With Central Texas weather bearing only two seasons this year—winter and summer it’s hard to believe that November is right around the corner. Somewhere between the two, it seems fall forgot to make an appearance. During November the holiday frenzy usually begins. However, this year we get a small reprieve from the official start of the holiday shopping season since Thanksgiving is six days later than last year. For that reason our November to-do list offers a mix of pre-holiday related events and some that are not. On the top of our favorites list this month you’ll find art and food events, holiday craft markets, fundraisers, and a very famous local parade. Check them out below.
Art, Veteran’s Day and Mac & Cheese
Cedar Park First Friday, November 1, 5-8 p.m., Cedar Park Pottery, 600 S. Bell Blvd. For those looking for the artistic side of Cedar Park this is the place. Every first Friday evening of the month Cedar Park Pottery studio invites the community to discover and explore local artists. Enjoy light appetizers while you shop, listen to live music, and meet new people. Bring your holiday shopping list and discover unique one-of-a-kind Items for sale like jewelry, paintings, mixed media and pottery. Free.
Veteran’s Day Ceremony, November 9, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, Cedar Park. Show your patriotic pride and mark your calendar for this annual event honoring military veterans. It features military booths, vehicles, displays, service organizations, and a special ceremony at 11 a.m. For more information visit the city’s website at cedarparktexas.gov. Free.
Austin Mac & Cheese Festival, November 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Carson Creek Ranch. This ultimate Mac & Cheese showdown isn’t for the faint at heart. But it is a great event for those that can’t get enough of this savory, cheesy Southern comfort favorite. Over 25 of Austin’s top chefs, eateries and food trucks battle it out to see who dishes up the best Mac in town. Taste their gourmet creations then vote on your favorite. The winner will be crowned this year’s reigning Mac king. Tickets for the event are available for purchase online. A variety of ticket options include unlimited tastings while supplies last and beverages. Parking is free.
November Fundraisers
5th Annual Pflugerville Pets Alive Dog Jog and 5K Run, November 16, 8 a.m.-Noon at Pfluger Park, Pflugerville. Family and pet friendly, this community event features a 1-mile dog jog and 5K run benefiting Pflugerville Pets Alive. All levels are welcome including walkers, strollers, and runners. A vendor fair, costume contest, award ceremony and raffle prizes. To find out more, or to register go to pflugervillepetsalive.org.
18th Annual Holiday Bazaar, November 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Cedar Park High School. This annual event raises money to support the Cedar Park High School’s Project Graduation 2020. It features a silent auction, aisles of holiday gifts and handmade crafts, concessions and a bake sale. Admission is $3 per person.
Leander High School Craft Market, November 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 3301 S. Bagdad, Leander. Enjoy holiday shopping, handmade crafts, food booths, entertainment and a ton of family fun for everyone. Additional activities include pet adoptions, a tailgate party; kiddie train rides, roving performers and much more. Proceeds benefit the Leander High School’s Baseball Booster Club. Admission fee is $5. For more information visit the club’s website.
Pre-holiday Family Fun
ThunderCloud Sub’s Turkey Trot, November 28, 8:45 a.m., at the Long Center, Austin. Now in its 29th year, this long-standing Austin tradition is the largest 5-mile run in Texas. With over 20,000 people expected at this year’s event, it is also one of the largest races in the nation. In addition to the 5-miler, it features a 1-mile run/walk and a Kids K. The race’s popularity can be attributed to its partnership with Caritas of Austin, a nonprofit organization that provides housing, employment, education, and food services for the homeless, working poor and documented refugees in Travis County. To date the race has raised over $3.8 million. Be a part of making change. If you don’t want to run/walk you can still make a difference. Volunteers are needed to make this year’s event a success. Volunteer or register today at thundercloud.com.
Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade, November 30, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Texas State Capitol at 11th and Congress. One of Central Texas’ favorite Tex-Mex restaurant chains kicks-off the Christmas season with billowy character floats, marching bands, vintage cars, local celebrities and Santa. And a big dose of holiday spirit to get everyone in the mood. The parade’s primary purpose is to support the Austin Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa project. This time-honored fundraiser collects new, unwrapped toys to distribute to less fortunate children during the holiday season. Santa’s helpers will be on hand to collect the toys at a designated time during the parade. Additional information and the parade route are available by visiting their website at chuysparade.com. The event is free.
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