Week of December 8

Money Chicha In-Store Performance & Record Signing

5pm @ Waterloo Records, FREE!

Grammy-winning members of Grupo Fantasma and Brownout unite as Money Chicha for a fuzzed-out, reverb-drenched celebration of their new release "Onda Esoterica." This free in-store performance brings Peruvian and Colombian chicha music—a hypnotic blend of psychedelic surf guitar, infectious Latin rhythms, and Andean indigenous melodies—to one of Austin's most beloved record stores. Meet the band and snag a signed copy of their latest mind-bending creation.

Fused Glass Snowflakes Class

7pm @ Eye Candy Art Glass, $30

Create shimmering winter magic at this hands-on glass fusion workshop where you'll design and craft your own unique snowflake ornament. Working with colorful glass pieces and professional guidance, you'll learn cutting and assembly techniques before your creation gets kiln-fired into a permanent holiday keepsake. Pick up your finished piece after firing—perfect for gifting or adorning your own tree with handcrafted Austin artistry.

The Nutcracker Suite by Duke Ellington

7:30pm @ Parker Jazz Club - $69+

Duke Ellington's legendary 1960 jazz reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky's ballet comes alive through a fantastic big band performance at Parker Jazz Club. Trade tutus for cocktails as Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's arrangements transform the Sugar Plum Fairy into swinging sophistication, merging classical holiday tradition with jazz innovation. Dress to the nines and sip exquisite holiday cocktails while live musicians battle the Mouse King through brass, woodwinds, and pure improvised magic. There are still a few tix left for tonight’s show, don’t miss it!

Tease & Tempt Burlesque Workshop

7pm - 9pm @ Studio 103 - $28.52

Mx Lady LaShell leads an embodied movement and burlesque choreography workshop designed to unleash confidence, sensuality, and stage presence. Learn classic burlesque techniques, tassel twirling fundamentals, and the art of the reveal in this empowering class that celebrates body positivity and theatrical flair. Whether you're curious about performance or looking to add shimmy to your repertoire, this intimate workshop creates space for playful exploration.

Guillermo's Classical Music Trivia Night with Miró Quartet

7pm @ The Brewtorium Brewery & Kitchen, FREE!

Whether you're a classical music savant or need "Classical Music for Dummies," this brewery trivia night hosted by the Grammy-nominated Miró Quartet proves Mozart and IPAs make perfect bedfellows. Test your knowledge of composers, symphonies, and musical history while enjoying craft brews in Austin's most sophisticated-yet-accessible trivia format. All levels welcome for this delightfully nerdy Tuesday tradition.

Video Games on Strings

6:30pm & 8:15pm @ ConcertDome, $48

Step inside a full-dome planetarium transformed into an immersive gaming universe where Austin's finest string musicians reimagine legendary soundtracks from The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Mario, Final Fantasy, Halo, World of Warcraft, and Skyrim with themed visuals projected 360 degrees around you. This unique concert experience combines symphonic arrangements with cutting-edge projection technology in comfy leather recliners. Perfect for gamers, families, and anyone seeking nostalgia elevated to orchestral heights.

CULT & GENRE FILM TRIVIA

7pm doors @ Hyperreal Film Club - $5

Test your knowledge of killer donuts, cursed videotapes, and obscure giallo villains at BRAIN GENIOUS, the only trivia night that digs deep into the dusty VHS gems from the back of your favorite video shop. This isn't your standard movie quiz—expect questions about exploitation flicks, B-horror masterpieces, and cult classics that never made it to the multiplex. Doors at 7pm, trivia starts at 7:30pm.

Ice Cream Pop-Up with Jack Fanelli

7pm-11pm @ Cape Bottle Room, $54

Chef Jack Fanelli from the original Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club brings his small-batch ice cream artistry to Cape for an indulgent pairing experience matching unique frozen creations with thoughtfully selected South African wine pours. This scoop-worthy evening transforms dessert into a sophisticated tasting journey where sweet and savory flavors collide. A deliciously unexpected Tuesday night treat.

Aura - Sapphic Social & Open Decks

10pm @ Cheer Up Charlies, FREE!

Austin's premiere sapphic social night brings together DJs DragonnQueen & JP for high-energy sets, plus open decks for aspiring DJs to practice in front of a real crowd while the community flirts, dances, and connects over cocktails and drink specials. Whether you're spinning your first track or just here to vibe, this welcoming weekly gathering celebrates queer nightlife with infectious energy. Come for the beats, stay for the connections.

Ugly Holiday Shirt Craft

1pm @ 3100 Kramer Ln, FREE!

Channel your inner crafting chaos and design your own gloriously tacky holiday shirt at this afternoon DIY workshop. Perfect for families or anyone who wants to stand out at their next holiday party, this hands-on event lets you create wearable holiday art that's proudly hideous and completely unique.

