Our Top 5 Things to do in Austin: March 2014
March 4, 2014 by Laura Duggan · Leave a Comment
March is a busy month in Austin, Texas! Don’t miss our Top 5!
1. Rodeo Austin
March 1st-16th
Rated one of America’s top 10 ProRodeos, the event includes a carnival, Wild West show, barbecue cook off, live music and rodeo events such as bareback bronc riding and bull riding. Musical acts at the fair include Loretta Lynn, the Eli Young Band, Willie Nelson and Kevin Fowler. The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is a nonprofit organization and donates annually to Texas youth. Various times. $20-35 (reserved seats), $40-45 (box seats), $175 (extreme seats).
Travis Country Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Lane. 512-919-3000
2. 86th Annual ABC Zilker Kite Festival
March 9th
Presented by ABC Home and Commercial Services and the Exchange Club of Austin, a nonprofit dedicated to the prevention of child abuse, the event sends hundreds of kites into the sky. The event first started in 1929. Categories include steadiest kite, smallest kite and most unusual kite. Pets are welcome. The event is free.
Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, 512-448-5483.
3. Anne Frank Exhibit
March 3-4th
The Georgetown Public Library hosts the “Anne Frank: A History for Today” traveling exhibit presented by Congregation Havurah Shalom. Displays are presented in English and Spanish, and docent-led tours may be scheduled online. School tours are available from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Individuals may visit at any time. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (Mon.-Thu.), 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri.), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), noon-5 p.m. (Sun.) The exhibit is free.
Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St. 512-930-3551.
4. South by Southwest Music and Media Conference
March 7-16th
The annual event is again taking over downtown Austin and attracting both locals and tourists to its activities. The festival is split into multiple categories including Film, Interactive and Music. Various times. $650-$1695 (badges).
Various locations. 512-467-7979.
5. Austin Urban Music Festival
March 28-29th
More than 15,000 music revelers annually converge on Auditorium Shores to partake in Austin’s only music festival focused on Afro-centric music. The festival has consistently provided a venue for local performers as well as international artists. All are welcome to the event. Times vary. Prices vary.
Auditorium Shores, 800 W. Riverside Drive.
Our Top 10 Things to do in Austin: February 2014
February 1, 2014 by Laura Duggan · Leave a Comment
Modern Home Tour Austin
February 1, 2014
Saturday
Tour some of the city’s modern marvels, designed by local architects.
modernhometouraustin.com
Livestrong Austin Marathon and Half Marathon
February 16, 2014
Sunday
This is Austin’s annual full marathon. Run, volunteer or cheer at this nationally recognized charitable event.
youraustinmarathon.com
Carnaval Brasileiro
February 1, 2014
Saturday
Live samba music, conga lines, consumes and wild abandon fill the Palmer Events Center at one of the biggest Carnaval celebrations outside of Brazil.
sambaparty.com
Austin Jugglefest
February 21-23, 2014
Friday-Sunday
Three days of circus art, juggling, unicycling, demonstrations, workshops and plenty of games. Now in its 21st year!
juggling.place.org/jugglefest
Cowboy Breakfast
February 21, 2014
Friday
It’s the official kickoff to Rodeo Austin. Enjoy a Texas-sized buffet and live entertainment. Free!
rodeoaustin.com
Austin Energy Regional Science Festival
February 19-22, 2014
Wednesday-Saturday
Experience one of Texas’ largest regional science fairs, which showcases the work of nearly 3.000 students in 3rd through 12th grades.
sciencefest.org
That Takes the Cake!
February 22-23, 2014
Saturday-Sunday
Celebrating its 10th year, this sugar art show and cake competition features celebrity demonstrations as well as on-site decorating competitions and classes. This year’s theme is “The Cake of the Ages.”
thattakesthecake.org
Kosher Chili Cook-Off
February 23, 2014
Sunday
Join Congregation Agudas Achim for a kosher bowl of red. Enjoy family-friendly fun and music. Enter your own chili to the competition or just eat some.
caa-austin.org/content/chili
Parade of Homes
February 15, 2014 – March 2, 2014
The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin has selected Willie Nelson’s Tierra Vista in Spicewood as the site of its 59th annual tour.
hbaaustin.com
Sherwood Forest Faire
Open Every Weekend in February and March
Joustin, falconry, sword-fighting, glass-blowing and blacksmithing demonstrations, wizards, feasts and more. It’s a medieval good time for the whole family. Open every weekend February through March.
sherwoodforestfaire.com
It’s the ‘Year of the Horse’ Austin, TX
January 28, 2014 by Gail Boston · Leave a Comment
2014 is off to a gallop!
