Week of December 2nd

Icons: The Next Generation - Drag Competition

9:30pm @ Oilcan Harry's - $5-$150

Get ready for the ultimate drag showdown featuring Austin's brightest stars competing for a $3,000 prize! Watch as contestants face creative performance challenges and strut their stuff on the runway, all under the watchful eyes of host Ritzy Bitz and head judges Evah Destruction & Celia Light. This isn't just another show - it's your chance to witness the birth of Austin's next drag superstar.

Vimeo Staff Picks Live Director's Commentary Screening

7pm @ AFS Cinema, FREE!

Join Vimeo curator Meghan Oretsky for an exclusive screening featuring live commentary from top creators, including local Austin filmmakers! After the films, mingle at the reception with free drinks, bites, and Vimeo swag. Since 2008, Staff Picks has launched countless careers - don't miss this chance to hear from tomorrow's visionary directors.

The Nutcracker Suite by Duke Ellington

8:30pm @ Parker Jazz Club - $65+ (Also on Tuesday)

Experience Tchaikovsky's holiday classic reimagined through the genius of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's jazz arrangements. Parker Jazz Club's big band brings this innovative 1960 album to vibrant life. Don your finest attire, sip craft cocktails, and let the fusion of classical and jazz transport you to a swinging winter wonderland.

Heresy & Hedonism - Burlesque Show

7:45pm (doors) @ Kick Butt Coffee Music & Booze

Kick off your month with this sizzling Monday Night Jammie Jam, where sensuality meets rebellion! This unique slumber party-themed showcase features 14 dazzling performers mixing classic and contemporary burlesque. Hosted by Lady Lola LeStrange, it's an 18+ evening of artistic expression and bold entertainment. Come in your comfiest attire and prepare to be amazed!

One Page Salon

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM @ Radio Coffee & Beer - FREE!

Join Austin's premier literary evening featuring five celebrated writers reading one page from their works in progress. Set on Radio's outdoor patio, this monthly series showcases Lore Arnold, Carrie Fountain, John Pipkin, Roger Reeves, and Sasha West, with literary discussions and book sales by Reverie Books. Grab a drink and enjoy this casual evening of new literary works hosted by WLT Executive Director Becka Oliver.

Holiday Hoppy Hour: Adult-Only Petting Zoo

6:30PM @ Kyle Library - FREE, Ages 18+

A uniquely Austin way to de-stress during the holiday season! Get up close with adorable animals including guinea pigs, a bearded dragon, and a mini chicken - all wearing festive tiny hats. This adults-only event offers a whimsical escape from holiday chaos.

Austin Home Editor's Preview, Winter 2024

6pm - 8pm @ The Cathedral - FREE!

Join Austin Home magazine for an exclusive first look at their Winter Issue celebrating the city's creative spaces and minds. The evening features drinks, light bites, and an intimate fireside chat with leading artists and designers including RF. Alvarez and Dawn Okoro. Set in a stunning 1930s refurbished church, this gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with Austin's design community and meet the magazine's Editor-in-Chief.

Austin Gamblers Championship Party

5:00PM @ YETI Flagship Store - FREE!

Celebrate the 2024 PBR Teams Champions at this exclusive victory party featuring the championship squad, live music, and complimentary drinks. Special highlight: Get your YETI drinkware custom-engraved with championship designs, followed by a spectacular drone show over Lady Bird Lake at 6:45 PM.

Gingerbread House Decorating at Eberly

7pm - 9pm @ Eberly - $50 (Cyber Monday deal!)

Join Pastry Chef Raven Breitfeller for Eberly's beloved annual Gingerbread House Party. This festive 21+ evening includes all decorating materials, sweet and savory bites, plus a complimentary holiday cocktail. Transform your provided gingerbread house into a festive masterpiece while enjoying the company of fellow holiday enthusiasts.

Dance With the Dead w/ Korine

7:00PM @ Mohawk Austin - $25-$30, All Ages

It will be an electrifying night as synthwave legends Dance With the Dead team up with special guest Korine. This rare blend of darksynth and popwave promises an unforgettable audio-visual experience that will transport you to a retro-futuristic dreamscape. Don't miss this high-energy performance at one of Austin's most iconic venues.

UMLAUF After Dark: Holiday Market

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum - FREE!

