Photo courtesy Mexic-Arte Museum/Faustinus DeraetViva la Vida Festival takes place Oct. 18 this year.
Billed as Austin's largest and longest-running Day of the Dead festival, the 31st annual Viva la Vida Festival and Parade takes place from noon–9 p.m. Oct. 18.
The free event kicks off with a procession in downtown Austin and also includes Latino artists, exhibitions, musicians and hands-on art activities.
Musical acts scheduled to perform include El Tule, Los De Esta Noche, Tiarra Girls, Sonoita, Dextrophobia, Sonido Sol, Famencura Dance Studio, Danza Guerreros Azteca Xochipilli and Dj Soto. There will be food trucks, art vendors, and Day of the Dead merchandise and sculptures.
Attendees should enter at the northwest corner of Fourth Street and Congress Avenue. Visit www.mexic-artemuseum.org for more information.
OTHER ACTIVITIES (Oct. 16–19)
OCT. 17—An international contemporary art festival called POP Austin hosts a three-day event that kicks off with a VIP Opening Party from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 17. POP Austin exhibits and speaker events will remain open to the public the next two days. There will also be art for sale. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Sat.–Sun.). Free (children younger than 10), $30 (day pass), $150 (VIP opening night/three-day pass). Fair Market, 1100 E. Fifth St. www.popaustin.com. [email protected]
OCT. 18—Come to the Texas Teen Book Festival to meet more than two dozen authors from the young adult genre, including James Dashner, author of the "Maze Runner" series, and Lauren Oliver, who penned the "Delirium" series and "Before I Fall." The event serves as a precursor to the Oct. 25–26 Texas Book Festival. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. St. Edward's University, 3001 S. Congress Ave. www.texasteenbookfestival.org
OCT. 18—Austin-based nonprofit Dogtoberfest hosts an annual Halloween-themed event to raise funds for local dog rescue organizations. Dogs can participate in costume contests and pet portraits. Activities for dog owners include a silent auction, raffle drawings and a food court. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace. 512-873-8099. www.dogtoberfestaustin.org
OCT. 18—In its fifth year, the Austin Challenger urban scavenger race features teams of two or more people navigating the city of Austin and solving puzzles in the style of TV's "The Amazing Race." Winners receive cash prizes or gift cards. 11:30 a.m. (check-in), 1 p.m. (start time). $59.03 (registration). Banger's Beer Garden, 79 Rainey St. www.challengenation.com. [email protected]
OCT. 19—"An Evening with Jeffrey's," an ode to the Austin fine-dining restaurant hosted by Josephine House, includes Jeffrey's co-founders Peggy and Ron Weiss and special guest Chef David Garrido as part of the Guest Chef Series. The event honors the history of Jeffrey's with a four-course dining menu that includes an appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. 6 p.m. $60 (per person), $95 (add wine pairings). Josephine House, 1601 Waterston St. www.josephineofaustin.com. [email protected]
