Austin Weekend Guide: Outdoor Adventures, Yoga, Playdates, More

AUSTIN, TX — Twas' the weekend before Christmas and all through the city, the community clamored, they were all a bit giddy. Santa was near, the gifts were all wrapped. The holiday cheer - a feather in the cap. So, the weekend's now here, and what shall you do? Here's the weekend round-up, from Patch straight to you.

Friday, Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m.

• Yoga & SUP: Come out and get to know new friends, while enjoying some adventure times. Participants meet at Texas Rowing Center to gather equipment and practice a short warm-up before paddling onto Lady Bird Lake. You'll get a fantastic skyline view and practice balance on the boards, with a beginner-friendly yoga sequence. After yoga class, participants will paddle around the lake, and then head back for a cool-down flow and savasana. For more click HERE. Texas Rowing Center, 1541 West Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78703

Friday, Dec. 20 beginning at 10 a.m.

• BCB Story & Craft Playdate: Brentwood Social House: CALLING ALL AUSTIN MOMS! Join Bump Club and Beyond and Brentwood Social House for a FREE playdate. CLICK FOR TICKETS to RSVP and secure your spot for this FREE event! Everyone goes home with goodies from Seventh Generation and Generation Good. Come relax during this busy holiday season with Coffee and Books! Enjoy your morning cup of joe while your little ones enjoy fun, interactive stories featuring lots of rhythm and rhyme that will get them moving and shaking. Brentwood Social House also has an outdoor playscape and European-inspired baked goods! For more click HERE. Brentwood Social House, 1601 West Koenig Ln., Austin, TX 78756

Friday, Dec. 20 beginning at 6 p.m.

• Transit Adventure - Mozart's Christmas Light Show: Mozart's Christmas Light Show is an annual tradition for many Austinites who go to revel in the winter wonderland -- complete with a 1 million+ LED light display, a Steinway Light Sculpture of a piano and the only fresh-baked Bavarian sweet and savory pretzels in town -- at their favorite lakeside coffee shop and bakery. But, with the enormous crowds headed to Lake Austin Blvd for a peek of the lights, you might feel more like The Grinch by the time you find a place to park. Capital Metro invites you to enjoy an evening of holiday lights without the hassle of taking your car. Capital Metro is providing Local Transit Day Passes -- so you can spend more time getting into the holiday spirit and less time circling for parking. For more click HERE. Houndstooth Coffee, 2823 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78702 (MEET IN THE FRONT).

Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• BRAVE Communities Holiday Mingle: Come by BRAVE Communities' Holiday Mingle and continue to build relationships with new and old friends. And, help spread the love and warmth of the holiday season both locally and abroad (Guatemala)! There will be snacks, holiday crafts for kids, and merry melodies. Stop by at any time to enjoy a free, festive afternoon with options to bring holiday cheers to others. Optional: BRAVE Communities will be accepting gift cards, new or gently used clothes and toys/games that will be benefiting the Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA), providing assistance to Asian and other immigrant families dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking in Austin; and Corazónes de los Niños (CdlN), a NGO that serves families dealing with domestic violence, nutrition/health, and education in Sacatapequez, Guatemala. Gift cards (of any amount) will be donated to families identified via AFSSA. Recommend US-based shops (ie: HEB, Target, Amazon, Wal-Mart, shops & restaurants, etc). New or gently used clothes (children, women, men, accessories, etc) toys and games will be distributed to under-resourced families identified via CdlN and AFSSA. Donations are optional and not necessary to attend the holiday festivities. For more click HERE.Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, 810 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78701

Saturday, Dec. 21 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

• BarkHappy Austin: Holiday Pawty Benefitting Emanicipet: Come celebrate the HOWLiday spirit with friends at the Rustic Tap! Ticket holders will receive goodies valued at over $60, take holiday pet photos, have a chance to win great door prizes, and celebrate the festive season with other dog lovers! All benefiting Emancipet. NOTE: This event is for ages 21+ only. All friendly well behaved dogs welcome to attend the outdoor patio! Dogs must remain leashed at all times. For more click HERE. Rustic Tap, 613 W 6th St., Austin, TX 78701

Saturday, Dec. 21 beginning at 8:30 p.m.

• Martini Ranch: Weird Gay Vibes: After performing at San Francisco Sketch Fest earlier this year, critically acclaimed comedy troupe Martini Ranch returns for their fourth revue on ColdTowne Theater’s Main Stage. Expect bold new scenes and songs that are silly, weird and explore LGBTQIA+ issues with depth. Sponsored by Celis Brewing. Arrive early for photobooth from photographer Bonica Ayala and to update your voter registration. For more click HERE. ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751

Sunday, Dec. 22 beginning at 10 a.m.

• Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure-Austin Trails: Turn Austin into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well-known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. Start when you want and play at your pace. Find details and Redeem your ticket as a Prepaid Code online at www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com. For more click HERE. Yeti Flagship, 220 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704

Sunday, Dec. 22 beginning at 12 p.m.

• Beginner Soapmaking: In this introduction to soapmaking, Hannah Moore of Moore Soaps will explain the basic chemistry and materials used to make soap from scratch, as well as safety precautions. Under her guidance, students will create cold process soap batter and customize it with scents and botanical elements. You will also have the opportunity to decorate your own soap packaging, using CRAFT's supplies. Soap needs to cure, so you will have to come back to the studio after at least 24 hours to pick up your soap. For more click HERE. Verlocal, 4704 E Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702

Sunday, Dec. 22 beginning at 4 p.m.

• ¡Llego la Navidad!: ProyectoTEATRO invites you to their performing arts academy's winter performance "Lllegó la Navidad"; A nativity story unlike any other! 16 youth performers bring to life the Mary and Joseph, their loyal donkey, and the endless bickering between the devils and the angels. A comedy that will make you laugh as you reflect on 2019. Spread the word and come support Austin's young Latino talent! For more click HERE. EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER, 600 River St., Austin, TX 78701

For more events, be sure and check out Austin Patch Events Calendar.