Experience a magical evening of holiday shopping featuring 26 local artisans, live harp music by Sarah Hall, and delicious food and beverages from Garbo's. Browse unique ceramics, sculptures, and handcrafted gifts while enjoying the enchanting atmosphere of the UMLAUF gardens transformed into a festive marketplace.

Word Perv

8pm @ Sterling Stage Austin - $15

A bold, boundary-pushing storytelling and variety show that dives into the raw, real experiences of gender and sexuality. Each month, a diverse mix of performers and everyday people take the stage to share personal tales that will make you laugh, think, and maybe blush a little. Early bird pricing available at $15 before fees.

The Moth Mainstage

7pm @ Paramount Theatre - $39-$69

The Wall Street Journal's "hottest and hippest literary ticket" returns to Austin! Experience five master storytellers sharing raw, unscripted tales from their lives in this Peabody Award-winning show. Members get exclusive access to a pre-show cocktail hour at 6pm.

A Conversation With Larry David

7:30pm @ Bass Concert Hall - $159+

Get ready for a rare evening with the legendary creator of "Seinfeld" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as Larry David hits the stage for an unfiltered conversation about his iconic work. This 16+ event promises Larry's signature wit and unvarnished perspectives on his decades-long career in comedy.

A Taste of Nido

6:00pm - 9:00pm @ The Loren Hotel Austin - $40

Indulge in an exclusive culinary preview of Nido restaurant featuring passed canapés and an elegant raw bar by Executive Chef Christian Grindrod. Enjoy private access to their stunning terrace overlooking downtown Austin while live jazz sets the mood.

Holiday Wreath Workshop with Wild Vine Floral

6:00pm - 8:00pm @ Confituras Little Kitchen, $80

Create a sustainable winter wreath using seasonal greenery, dried flowers and plant-dyed ribbon under the guidance of local florist Josy Johnson. The grapevine base can be composted or reused for future seasons. Refreshments provided and BYOB encouraged.

Testify Presents: Holiday Road - A Storytelling Show

7:30pm - 9:30pm @ Barrel O' Fun - $10

Journey through a collection of authentic holiday tales at this intimate storytelling show. Five performers will share personal stories ranging from Halloween adventures to heartwarming neighbor connections, each exploring different facets of the holiday experience.

Winter Wanderland

Evening @ Rocky's Bar - FREE!

Transform your holiday season at Austin Motel's technicolor Christmas wonderland, featuring rainbow-colored trees, cozy ski chalets, and festive cocktails at Rocky's Bar. Join special events Thursday through Sunday including drag caroling, Cowboy Christmas performances, and movie nights, with the grand finale New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge and boozy brunch. Entry is free to this whimsical winter paradise.

An Evening with Wilco - Night One

8:00PM @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater - $48-$78

Experience a rare treat as Wilco presents their "An Evening With" mini-tour featuring completely unique setlists each night with no repeats. Fresh off their latest album Cousin and sold-out international shows, catch the band performing songs from their new EP Hot Sun Cool Shroud in an intimate format with no opening act.

Krampusnacht: A Holiday Party For Those On The Naughty List

8:00PM @ The Highball - $15, 21+

Join this delightfully dark twist on holiday festivities featuring industrial techno and metal remixes of holiday songs, custom Krampus-themed cocktails, a spooky stamp station for making sinister holiday cards, and a costume contest with prizes from Alamo Drafthouse.

8th Annual Austin Tribute to Tom Waits

9:30PM @ The Continental Club - $10

Celebrate Tom Waits' birthday with 17 of Austin's finest musicians performing tributes to the legendary artist. Hosted by Datura and Gary Lindsey, this annual tradition brings together an eclectic mix of performers interpreting Waits' iconic catalog.

Holiday Night Market - Austin North Lamar

5pm - 8pm @ Central Market North Lamar - $10

Step into a festive village night market atmosphere at Central Market's holiday celebration! Sample delicious holiday bites, desserts, and wines while getting expert tips from chefs for your seasonal entertaining. Each ticket includes a $10 off $50 coupon and a reusable canvas shopping bag.

The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM @ Hotel Van Zandt - $125

Transform your evening into an alpine escape at this unique rooftop experience. Each heated igloo features holiday music, festive games, and dedicated service for up to six guests. With a $200 food and beverage minimum, enjoy a cozy après ski atmosphere while taking in Austin's skyline. Early booking recommended as spaces are limited.

