday Lights	Dell Diamond (Round Rock)	Opens Nov 16, 2026	$39.99 – $49.99/car

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, November 16, 2026

On Cinema Live!

Get ready for an evening of questionable movie expertise and unforgettable comedy with On Cinema Live! at Bass Concert Hall.

Gregg Turkington brings his award-winning cinematic opinions to the stage alongside wellness guru Dr. Newman, played by Tim Heidecker, promising an entertaining mix of movie information, alternative education, and health advice.

If you enjoy offbeat comedy, absurd characters, and hilariously overconfident commentary, this live show delivers a wonderfully unconventional night out.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Monday, November 16, 2026 | 8:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $39

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Image credit: Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Austin’s beloved Blue Genie Art Bazaar returns for its 26th year, turning holiday shopping into an opportunity to discover the work of more than 200 regional artists. Browse handmade jewelry, original artwork, home goods, and thoughtful gifts while supporting local creatives.

A daily snack bar, including alcoholic beverages, is also available when you need a break between browsing.

Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Monday, November 16 – December 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
How Much: FREE

Creek Show 2026

Creek Show returns to Austin for nine evenings of illuminated art and community celebration in a major new setting for 2026. This year, the Waterloo Greenway tradition moves downstream to The Confluence, the newly opened southern stretch along Waller Creek between 4th Street and Lady Bird Lake.

Entering at 4th and Sabine streets, you can explore ten light-based installations created by local artists. Proceeds from this budget-friendly ticketed event support the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and its 35-acre urban park system.

Where: The Confluence, Waterloo Greenway, between 4th St. and Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 16 – 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily
How Much: $10

Bee Cave on Ice

Image credit: Bee Cave Texas

Glide around a seasonal outdoor skating rink tucked behind Bee Cave City Hall for a festive afternoon with the kids. Afterward, stroll through Bee Cave’s local shops and warm up with hot cocoa.

Where: Bee Cave City Hall, 4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Monday, November 16, 2026 – January 18, 2027
How Much: $16

The Light Park – Austin

Give your holiday season a glowing start with a drive through The Light Park at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.

Returning for its third holiday season, this mile-long drive-through attraction transforms the route into a dazzling display of millions of LED lights synchronized to favorite holiday tunes. Look forward to glowing tunnels, towering light installations, and oversized seasonal scenes that turn the drive into a festive outing for the whole family.

Where: Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
When: Monday, November 16, 2026 – January 3, 2027
How Much: $39.99 – $49.99 per car

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Longhorn Lights

Image credit: UT Austin

Let Austin’s holiday season shine bright with Longhorn Lights, the University of Texas at Austin’s spectacular annual Christmas display along Guadalupe Street, affectionately known as The Drag.

More than 400,000 sparkling burnt orange and white lights illuminate 24 heritage oak trees, transforming this familiar campus stretch into a dazzling seasonal attraction.

The lights synchronize with beloved UT tunes, including “The Eyes of Texas,” “Texas Fight,” “Wabash Cannonball,” and “March Grandioso,” bringing plenty of Longhorn spirit to the holidays. Stop by after sunset to take in the festive glow and experience one of Austin’s most spirited holiday traditions.

Where: University of Texas at Austin, 2515 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Daily, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: FREE

Sip + Solder Christmas Pickles: Stained Glass Workshop with Contracommon

Make your holiday decorations a little more whimsical at this beginner-friendly stained glass workshop hosted by Deke Cameron at Meanwhile Brewing Co.

Spend three creative hours learning the basics of lead-came construction and soldering as you assemble your very own Christmas pickle ornament or suncatcher. With an assortment of pre-cut glass shapes in different colors and textures, you can create a playful design without needing prior experience.

All materials and protective equipment, including gloves and glasses, are provided, so you can simply show up ready to craft. The class welcomes participants ages 14 and up, with minors required to attend alongside a participating parent or guardian.

Where: Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: $80 each | $140 for two

ZACH Theatre presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Step through the wardrobe and enter Narnia, a frozen world full of magic, adventure, and Turkish delight in this highly imaginative adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic tale at ZACH Theatre.

You will see two actors bring four siblings, the noble lion Aslan, the White Witch, and an entire kingdom locked in winter to life onstage through theatrical magic, illusion, and boundless creativity.

Where: ZACH Theatre, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – February 14, 2027
How Much: Starts at $26

Peppermint in the Park

Make COTALAND part of your holiday plans as Peppermint in the Park turns Circuit of the Americas into a festive amusement destination for the season.

From November through early January, you can enjoy amusement rides, sparkling holiday lights, seasonal entertainment, and special moments with Santa. A holiday market adds another reason to stroll through the festivities, with opportunities to browse gifts and enjoy seasonal food and drinks.

Where: COTALAND, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027
How Much: Starts at $19

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, November 18, 2026

The Junior League of Austin Presents A Christmas Affair

The Junior League of Austin’s signature holiday market returns as A Christmas Affair: 2026 Season of Light, offering five days of festive shopping at Palmer Events Center. Browse more than 200 distinctive merchants featuring artisan gifts, apparel, and elevated holiday décor.

Every ticket and purchase benefits Junior League of Austin community initiatives, including Coats for Kids, FIT (Food In Tummies), and KICS (Kids In Cool Shoes).

Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 18 – 22, 2026
How Much: Varies by event

A Christmas Carol

Christmas Shows in Austin – A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre

Make A Christmas Carol part of your Austin holiday tradition with ZACH Theatre’s energetic musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale.

