The Light Park
The drive-thru holiday light show features an array of Christmas lights, decorations and holiday music. Guests are able to purchase holiday-themed drinks and snacks to enjoy the show.
- Nov. 1-Jan. 5, times vary
- $29+
- Retama Park Parking Lot, 1 Retama Parkway, Selma
- www.thelightpark.com
The 24th annual holiday shopping event will feature over 200 regional artists offering handcrafted items such as jewelry, home decor, clothing, fine art and specialty foods. The event was founded in 2001 by four local Austin artists.
- Nov. 15-Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 24
- Free (admission)
- Blue Genie storefront, 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin
- www.bluegenieartbazaar.com
The third annual disc golf tournament will raise awareness of adaptive sports such as disc golf for PTSD relief and suicide prevention for soldiers and veterans.
- Nov. 16, 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Free (active-duty soldiers and veterans), $60 (admission)
- Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, 3005 CR 175, Leander
- www.bogeyfree.club
The McDade-area event hosted by McDade ISD will be a multirace event featuring a kids dash, a half-mile run and a 5K.
- Nov. 16, 8:30 a.m.
- $25 (all events)
- 156 Marlin St., McDade
- Facebook: McDade ISD
Individuals can celebrate Thanksgiving by participating in the annual run hosted by Bodies Race Company. The kids dash will be untimed and is open to ages 10 and under. Participants will receive a mini bib, a youth-sized shirt and a kids dash pin. The 1-mile run registration includes a designer shirt and a challenge pin. 1K and 5K registration includes a custom bib, a designer shirt and a finisher medal. Treats will be provided at the finish line, and chip-timing with live results and rewards will be available.
- Nov. 16, 9 a.m.
- $15 (kids dash, 1K and 5K admission for ages 12 and under), $20 (1-mile admission), $36 (1K and 5K adult admission), $40 (virtual race admission)
- Southwestern University, 1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown
- www.runsignup.com
Produced by Austin Automobile Dealers Association, the event will feature vehicles of all types alongside local food options, family-friendly entertainment and interactive games. Attendees can participate in a Mario Kart showdown, meet Austin FC players and try out racing simulators.
- Nov. 16-17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Free (ages 5 and under), $8-$10 (ages 6-12), $10 (seniors and military), $15-$18 (ages 13 and up)
- Q2 Stadium, 10414 Mc Kalla Place, Austin
- www.austinautofest.com
The Texas Book Festival welcomes book lovers from across the state to celebrate literature through conversations with authors, exhibitor booths, book signings, family storytimes and more. This year’s headliners are Malcolm Gladwell and Matthew McConaughey who will speak at ticketed sessions.
- Nov. 16-17, times vary by session
- Free (admission)
- Texas Capitol and around Downtown Austin
- www.texasbookfestival.org
Volunteer-based organization Bastrop Cats Anonymous Trap-Neuter-Return Society will host its 6th bingo event to raise funds to spay, neuter and vaccinate cats.
- Nov. 16, 5:15-10:30 p.m.
- $55 (general admission),
- $85 (VIP admission and swag bag)
- Bastrop Convention and Exhibition Center, 1408 Chestnut ST., Bastrop
- www.givebutter.com/c/KittyBingo2024