Comic Con Art Exhibit Vol 3

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM @ RichesArt Gallery - $5+

Step into a world where pop culture comes alive! This unique exhibition transforms RichesArt Gallery into an immersive comic convention experience featuring live art battles, a "Pixel Playground" video game haven, cosplay contests with prizes, and special flash tattoo artists on site. Come in costume for a chance to win a free event at the gallery.

Bloodbath Studio Presents: METANOIA Fashion Show + Film Premiere

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM @ Secret Downtown Location - From $43.76

An avant-garde evening of transformation featuring emerging designers, live musical performances, and a fashion film premiere. The show includes work from three founding Bloodbath designers - Dashe, Flamer, and Alivé - alongside other up-and-coming talents, making this two-day event a must-see for fashion enthusiasts.

Hive-To-Table Honey Tasting

6:00 PM @ The 75 Oaks - $50

A unique sensory journey into the world of honey! Learn to distinguish subtle flavor profiles from floral to spicy, discover the journey from hive to table, and enjoy carefully curated pairings with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and chocolate. Led by expert guides, this intimate tasting experience offers a sweet education in nature's golden nectar.

Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run

5pm - 10pm @ Zilker Park - $24-50

Be among the first to experience the magical 2024 Trail of Lights on this festive 2-mile run. Every participant receives a free beer or cocoa, commemorative long-sleeve shirt, and access to the Finish Line Festival with Santa photos, Ferris wheel rides, and carousel access. VIP packages include Chuy's nachos and premium wave selection.

WIZARD RODEO 4

12pm - 11pm @ The Long Time - $50 GA, $200 VIP

Step into a magical music wonderland at this epic 11-hour festival featuring an eclectic lineup from Nina Nastasia to The Space Lady. This unique blend of outsider music, experimental rock, and avant-garde jazz creates an otherworldly atmosphere at the rustic Long Time venue. Central Texas Mycology adds an extra layer of mystique to this one-of-a-kind gathering.

Rubber Chicken Soup – A Countercultural Clown Tarp Variety Show

8:30pm - 11:30pm @ Kick Butt Coffee - $25

Dive into a surreal world where adult clowning meets performance art in this immersive spectacle featuring burlesque, drag, and boundary-pushing acts. Experience unique installations like the Clown Car Wash and Rubber Chicken Kiddie Pool while celebrating creative chaos. First 50 tickets include a complimentary poncho for the splash zone!

Dancing with the Stars Austin

5pm - 11pm @ JW Marriott Austin

Watch 11 of Austin's prominent community leaders transform into ballroom dancers in this glamorous fundraiser for the Center for Child Protection. Hosted by The Bachelor's Chris Harrison and Entertainment Tonight's Lauren Zima, this black-tie affair combines spectacular performances with meaningful impact. Early bird tables available with special donor benefits.

Methods and Madness: Cocktails and Conversation

5pm - 8pm @ Canopy Austin - FREE!

Explore the intersection of creativity and chaos at this unique art exhibition featuring work by Ana Stapleton, Bob Schneider, and Maggie Stephens. Purchase $10 raffle tickets for a chance to win original artwork while supporting pediatric cancer research. All proceeds benefit the Spence Family Sarcoma Fund's innovative TumorGlow technology.

Carrie Rodriguez Laboratorio - The Navidad Edition

6:00PM (doors) @ Paramount and Stateside Theatres

Experience a groundbreaking fusion of Latin culture and holiday spirit with singer-songwriter Carrie Rodriguez, featuring the Grammy-winning all-women mariachi group Flor de Toloache. This unique collaboration brings together traditional mariachi and contemporary sounds, with the acclaimed group known for their work with icons like Alicia Keys and Sting.

Lines, Pose, Bevel- Your Onstage Snapshot with Selma Bawdy

1:15PM @ Brass Ovaries Pole Dancing - $30

Join award-winning performer Selma Bawdy, with 30 years of experience across 13 countries, for a unique burlesque masterclass focused on perfecting your stage presence. This intimate workshop combines classical dance training with clowning expertise to help you develop unforgettable performance moments.

Wax, Wicks and Wine - Candle Making + Wine Tasting Workshop

6:00PM - 7:30PM @ The RSRV - $60

Combine crafting and wine tasting in this unique workshop where you'll create an 8oz custom scented candle while enjoying curated wine flights. Perfect for date night or a creative evening out, this intimate session includes all materials and guided instruction.