Austin Highlights: Nov. 17 To 20 – Food, Music, Arts & More

Last Updated On – 16th November, 2025

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The best free and fun events in Austin, November 17 – 20, include the Oh what Fun! Austin Holiday Market, Elf the Musical, and more!

This week, 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. Explore what’s happening from November 3-6 and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity.

Looking ahead to the weekend? Don’t miss our complete guide to Things to do in Austin this weekend, including free festivals, live music, and hidden gems.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, November 17, 2025

A Charlie Brown Christmas

See the beloved holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, come magically to life on stage!

Follow the wonderful journey of Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas. The entire Peanuts gang, including Snoopy and Linus, will be joining him on his quest.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Monday, November 17 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30

Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar

Image credit: Miracle on 5th Street

Step into Christmas cheer like you have never seen it before at the Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar.

This wall-to-wall decorated Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar features multiple bars and cheery social experiences where you can sip holiday cocktails crafted by the jolly staff.

You can also take your next profile picture in Santa’s Throne and connect with friends and family inside the most decked-out holiday bar in the city.

Where: The Eleanor, 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 17 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $13.30

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Image credit: Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Begin your holiday shopping at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB).

Returning for its 25th year, this market features the work of more than 200 regional artists, allowing you to find handmade jewelry, artwork, home goods, and unique gifts for everyone on your list.

You can even visit the daily open Snackbar for a refreshing drink.

Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Monday, November 17 – December 24, 2025
How Much: Free

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Lucy Darling presents You’re Welcome featuring Mark Ettinger

Image credit: Lucy Darling – Award Winning Comedy Magician

Prepare to be entertained as performer, socialite, and cocktail enthusiast Lucy Darling presents You’re Welcome! Enjoy her hilarious wit, sage advice, and incredible magic during this captivating variety show.

Lucy will be accompanied by Mark Ettinger, the musician and juggler from the Flying Karamazov Brothers, who provides music on a cornucopia of instruments.

Where: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Tuesday, November 18 – 19, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $45

Spiritbox in concert

Get ready for an electrifying night as Spiritbox comes to Cedar Park in support of their new album, Tsunami Sea! They will be joined on stage by special guests Periphery and Honey Revenge.

Where: H-E-B Center, 2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $58

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, November 19, 2025

A Christmas Affair

Image credit: Palmer Events Center

Head to the Palmer Events Center and celebrate the 50th year of A Christmas Affair, a premier five-day holiday market where over 200 retail merchants will be arriving from across the country.

The Junior League of Austin uses the funds raised here to provide essential funding and volunteer hours to programs like Coats for Kids, FIT-Food In Tummies, and over 30 local community non-profits.

Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 19 – 23, 2025
How Much: $25 per day

DAC Nights: Totally Booked!

Pick up a new book (or three!) and create your own custom tote bag to carry them home at DAC Nights: Totally Booked! This is your chance to swap titles ahead of the cozy winter reading season.

Where: Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 7 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Free

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, November 20, 2025

Oh, What Fun! Austin Holiday Market

Kick off your holiday season right on November 20th by visiting the brand-new Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market.

Running through Christmas Eve, this market showcases a curated, rotating selection of local makers and retailers offering everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to clothing and artisan treats.

You can shop for gifts from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday, grab a bite from local food trucks, enjoy musical performances, and sip a themed drink until 10 p.m. at the festive “What a Wonderful Lounge” cocktail bar.

Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, November 20 – December 21, 2025
How Much: No cover

Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA

Secure your tickets now for Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA, where you will hear the legendary music of Queen and ABBA performed live under the gentle glow of candlelight at St David’s Episcopal Church.

Prepare to hear Queen anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “I Want to Break Free,” and “Killer Queen,” alongside ABBA classics such as “Dancing Queen,” “SOS,” “Money, Money, Money,” and “Voulez Vous.”

Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 8:45 pm
How Much: Starts at $49

Elf: The Musical

Follow Buddy, a human raised as an elf, as he journeys from the North Pole to New York City to find his real father and discover his true identity. Watch as he brings holiday cheer and a dose of chaos to everyone he meets with his oversized heart and childlike wonder.

This family-friendly musical is packed with catchy songs, high-energy dance numbers, and laugh-out-loud moments, offering a joyful celebration of love, belonging, and the magic of Christmas.

Where: The Chambers Theatre, 121 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
When: Thursday, November 20 – 23, 2025
How Much: Starts at $18

Already planning your days off? Browse our latest picks for Friday through Sunday in Austin — concerts, food festivals, date ideas, and more await.

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.