From storytimes to live music and more, What’s Up Weekly lays out all of the family-fun events happening during the week in the Greater Austin-area.
Monday
Baby Bloomers – Monday, November 3 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Little ones ages 0-3 and their families will have a Rocking good time exploring the letter R. Come prepared for Rubber ducky Races, Rainbow “sand” art, Rain cloud science experiments, and fluffy Rabbits. Foodie Kids will be in the Thinkery Kitchen Lab for a hands-on cooking demo and Armstrong Community Music School will perform. Cost: Members $2.50 each / Non-Members $4.50 each. All people attending, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket. Purchase a ticket online as limited walk-up tickets will be available. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Stroller Strides Preview Class – Monday, November 3 at 9:30 a.m. Fit4Mom Austin Metro presents a new Stroller Strides class at Northwest District Park. Classes will be FREE for 2 weeks every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting Monday, November 3rd. The two week free preview concludes on November 19th with a Grand Opening celebration. Bring a sturdy stroller, a mat or towel for abdominal exercises, your baby, and a smile. Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park, 7000 Ardath St, Austin.
Mr. Will’s Music Class for Kids (Bee Cave) – Monday, November 3 at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Will is back in action with his weekly kid’s music class. Arrive early to get a seat. FREE! Whole Foods Bee Cave, 12601 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave.
Making Literacy Accessible: StorySign Storytime – Monday, November 3 at 10:15 a.m. This storytime will feature an American Sign Language storyteller, signed and vocal songs and fingerplays, and a craft activity. FREE! APL – Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S Fifth St, Austin.
Storytime with Dr. Candra – Monday, November 3 at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Candra will captivate your children with stories, songs, dances, and games. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste D-480, Austin.
Local Author Showcase (Pflugerville) – Monday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the kickoff of National Novel Writing Month with Central Texas authors. Support local authors representing a variety of genres and get your writing questions answered. Enjoy refreshments and enter for a chance to win a Half Price Books gift card. FREE and open to the public. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pflugerville St, Pflugerville.
Game Night at Cafe Ruckus – Monday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. Sorry, Connect 4, Battleship, Fluxx, Ruckus – The Game, and more. Meet a lot of cool people, enjoy a tasty beverage, and play, Play, PLAY. Everyone who wins a board games gets a prize from Toy Joy. Family friendly – all ages welcome. FREE to play. Cafe Ruckus, 409 W 2nd St, Austin.
Tuesday
Free Admission to Laguna Gloria – Tuesday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE! The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th St, Austin.
Free Admission to The Jones Center – Tuesday, November 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. FREE! The Contemporary Austin, The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave, Austin.
Yoga Storytime – Tuesday, November 4 at 10:30 a.m. Over the river and through the woods to yoga storytime you’ll move. Bring your imagination and energy to this yoga class fit for the whole family. Friends from Bliss Kid Yoga will read stories and lead a short yoga lesson. No prior yoga experience needed. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Chinese Bilingual Storytime (Round Rock) – Tuesday, November 4 at 10:30 a.m. This program, geared for ages 3 and up, celebrates Chinese culture with stories, fingerplays, and songs in both English and Mandarin. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Reading Dog – Tuesday, November 4 at 11:00 a.m. Handler Holly with Dog Chula will be at Laura’s Library to read and or or visit with kiddos. Pre-readers and readers are welcome. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Music with Mr. Will – Tuesday, November 4 at 11:30 a.m. Rock out with local children’s singer, “Mr. Will” Dupuy. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D-480, Austin.
Discovery! Mad Science – Tuesday, November 4 at 4:30 p.m. Especially designed for older kids (fourth grade and up), the Discovery hands on program explores all sorts of different topics, including science, literature, and much more. This week, Mad Science will present some tricks to get children excited about science. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
LEGO Mini Model Build – Tuesday, November 4 at 5:00 p.m. Learn how to build a cool LEGO Micro Rocketship and take it home – for FREE! One per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store and offer is good while supplies last only. LEGO Store, Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin.
Lego Lab – Tuesday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.
