As if Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Election Day and Thanksgiving weren’t enough, Austin has scores of events this November.
From Formula 1 racing to gourmet pig roasts and neighborhood art tours, there’s plenty of reasons for you and your family to enjoy the moderate temperatures and Austin’s trademark liveliness.
Here’s a list of some of the best events in the Austin area this month.
November Events
Oct. 31-Nov. 2: If you like things that go fast, buckle up. November starts with the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix already in full swing. The race is an international attraction that brings in 250,000 people or more to the Austin area, as high-tech and high-speed cars zip around the state-of-the-art track. The events owners commissioned a study that shows it has pumped $2.8 billion into the local economy since 2010. Even if you’re not attending the race, there are dozens of parties and special events linked to the race that are worth checking out.
When: All weekend
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard
Nov. 1: Cedar Park Library Foundation’s Fable Fest provides games, art and shopping for the whole family. Now in its sixth year, the festival features a carnival, petting zoo and theatrical performances. Fable Fest has become one of Cedar Park’s most well-known events.
When: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Elizabeth Milburn Park, 550 Discovery Boulevard in Cedar Park
Nov. 6-9: Find inner peace and maybe shake a leg to some good music. The Wanderlust Festival focuses primarily on yoga and meditation, but it also has a lot of other wellness activities, such as a running, paddleboarding and live music.
When: All weekend. Check website for specific events.
Where: Wanderlust, at 4th Street and Brazos
Nov. 7-9: Fun Fun Fun Fest is exactly what it sounds like — a lot of fun. The fest has gained a reputation for bringing some once-popular bands out of retirement while also giving their audience a lot of hot, new music groups, comedians and sports professionals.
When: All weekend
Where: Auditorium Shores, 800 West Riverside Drive
Nov. 8-9: Wander around the beautiful Travis Heights neighborhood and stop in the homes and studios of the area’s many talented artists and shop.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
Where: A map of homes and studios is available here
Nov. 11: Honor American Military veterans by attending a parade downtown. Several other ceremonies are precede and follow the parade. Check the website for a full schedule of events.
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Congress Avenue downtown
Nov. 15-16, 22-23: East Austin Studio Tour gives art enthusiasts two weekends of exploration, finding new artists, techniques and exhibits in studios and local businesses. More than 400 artists are involved in the tour. The tour is free, but there are other related parties and events available as well.
When: See their website for specific information.
Where: 1501 E. 6th Street
Nov. 19-23: The Junior League’s largest fundraiser of the year brings in dozens of merchants from all over the nation, including many locals. Shopping, silent auctions, excellent cuisine and cocktails are all available at the Junior League’s “A Christmas Affair” event, which this year has some New York flair.
When: All weekend, check website for specific events
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
Nov. 23: If you enjoy a pig roast, just imagine one where some of Texas’ best chefs do the cooking. Austin Food and Wine Alliance’s Wine & Swine event features dozens of top chefs at the Star Hill Ranch southwest of downtown Austin. Tickets start at $70.
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Star Hill Ranch, 1500 Hamilton Pool Road
Nov. 27: Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov. 29: If you haven’t already gotten into the Christmas spirit, consider some rapid immersion at Chuy’s Christmas Parade in downtown Austin. Bring a toy to benefit the Operation Blue Santa program that distributes them to kids in need.
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Downtown Austin on Congress Avenue