Fun things to do in November
November may just be Austin’s finest month, in my opinion. The weather is just about as perfect as can be; a great month to get outside and try something new!
As always, if you know of anything not on the list, please email me at bloggeradmin@austintop50.com. And a big thank you to Leah, who let me know about the Science under the Stars and ATX Laser!
●●● Fun Fun Fun Fest
November 7 – 9
In 2006, Fun Fun Fun Fest booked its first set of acts in downtown Austin and it didn’t take long for it to become the darling of independent festivals for music lovers and music makers in the United States. Throughout the years, Fun Fun Fun Fest has become renowned for its musical lineup, as well as its collection of comedy, food, action sports, and poster art experiences.
Now in it’s eighth year and recognized as one of the most relaxed, creative, and pioneering festivals in music today, Fun Fun Fun Fest is custom booked for the most passionate, underground, and progressive musicians, comedians and fans around the world.
●●● McKinney Roughs Sunset Float Trip
November 7 4-6:30 p.m
Wind down your day with a sunset float down the Colorado River, where you’ll be surrounded by wildlife and vibrant vegetation along the river corridor. Take in the beauty of the sun setting on the Colorado and the cool comfort of the evening air as your raft is gently guided down a stretch of tranquil river. Participants must be able to swim. Preregistration is required.
●●● Wurstfest in New Braunfels
November 7 -16
A “unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun! Located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas!
Here you’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment.
It all happens at Wurstfest! The best ten days in sausage history.”
Admission: $10
●●● Enjoy some Paella at the 12th annual Paella Gathering
November 7 -16
You just gotta love that there is an Austin-based group named Paella Lovers United. I remember my first taste of paella, when I lived overseas. Yum!!
Doors open at 1:00 PM. Competition starts around 2:00 and runs until … well, when we’re done. During that time you will have opportunity to see and taste the many paellas being made by our competing teams and also enjoy a great selection of tapas (Spanish appetizers) while listening to and watching live Flamenco music and dance.
Tickets: Adults: $45 Children: $17
●●● Check out “Jimmy” and meet the director
November 10th
The Attic Film Festival invites you to attend its Soul Series film screening of “Jimmy” starring Ian Colletti (FOX’s Rake), Ted Levine (Monk) on
November 10th at the Alamo Drafthouse-Villiage cinema.
Jimmy is a heartfelt drama based on the novel by Robert Whitlow. Jimmy Mitchell is a young man whose world is a place where a boy can be a man even if he is “special” Where angels hover, mostly unseen, Where danger can happen, and heart’s can falter-but love is never wasted.
The film begins at 7pm. Tickets are $8 online or $10 at the door and is followed by a special Q&A with Director Mark Frieburger — how cool is that??
●●● Austin Veteran’s Day Parade
November 11 at 9:30pm
The annual Veterans Day Parade along Congress Avenue in Austin will be Nov. 11
The parade starts at 9 a.m. at the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and travels north to the State Capitol. A memorial ceremony at the Capitol, beginning with a flyover by the Commemorative Air Force from San Marcos, begins at 11 a.m.
A wonderful chance to cheer on all those who have given their service to our country. A truly wonderful event. Don’t forget to pack a flag or two to wave along.
“On Veteran’s Day, put out your flags, cheer the marchers at parades and got to tributes. But when you wake up the next day, November 12, remember that it’s still Veterans Day for our Veterans – and it will be every day of their lives. So thank them. Talk to them” General Col L. Powell
●●● Dirty Dancing at Bass Concert Hall
DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is a record-breaking live theatre sensation, exploding with heartpounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. London’s Sunday Express says, “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!” Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” You’ll have the time of your life!
●●● Science Under the Stars – Hunting slime!
November 13 at 7:30pm
Do you know what diatoms are? Do you know where they live, how they live, what they do? Have you seen one? Have you seen one alive? Does it surprise you that I know that you have? Does it surprise you that your very breath depends on them?
Join Science Under the Stars this November and let yourself be convinced of the beauty, utility, diversity and mystery of diatoms by a slime hunter a.k.a. a diatomist.
Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. Events start at 7:30pm outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703.
Arrive early for refreshments and fun activities for kids of all ages! Guided tours of the field lab start at 7pm (wear sturdy shoes and bring water)!