Family Craft Night – Tuesday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m. Have fun putting together a craft for the whole family. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Pajama Storytime – Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. Feel free to wear pajamas to this family storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Children of all ages welcome. Seating is limited; please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL – Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr, Austin.
Community Cinema: Evolution of a Criminal – Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. Join the Austin Public Library and KLRU-TV for Community Cinema, a series screening films from the PBS series Independent Lens. After the film, lively discussions bring citizens and organizations together to encourage dialogue and action around important and timely social issues. In this gripping blend of documentary, true crime, and personal essay, a filmmaker confronts his past, dissecting the circumstances that led him to commit a bank robbery as a young man, and his journey since that act. FREE! APL – Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin.
Wednesday
Whole Foods Kids Club – Wednesday, November 5 at 9:00 a.m. Join Tina for a great story and crafts for the kids. FREE! Whole Foods Arbor Trails, 4301 W. William Cannon, Austin.
Stroller Strides Preview Class – Wednesday, November 5 at 9:30 a.m. Fit4Mom Austin Metro presents a new Stroller Strides class at Northwest District Park. Classes will be FREE for 2 weeks every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting Monday, November 3rd. The two week free preview concludes on November 19th with a Grand Opening celebration. Bring a sturdy stroller, a mat or towel for abdominal exercises, your baby, and a smile. Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park, 7000 Ardath St, Austin.
Whole Foods Storytime – Wednesday, November 5 at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a story reading, an activity, and a snack. All ages are welcome and parents can participate, too. FREE! Whole Foods Mezzanine, 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga – Wednesday, November 5 at 10:00 a.m. Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga is a playful, educational, and relaxing time for babies and toddlers up to 18 months. Learn new ways to connect with your with your baby through movement, stretching and song. Complimentary juice and coffee served. FREE! Millie & Mox, 5145 North FM 620, Ste B110, Austin.
ABC Storytime – Wednesday, November 5 at 10:30 a.m. ABCDEFG…. BookPeople is wild about the alphabet. They spend a fair amount of time alphabetizing books, in fact, and that’s why they just can’t get enough of the brand-new oversized collection of alphabetical stories from the incredible Oliver Jeffers. Head on down to hear selections from this super cool celebration of letters. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Music Bats Class with Gene from The Que Pastas – Wednesday, November 5 at 10:30 a.m. Based on the idea that music makes every day a little better, The Music Bats encourages young children and their caregivers to spread their wings through music and play. Through sing-alongs, dancing, and hands-on time with instruments and props, Music Bats wants kids and their families to learn one thing in the class: music=fun. FREE! ($10 suggested donation per family.) Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood, Suite 101, Austin.
Story Time with CJ the Explorer – Wednesday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy the play zone before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Lego Lab – Wednesday, November 5 at 3:00 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin.
Chuck E. Cheese Safety Talk – Wednesday, November 5 from 5-8:00 p.m. Have some fun and learn about safety and stranger danger from local police officers. FREE! Chuck E. Cheese at Arbor Walk, 10515 North Mopac, Austin.
Community Night – Wednesday, November 5 from 5-8:00 p.m. At the Thinkery, science and families play side by side. Every Wednesday the Museum stays open late for families to discover new ideas and learn together. Cost: Admission is by donation only, with a suggested $1 donation. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Wine Down Wednesday – Wednesday, November 5 from 6-8:00 p.m. Event stations will be set up in four designated locations throughout the shopping center, each serving a different wine selection paired with small bites and live music from local Austin artists. Guests are encouraged to sign in and pick up an event guide at the registration table near Amy’s Ice Creams. FREE! The Arboretum, 10000 Research Blvd, Austin.
Krispy Kreme Family Night – Wednesday, November 5 from 6-8:00 p.m. Kids can decorate one FREE doughnut each, plus enjoy crafts, balloons, paper hats, coloring sheets and more. Krispy Kreme, 701 E Stassney Ln, and 12586 Research Blvd, Austin.
Texas Radio Live – Wednesday, November 5 from 6-8:00 p.m. Texas Radio Live brings you the very best Texas music with performances from Texas musicians. This week, hear music by A.J. Vallejo and Kendall Beard. FREE, but donations to support the KDRP Radio Mission are appreciated. Guero’s Oak Garden, 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin.
