7 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Weekend: Dec. 3-7

1 / Chow Down at Austin Monthly’s Best New Restaurants Party

Ready to eat, drink, and be merry? Sample bites from more than 10 of Austin’s Best New Restaurants 2025 at our mouthwatering party on Wednesday night! Participating restaurants include Allday, Aris, Fish Shop, Gati, The Greek Bar, Kalimotxo, Le Calamar, Loudmouth, Parish Barbecue, Rocco’s, and Siti. Each ticket also includes complimentary wines from our friends at Priest Ranch Wine Napa Valley as well as some great selections of beer, cocktails, and nonalcoholic options. Use code “SCOOP” for $5 off your ticket. Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., 612 W. Fourth St.

2 / Experience The Nutcracker

Featuring timeless music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ballet Austin’s holiday spectacular returns for its 63rd annual production this month. Opening weekend will include free professional holiday photos, character cameos in the hallway, and a meet-and-greet with main character Clara before the show. Dec. 5-23, various times, 701 W. Riverside Drive

3 / Get Holiday Pet Portraits with the Grinch

Take your pup for an adorable holiday photo session with the Grinch at Austin Dogtown. The event has a $20 suggested donation, with all proceeds benefiting TRAPRS, a volunteer-run charity that helps humanely trap, rescue, and provide consulting for lost or stray pets. The first 25 attendees receive a swag bag, so be sure to get there early! Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m., 537 Woodward St.

4 / See Beauty and the Beast Live

Witness a tale as old as time during this magnificent performance of the Disney favorite. Join beloved characters like Belle, the Beast, Mrs. Potts, and Lumière during the Broadway in Austin musical experience, which will run for nearly two weeks at Bass Concert Hall. Dec. 2-14, various times, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive

5 / Explore the Die Hard Pop-Up at Saturn

Calling all Die Hard fans! Whether or not you think it’s a bona fide Christmas movie, the Bruce Willis classic inspired a new pop-up at Saturn that is debuting this week. Sip cocktails with names like Is the Building on Fire? and My Wife’s Pregnant as you soak in the fake C4 explosives hung from the ceiling and the glorious 1980s office party decor. Opens Dec. 3, various times, 906 Congress Ave.

6 / Support Local Families During Grow & Give Back

Want to help Central Texans in need? Join GiveJoy Foundation’s Grow & Give Back Holiday Drive at Nutrabolt headquarters. This year’s goal is to support 1,300 students and their families with food, warm clothing, and educational supplies. The community can participate by donating essential goods, sponsoring families, or volunteering time to make the season brighter for others. Dec. 6, 8 a.m., 332 Grace Lane

7 / Meet Legendary Pitmasters at BookPeople

In honor of her new book, Texas BBQ: The Art of Slow & Low, author Veronica Meewes is hosting a pitmaster panel featuring Wayne Mueller (Louie Mueller Barbecue), Matti Bills (Three Six General/Howdy Child), and Lance and Boo Eaker (Eaker Barbecue) at BookPeople.  After the panel, Meewes will have a signing as well. RSVP for free here. Dec. 7, 7 p.m., 603 N. Lamar Blvd.