Kids craft for a cause at Almost Grown Play Cafe
Almost Grown Play Cafe hosts its last Crafting for a Cause event of 2019. Children up to age 5 take part in crafts that hone fine motor skills and encourage creativity. The cafe suggests a $2 donation per craft. All proceeds go to the Central Texas Food Bank. 10-10:30 a.m. 18901 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs. 512-761-4622. www.almostgrownplaycafe.com
Watch the ball(oons) drop
Thinkery hosts its fourth annual Noon Year’s Eve balloon drop and Bubble Wrap-stomp. Guests can enjoy music, winter crafts and kid-mosas. 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. $20 (members), $25 (nonmembers). Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave., Austin. 512-469-6200. www.thinkeryaustin.org
Observe New Year’s Eve with meditation and mantras
Kadampa Meditation Center hosts an alternative new year celebration featuring a six- session retreat that last 24 hours. Meditation in the sessions is geared toward forming connection with the female Buddha Tara. Participants may attend any number of sessions. Begins 7 p.m. Free, with $15 donation encouraged. 1918 Bissel Lane, Austin. 512-916-4444. www.meditationinaustin.org
Party with your neighbors
The city of Austin hosts a family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve bash with live music and a fireworks show. Local food trucks will be on-site. Past headliners have included local bands Superfónicos and Los Coast. 7:30-10 p.m. Free. Vic Mathias Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-974-7819. www.austintexas.gov/any
Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Austin library
The Central Library hosts its second annual event on its rooftop garden, which offers views of fireworks. Local band White Denim performs, and apps and snacks are provided by local business ELM Restaurant Group, owner of Cookbook Cafe and 24 Diner. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $225-$250. Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. www.eventbrite.com. www.library.austintexas.gov
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Hudson's in Dripping Springs
Hudson’s, located on Dripping Springs’ historic Mercer Street, hosts a New Year’s Eve bash with live music by People’s Choice Band. Reservations requested. 9 p.m.-midnight. $15. 381 Mercer St., Dripping Springs. 512-894-2075. www.hudsonsonmercer.com
Rockin’ in the New Year at the Driskill
Downtown Austin’s Driskill Hotel hosts a swing dancing celebration to bring in 2020. Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers provide live music. 10:30 p.m. 604 Brazos St., Austin. www.driskillhotel.com
