Film festival goes virtual
The Austin Jewish Film Festival, an annual showcase of movies that promote Jewish culture, understanding and tolerance, returns in November with a slate of movies to view online. The festival is showing films online, with special drive-in movie events on the festival’s opening and closing nights, Nov. 7 and 12. $120-$200. Showtimes vary. Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin. www.austinjff.org
Nov. 9
Writing workshop
Author Britta Jenson will lead a virtual writing workshop in collaboration with the Westbank Community Library. The session will take place on Zoom and will focus on ways to provide feedback on writing pieces still in development. Virtual access information can be found on the library’s website. 5 p.m. Free. Virtual. 512-327-3045. www.westbanklibrary.com
Nov. 10
Tech help at Spicewood Community Library
The Spicewood Community Library will offer technology support through its recurring “Tech in the Library” program. Attendees can have their laptops scanned for viruses and their technology questions answered. 4-6 p.m. Free. Spicewood Community Library, 1011 Spur 191, Spicewood. 830-693-7892. www.spicewoodlibrary.org
Nov. 10
Connect with Westlake business owners
The Westlake Chamber of Commerce has moved its business builder lunch to a virtual platform. Attendees will have the chance to connect with local businesses throughout the community. The event will serve up to 40 guests and is open for chamber members and nonmembers. Virtual access information will be provided to guests after they register for the event. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free (members), $5 (nonmembers). Virtual. 512-327-3088. www.westlakechamber.com
Nov. 14
Open-air art show
ContraCommon, a nonprofit arts organization, will host an outdoor art market outside of its Hill Country Galleria storefront. The event will feature booths from more than 10 artists, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the studio’s residents and shop for local pieces. Masks and social distancing are required. ContraCommon, 12912 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. F140, Bee Cave. 512-670-8086. www.contracommon.org
Nov. 18
Virtual Texas Safari
The Westbank Library will host a live educational wildlife session on Zoom, featuring a black-tailed prairie dog, a speckled king snake and other creatures native to Texas. The event will be led by Dave Kleven, owner of Critterman Dave Safari Guides, a nonprofit wildlife education organization. Virtual access information can be found on the Westbank Library’s website. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Virtual. 512-327-3045. www.westbanklibrary.com
Nov. 21
Community Blood Drive
Registration is open for November’s Lakeway Community Blood Drive. The event is run by We Are Blood, and precautions will be in place to ensure safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing guidelines and increased disinfecting practices will be implemented, and masks are required. In light of these adjustments, appointments are required for all participants through www.weareblood.org/donor using the code A197. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway. 512-261-1010. www.lakeway-tx.gov
Nov. 27 through Dec. 20
Bee Cave Holiday Market
The Hill Country Galleria will kick off its annual holiday market on the west end of the shopping center. In addition to the galleria’s 100 shops, the market will feature gifts, holiday drinks, gift wrapping services and holiday music. The collection of pop-up shops will be located next to the Milk + Honey Spa. 2-8 p.m. Free. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. 512-263-0001. www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/Holiday-Market/2145545960/.
