Warber Parker Class Trip, a traveling showroom equipped with leather sofas, oak shelves and a full collection of designer glasses for sale, makes its Austin debut this weekend.
The converted yellow school bus is expected to be parked outside The Picnic food truck court, 1720 Barton Springs Road, beginning Nov. 14 and remain at the spot for at least six months, a Warber Parker spokeswoman confirmed. The bus will be accompanied by a lending library hosted by Austin Bat Cave, a nonprofit that helps children and teenagers develop and enhance their writing skills.
The traveling showroom features an array of men's and women's eyeframes that customers can order using in-store tablets. Prescription glasses are shipped within days, according to the company, while sunglasses and other non-prescription frames can be taken immediately upon being purchased. Warby Parker's school bus concept debuted in New York City before making stops in Washington D.C., Atlanta, Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco, Portland and Nashville, among other major cities.
Its most recent stop was in Dallas, where Warby Parker opened a complementary "classroom" concept before hitting the road on the bus again. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. 512-717-7050. www.warbyparker.com/retail/warby-parker-class-trip
NOV. 13: Nonprofit New Milestones hosts its Bridging the Gap Gala, a four-course meal, auctions, speakers and live music at the 13th annual event. Money raised goes toward the Housing First Collaborative, a project that provides resources for individuals with mental illness experiencing homelessness. 5:30–9 p.m. $175. Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-440-4051. www.newmilestones.org
NOV. 13: The William Shakespeare production "Hamlet," directed by Michelle Polgar, tells the tale of a young prince who loses his father, witnesses his mother's remarriage and must restore a kingdom without losing his integrity or sanity. The production runs through Nov. 23. 7:30 p.m. (Thu.–Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). $17–$22. 512-448-8484. Mary Moody Northen Theatre, 3001 S. Congress Ave. www.stedwards.edu/theatrehttps://www.stedwards.edu/theatre
NOV. 14–16, 22–23: Art Alliance Austin on Nov. 14 hosts its sixth annual VIP preview of the East Austin Studio Tour that includes visits to four art spaces along the overall tour. Big Medium hosts the next two weekends, the 13th annual free self- guided tour, which includes visits to studios, exhibitions, installations and special events. 7–11 p.m. (Nov. 14), 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Nov. 15–16, 22–23). Free (Nov. 15–16, 22–23), $55 (Nov. 14). Locations vary. 512-939-6665. https://east.bigmedium.org
NOV. 15: Austin Duck Derby organizers launch 10,000 rubber ducks into Lady Bird Lake and record which ducks cross the finish line first. Proceeds benefit The Austin Boys and Girls Club Foundation. 10 a.m. $5 (one duck), $25 (six ducks), $50 (12 ducks), $100 (25 ducks). Ann Richards Bridge, South Congress Avenue. www.duckrace.com/austin
NOV. 15: Happy hour, a barbecue buffet, an auction and dancing highlight the Rodeo Austin BBQ Auction that helps Rodeo Austin accomplish its nonprofit goal of promoting youth education. Singer- songwriter Dale Watson performs for guests, who can bid on auction items such as hunting trips, fishing charters, and hotel and golf packages. 6 p.m. $50 (individual), $500 (table). Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces St. 512-919-3000. www.rodeoaustin.com
NOV. 15: DecaDance serves as a night of dancing and fashion from the 1970s, '80s and '90s helps contribute to ongoing community-based programs that promote access to dance programs. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a live DJ help add to the fifth annual Forklift Danceworks fundraiser. 8–9 p.m. (VIP), 9 p.m.–1 a.m. (general). $100 (general admission), $200 (VIP). The Textile, 310 E. Third St. 512-222-5287. www.forkliftdanceworks.org