It's the weekend! You've worked hard to get to this point, so you deserve to play hard, too. We've curated our favorite events happening around Austin for the next few days, from pop-ups to festivals to grand openings—all you have to do is round up your crew. Have a great weekend, y'all!
Fri 8
Hari Kondabolu
Few comedians can channel political outrage as cleverly as Brooklyn-based Hari Kondabolu. He’s made the rounds on late-night TV— Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Conan, The Late Show with David Letterman—but he’s also starred in his own Comedy Central Presents special and has released three albums to critical acclaim. Fri at 7pm
Vice President Joe Biden: American Promise Tour
Former vice president and scrappy kid from Scranton will bring insight to big political moments, life-altering choices and challenges, like the loss of his son, Beau. Each ticket includes a copy of his forthcoming memoir, Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose. Fri at 8pm
Austin Asian American Film Festival
This past year shone a spotlight on the lack of Asian-Americans represented—and on how they’re misrepresented—in film, making this event all the more necessary. The fest highlights Asian-American stories and the filmmakers behind them, including The Future Perfect, Resistance at Tule Lake and the documentary Who Killed Vincent Chin? Through Sun at 10pm
Sat 9
Cherrywood Art Fair
What started in 2002 has evolved into one of Austin's most beloved nonprofit art fairs, drawing 8,000 visitors over two days to enjoy shopping, live music and food trucks. Photography, 3-D art, textiles, clothing, jewelry and fine art are all represented at the fair this year: Find globally inspired jewelry from Claire Sommers Buck, porcelain dinnerware from Spako Clay and tinctures from White Deer Apothecary. And if presents for the kiddos are on your mind, outfitters like Emma and April will be there with trendy accessories and adorable clothing for both babies and children. Sat & Sun at 10am
Holiday Market Pop-up at Space 24 Twenty
Head to Space 24 Twenty for an all-day holiday pop-up market, featuring artisans like Claire Sommers Buck, Clove + Couple, Fortune Goods, The Keep Vintage, Isabel Glatthorn Ceramics, Slavonk & Hortus Terraria and more. You won't even have to worry about making your gifts look pretty—there will be complimentary gift wrapping with each purchase, plus seasonal drink specials, hair styling, dog meet-and-greets (and adoption!) with Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption, and complimentary Topo Chico. Happy shopping! Sat at 11am
SantaCon ATX
From Lustre Pearl to Bungalow to Container Bar to Clive to Parlor Room to Banger's—join this pub crawl (Santa suit encouraged) that benefits Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Texas. Sat at 2pm
Trail of Lights
This year, the 53rd annual event transforms Zilker Park into a trippy display with over two million colorful lights, plus food trucks, parties, interactive experiences and live music. A variety of performances take place each night, from Alan Haynes, the 512 Four and the West Austin Dance Academy on opening night to Datura, Clickety Cloggers and Here Be Dragons on the last evening. Sat at 7pm
Air Sex Championship
The raunchy annual event invites winners from competitions across the U.S. to air-hump their way across the stage in an effort to take home the grand prize (which includes a sex doll, among other things). Sat at 9pm
Sun 10
A Karaoke Christmas Carol
It's a Christmas Carol performed through karaoke, plus some games, like trying to photograph the "Seven Christmas Miracles" like a ghost kissing herself and indoor snow. Find the fun in Rude Mechs #crushAustin space in the Austin American-Statesman's old warehouse. Through Sun at 8pm