Happy year of the horse!
Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the start of celebrations. 2014 is off to a gallop! It looks like Austin will enjoy another robust year in real estate. Inventory continues to be tight, so if you know of anyone who is considering selling their home, please let me know. We have more buyers than homes!
According to Chinese tradition, the Horse year is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure, travel, and surprising romance. Energy is high and production is rewarded. Decisive action, not procrastination, brings victory. You have to act fast in a Horse year. But if you’re not 100% sure about a decision, don’t do it. Events move quickly in a Horse year, and you don’t want to gallop off in the wrong direction.
Celebrate big or small. Go to Din Ho or TC Noodle House for some dumplings, or bring your family to Austin’s fantastic Chinatown Center on North Lamar. The upcoming Chinese New Year festivities will include family friendly fun, from face-painting to firecracker displays. The most anticipated entertainers, the Dragon and Lion Dance Teams will perform throughout the day!
Chinatown Center’s Year of the Horse Celebration
Sunday, February 9, 2014, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Event url: www.chinatownaustin.com/current-upcoming-events/
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
(Best wishes and congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year.)
Gail
Our Top 5 Things to do in Austin: January 2014
January 1, 2014 by Laura Duggan · Leave a Comment
Happy New Year, fellow and future Austinites! The West Austin Properties team has put a list together of our top 5 favorite things to do this month in Austin. We hope you enjoy!
1. Wildflower Center Free Admission Month
If you haven’t already been, now is the time to go! The entire month of January, explore the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for free! The Center’s gardens display the native plants of the Central Texas Hill Country, South and West Texas, while the Plant Conservation Program protects the ecological heritage of Texas by conserving its rare and endangered flora. The Center has become one of the country’s most credible research institutions and effective advocates for native plants.
Visit www.wildflower.org for more information.
2. Barton Springs Polar Bear Splash
Ready to jump into the New Year? Then head down to Barton Springs today from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM to swim in this annual New Year’s Day event. The air may be cold but the water at the springs is 68 degrees all year. There will be plenty of hot coffee, cold water, free donuts, and their trademark Barton Springs Polar Bear t-shirts. Come as you are or bring a potluck dish to share with others. Bring friends and family; you may need the encouragement to take the plunge!
3. Red River Free Week
Take advantage of this free week of music and check out some local bands you haven’t seen live. Mark your calendars January 1st-8th and experience first hand what makes Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Bands will be playing at many popular Austin hangouts from Stubb’s, the Continental Club, the Mohawk, the Scoot Inn, and the Belmont to name a few of our favorites.
4. MLK Celebration
The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. The MLK Community March kicks off on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 9 a.m.with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus.
We will then march to the south steps of the State Capitol for a short program and marchers will continue on to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.
5. Austin Gorilla Run
Run a 5K in a gorilla suit? No, really, gorilla suits are provided! This special run through Meuller benefits the mountain gorillas. (Plus, it is a downright hoot!) Join us at 4550 Mueller Blvd. Austin, TX 78723 for the 4th annual event on Saturday, January 25th. The West Austin Properties Team dressed up as gorillas for the first 5K in 2011 and had a blast! We still have the gorilla suits to prove it!
A December to Remember!: 2013 Austin Event Calendar
December 2, 2013 by Laura Duggan · Leave a Comment
F Free Event
* Visit website for schedule and venue information
Events & Festivals
12/5* F
First Thursday along South Congress Ave.
Food, fun, shopping and people watching South Congress Avenue, Austin www.firstthursday.info
12/5 ► 5 – 9 pm F
First Thursday in DT Buda
Shop unique antique and specialty vendors while enjoying food from DT restaurants. http://ci.buda.tx.us
12/6 ► 11 am – 6 pm F
Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market
This conflagration of DIY goodness brings hundreds of today’s brightest indie makers from across the Lone Star State and beyond. Palmer Events Center, Austin www.renegadecraft.com/austin-winter-home
12/6 ► Shops will be open until 8 pm F
First Friday in DT Georgetown
Enjoy live music and a festive evening atmosphere!
http://visit.georgetown.org/first-friday-may-4
12/6-7 & 13-14* 7 pm
Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story
A special interactive program based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, will recreate various scenes of Dickens’ classic 1843 tale on four nights in December.