●●● Austin Duck Derby
Saturday, November 15 at 10am
Seriously, what can be more fun than seeing 10,000 yellow rubber ducks lowered into Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake)?
How about knowing that your $5 purchase of a duck will benefit the Austin Boys and Girls club!
The Austin Duck Derby will feature 10,000 yellow adopted rubber ducks launched into the Lady Bird Lake which will race to the finish line winning prizes for their adopters.
●●● Texas Outdoor Adventure Day at McKinney Roughs
Saturday, November 15 9 a.m-2 p.m.
Like the first explorers of Texas, travel down the Colorado River, navigate through the woods and climb to great heights. Meet at McKinney Roughs for a day of excitement and adventure with a focus on land and water stewardship. The day begins at the challenge course, where you will get vertical on the rock-climbing wall and zip line. Top it off with a splash – a raft trip down the Colorado River where getting wet is guaranteed. Bring a bag lunch. Preregistration is required.
●●● East Austin Studio Tour
November 15 – 16 and 22 – 23
EAST is a free, annual, self-guided art event occurring over two weekends in November, providing the public with an opportunity to meet the makers: the local artists and artisans who leave a lasting imprint on Austin’s vibrant, dynamic culture. Tour-goers are invited to discover new artistic talent, see working studios, learn about artists’ tools, techniques, and inspirations, and explore unique exhibition spaces and local businesses.
●●● ATX Laser: Leonardo Art Science Evening
November 18, 7pm
ATX LASER (Austin- Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous) is a salon series celebrating the intersection of art and science. Each bi-monthly session will explore a different theme within this wide scope, and will include engaging multimedia presentations, innovative speakers, and an inclusive discussion that encourages attendee participation.
Inspired by a noticeable trend of growing interest in the convergence of art, science and technology, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum (UMLAUF) in partnership with Leonardo/The International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology will host its fourth ATX LASER (Austin –Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous) event November 18.
●●● Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day – November 27
9:30am
An awesome Austin tradition! Join with a gaggle of other Austinites in this 5 mile run. Nothing quite makes Thanksgiving dinner taste better than a nice run in the morning.
Whether you are a marathoner, or a mom with young children, this race is perfect for everyone. Walk or run, it is always fun! And that late start time (as compared a traditional start of 7am) makes this race perfect for first timers!
●●● Elf: The Musical at the Long Center
November 28 – 30
What a great way to kick off the holiday season — by watching Elf: the Musical at the Long Center
ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.
●●● Chuys Christmas Parade
November 29 11am
Another awesome Austin tradition! The Chuy’s Children Giving to Children has always been a favorite in our family! It is a great way to start off the Christmas season with your children thinking about giving a gift, instead of getting a gift. It really puts the whole season in perspective. The balloons and floats are really fun, but the highlight for my kids is being able to drop a gift onto the floats, knowing they will benefit a child in need!
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Top Things to do in Austin this Fall!
Although it is obvious that I love summer… I must admit, fall is my favorite season of all. And autumn in Austin really can’t be beat. The chilly mornings, warm afternoons, clear skies and crisp air!!
There are also lots of festivals and events in Austin during this time. I haven’t made it to all of them, but if you’re looking for something special to do, here is a good list of what is going on!
●●● Austin Museum Day
September 22
Since 1998, the Austin Museum Partnership has hosted Austin Museum Day – a free, city-wide rediscovery of Austin museums.
The day provides families with a unique opportunity to access the dynamic museum community including local exhibits and activities at over 40 participating institutions at no charge!
Admission: Free!
●●● Trailer Food Tuesday
September 24th, October 29th and November 26th
5 to 9pm
While this event goes on all year long on the last Tuesday of the month, autumn is the perfect weather to get out and enjoy it!
“Sample the delicious food trucks of Austin in one easy location. Try popular local favorites and enjoy something new every last Tuesday of the month.”
Admission: Free!
●●● Old Pecan Street Festival
September 28th and 29th
“The Pecan Street Festival is a FREE, bi-annual arts and crafts festival held on historic 6th Street every first weekend in May and every last weekend in September.
The show proudly features over 275 artisan vendors from all over the world who display and sell homemade art and craft work.”
Admission: Free!