Night Crafters – Wednesday, November 5 from 6-8:30 p.m. Get ready for the holiday season with lovely hand embroidered cards. Using cardstock, embroidery thread, and pushpins you can create beautiful and unique holiday or greeting cards. Use a template or create your own design. Adults only, please. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Stargazing at UT – Wednesday, November 5 from 7-9:00 p.m. Every Wednesday night while UT is in session the astronomy department sponsors free public star parties on the top roof of Robert Lee Moore Hall. All ages are welcome, but younger children should be under adult supervision at all times. FREE! Robert Lee Moore Hall, 2515 Speedway, Austin.
Thursday
Free Admission to The Blanton – Thursday, November 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E MLK Jr Blvd, Austin.
Visit with a Park Ranger – Thursday, November 6 at 10:15 a.m. Enjoy a special visit from a City of Austin Park Ranger who will share a story and information about animals that live in Texas. There will be a “touch table” where children will get to be up close and personal with furs and skulls. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. All ages welcome. FREE! APL – Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W Rundberg Ln, Austin.
Hola, Hola! – Thursday, November 6 at 10:30 a.m. Ann Benson, expert in bilingual education, will teach you how to effectively use books as a tool to teach your child Spanish. Each parent will learn to read a Spanish book to their child and take it home for Spanish reinforcement. For parents and their children ages 0-5. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Mr. Johnny Music Show (Pflugerville) – Thursday, November 6 at 10:30 a.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to join the fun with Mr. Johnny’s interactive music show. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pflugerville St, Pflugerville.
Free Noon Concert – Thursday, November 6 at Noon. Take a 30-minute lunchtime break to hear Fourte Trombone Quartet. Family-friendly and FREE! Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E 8th St, Austin.
Explorers Club (Cedar Park) – Thursday, November 6 at 3:30 p.m. Each Thursday, kids in grades K-5 meet to explore a set of rotating programs. This week, it’s Crafty Kids. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.
Family Movie Matinee: Mr. Peabody and Sherman – Thursday, November 6 at 4:00 p.m. The time-travelling adventures of an advanced canine and his adopted son, as they endeavor to fix a time rift they created. Rated PG. FREE! APL – Cepeda Branch, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.
Eastside Art Outside – Thursday, November 6 from 4:30-9:00 p.m. This will be a night of fun for all ages, accompanied by great music and delicious food, to show the local community the benefits of art. Visitors can participate in free demonstrations and the studio’s artists will be selling their work. Bikram Yoga East Austin will be performing a yoga demonstration. FREE! Art & Soul Austin, 3801 Berkman Dr, Austin.
Ladies Night Out Benefit for Crestview Preschool – Thursday, November 6 from 5-8:00 p.m. Eat, drink, shop, and bid on silent auction items benefiting Crestview United Methodist Preschool. Get an early start on your holiday gift buying and enjoy complimentary food and drinks while you shop. Free food provided by Galaxy Cafe and free adult beverages too. Atown will donate 10% of all sales during the event to the school. FREE! Atown, 5502 Burnet Rd, Austin.
Starry Nights at Girlstart (RSVP) – Thursday, November 6 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Girlstart’s new STEM Studio and Mini-Planetarium is a unique space for families to explore astronomy. Girlstart will share the stories passed down by the Native Americans and the myths and fables that impacted their lives. Activities will include: Native American mythology star shows; paper canoe crafting; totem pole engineering; wigwam hut building; mini bow and arrow designing. All ages welcome. FREE but RSVP is required here. Girlstart, 1400 W Anderson Lane, Austin.
Pfamily Pfun Night (Pflugerville) – Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 p.m. Make a glow in the dark constellation art piece. Materials provided while supplies last. Ages 5 and up welcome. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pflugerville St, Pflugerville.
Upcycle This! – Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 p.m. Drop-in for this fun crafting workshop. Bring something to work on or participate in this month’s upcycled craft: fall wreaths. All supplies provided, just bring your imagination. FREE! Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd, Austin.
