Austin in November 2016: Music Festivals, Book Festivals and, Oh Yeah, Thanksgiving!

November is a season of perfect patio weather, cultural festivals and the start of the holiday season in Austin. So, in between Christmas shopping trips and preparing for Thanksgiving, you’ll find plenty of interesting events in Austin.

This month, you can check out some of Texas’ most famous authors or lace up your running shoes for the Turkey Trot, one of Austin’s best races that also benefits charities ahead of the holiday season.

Now, let’s grab a calendar and dig in.

November 2-6

Do you love vintage race cars? You can check out about 400 of them in action on a modern track at the Circuit of the Americas during the U.S. Vintage National Championships. And, if you really love those cars, bring your checkbook for the car auctions on Friday and Saturday night.

When: All day

Where: The Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd

More information: http://www.svra.com/events/2016-us-vintage-national-championship/

November 4-6

The future of progressive music is on display at Sherwood Forest. The Sound on Sound festival brings pioneering artists from around the world to its stages, highlighting innovative rock, hip hop, indie and even a few comedians. And don’t forget the sunblock.

When: All weekend long

Where: Sherwood Forest, 1883 Old Highway 20 McDade, TX

More information: http://www.soundonsoundfest.com/

November 5

Explore the past, present and future of American Indian culture through the drumming, dancing and traditional attire on display at the Austin Powwow. You’ll find unique foods, crafts, dancing and much more for the whole family to enjoy.

When: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln

More information: www.austinpowwow.net

November 5-6

Calling all bookworms. The Texas Book Festival is one of the nation’s top gathering of writers, and it’s the top gather of Texas authors. You’ll find plenty for history geeks, political insiders, adventurous, teen readers and more. You may also spot a few of the celebrity writers on hand, such as Nick Offerman, R.L. Stine and Ethan Hawke.

When: All weekend, starting at 10 a.m.

Where: The Texas Capital area, 1100 Congress Ave

More information: www.texasbookfestival.org

November 5-6

Revive the Celtic traditions with your whole family. It’s packed with games, food, drinks, dancing and, of course, a lot Celtic music.

When: Gates open at 11 a.m. on Nov. 7.

Where: Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St

More information: http://www.austincelticfestival.com/

November 12-13 and 19-20

Check out some of the city’s hippest art studios as more than 70 artists invite the public in to see their works and their spaces. The East Austin studio tours offer free, self-guided tours. The schedule can be a little tricky. So be sure to plot out your path.

When: Various times

Where: Studios throughout East Austin

More information: http://east.bigmedium.org/

November 24

You’re going to feast at Thanksgiving, so why not pay it forward with a charitable run that will leave you feeling guilt free with the gravy ladle. This 5-mile run and 1-mile walk are put on by ThunderCloud Subs. It’s been going for 25 years and it has raise $2.5 million for Caritas of Austin. And probably burned a lot more calories.

When: Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. The run starts at 9 a.m.

Where: The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive

More information: http://thundercloud.com/turkey-trot/event-info/

November 26

Huge inflated cartoon characters and carloads of Star Wars Stormtroopers. You can see it all rolling down Congress Avenue at Chuy’s Christmas Parade. And almost everyone tosses candy. It’s a great way to kick of the holiday season with the family while helping raise money for charitable causes.

When: 11 a.m.-about noon

Where: Between the State Capital on Congress Avenue and the Colorado River

More information: http://www.chuysparade.com