Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: austin activities, Austin events, christmas events in austin, christmas in austin, Things to do in Austin
Come enjoy Christmas in Austin throughout the month of December. Some of the Christmas events happening in Austin this month include:
December 8: Austin Symphony Presents Handel’s Messiah
8pm, Riverbend Centre (4214 Capital of Texas Hwy). For more info, please call 512-476-6064.
December 10: CPC Thursday Noon Concert – Singers of CPC Choir
12-12:45pm, 200 East Eighth Street. The concert is free. For more info, please call Kathi Thomas at 512-472-2445.
December 10: Caroling at Noon Concert Series – The St. David’s Men’s Ensemble
12pm, with lunch following at Cafe Divine at 12:30pm, St. David’s Episcopal Church (301 East 18th St.). The concert is free to the public. For more info, please call 610-3500.
December 11-13, 18-23: The 47th Annual Production of the Nutcracker
December 11, 12, 18, 19, 21, 22 shows start at 7:30pm, December 13, 19, 20 and 23 shows start at 2pm at the Long Center (701 W Riverside Dr.). For more info, please call 512-476-2163.
December 17: CPC Thursday Noon Concert – Pinnacle of Brass
12-12:45pm, 200 East Eighth Street. For more info, please call Kathi Thomas at 512-472-2445.
December 17: Caroling at Noon Concert Series – Music for Harp and Organ
12pm, with lunch following at Cafe Divine at 12:30pm, St. David’s Episcopal Church (301 East 18th St.). For more info, please call 610-3500.
This is just the beginning of the Christmas fun in Austin throughout December. To find out more about what’s going on, please visit the Downtown Austin website. Remember to contact me for help with all your Austin real estate needs.
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: acl festival, austin city limits festival, austin city limits schedule, Austin events, Zilker Park
The 2009 Austin City Limits Festival has hit Austin this weekend, October 2-4, 2009. This 3-day festival is a celebration of the musical talents of artists from all genres, including country, R&B, alternative, gospel and more. This year, the jam-packed lineup of 130 bands includes: Kings of Leon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, John Legend and Asleep at the Wheel on Friday, the Dave Matthews Band, the Levon Helm Band, Ghostland Observatory, Mos Def and Eek-a-Mouse on Saturday and Pearl Jam, Ben Harper, Toadies, B-52s and the Arctic Monkeys on Sunday. That’s just the tip of the iceberg of talent, though. For a complete rundown of the show schedules, please visit the Austin City Limits Festival website.
Some quick tips to make your festival experience better:
1. Prepare for the warm Austin weather. Drink lots of water. Water fountains will be available throughout Zilker Park. Put lots of sunscreen on and re-apply often. Cooling fans will also be available at Mr. Mister, Sister Mister and Zilker Beach. But, you might want to bring your umbrella as well in case rain makes an appearance suddenly.
2. Transportation to and from Zilker Park is limited. There will be no parking available around the festival grounds. These are your options:
- Free Shuttle – Runs from Republic Square (4th and Guadalupe) to the Barton Springs exit from 10am-11pm every day of the festival.
- Bicycle – Ride your bike and lock it up at the free racks near either festival entrance. Bring your own lock.
- Scooter – The Barton Springs Pool parking lot is available for scooter parking right off Robert E Lee.
- Hoof it – Pedestrians are allowed to be picked up/dropped off at the north end of the Mopac footbridge (on Stephen F Austin Dr). It’s just a short walk to the Lady Bird Lake festival entrance from there.
- Taxi – Taxis are allowed to pick up/drop off on William Barton, just south of Barton Springs. Share a ride with a friend.
3. Recycle and win. Several eco-friendly activities will be taking place before and during the ACL Festival. Participation is not only fun but can reap awards, like a collectible ACL t-shirt or a chance to win a 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid.
4. Attend an autograph session. For more info on who is signing and when, please visit the ACL website.
5. Check out the ACL Festival’s FAQ section to see what you are allowed to bring and what should be left at home.
For more information on what’s happening at the festival and when, please visit the Austin City Limits website. To find out how you can make Austin your home, please contact me. I’m always happy to help.
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: 4th of july in austin, Austin, Austin events, austin fireworks, austin symphony, fireworks displays in austin
Happy Fourth of July, everyone! A s you know, it has been another dry year and the danger of fire is ever present. Instead of doing the backyard fireworks at home, I would like to suggest that you attend one of the biggest fireworks shows in the state of Texas. Over 100,000 people are expected at the 33rd Annual Austin Symphony Orchestra Concert and Fireworks Show at Auditorium Shores today. The orchestra will begin their performance at 8:30 pm. The fireworks show will begin about 9:30 pm. Along with the sparkling fireworks, you will hear the boom of live canons.
