Stuff you gotta do in Austin - October 2011 edition

yeah, it’s October – FINALLY – there’s a slight hint of cool in the air – produce in the store is switching over to fall stuff – i’m randomly adding cinnamon to everything…

I know this is coming out a bit late as October 1st is almost over – but in case someone reads this and is spontaneous – Go to the Ballet Austin Production of The Mozart Project tonight & tomorrow – stunning, beautiful, exciting, moving! Here is the AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN article describing it.

Tuesday October 4th

HAAM Benefit Day – businesses donate 5% of the day’s proceeds to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) – a non profit dear to my heart. Go out and eat & shop and support Austin’s most valuable treasures – our musicians! Here’s where you can see a list of all the participating businesses & events – HAAM

Wednesday October 5th

Changing the world One Om at at Time – Mercury Hall 6:30pm to 8:30pm – practice yoga in a big group, with amazing teachers, raising money for babies in Bali & Aceh – www.one-om.org/

October 15th & 16th

The Austin Chocolate Festival – 10am to 6pm at Norris Conference Center – 2 days of chocolate-o-rama! For sale, to sample, contests & raising money for multiple sclerosis awareness. www.austinchocolatefestival.com

Sunday October 16

AIDS Walk Austin – dog friendly 5k walk to raise funds & awareness for people living with HIV/AIDS – walk begins at 2pm – walk up registration at 12:30 – $20 at Austin City Hall www.asaustin.org

Saturday October 22

Viva La Vida Fest – my fave! I participated last year – here’s my pic!

Day of the Dead Festival & parade starting at Plaza Saltillo in East Austi and ending with the celebration & costume contest at Mexic-Arte on Congress & 5th – MEXIC-ARTE WEBSITE

Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival – Auditorium Shores 11am to 9pm – FREE! In it’s second year, it’s now twice the size and hopefully the lines won’t be as long. Over 40 food trailers with special sample size menu items so you can try them all! Stay tuned for my vegan picks for this year www.gypsypicnic.com

October 22nd & 23rd

Texas Book Festival at the State Capitol building & grounds – Free to attend. Author talks, panel discussions, book signings, music, kids activities, this is one of Austin’s best best yearly events. www.texasbookfestival.org