Austin, TX

A little late this week but here it is:

What: Round Rock Family Christmas Night
When: 6:30-9pm, Friday, Dec 14th
Where: Downtown Round Rock, 221 E. Main, 512/218-5540.
$$$: Free ($1, pictures with Santa; 50 cents, chestnuts)
This free event includes activities for the entire family including live music, dancers, Cowboy Bunkhouse storytellers, candle-making, carriage rides, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more. Guests can also shop for holiday gifts at the Christmas Family Night market. Children need to bring their “wish lists” for Santa Claus (pictures with Santa are only $1.) Plus, enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other refreshments, activities and snacks. Shop arts and crafts in the Christmas Family Night market where vendors will display holiday gifts for sale.

What: FRANKENBIKE
When: 11am-4pm., Dec. 15th
Where: Club Primo’s, 1700 E. Sixth, 801-3892.
$$$: Free
All are welcome to buy, sell, or trade bike parts and gear at this friendly once-a-month swap meet.

What: MIDEAST FEAST & BELLY DANCE SHOWCASE
When: 7-10pm., Saturday, Dec. 15th
Where: Hot Mama’s Espresso Bar, 2401 E. Sixth #104, 552-7365.
$$$: $15 ($7.50, ages 6-12). kelly_ararat@yahoo.com
Enjoy a cozy evening in Hot Mama’s heated courtyard, where there will be tasty Ararat cuisine, organic coffees, performances from Mirage Belly Dance Troupe, and intuitive readings for $5-10.

What: Jo’s Coffee 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off
When: Saturday, Dec. 15th
Where: Jo’s Coffee, 1300 S. Congress Ave.
$$$: Cost to enter is $25.00. all entry fees go to charity.
Prizes for best 3 chili and a showmanship award for best theme or set-up. There’s only one rule - Chili must be cooked on site from scratch. Good Luck!

What: 5th Annual Central Market / KGSR Christmas Showcase!
When: 5p - 9p, Saturday, Dec. 15th
Where: Central Market (4001 North Lamar)
$$$: Free
Grab a cup of hot chocolate and catch the Christmas spirit at the 5th Annual Central Market KGSR Christmas Showcase. Guests will not want to miss the opportunity to enjoy this great music line-up on one stage! Headlining the festive show is award-winning guitarist Stephen Bruton and his band, Brannen Temple and Yoggie Musgrove. Joining Bruton on stage is Ian McLagan, Redd Volkaert, Patrice Pike, Lisa Hayes, Joel Guzman, and Sarah Fox. Financial donations to the Capital Area Food Bank will be welcome during the event.

What: 32nd Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
When: December 14th - 24th 11am - 11pm Daily
Where: Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Enter on Trinity near 2nd Street
$$$: $3.00 weekdays before 7PM & $6.00 evenings and weekends
ned up to fill your 10 days of shopping with the sweet sound of local music. The Armadillo’s fine arts and crafts are made by Central Texas artists, and you can mail your gifts straight from the bazaar (11am-7pm) – your package will even have a special Armadillo Christmas Bazaar postmark.

What: ARABIC CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
When: Through Dec. 23. Sundays, 11am-6pm.
Where: The Arabic Bazaar & Zein’s Dance Studio, 51st & Duval, 533-9227.
$$$: Free
Features belly-dancing performances and classes, henna tattoos, free Arabic coffees and desserts, and Middle Eastern music. Oh yeah, and shopping! Get your handmade gifts imported straight from Syria, Egypt, and Morocco.

What: FIBER FRIENDS FESTIVAL
When: Dec. 15-16. Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., noon-5pm.
Where: Hill Country Weavers, 1701 S. Congress, 707-7396
$$$: ?
Features handcrafted items from more than 20 fiber artists.

What: A FESTIVE FEMINIST SOIREE
When: 6-9pm, Sunday, 16 Dec.
Where: The Old School, 1604 E. 11th, 552-7365.
$$$: $40
An evening of spoken word, music, storytelling, belly dancing, Middle Eastern cuisine, organic coffees, fine wines, and a silent auction to raise funds to save Austin’s beloved feminist bookstore, BookWoman.

If you’re into local music and let’s face it, if you live in the music capital of the US, you should be, then head over to Debbie’s blog and see how you can win Maren Morris` new CD.

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