If you are planning to drive to the event, then it is best to park north of Lady Bird Lake. For parking information, tips and maps, visit the Austin Symphony website. You can make your Fourth of July green by riding your bike or taking the CapMetro or riding the Dillo. Be safe and have fun!
Filed under: Austin Green Living, Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: Austin, austin environmental fair, Austin events, Austin TX, kids art tent, old pecan street festival, short film festival in austin, short films
WOW! It’s May already and time, once again, for the Old Pecan Street Festival on 6th Street. Artisans from all over the nation will be at the festival displaying their arts and crafts. In addition to the displays, there will be art classes where you can bring out the artisan in you.
Children (6 to 12) can also explore their talents at the Kids’ Art Tent. Activities will be led by Austinite artist Lindsey Bailey. Lindsey will direct the children in creating colorful arts and craft designs which they can take home. The Kids’ Art Tent is free to all participants. Capital One is sponsoring the Kids Art Tent as a means to educate Austin’s youth and to introduce them to the world of art.
In case your feet may be feeling a little artistic after hearing all the great live music being presented on five stages, you can satisfy their need to express themselves at the free dance classes.
The Old Pecan Street Festival will be honoring the art of filmmaking at the PowerFlicker Short Film Showcase. Texas filmmakers will be presenting a collection of animated, comedy, documentary and narrative films from 3-6 pm on Saturday only as part of the festivities taking place in Austin.
The festival will also be presenting game booths, grilling demonstrations, a petting zoo for kids and a carnival for kids of all ages.
The Old Pecan Street Festival will be very green this year. It is not only honoring and encouraging the arts, but is also honoring and encouraging green living. There is no better way to encourage something than by practical application. A new element to the festival this year will be an Environmental Fair. The Environmental Fair will feature environmentally-friendly artists, educational workshops, organic foods, drinks and locally bottled spring water. Stop by the Transit Makeover booth to receive a free 7-Day bus pass. Transit Makeover will also have their new hybrid bus on display for everyone to check out. Your free bus pass will entitle you to a free drawing for Esther’s Follies tickets. To enter the drawing, you will need to stop by one of the information booths.
One negative side to any festival is its debris. But, that will not be the case at the Old Pecan Street Festival. They have made a real effort to keep trash to a minimum with an aggressive recycling program. When looking to dispose of your trash, be sure to look at the signs above the trash containers. The signs will indicate what type of trash should be disposed of in each particular container, so that it may be recycled properly.
By the way, those of you who are not aware of Austin’s history: the Old Pecan Street Festival is held on 6th Street because 6th Street was originally Pecan Street in the early days of Austin. The festival was named Old Pecan Street to honor Austin’s early days. The Old Pecan Street Festival has been an Austin tradition for over 30 years and entrance to the festival is still free.
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: Austin, Austin TX, SXSW, Austin events, Austin music, South By Southwest, Austin Film and Music Festival
The South By Southwest 2009 Festival, more commonly known as SXSW, begins today in Austin, TX. This is one of Austin’s biggest events of the year. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the world and there will be more music than usual until March 22nd, when the festival ends. Austin’s Film and Music Festival Art will be presenting nearly 2,000 musical acts of all genres. A great opportunity to hear new “up and coming bands and musicians”. SXSW also explores the art of independent filmmaking and interactive media.
SXSW began as a small musical festival 23 years ago. It is now one of the largest media events in the nation. The Austin Art and Music Festival (SXSW) offers discussions on the newest trends and showcases all of the best of independent films and music talent. It is not too late to register for this awesome event. Registration is being offered online until Monday (March 16th). Wear your comfy shoes because the events take place in various locations in downtown Austin.
SXSW will also be celebrated throughout the city with great music at local bars and restaurants. SXSW is an exciting and fun-filled time in Austin. The energy created by the event is indescribable, so be sure to get out there and ENJOY!
Shay Hargus, Austin Real Estate
For all the SXSW details: http://www.sxsw.com/home.
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Things to do in Austin, Uncategorized | Tags: Austin, Austin programs, Austin TX, Breakthrough Austin, college programs, grade school programs, university of texas
Austin sixth graders who would like to go to college should check out the opportunity provided by Breakthrough Austin. Breakthrough Austin is offering families a free program to which provides high-potential students a pathway to attain their college aspirations. The Breakthrough Austin program is limited to those who qualify as a low-income family and whose sixth grader would be the first-generation to graduate college in their family.
Students and their families must be willing to make a six year commitment to the program. Breakthrough Austin provides college counseling, tutoring and special summer classes at the University of Texas. Students will also participate in several activities during the normal school year. Breakthrough Austin currently has 240 students enrolled in the program and they are looking for the next 45 students. Applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2009.