The Litas Austin Co-Ed Motorcycle Meet Up

5pm - 8pm @ 1910 Cesar Chavez St E - Free

Join The Litas Austin, Riding Season, and Cowboy Harley-Davidson for a night celebrating motorcycle culture with bikes, live music, pool, and community vibes. This inclusive co-ed gathering welcomes riders of all experience levels who appreciate the freedom of two wheels and the camaraderie of Austin's diverse moto scene.

The Moth at Paramount Theatre

7pm @ Paramount Theatre, $62.05+

True stories told live without notes take center stage at this iconic storytelling event where everyday people share personal narratives about love, loss, triumph, and transformation. The Moth's celebration of the art of storytelling brings raw, unscripted human experiences to Austin's historic Paramount in an evening of laughter, tears, and connection.

Wig Out! Queens, Karaoke & Wigs at Wanderlust Wine Co.

5pm - 10pm @ Wanderlust Shady Lane, $20+

Austin's sassiest midweek celebration brings fierce drag performances, audience games, and karaoke where YOU become the star wearing fabulous wigs. Your ticket includes a welcome cocktail, rotating queens serving high-energy entertainment, specialty drinks all night, and on-site food truck bites—plus free street parking makes getting your wig on even easier.

Almost Famous - A Soundtrack Party at Hotel Vegas

8:30pm - 1:30am @ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, FREE!

Five Austin bands tackle iconic movie soundtracks in this cinematic music marathon—Blue Ribbon covers "But I'm a Cheerleader," Eddie Angel performs "Purple Rain," Stalefish delivers "Scott Pilgrim vs The World," and the night culminates with "Shrek" performed by Michael Sanders, Ivy Mine & Daybed. Each set features mesmerizing visuals by local VJs creating an immersive audio-visual experience.

Sleigh Hunger: An Ugly Sweater Runway

6pm @ Krause's Cafe & Biergarten, $25 (New Braunfels)

Watch models strut hideous holiday knitwear down a runway at this inaugural charity event benefiting local families. Vote for your favorite questionable fashion choices, enter raffles for prizes, and enjoy German food while supporting a good cause. They provide the sweaters and models—you bring the holiday cheer and judgment.

MARIAH CAREYOKE: Til The World Ends (Britney Spears Edition)

6pm - 12am @ Blue Owl Brewing & Vinyl Beauty Bar - FREE karaoke / $10 show / All ages

Sing anything, but pick a Mariah or Britney song to skip the line at this east side block party mashup featuring live Britney tributes by bands Buttonfly and Jennifer Foster & the Audacity. The holiday market includes local vendors, a SAFE Alliance supply drive (20% of beer proceeds donated), and yes—birthday cake. Glitter beer highly encouraged.

Mezcal Omakase Experience

7pm - 9pm @ Arriba Abajo (506 San Jacinto Blvd), $150

Surrender to the chef's choice in this Japanese-inspired immersive mezcal tasting paired with curated dishes. Each course reveals different expressions of artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca, guided by passionate experts who'll educate you on terroir, production methods, and traditional drinking rituals. A sophisticated departure from typical tequila tastings.

Santa Paws @ Little Woodrow's West 6th

7pm @ Little Woodrow's West 6th

Bring your four-legged friend for photos with Santa by the fireplace, themed drinks, and a dog-friendly holiday celebration. Because your pup deserves to meet Saint Nick too, and you deserve a patio beer while making those memories happen.

Goats and A Glass - Holiday Edition

4pm - 5pm @ Willow Gardens Yoga (Buda), $25+

Yoga with baby goats wearing festive holiday outfits, followed by wine tasting. This quirky combination of downward dog and adorable animals in Santa hats creates the perfect blend of relaxation and pure joy. After your session, wind down with a glass while the costumed kids prance around—it's Instagram gold and surprisingly zen.

Austin Abattoir Dungeonbowl Tournament

5pm @ Game Kastle

Enter the underground world of three rounds of Dungeonbowl played in fully realized 3D dungeons at Game Kastle. This isn't your typical tabletop gaming—it's Blood Bowl meets dungeon crawling in an immersive tournament setting where strategy meets chaos. Perfect for fantasy football fans who want their games with more traps, treasures, and tactical mayhem.

Kitchmas Ornament Art Night

6pm @ Figment Creative Labs, $40

Create your own retro diorama ornaments reminiscent of grandma's tree, hosted by Jennifer Perkins. This hands-on craft night celebrates kitschy holiday nostalgia with a DIY twist—build miniature scenes in glass orbs using vintage-inspired materials and quirky decorations. Perfect for anyone who appreciates the wonderfully tacky side of Christmas.

Gingerbread House Competition

6:30pm - 8:30pm @ Celis Brewery, FREE! ($28.52 to enter)

Get creative and competitive at this team-based gingerbread competition at Celis Brewery. Grab up to 6 teammates and battle it out to build the most impressive (or most hilariously terrible) gingerbread creation while enjoying craft beer. Prizes, bragging rights, and holiday chaos await—no baking skills required, just enthusiasm and imagination.

