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Happy Holidays, awesome Austinites! Not to terrify you or anything, but as of this article, there are 13 shopping days left until Christmas. But don’t panic! There’s relief from the madness in the form of killer Austin music. This weekend, we suggest snarling Southern rock, a beautiful Christmas party, and high-quality ’70s psych rock. Stay cool, Austin, and always listen local!
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A crackling bonfire and the sweet smells of candied apples, popping kettle corn, and comforting hot cocoa tease your senses at one of the greatest Austin holiday traditions of all time. Oh, yes. Trail of Lights is back.
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Music is the lifeblood of Austin. Anyone who tells you different hasn’t spent a Saturday night on Red River or discovered a random artist during SXSW. On any given night, there are 100 shows to choose from in the greater Austin area. Music is a piece of who we are.
But the vein is starting to clot. Rising cost of living, higher venue rent, and dozens of entertainment options force world-class artists to stagnate.
Enter Black Fret, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, both financial and practical, to Austin musicians. On Dec. 7, 2019, during the annual Black Fret Ball gala, the group awarded $250,000 to 19 local artists. It was an evening of heart, community, and giving.
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It’s easy to get swept away in holiday chaos. From Black Friday deals to office parties to last-minute gifts, December is a swirl of madness. As a result, the meaning of the season often gets lost: the joy of giving to those in need.
With dozens of local charities looking to aid needy Austinites, giving back to the community is only a click away. To help you choose where your donation dollars should go, here are 10 worthwhile organizations to consider assisting this holiday season.
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Hear, hear, the sparkly season is near! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around.
We love love love the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, yet if you want to set forth on an illuminated adventure beyond Austin’s most famous light trail, follow these shining beacons signaling from across Texas Hill Country.
These holiday light trails go above and beyond for those of us beguiled by the night and mesmerized by shiny objects. Yeah, I’m waaay into it. If you crave holiday glitz and are up for a quick road trip, then these nine Hill Country destinations will satisfy your quest to shine on.
One exciting new trend I’ve noticed this year is that some of these light trails have added even more events, attractions, and/or lights, and most of them are open longer than before. This gives you extra time to make the short road trip to experience these twinkly trails.
Note: I’ve added the distances to each trail from the Texas State Capitol this year to better help you plan your trip. Happy lights-gazing!
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Aromas of pumpkin spice and cinnamon fill our homes. Crackling fireplaces hold actual purpose in Austin this holiday season, with temperatures steadily dropping to legitimate fall weather. Thanksgiving peeks around the corner and invites us to let go of the chaos and give back to our local community.
Austin is home to thousands of nonprofits, so get out there and connect with one of these amazing charities this holiday season and beyond. Enjoy this handful of Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities sure to warm your soul and spice up your giving spirit.
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Howdy to the weekend, fellow frozen Austinites! As many of you deal with delayed openings and icy cars, be comforted by the flood of hot Austin music to look forward to. This weekend, we recommend an incredible music festival, ’90s alternative rock, and an Austin great’s record release.
Enjoy the weekend and listen local!
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Music is such a central part of Austin. Swan Songs is a local organization that embodies this piece of Austin, and turns it into something even greater by providing private concerts for those facing terminal illness and the end of life.
But Swan Songs offers more than a concert, as patients experience a meaningful and beautiful moment that gives joy.
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There is a place right outside of Austin on the north shore of Lake Travis where spirits fly, minds strengthen, and hope blooms. Candlelight Ranch is a nonprofit gifting children of all abilities adventure and healing through nature.
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Growing up, service above self was emphasized in my household. One of the many ways my parents would give back was through blood donations. On days when she donated, my mother would come home and jokingly declare she could not possibly hold a cooking utensil with her sore arm. On those days, we would eat out to celebrate this good deed, and thus service and eating out were forever linked in my mind.
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