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9 Christmas Shows in Austin That’ll Get You in the 2018 Holiday Spirit

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A Christmas Carol Austin

ZACH Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” is one of many brilliantly entertaining shows you can see in Austin this holiday season (Credit: Kirk Tuck)

With the clock counting down to Christmas, you’re probably rushing to holiday markets, searching for presents, and fitting holiday parties into your (sparse) free time. Let’s be real. The holidays tend to be more stressful than fun sometimes.

If you need to take a step back and enjoy a fun activity with the family, the Austin area has multiple classic and original Christmas shows that can transport you away to another place. Here are my nine recommendations for 2018.

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Black Fret Awards $250,000 to Austin Musicians at 2018 Black Ball

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Black Fret Black Ball 2018 Group Shot

Black Ball 2018 was a celebration of music, giving, and community (Credit: Bill Tucker)

It’s tough to be a musician in the Live Music Capital of the World. On any given night, world-class artists ply their trade for the contents of a tip jar. Award-winning singers hold down regular jobs. Venues that find pride in treating artists fairly close the doors in favor of no-cover bars with a makeshift stage in the corner.

Enter Black Fret. By building a community of industry folks and music lovers, with a heart of keeping Austin music alive and well, this nonprofit provides an answer to the issues plaguing the local music scene. And on the Dec. 7 Black Ball extravaganza at the Moody Theater, Black Fret awarded $250,000 to deserving musicians. It was an evening of giving, music, and all around good vibes. [Read more…]

9 Must-see Texas Hill Country Holiday Light Trails

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Bastrop Trail of Lights for Christmas

Bastrop is aglow with the warmth and twinkly lights of the season (Credit: Colin Guerra)

Shine on, you beautiful diamond! 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 adore Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, but this article goes above and beyond for my kind of people who are truly extra in their love of shiny objects. I’m eternally beguiled by the night and mesmerized by shiny objects, so I’m way into the holiday light trail scene.

These aren’t your subtle, modest light displays, but rather full-on Clark Griswold affairs. 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.
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Austin’s Best Bazaars, Fairs, and Markets for Your Holiday Shopping

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Holiday Bazaars Fairs and Markets in Austin

Ceramic bowls by jpear Design

The holidays can be a joyous time of year with friends and family. But this season can also be stressful, as you try to find the perfect gift for those you love.

Whether you’re looking for arts, crafts, Texas foods, or gift certificates, our team at The Austinot believes local gifts make the best gifts! So here’s a rundown of the best bazaars, fairs, and markets in Austin to make your holiday shopping a breeze. [Read more…]

What to Expect From Austin’s Trail of Lights in 2018

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Trail of Lights Entrance Austin

One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit: a trip to Trail of Lights (Credit: Juice Consulting)

It’s that time of the year, Austin! The pies are baking, presents are being wrapped, and Trail of Lights is back in town. Well, almost. Starting Dec. 10, 2018, Zilker Park will be transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland.

We’ve got all the details on this year’s Trail of Lights festivities. Read on to get ready for your visit this year! [Read more…]

El Gran Lechón Nights at Buenos Aires Bring Argentinian Grill Secrets to Austin

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El Gran Lechon Freshly Roasted Pig

Guerrero-Smith and her team butcher a freshly roasted pig for the Wednesday night special

Buenos Aires Café, an east side favorite known for exquisite Argentian cuisine, now offers weekly El Gran Lechón Nights.

While the cozy cafe offers a popular platter of traditional grilled meats, “De la parilla,” the whole roasted pig feast prepared for El Gran Lechón Nights is a whole entity unto itself. You can taste it for yourself every Wednesday night at Buenos Aires. [Read more…]

How Print Giant Texas Monthly Thrives in Digital Age

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Texas Monthly Live Paramount Theatre Austin

Texas Monthly Live brings a full magazine issue to life on stage (Credit: Brandon Navarro)

Digital media changed the game for classic print publications quite some time ago. However, Texas Monthly, the revered magazine chronicling all things Texan since 1973, has actively embraced change by adding unique events and upping its online game using podcasts, videos, and a more robust social media presence.

Let’s dig into how Texas Monthly is not only staying in the game, but winning it.

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10 Stories From Locals That Prove ACL Is the Best Music Festival Ever

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ACL Music Fest Sign

Get ready for two weekends of music, food, and fun! (Credit: Flipintex Fotos)

Two weekends, 130 bands, eight stages. Austin City Limits Festival is the official end-of-summer party. Accordingly, festival-goers can expect lots of day drinking, dancing, and picturesque sunset moments with 70,000 strangers close friends.

Nothing brings people together (or sets the stage) for a good story quite like live music and local booze. To celebrate the return of the festival for another year, here are 10 quotes from Austin locals that perfectly explain why ACL is the best music festival ever.

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16 Local Events Celebrating July Fourth in Austin

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H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Fireworks and Concert in Austin

July Fourth fireworks over Vic Mathias Shores, formerly known as Auditorium Shores
(Credit: Jared Tennant Photography)

Fireworks, parades, and cut-off jeans contests. When it comes to celebrating our nation’s independence, Austin does it right. Whether you’re heading to the big spectacles, craving live music, or staying local, there’s something for everybody this July Fourth holiday. [Read more…]

Film Series at Bullock Museum Challenges Assumptions, Sparks Conversations

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Bullock Museum Film Series

Texas Focus panel with Film Programs Manager Rachel Manning on right (Credit: Bullock Museum)

Guest article by Janet Lee

Film is a window into other lives, whether they’re set in reality or an alternate universe. Movies provide various perspectives that are ultimately a reflection of our society. The Film Series Program at Bullock Museum delves into these perspectives, leading open and thematic discussions within the Austin community.

The museum’s mission is to create diverse conversations and narratives using the medium of film. And more importantly, to continue those conversations beyond the theater. Rather than simply hosting screenings, Bullock wants to collectively tackle myths, preconceived notions, and themes that are relevant and engaging. [Read more…]

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