37th Street Lights

7pm - 10pm @ 37th Street, FREE!

Austin's legendary neighborhood light display returns with cat elections, aliens, and rumored Diagon Alley installations. This beloved annual tradition transforms an entire street into a walkable wonderland of over-the-top decorations, with neighbors competing for most creative, most outrageous, and most Austin displays. Bring your crew, grab some drinks, and wander through pure residential holiday magic.

Holiday Harmony: A Women's Breathwork Journey to Unwind & Restore

10am - 1pm @ The Loren Hotel Austin - $40

Take a deep breath before the holiday season at this pre-Christmas wellness morning featuring 75-minute guided breathwork, gentle yoga, and panoramic downtown views from The Loren's top floor. Enjoy curated wellness vendors, complimentary treats, and optional brunch at Nido afterward. Upgrade includes a private 1:1 session with Marina!

Underwater Photos with Santa

2:30pm @ Dive World Austin, $10 (through Sunday)

Certified divers, it's time to take your holiday photos to new depths—literally. Dive World Austin is hosting an underwater photo session with Santa, offering a surreal twist on the traditional mall Santa experience. Bring your regulator, fins, and festive spirit for what might be the most unique holiday card photo of the season.

Holiday Hootenanny w/ Shannon & The Clams, Tune-Yards, Rubblebucket

2pm - 12am @ Radio/East, $51.55+

This all-day musical marathon transforms Radio/East into a winter wonderland featuring eight acts, from neo-psychedelic to indie pop, culminating in late-night karaoke hosted by J'Cuuzi. Between sets, explore vendor markets offering vintage finds, ceramics, and tooth gems, plus on-site tattoos and caricature artists. Doors open at 2pm for this eclectic celebration of music, community, and delightfully weird Austin culture.

WINTER BALL: The Category is… PRO WRESTLING!

6pm @ Highland Lounge, FREE!

Uncanny's Winter Ball collides drag performance with professional wrestling in a gloriously weird mashup. This event welcomes kings, queens, and everyone in-between for an evening where high-flying athleticism meets fierce lip-syncs, proving Austin's commitment to genre-defying entertainment.

THE BIG RED - A Spaghetti Dinner Show

8pm @ Sagebrush, $28.52

Free Lunch Presents transforms dinner theater into pure Austin weirdness with a spaghetti feast featuring performances by Annabelle Chairlegs and Bruce. Hosted by Lucy Lonestar and Baldie Loxxx, this event promises free cake, surprises, and an unforgettable collision of Italian-American comfort food and experimental performance art.

A Nightmare Before Christmas Gothic Ball & Bazaar

9pm - 2am @ Elysium, $12.38

Celebrate the holidays the goth way at this darkly festive event combining a gothic ball with a holiday bazaar. Don your darkest holiday outfits, shop from alternative vendors, and dance the night away in a celebration that perfectly captures Tim Burton's aesthetic in real life.

Analysis of Magick in Theory and Practice - Chapter 6

3pm @ Genuine Joe Coffeehouse

Dive deep into Aleister Crowley's occult masterwork at this esoteric study session analyzing the sixth chapter of 'Magick in Theory and Practice'. Join fellow seekers and ceremonial magic enthusiasts for intellectual exploration of one of the most influential—and controversial—texts in Western occultism. Coffee shop setting makes the arcane accessible.

Hot Ones & Cold Ones ~ Coffee & Beer Pairing

3pm @ Wright Bros. Brew and Brew, $50

Experience the unexpected marriage of craft coffee and craft beer at this unique pairing event. Discover how espresso notes complement stout profiles, or how light roasts enhance hoppy IPAs. Wright Bros. brings together both brewing traditions for an afternoon that'll caffeinate and intoxicate your taste buds in equal measure.

New Texas Pro Wrestling Presents - White Elephant

5pm doors, 6pm show @ Empire Control Room, $20+

Experience the wild world of indie wrestling at this holiday-themed spectacle featuring local grapplers battling for glory and bragging rights. New Texas Pro Wrestling brings high-flying action, theatrical showmanship, and unpredictable storylines to an all-ages crowd. Expect body slams, dramatic entrances, and the kind of over-the-top entertainment that makes professional wrestling Austin's most underrated live performance art.

Festivus Celebration

6pm - 8pm @ 5326 Menchaca Rd, $10+

Celebrate the Seinfeld-inspired Festivus for the Rest of Us with a joyful, multicultural variety show featuring live music, dance, humor, and community. This inclusive holiday escape lets you air your grievances, witness feats of strength, and enjoy entertainment that doesn't take itself too seriously—perfect for those who find traditional holiday celebrations a bit much.