●●● Fall Fun Harvest at Sweet Berry Farms
September 28th – November 8th – Closed Wednesdays
M – F 8:30am – 5:30pm, Sundays 1pm – 5pm
No pets allowed only cash or checks accepted
This is one of our all time favorite fall activities. We have been doing it since the boys were very small. There is something for everyone at this event. Paint your pumpkins, stuff a scarecrow, go on a tractor ride, feed the goats or pick flowers
Our favorite is the Texas Corn Maze. This is a huge maze, and you must find all the cities within the maze. It can take up to 45 minutes to finish. Split into groups and see who is fastest!
Don’t miss the freshly made pumpkin ice cream!!
Admission is free, however activities cost between $2.50 and $7 plus the cost of a pumpkin. To participate in all events would be $40 per child… but we’ve never done that! Pick and choose and you’ll spend around $20 per kid..
●●● Austin City Limits
October 4th – 6th and 11 – 13th
“ACL Festival takes place on 46-acres in Zilker Park, the crown jewel of Austin’s public green spaces.
It plays host not only to 130+ artists from across the globe, but amazing local eats and wares, free fun for the kiddos, green goings-on, and other cool activities to entertain you between sets! Scroll down to see the Austin Eats Food Court, ACL Art Market, ACL Cares and Austin Kiddie Limits partners appearing at Zilker Park during both weekends of ACL Festival 2013!”
$200 for a three day pass
●●● Boo at the Zoo
Fridays and Saturdays: October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26
6:30pm – 9pm
This fun event allows kids to view animals after regular Zoo hours. Pack a picnic and put your little ones in their costumes for a fun-filled train ride full of animals and ghosts( who pass out candy)!
Younger children can take the earlier train rides, when it is still light outside. Bring a flashlight to better see the animals.
Boo at the Zoo is the Austin Zoo’s annual fall fundraiser benefiting rescued animals.
Admission: $15
●●● Haunted Halloween: The Quest: Pioneer Farms
Friday, October 18th, Saturday, October 19th, Friday, October 26th, Saturday, October 27th 7 – 10pm
“When the veil between the worlds grows thin at the time of harvest, the powers of Darkness try to rip open a gateway that would permit evil to gain foothold in the mortal world….The Brotherhood wisely concealed magical symbols throughout the farmlands… Your quest is to locate and combine each of these symbols onto a single manuscript page and save our village.”
Admission: $12
●●● Les Miserables at Zachary Scott Theater
September 25-November 3, 2013
I Dreamed A Dream…experience the international musical phenomenon LES MISÉRABLES, up-close and personal, in the intimate Topfer Theatre! Soaring anthems, unbridled patriotism and the quest for redemption reveal the heart of a man who must leave his past behind to fight for life, love and liberty.
Admission: Tickets start at $25
●●● Cedar Park Kid Fish
October 12th
8am – 1pm
This free community event includes fishing in Brushy Creek Lake, as well as an artificial pond stocked with hungry fish for beginner anglers.
Smaller children can try a “backyard bass” activity consisting of rubber fish spread across a tarp “lake” that teaches children casting and how to identify legal game fish.
Participants must complete a scavenger hunt in order to earn the chance for great prizes!
Admission: Free
●●● The Boy who Loved Monsters and the Girl who loved Peas at the Long Center
October 12th and 13th and 19th and 20th
The Polyanna Theater Company presents a play about “Evan, like many 7 year olds, does not like to clean his plate, especially a plate filled with peas. And to make matters worse, baby sister Sue loves them. “
Admission: $11 adults, $9 children
●●● Texas Renaissance Festival
Weekends – October 12 – December 1st
Another long drive from Austin (about 2 and a half hours). But this is a fun event that every family should try at least once!
“The enchanted 55-acre village comes to life as all of Europe comes to pay homage to the King and Queen with Eight Themed Weekends. Hundreds of costumed performers are showcased in over 200 daily performances. Visitors meander along shaded cobblestone walkways visiting almost 400 shoppes overflowing with unique arts and crafts of offering delicious foods and beverages. “
Admission: $26 for adults and $13 for children
●●● Art Outside
October 18 – 21
Art Outside is a unique three day festival combining visual and interactive art, performance, film, as well as a wide range of music bridging genres, from bluegrass to experimental, hip-hop to dance music. Art Outside started with the idea to bring art out of the gallery and into a unique setting where different forms of art can connect and be enjoyed by all.