Follow Ebenezer Scrooge, the lonely miser whose Christmas Eve takes an extraordinary turn when three spirits lead him through his past, present, and future. This beloved production gives the classic story a lively makeover with dazzling pop music, infectious energy, and joyful theatrical spectacle.

Where: ZACH Theatre, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 18 – December 27, 2026
How Much: Starts at $62

An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

Classical music lovers have a rare opportunity to experience cellist Yo-Yo Ma live in Austin for one extraordinary evening.

The internationally celebrated musician takes the stage with Dvořák’s magnificent Cello Concerto, a beloved masterpiece known for its sweeping melodies and emotional depth. The program also features music by Hovhaness and Bizet, offering a memorable night of orchestral artistry.

Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 7:30 PM
How Much: Starts at $26

Dripping Springs Farmers Market

Spend Wednesday afternoon shopping local at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market, a community gathering where regional growers, food producers, artisans, and service providers bring their products directly to shoppers.

Browse fresh agricultural goods, locally prepared and value-added foods, and handmade crafts while getting to know the people behind them. Certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture, the market is an easy stop after work at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.

Where: Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
When: Every Wednesday | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: FREE

Two-Step Lessons at Sagebrush: Beginner + Intermediate

Step onto the dance floor and learn Austin’s signature honky-tonk two-step style with drop-in classes hosted by Double or Nothing Two-Step.

Whether arriving solo, as a couple, or with a group, no partner or prior experience is required to join the beginner lesson at 6:00 PM or the intermediate class at 7:00 PM. Partners rotate throughout the session, and your $10 admission covers both the instruction and the live country music that follows.

Where: Sagebrush, 5500 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
When: Wednesday, November 18 – 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: $10

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, November 19, 2026

A Sherlock Carol

Scrooge is dead, to begin with, and Sherlock Holmes is seeing ghosts. Following Moriarty’s defeat, the Great Detective believes his days of solving mysteries are behind him—until the investigation into Ebenezer Scrooge’s death pulls Holmes back into the game.

Making its regional premiere at Austin Playhouse, A Sherlock Carol blends Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle in a clever, suspenseful holiday mash-up packed with twists and seasonal cheer.

Where: Austin Playhouse, 405 W 22nd St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Thursday, November 19 – December 20, 2026
How Much: Starts at $25

Anastasia the Musical

Follow a mysterious young woman on an unforgettable journey across Europe in Anastasia the Musical: Youth Edition, presented by Inspired Minds Art Center’s Youth Musical Theatre.

Based on the beloved 1997 animated film, this enchanting musical follows Anya, an orphan suffering from amnesia in 1920s Paris who may actually be the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. With the help of two charming con men, she sets out to uncover her past while evading a determined Soviet officer.

Where: Inspired Minds Art Center, 121 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
How Much: Starts at $18

Pulse

Discover the energy and expressive range of contemporary dance in Pulse, an original production by UT Austin’s award-winning student company Dance Repertory Theatre. Bringing together three distinct choreographic voices, the performance draws on modern movement, communal dance forms, and African diasporic traditions.

The program features works by guest artists Vershawn Sanders Ward and Marjani Forte-Saunders—including the Haruka Weiser Memorial Commission—alongside choreography by faculty member Magdalena Riley.

Where: Oscar G. Brockett Theatre, 300 E. 23rd St., Austin, TX 78712
When: Thursday, November 19 – 20, 2026
How Much: Starts at $10

Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar

Step into a full-on Christmas fantasy at Miracle on 5th Street, where The Eleanor transforms into a festive cocktail wonderland filled with nostalgic decorations, multiple bars, and holiday cheer from wall to wall.

Order a seasonal cocktail crafted by the jolly bartenders, snap a festive photo on Santa’s Throne, and settle into a cheerful setting that makes a night out feel like an early Christmas celebration. The 2026 season is ticketed, with tables and seats available on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are only accepted for groups of eight or more).

Where: The Eleanor, 307 W. Fifth St., Unit A, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, November 19 – December 30, 2026
How Much: Starts at $10 (Ticketed entry; drinks vary by order)

Austin Jewish Film Festival

Discover stories that explore Jewish life, culture, history, and identity at the Austin Jewish Film Festival, an annual celebration bringing cinema and community together across Austin.

The festival’s lineup features films alongside opportunities to hear from cast members, enjoy live music, attend parties, and connect with fellow moviegoers. Most screenings are hosted at the Dell Jewish Community Center in Northwest Austin, followed by a virtual streaming program November 20–29.

Where: Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
When: Thursday, November 19 – 22, 2026 (Virtual screenings Nov 20 – 29)
How Much: Starts at $13

Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Events This Week

What free events are happening in Austin from November 16 to November 19, 2026?

Free things to do in Austin this week include strolling through Longhorn Lights along Guadalupe Street at UT Austin (opening Tuesday, November 17), browsing local artists at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar on Airport Boulevard, and shopping at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market on Wednesday afternoon.

What are the best cheap things to do in Austin this week under $15?

Budget-friendly picks under $15 include exploring ten illuminated art installations at Creek Show 2026 at Waterloo Greenway ($10), taking beginner and intermediate honky-tonk dance classes at Sagebrush ($10 including live music), or attending UT Dance Repertory Theatre’s Pulse ($10).

When do holiday light displays open in Austin in November 2026?

Several major Austin holiday light attractions kick off during the week of November 16, 2026, including Creek Show and The Light Park at Dell Diamond on Monday, November 16, followed by UT Austin’s Longhorn Lights and COTALAND’s Peppermint in the Park on Tuesday, November 17.

Already planning for the weekend? Browse our latest picks for Friday through Sunday in Austin — concerts, food festivals, date ideas, and more await!