For information on how to apply or to make a donation, you can visit the Breakthrough website at: http://www.breakthroughaustin.org/students/how_to_apply.html or call the Breakthrough Austin offices at 692-9444, ext. 21. You may also apply in person at 1605A E. Seventh Street.
Filed under: Austin Green Living, Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: Audubon International, Austin, Austin golf, austin golf course, Austin golf courses, Austin TX, golf, golf country club, golf course, golf courses, private golf
Golf courses are known for their beautifully manicured green lawns and pristine landscaping. Some golfers would have it no other way. However, there is a new wave of golf courses emerging as not only excellent courses but as environmentally friendly as well. The Hills Country Club of Lakeway in Austin is just one of 13 golf courses in the State of Texas to earn Audubon International certification as cooperative sanctuaries. The Barton Creek Country Club located in Travis County also holds certifications by Audubon International.
From its inception, Barton Creek Country Club made water quality a priority. The course was designed and constructed to prevent runoff from the course into the Edwards Aquifer. The Tierra Verde course implements the uses of natural fertilizers such as corn gluten and poultry manure. Courses which receive Audubon International certification must meet criteria for protecting water quality to the surrounding area, water conservation, minimizing chemical fertilizers, providing wildlife sanctuaries and promote environmental education.
Austin is a city which believes in and promotes sustainable living and its golf courses are no exception. Three of Austin’s golf courses, maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department, have joined the Audubon International Sanctuary Program. The participating public golf courses are the Jimmy Clay Course, Koy Kizer and Morris Williams. Three of Austin’s private country clubs: the Austin Country Club, the Blacones Country Club and the Onion Creek Country Club have also joined the sanctuary program.
Water consumption is a large environmental factor when maintaining golf course landscaping. In response to this environmental concern, Austin golf courses are changing their watering habits. Many courses are now using reclaimed wastewater as opposed to potable water. Hancock is the only golf courses maintained by the city which, as yet, has not been switched over to using reclaimed wastewater. That course is scheduled to switch to treated wastewater next year.
Filed under: Austin News and Events, Austin Texas, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas, Things to do in Austin | Tags: Austin, Christmas, christmas tree, christmastree farms
Still shopping for a Christmas Tree in Austin? - Visit one of these Christmas Tree Farms just outside the Austin city limits.
There are lots of “tree lots” in Austin where you can purchase beautiful Christmas trees but, for a real treat, you may want to visit one of the Christmas tree farms just outside the city limits.
Even if you have already bought your Christmas tree, a visit to these farms will be sure to add to your holiday memories.
EVERGREEN FARMS CHRISTMAS TREES and Gift Shop: The farm also features a nature trail, farm animals and games such as bean bag toss and horseshoes. A visit to the farm could prove to be a fun and stress-free family day with roasting (free) marshmallows over the campfire while drinking hot cider or coffee. There is a nature trail, farm animals, games and pine cone painting for family fun. Evergreen Farms is located at 242 Monkey Road, Elgin, Texas. The farm will be open through Christmas Eve but will close at 3 pm on that day. Evergreen Farms also offer all the tools necessary for tree cutting.
LOMA ALTA CHRISTMAS TREE FARM is another great place for a family visit and finding that perfect tree. Loma Alta Farms offer fun-filled day rides and you can feed the ducks and geese by the pond. The farm also allows you to walk the trails and cut your own holly or gather pine cones. By the way, it is a great place to take pictures with family and friends. The Loma Alta Christmas Tree Farm is located at 214 Loma Alta Drive, Smithville, Texas, 78957. Loma Alta will only be open for a few more days. So, if you don’t go this weekend, be sure to call them before making a trip to the farm. The phone number is (512) 360-2005. You can also email them at lomaalta@flash.net.
I hope that all of you have a perfectly wonderful and blessed Christmas with your family and friends. After all, that is really what Christmas is about: a time of sharing with your family and friends.
HO HO HO Merry Christmas Austin
Here is a little Christmas gift from me to you.
Hope you enjoy: Christmas Greetings.
(I love this one. I posted it last year and wanted to share it again).
Filed under: Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: Austin, holiday, lights, pioneer farms, trail of lights, zilker
Austin is a happy place any time of year but the holidays are really special here. Below you will find some Happy Holiday happenings to brighten up your days:
Congress Avenue: The Holiday lights will be all ablaze along 
Congress Avenue on Saturday (December 6). The City of Austin is going green this year. All the lights on Congress Avenue are new eco-friendly LED lights. The new LED lights use about 85% less energy than the old incandescent lights of the past. The new lights have the added benefit of being able to glow in several colors with blinking and fading features. So that everyone can enjoy the lights special features without any obstruction, there will be no garland this year.