Art Outside – Folk it Up StageThe festival takes place at Apache Pass. This site features hundreds of acres of grassy camping areas and lush pecan trees scattered throughout.
Admission: Single Day passes range from $30 – $50, a full pass is $90
●●● Movies in the Park: Ghostbusters in Republic Square Park
Thursday, October 24 at 7:30pm
What better way to get in the mood for Halloween than watching Ghostbusters with your family!
Movies in the Park is a series of free films brought to you by the Austin Parks Foundation, and presented by the #1 movie theater in America, the Alamo Drafthouse.
Dogs, picnics, and lawn chairs are welcome. Alcoholic beverages, glass and styrofoam are not permitted in the park.
Admission: Free
●●● Goblins in the Garden at the Wildflower Center
Sunday, October 27th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“Families can dress up in their Halloween finest and bring a camera to take memorable snap shots. Come dressed as a character from nature and join the costume parade through the courtyard at 6:00 p.m. Think butterfly, moth, spider, and ladybug costumes.
Be sure to stop by the Wildflower Center Café for hot chocolate and other seasonal beverages and food.”
Admission: $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $3 for children 5 through 12, and free for Center members and children under 5.
●●● Pumpkin Sculpting Competition at Umlauf Garden
October 27 12pm – 4pm
“Bring your own pumpkin and carving tools to the gardens today for a workshop on pumpkin sculpting followed by an intense round of judging for their annual competition!
Workshop led by Texas Society of Sculptors’ Marla Riperda.
Categories include: Best Effort by an Adult, Most Likely to Disintegrate Today, Most Likely to Make it to 2013, Classiest Display, and of course Spookiest Sculpture!
Admission: Free when you bring your own pumpkin!
●●● Lost Maples Campground in Vanderpool Texas
Late October – Early November
This is a bit for from Austin – a little under a 3 hour drive. But I’ve heard that some of the prettiest fall foliage around can be found in Lost Maples Campground.
The park can receive over 1,800 visitors in a weekend. So pack your hiking shoes for a day, or put your tent in the car and enjoy an overnight visit!
●●● House of Torment
Weekends in September and everyday from October 10 – October 31st
“House of Torment is a premiere haunted attraction at a multi-level, 20,000 square-foot facility at Highland Mall featuring elaborate Hollywood-quality sets, iconic characters portrayed by talented actors, towering animatronic monsters and terrifying scenarios.”
Admission: $25
●●● Wurstfest in New Braunfels
November 1st – November 10th
A “unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun! Located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas!
Here you’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment.
It all happens at Wurstfest! The best ten days in sausage history.”
Admission: $10
●●● Austin Symphony’s Halloween Children’s Concert
Sunday, October 22nd at 2pm
“This year’s spook-tacular show is sure to have you shakin’ in your boots! Your little ghost or goblin will help haunt Long Center’s Dell Hall as the Austin Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Halloween Children’s Concert, featuring mindchilling songs that are entertaining for all ages! The entire family is encouraged to join in on the fun and dress to impress in their favorite costumes while attending a concert full of “boo-tiful” music.”
Admission: $12 adults, $8 children
●●● Barton Hills Farm Fall Festival and Corn Maze in Bastrop
Saturdays and Sundays, September 28th – November 10th
“Barton Hill Farms is set among 100-year-old cottonwood trees, rolling grassy hills and the picturesque Colorado River. Our Fall Festival & Corn Maze is the perfect setting to let your kids enjoy true outdoor entertainment, including rides, games, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, local vendors and farm animals.”
Admission: $10 (11 and up), children (3 to 10): $7 plus $5 for an all access pass
●●● Bob Bullock Spooktacular
Friday, October 25th at 6pm
When darkness falls at the Bullock Museum, history’s spookiest stories are brought to light. Discover terror-ific tales of Texas through games, storytelling, costumes and more!
●●● Texas Clay Festival in New Braunfels
October 26 & 27th
Featuring the work of over 60 Texas potters and clay artists, the festival offers the opportunity to view and purchase a wide variety of pottery, from traditional to sculptural by the top clay artist in the state.