Pioneer Farms, Austin
www.pioneerfarms.org/
12/7 ► 7 am – 4 pm
Wimberley Market Days
475+ booths of art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, plants, toys, handmade items, home and garden decor, antiques, gifts and more. Lions Field, Wimberley
www.shopmarketdays.com
12/7 ►10 am-5:30 pm F
BudaFest
Craft vendors, parade, full carnival located at the city park, food, live music and of course Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus!
City Park, Buda
www.budafest.org
12/7 ► 10 am – 4 pm F
Weihnachtsmarkt, a German Christmas
Market by the German Heritage Society
Christmas festival offering hand-made craft items imported from Germany. Shoppers can choose from nutcrackers, pyramids, smokers and arches, plus a variety of other gift items, books and ornaments.
German Free School, Austin
http://germantexans.org
12/7 ► 7 am -10:30 am F
2013 Trout Fishing Derby
Anyone can come fish, but you must be registered in order to win prizes. Any trout caught wins a prize! Prizes are first come, first serve.
San Gabriel Park, Georgetown
https://events.georgetown.org/fishing-derby/
12/7* ► 7 pm -11pm
A Snow Spectacular
26,000 pounds of REAL SNOW blown over a 1230 square foot area for the kids to play in! We are also offering light hor d’oeuvres, an adult beverage cash bar, a hot chocolate/coffee bar, a live band, a silent auction and SO MUCH MORE!
Twin Creeks Country Club, Cedar Park
www.battle4acure.org
12/7-8 ► 10 am – 5 pm
Cherrywood Art Fair
Showcasing over 100 artists, food vendors, live bands, a silent auction and an interactive Drum Jam!
Maplewood Elementary
www.cherrywoodartfair.org
12/7-8 ► 7 am – 4 pm
23rd Annual Fossil Fest
Discover Texas Dinosaurs at the Old Settlers Association Headquarters, Round Rock
www.austinpaleo.org/fest
12/7-14*
Eat Drink Local Week
Austin’s premier local food event, celebrating local seasonal food and foodmakers in Central Texas and raising money for Urban Roots and Sustainable Food Center
DT Austin
www.edibleaustin.com
12/14-15 & 21-24*
Gingerbread Workshops
These one hour workshops provide everything necessary to build and decorate a gingerbread house to take home and enjoy.
Austin Children’s Museum, Austin
http://thinkeryaustin.org/programs-events/ workshops/?utm_source=Copy+of+25 +Austin+Area+Holiday+Events%21&u tm_campaign=25+Holiday+Events&utm_ medium=email
12/15 ► 12 to 4 pm F
Snow Day at the Hill Country Galleria
Snow Day: With Live Music From Kenny Luna Hill Country Galleria, Austin www.hillcountrygalleria.com/go/mallEvents. cfm?eventID=2145426225
12/17-24 ► 11 am – 11 pm
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Art fair and music festival rolled into one, it has long been the city’s favorite scene for holiday shopping, Austin style.
Palmer Event Center, Austin
www.armadillobazaar.com
12/31* F
Austin’s New Year
ANY is an alcohol-free celebration showcasing Austin’s diverse and talented creative community through art, films, live music and the exciting fireworks finale!
Auditorium Shores, Austin
www.austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year
12/31
Sixth Street
Celebrate the final hours of 2012 at 6th St. cordoned-off, bar-lined boulevard.
E. Sixth St, Austin
1/1/13► 12 to 3 am
2014 Mediterranean New Year’s Eve Party
Don’t miss out on Texas largest Mediterranean New Year’s Eve Celebration!!
Omni Hotel South Park, Austin
www.eventbrite.com/e/mediterranean-new- years-eve-party-2014-tickets-8901411361
Art
11/27 – 12/9*
A Christmas Story – LIVE!
Based on the classic holiday film, young Ralphie and his quest for the Red Ryder B.B. Gun comes to delightful life on stage!
Zach Scott Theatre, Austin
www.zachtheatre.org/show/christmas-story
12/2-16 ► 7:30 pm
Holiday Film Series at the Paramount
Ring in the Holiday Season with some classic films that showcase what this time of year is all about.
www.austintheatre.org/site/PageNavigator/ shows_events/Holiday_film_series.html
12/2, 6:30 pm: Elf
12/4, 6:30 pm: It’s A Wonderful Life
12/4, 9:35 pm: A Christmas Story
12/8, 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm: Love Actually
12/15, 7:00 pm: White Christmas
12/15, 9:25 pm: Meet Me in St. Louis
12/16, 7:00 pm: Meet Me in St. Louis
12/16, 9:20 pm: White Christmas Paramount Theatre, Austin
12/10 – 15*
Memphis – LIVE!
