THE WEEKEND 5
Austin · November 6–8, 2026
I’d start Friday at the Studio Tour kickoff for tiny art and live music. For a slower Sunday, Hyde Park is my pick: seven historic homes open for a look inside.
YOUR WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
1. Art + live music · Fri · East Austin · $30
2. Seven-home tour · Sun · Hyde Park · $20 advance
3. Night hikes + wildlife · Sat · Zilker · Free
4. Celtic music + Highland Games · Sat/Sun · Pioneer Farms · Adults $25/day
5. Food & Wine · Sun · Auditorium Shores · $200 · 21+
Researched from organizer information; I haven’t attended these 2026 editions. Check the linked pages for availability and updates before heading out.
1. YOUR FRIDAY PLAN: TINY ART + LIVE MUSIC
Austin Studio Tour Kick-Off
Friday, November 6 · 6:30–10 p.m. · Currently listed at $30
Almost Real Things Gallery at Canopy · 916 Springdale Rd., Building 2, #101
Miniature artwork preview. Image: Almost Real Things.
Start with an exhibition of miniature works by hundreds of artists, then stay for live music featuring the Dave Scher Trio, Gina Chavez and Jennifer Foster. Your ticket also includes the Studio Tour guidebook.
Best for: A creative date or a Friday with friends.
Why I picked it: The tiny-art exhibition gives you something to explore together, with live music to make an evening of it.
Know before you go: Budget separately for purchases at the bar and vendors. This is the kickoff party; the citywide Studio Tour begins November 14.
2. YOUR $20 SUNDAY: GO INSIDE SEVEN HYDE PARK HOMES
Historic Hyde Park Homes Tour
Sunday, November 8 · 11 a.m.–5 p.m. · $20 advance / $25 day-of
Start at the Elisabet Ney Museum grounds · 304 E. 44th St.
The Stone-Bohls House, on this year’s tour. Photo: Hyde Park Neighborhood Association.
Seven historic homes open for one day, with admission covering the houses, printed guide and a bus along the route.
Best for: Architecture lovers and a slower Sunday together.
Why I picked it: If you slow down on neighborhood walks to look at the houses, this is your chance to go inside. Seven homes in one day makes the tour the draw.
Know before you go: Follow each home’s rules for shoes, bags and photography. The Ney museum building itself is closed. Children under 12 are free.
3. AFTER DARK: NIGHT HIKES + WILDLIFE
Moonlight Nature Night
Saturday, November 7 · 5–8 p.m. · Free admission
Austin Nature & Science Center · 2389 Stratford Dr.
Meet nocturnal animals, join guided night hikes and explore activities about wildlife and astronomy.
Best for: Families and curious nature lovers.
Why I picked it: The draw is exploring after dark, with guided hikes and nocturnal wildlife. Free admission makes this an easy option to consider with the family.
Know before you go: It’s an outdoor evening event. Wear walking shoes and check the organizer’s page for updates before leaving.
4. MAKE AN AFTERNOON OF IT: MUSIC + HIGHLAND GAMES
Austin Celtic Festival
Saturday, November 7 · Noon–7 p.m.
Sunday, November 8 · Noon–6 p.m.
Adults: $25 per day / $40 weekend
Pioneer Farms · 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.
Highland Games at the 2025 festival. Photo: Austin Celtic Festival.
The festival combines Celtic music and dance with Highland Games, workshops and animal showcases.
Best for: A group outing with several hours to spare.
Why I picked it: Music, dance and Highland Games give your group different things to explore. I’d choose this for an afternoon of wandering between activities.
Know before you go: Buy online before arriving; there are no gate ticket sales. Food and drinks cost extra. Parking is free, and pets aren’t permitted apart from specified exceptions.
5. THE SPLURGE: A SUNDAY TASTING AFTERNOON
Austin Food & Wine Festival
Sunday, November 8 · 1–5:30 p.m. · Currently listed at $200 · 21+
Auditorium Shores · 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Sunday admission includes food and drinks, cooking demonstrations, guided tastings and live-fire bites. Offerings are available while supplies last.
Best for: Food-and-drink enthusiasts making this the day’s main event.
My take: The $200 ticket makes sense to consider if you want the full afternoon of tastings and demonstrations. I’d skip it for a quick meal or casual stop.
Know before you go: Saturday and standard weekend tickets are listed as sold out. Sunday is the available standard admission option at the time of checking.
Which of these five would you actually go to? Hit reply with the number. I’d love to know what’s making your weekend.
Don
Worth Going Austin
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