Take this unique opportunity to watch and learn as demonstrations are held in four tents throughout both days. From forming on the potters wheel to hand-building to raku firing, there is something for everyone.
Admission: Free
●●● Texas Book Festival
October 26th and 27th
The Texas Book Festival celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination.
The signature event has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country and takes place in and around the State Capitol in Austin, hosting more than 250 authors each year. More than 40,000 book lovers of all ages attend the Festival annually, enjoying author readings and presentations, panel discussions, book signings, cooking demonstrations, live music, local food, vendors from across the state, children’s activities, YA authors, and purchasing books in the Festival’s tents.
Admission: Free
●●● Austin Celtic Festival
November 2nd and 3rd
12pm – 7:30pm
Join the Austin Celtic Festival as they present world class music, dance and fun for the whole family.
Admission: $15
●●● Dia de Los Muertos
Saturday, November 2nd
This unique festival features a full day Dia los Muertos cultural experience with live music, performances, art, costume contest, food and drink. The festival brings together a dynamic blend of the Austin musical landscape with vibrant Dia de los Muertos traditions.
Proceeds will benefit Easter Seals Central Texas’ mission of providing exceptional services to people with disabilities.”
●●● Fun Fun Fun Fest
November 8th, 9th and 10th
In 2006, Fun Fun Fun Fest booked its first set of acts in downtown Austin and it didn’t take long for it to become the darling of independent festivals for music lovers and music makers in the United States. Throughout the years, Fun Fun Fun Fest has become renowned for its musical lineup, as well as its collection of comedy, food, action sports, and poster art experiences.
Now in it’s eighth year and recognized as one of the most relaxed, creative, and pioneering festivals in music today, Fun Fun Fun Fest is custom booked for the most passionate, underground, and progressive musicians, comedians and fans around the world.
●●● Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day – November 28th
9:30am
An awesome Austin tradition! Join with a gaggle of other Austinites in this 5 mile run. Nothing quite makes Thanksgiving dinner taste better than a nice run in the morning.
Whether you are a marathoner, or a mom with young children, this race is perfect for everyone. Walk or run, it is always fun! And that late start time (as compared a traditional start of 7am) makes this race perfect for first timers!
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Planning Your Go See It
You have 5 Go See its to plan with your den before your den crosses over to being Wolves. Below are some tips for planning your year:
1 ●●● Know your cross over date
Each pack graduates its boys at different times. Some graduate Tigers to Wolves at their Blue and Gold Ceremony in February, some go all the way until the end of the May. To best plan your year, it helps to know when you need to get everything completed by. If you don’t know when the boys cross over to the next rank, ask your cub master.
2 ●●● Don’t deprive your den parents the chance of being seen a hero in their sons’ eyes
I’ll never forget the day I overheard a boy talk about his den leader. “That’s my dad”, he said, brimming with pride. Every child loves to see their parent in charge, leading. As a den leader, make sure you give every parent a chance to shine in their child’s eyes. Don’t try and plan everything yourself.
The easiest thing to do, is to give each parent the responsibility of planning one go see it. Each event takes very little effort or time to plan, but allows parents to get involved… and shine :o)
3 ●●● Two deep leadership is essential. It isn’t just protection for our boys, it is protection for our leaders
This is serious. You should never, never be alone with another child that is not your own. If you are driving in the car, make sure there is another child, or preferably, an adult with you. Going on a hike, do the same.
This is not just protection for our boys, this is protection for you. You never want to be in a situation where it is your word versus a child’s. And if you are never alone with a child, that can’t happen. Take this very seriously.
4 ●●● When selecting a date and time, sometimes it helps to use a planning tool
There are a lot of meeting planning tools out there. Google Doodle was recommended; agreeadate is another. Whichever tool you use, pick a couple of different dates, throw them out to all the parents, and pick the one where the most kids can attend. This way, everyone can see which dates work best, it is easy to choose and it doesn’t feel personal.
5 ●●● These Go See Its will create amazing and awesome memories for a group of boys. Enjoy them!!
Everyone says it, but it really is true. These years with your kids fly by faster than you can ever imagine. If you were a cub scout, think back to your memories in the den. Go See Its should be fun. They won’t be perfect, kids aren’t perfect and neither are adults. But they should be fun! Enjoy it!!