Things to do in Austin this weekend, Nov. 12 to 15
A two-day book festival lands at the Jones Center
By Lou P. and the Austin Loop editors. Thursday, November 12, 2026
The Texas Book Festival takes over the Jones Center Saturday and Sunday. Matt the Electrician marks 30 years in South Austin at the 04 Center on Friday, and the Buzz Mill hosts a Friday the 13th Market that same night.
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING
Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival runs Saturday and Sunday at the Jones Center, so you get two days to make it.
The Contemporary Austin's Jones Center hosts intimate author and reader conversations during the Texas Book Festival, capped at 50 guests per session. Seating is first come, first served, so check in early. Galleries are free all weekend.
Saturday to Sunday · Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78701
FREE THIS WEEKENDcosts nothing
Shoreline Stewardship | Native Seeding
Saturday at 10 am
Volma Overton Sr. Shores, 30°16'09.5"N 97°45'46.3"W, Austin, Texas
Help restore Lady Bird Lake's shoreline by seeding native plants with The Trail Conservancy. Gloves and tools are provided. Bring closed-toed shoes, long pants, sun protection and a full water bottle. Free street parking on Stephen F. Austin Drive.
WITH KIDSbring them
Second Saturdays Are for Families Fuzzy Frenzy
Saturday at 10 am
Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street, Austin, TX, 78703
A free family art session of wet felting with wool, water and imagination, inspired by the Moki Cherry exhibition at the Jones Center. It's part of the monthly Second Saturdays series, open to all ages.
Kids on Bikes in Parks
Saturday at 9 am
International Shores, 1800 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, TX, 78741
A free closed grassy course for kids ages 5 to 15, with waves for beginners through advanced riders and timed laps each hour. WOOM loaner bikes are available, helmets are required, and parents stay on site.
THE WEIRD ONE with Lou P.
Get A.I. The F*ck Out Of Austin Music
Come and Take It Live hosts an evening titled Get A.I. The F*ck Out Of Austin Music, Thursday at 7.
Thursday at 7 pm · Come and Take It Live, 2003 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, 78741
OUTSIDEfresh air
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
Saturday at 2 pm
Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St, Austin, TX, 78702
Fortlandia
Through Jan. 31
Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX, 78739
Fortlandia returns to the Family Garden with a new lineup of custom designed forts for kids and adults to explore. It's included with general admission and free for members, running through January 31.
DATE NIGHTfor two
Matt the Electrician / 30 Years in South Austin
Friday at 8 pm
04 Center, 2701 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX, 78704
Makaya McCraven
Sunday at 8 pm
Antone's Nightclub, 305 E 5th Street, Austin, TX, 78701
Makaya McCraven plays Antone's, a general admission standing room show with limited first-come seating. Downtown parking can be booked ahead, and the kitchen serves Cliffy Dogs and the famous po boys.
BRING A TOTEmarkets and sales
Friday the 13th Market
Friday at 6 pm
The Buzz Mill - 1505 Town Creek Dr. ATX 78741
A free pop-up market of local artists and artisans with a mystical, whimsical bent, held on the third Friday the 13th of 2026. Every vendor makes their own wares, so it's a good place to find something handmade.
Asmbly Maker Market
Saturday to Sunday
Asmbly Makerspace, 9701 Dessau Rd Ste 304, Austin, TX 78754
Handmade goods sold in the very shops where they were made, as part of Austin Studio Tour. Expect music, an electronics activity, raffles, cookies and punch. Free and family friendly, open both days.
BIG SHOWSyou've heard of these
- FRI 7:30 PMJonas Brothers: The Burning Up Tour All Over Again, Moody Center ATX
- SAT 7 PMNurse John, Bass Concert Hall
PLAN AHEAD
WHAT DID WE MISS?
We do our best to read every calendar in Austin, and we still miss good stuff. The church supper, the band at the corner bar, the block party your neighbor is throwing. If you know about something, tell us. Just write hello@loopcities.com. We read every note.
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