The Zilker Tree Lighting: The Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at Zilker Park on Saturday (December 6) at 6 p.m. hosted by the Austin Energy and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The Zilker Tree stands 155 feet tall and is topped by an 10 foot star. It is quite a sight to behold. Be sure to look for the Blue Santa tent. Blue Santa will be there to visit with children and to accept donations of unwrapped toys for Austin ’s needy children 12 years and under.
Candlelight Christmas Tours: (December 5 – 13) will be held at the Pioneer Farm. Here you can truly enjoy an old-fashioned (19th century style) Christmas. There will be entertainment, games, crafts and much more. You can hear stories around the fire at the German Immigrant’s cabin, string popcorn at the kitchen table and sing Christmas carols in the Homestead Parlor. On December 13th, only you can experience an 1860’s Christmas at the Commercial Cotton Farm. Special entertainment is scheduled on Saturday and Sunday evenings for the next three weekends.
Make You Own Holiday Ornaments at the Wells Branch Community Library on Sunday (1 p.m.). There is a fee of $11 and all children under 8 must have an adult with them. This is a great way to spend some quality family time as well as create some very special memories.
Hop n Shop: (December 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) You will be able to board (not ride) a Capital Metro light rail train car at the “Hop ‘n Shop” being held at the Brush Square . A ‘Dillo will be decked in Christmas garb and lights. This event will feature music and merchant booths to promote the Austin downtown area as a shopping alternative and to remind everyone of the changes to the Dill routes and schedules. It’s also a great way to promote the new train service, Capital Metro, arriving soon.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar: (December 12 – 24) An Austin favorite is the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. It is a great place to find a unique gift or a piece of fine art for those on your shopping list. The bazaar also features live entertainment. The Armadillo Bazaar is held at the Austin Convention Center opening each day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Trail of Lights: (December 14 – 23). The Austin ’s famous Trail of Lights is recognized as one of the top ten holiday light displays in the nation. The trail features 41 lighted scenes. The display route is 1.25 miles long. As you walk along the trail, you can enjoy hot chocolate and yule log fires in two different locations. There will be a holiday train for those who prefer to ride the trail. The Trail of Lights also offers a wide variety of entertainment on two different stages. Train rides, food booths, entertainment and fabulous lights all in one place nightly from 7 – 10 p.m.
No holiday season would be complete without a performance of the Nutcracker, Texas ‘ longest running production now in its 46th year. Ballet Austin will be performing in the new Performing Arts Center December 6 – 23. Each performance will feature a very special Mother Ginger who will be played by a different local celebrity.
Rockin’ Christmas Party is another Austin tradition and will be performed once again at the Zackary Scott Theatre . The Zachary Scott Theatre offers several holiday shows including the popular Holiday Heroes for children 7 years of age and younger.
The Biscuit Brother’s will be performing a special holiday show at Pioneer Farms’ Sprinkle Corner on Friday, December 19th. The Biscuit Brothers film their Emmy Award winning TV series for PBS at Pioneer Farms. In addition to the performance, there will be cookies, hot chocolate and hayrides.
The traditional favorites “A Wonderful Life” and ”White Christmas” will be shown on the big screen at the Paramount Theatre on Sunday, December 7 and 12. The Paramount will be hosting several other holiday performances as well.
Well, if your holiday calendar was not already full, it should be now. Have fun everyone and don’t forget to spin! Spinning under the Zilker tree while looking up at the lights is a unique Austin tradition.
Shay
Filed under: Austin Texas, Austin Texas News, Austin Texas Real Estate, Texas, Things to do in Austin, Visit Austin | Tags: Austin, central texas, Texas
In Austin you can two-step, step to the beat of a different drummer or step back in time.
A visit to Pioneer Farms will allow you to step back in time and view the pioneer lifestyle of Central Texas . This outdoor museum depicts three diverse lifestyles’ of the 1880’s. Featured are a Homestead Farm, a Tenant Farm and a Commercial Cotton Farm.
Pioneer Farms presents various aspects of pioneer living to be featured each weekend of the month. The month of September will be highlighting cotton clothing from Field to Fabric, Artisans, and Life on the Praire. On October 11th, there will be a special Halloween presentation: A Lewis Carroll Halloween.
Pioneer Farms, a registered landmark, is located near the famous old Chisholm Trail and was once the real 2,000 acre working ranch and home of the Jourdan family.
If you would like to make stepping back in time, up close and personal, you may participate in any one of several classes and workshops held here. You can make the traditions and workmanship of the past yours for a lifetime. Classes include such crafts as spinning, weaving and rope making. You can learn skills such as blacksmithing, wood-turning and Dutch oven cooking to name a few.
Step back in time and appreciate what it took for the pioneering families of Austin to make the Lone Star State one of the greatest states in our nation.