Yappy Hour on the Patio – Thursday, November 6 from 6-9:00 p.m. Enjoy live music on the dog-friendly patio. FREE! Whole Foods Domain, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – Thursday, November 6 from 6-8:00 p.m. Instrumental Jazz from Blackbird 3. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Literature LIVE! Presents: Not So Scary Stories – Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. Not So Scary Stories is a splendiferously snazzy story spectacular that is anything but scary. Children ages 3 and up will have a marvelous time with these interactive stories and puppet tales, leaving the program knowing that they “ain’t afraid of nuthin’!” FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Friday
Yoga Story Time – Friday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m. Join in a Story Time Yoga adventure where participants will stretch, read, and breathe. All ages are welcome. RSVP appreciated here, but not required. FREE! The Little Yoga House, 1211 Parkway, Austin.
Stroller Strides Preview Class – Friday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m. Fit4Mom Austin Metro presents a new Stroller Strides class at Northwest District Park. Classes will be FREE for 2 weeks every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting Monday, November 3rd. The two week free preview concludes on November 19th with a Grand Opening celebration. Bring a sturdy stroller, a mat or towel for abdominal exercises, your baby, and a smile. Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park, 7000 Ardath St, Austin.
Fun Fridays – Friday, November 7 at 10:00 a.m. Sing! Dance! Play! Fun Fridays is a fun musical and entertainment hour featuring local Austin musicians. Complimentary refreshments will be served. FREE! Millie & Mox, 5145 North FM 620, Ste B110, Austin.
Arbor Day Celebration – Friday, November 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Celebrate trees and the vital resources they provide us every day. Learn about why trees in urban and other areas are important and how to plant and care for yours. It’s fun, family friendly–and the perfect kickoff event for tree-planting season. In fact, 300 bur oak seedlings will be given away. Enjoy educational booths, games, giveaways and more. FREE! Texas State Capitol, South Lawn, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin.
Literature LIVE! Presents: Not So Scary Stories – Friday, November 7 at 10:15 a.m. Not So Scary Stories is a splendiferously snazzy story spectacular that is anything but scary. Children ages 3 and up will have a marvelous time with these interactive stories and puppet tales, leaving the program knowing that they “ain’t afraid of nuthin’!” FREE! APL – Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd, Austin.
Spanish Storytime – Friday, November 7 at 10:30 a.m. Sing songs, read books, and do a craft, all in Spanish. For children ages 0-6 years old and their caregivers. FREE! Colores Spanish Immersion Preschool, 908 Old Koenig Ln, Austin.
Lego Lab – Friday, November 7 at 4:00 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave, Austin.
First-Friday Film Series: Which Way Home – Friday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m. As the United States continues to build a wall between itself and Mexico, Which Way Home shows the personal side of immigration through the eyes of children who face harrowing dangers with enormous courage and resourcefulness as they endeavor to make it to the United States. The film follows several unaccompanied child migrants as they journey through Mexico en route to the U.S. on a freight train they call “The Beast.” After the film, there will be a Q&A with several community leaders. Appropriate for teens and adults. FREE! Wildflower Church, 1314 E Oltorf St, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – Friday, November 7 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Afropop/World by Bamako Airlines. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – Friday, November 7 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Soul/Funk from Akina Adderley. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Beauty and The Beast – Friday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. Redeemer Middle School proudly presents a musical production of Beauty and the Beast. FREE! Redeemer Lutheran School & Church, 1500 W Anderson Ln, Austin.
Head for the Hill’s: Free Music Fridays – Friday, November 7 from 7-9:00 p.m. Hill’s Cafe is excited to announce the return of a live, local music series to the historic Hill’s stage. This week, Lennings performs. A special backyard menu will be available for purchase. Family-friendly and FREE! Hill’s Cafe, 4700 S Congress Ave, Austin.
In her life before kids, Emily held jobs as a zookeeper, a middle school teacher, and a tour bus driver in the wilds of Montana–not one of which prepared her for the adventures of motherhood. Now she’s living the good life in Austin with her husband, two sons and a Great Dane. When she’s not off gallivanting with her boys, you might find Emily baking up a mean batch of cupcakes, recalling obscure 80s song lyrics, or dreaming of peace and quiet.
