November settles in gently around West Lake Hills this week, with a full table of food, music, and community gatherings before the pace slows again. A downtown food festival, a parade honoring veterans, a festival of lights, and a final evening among the wildflowers all fall within seven days. Here is what is happening near you.
Events
Austin Food & Wine Festival — Nov 6–8
The festival marks its 15th year at Auditorium Shores, with three days of tastings, chef demonstrations, and live-fire cooking on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. Friday evening opens with Made In Texas at the Long Center, followed by the main tastings on Saturday and Sunday. The event is for guests 21 and older, so plan a sitter if the little ones are staying home.
Source: https://www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com/
Austin Veterans Parade — Sat Nov 7, 9:00 AM
The parade steps off at 9:00 AM from the Congress Avenue Bridge and travels north along Congress Avenue toward the Texas Capitol, under this year's theme, "Veterans Helping Veterans and Their Families." A veterans resource event follows on the Capitol's south steps, with a ceremony at 11:00 AM. It is free to watch, and an easy, meaningful way to start a Saturday downtown.
Source: https://www.austintexas.gov/ace/events/austin-veterans-parade
Morning Glories: Diwali — Sat Nov 7, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Waterloo Park celebrates Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with a free family morning at the Meredith Heritage Tree Deck. Expect cultural performances, storytelling, music, food and drink, and hands-on art activities designed for young children. It pairs naturally with the parade downtown, or stands on its own as a bright, unhurried Saturday outing.
Source: https://waterloogreenway.org/fall-festivities-for-all-return-to-waterloo-greenway/
Austin Celtic Festival — Nov 7–8
Pioneer Farms hosts the 30th Austin Celtic Festival, a two-day celebration of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh heritage with live music and dance, workshops, artisan vendors, and the Highland Games. This year the games host the Men's Lightweight Highland Games World Championship, so the athletes on the field are competing for a world title. Tickets are sold online only, not at the gate.
Source: https://www.austincelticfestival.com/
New openings
Hotel Trinity and The Yacht Club — opens Thu Nov 5, 311 E 5th St
Downtown's first Autograph Collection hotel opens Thursday, November 5, with its signature restaurant, The Yacht Club, serving coastal-inspired cuisine from around the world. The restaurant offers a ten-course tasting menu as well as a daily happy hour with $3 oysters. It is a polished new stop for a special night out, without leaving the city center.
Big Al’s Pizza — now open in Windsor Park
The team behind neighborhood restaurant Hank's has opened Big Al's Pizza next door in Windsor Park, serving New York-style pizza by the slice as well as whole pies. The menu also includes salads, appetizers, desserts, and cocktails, and the room is set up so kids have a place to play while adults relax. It is open for dinner only, from 3:00 to 10:00 PM.
Source: https://austin.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/food-news-halloween-big-als/?share_id=10173565
Outdoors & fitness
Run for the Water — Sun Nov 8, 7:00 AM
The Gazelle Foundation's 20th Run for the Water returns downtown on Sunday morning, with a 5K and a 10-miler starting at 7:00 AM on Cesar Chavez east of Lamar, and a Kids K at 9:15 AM. Both longer races finish on the First Street Bridge, and every registration helps bring clean water to a person in Burundi for life. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the bridge, it is one of Austin's most warm-hearted fall traditions.
Source: https://www.runforthewater.com/faqs
Tuesday Twilights at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — Tue Nov 10, 5:00–8:00 PM
The Wildflower Center's Tuesday evening series closes its fall season on November 10, staying open late with live music from local musicians, food trucks, and take-and-walk beverages for purchase. It is a gentle way to spend an autumn evening outdoors, whether as a date night, a picnic with friends, or some solo time among the gardens. Reservations are encouraged, and the evening winds down around 7:30 PM.
Source: https://www.wildflower.org/tuesday-twilights
After a full week out — festival tastings, a parade, a run, and a last evening in the gardens — your body will likely be asking for a reset. Book a massage or head spa at Cove Spa, 5450 Bee Caves Rd Ste 2C, Austin, TX 78746, (512) 387-2186. We are open daily 9:00 AM–9:00 PM, right here in Westlake when you are ready to slow down.