From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.
Bass Concert Hall, Austin
http://texasperformingarts.org/season/ memphis-broadway-austin
12/27 ► 7:30 pm
Shen Yun
An exhilarating celebration of China’s traditional arts, beautiful choreography, breathtaking costumes, state-of-the-art digital backdrops, and groundbreaking music from a full live orchestra that masterfully combines both Western and Eastern instruments.
The Long Center, Austin
http://thelongcenter.org/event/shen-yun-2/
12/31 ► 7:00 pm & 9:30 pm
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
Surrounded by 10,000 watts of concert quality sound, Pink Floyd’s musical legacy continues as the band’s concept music captures the imagination and carries listeners away on a mind-expanding journey driven by cutting edge effects.
One World Theatre, Austin
www.oneworldtheatre.org/showdetails. aspx?Event_ID=10
Sports
12/1*
The Urban Farm Bicycle Tour
This fifth-annual family friendly bicycle tour includes optional stops at a number of urban farms, and school and community gardens Multiple starting points, Austin
www.austintheatre.org/site/ Calendar?view=Detail&id=36441
12/2► 6 pm
Elf Pub Run + Screening
12/6 ► 5:30 pm
6th Annual Lights of Love 5K and Family Fun Run
Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas
Hangar at Mueller Central, Austin
http://rmhc-austin.kintera.org/faf/home/ default.asp?ievent=1069880
12/8► 8:15 am
Brown Santa 5k and Kids K
Benefiting the Travis County Sheriff’s Brown Santa Program
Travis County Exposition Center, Austin www.brownsanta.org/20135krun.html
12/14► 8:30 am
Rudolph Run
A holiday 5k or kids 1k run benefiting the AG Project
Parkside Elementary, Georgetown
www.theagproject.org/rudolph-run/
12/14► 9:00 am
HITS Running Festival
Experience “a distance for everyone!” – 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon.
CIrcuit of the Americas, Austin
http://www.hitsrunning.com/austin-tx
12/14► 9:00 am
Bubble Run – Austin
A 5k of frothy goodness! At each kilometer, participants will run through Bubble Bogs, and come out covered head to toe in colored bubbles and foam!
Travis County Expo Center, Austin
www.bubblerun.com/
12/17*
WWE Presents Monday Night RAW
See your favorite Superstars LIVE including: John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, The Shield, Ryback, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, The Wyatt Family, The WWE Divas and many more!
Frank Erwin Center, Austin
www.uterwincenter.com/events/2013/wwe- monday-night-raw
12/21► 9:00 am
Austin Reindeer Run
A 5k and kids 1k benefitting Toys for Tots Camp Mabry, Austin www.austinreindeerrun.com
Music
12/6 ► 7:00 pm
John Mayor with special guest Phillip Phillips
Frank Erwin Center, Austin
www.uterwincenter.com/events/2013/john- mayer
12/11 ► 8:00 pm
Megadeth
ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Austin
http://acl-live.com/calendar/megadeth
12/12 ► 10:00 pm
Christmas Pops Sing Along
The greatest and most ridiculous holiday hits so you can sing falsetto with the Peanuts gang, jam to Wham’s “Last Christmas” and dance along with Justin Bieber.
Alamo Drafthouse Ritz, Austin
http://drafthouse.com/movies/sing-alongs_ xmas_pops/austin
12/27-28 ► 9:00 pm
Old 97’s
Antone’s NightClub, Austin
www.antonesnightclub.com/event/378199- old-97s-austin/
12/31 ► 9:00 pm
Bob Schneider’s Lucky 13 New Year’s Eve Party
The Paramount Theatre, Austin
www.austintheatre.org/site/Calendar/9412857 73?view=Detail&id=36201
12/30-31 ► 8:00 pm
Willie Nelson and Friends Family New Year
ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Austin
http://acl-live.com/calendar/willie- nelson-12-31
Happy Holidays from all of us at West Austin Properties!
Special thank you to our friends at Gracy Title for providing this month’s calendar of events.
