Austin Official Visitors Guide - Fall/Winter 2007-2008 - (Page 16) DECEMBER 12/2–12/31 ZILKER CHRISTMAS TREE Zilker Park 512-974-6700, www.cityofaustin.org/tol/tree Month-long festival begins the weekend after Thanksgiving with lighting of the Zilker Tree, a 155-foot Moonlight Tower strung with more than 3,000 lights. 12/9-12/24 TRAILS OF LIGHTS OCTOBER 10/11–10/18 AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL Paramount Theatre and various locations 512-478-4795, www.austinfilmfestival.com Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on top-billed films and indies alike; panelists include notable Texas screenwriters Tommy Schlamme (West Wing), Bill Broyles Jr. (Apollo 13) and Bill Wittliff (Lonesome Dove). 512-974-6700, www.cityofaustin.org/tol The pedestrian Trail of Lights opens a week later and transforms a mile-long stretch of Zilker Park into a wonderland of lights. 12/14–12/24 ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Austin Convention Center 512-447-1605, www.armadillobazaar.com Shades of old Austin are reflected at the annual bazaar where shoppers find eclectic gift items and enjoy the sounds of Austin’s favorite musicians. 10/28 DAY OF THE DEAD Mexic-Arte Museum 512-480-9373, www.mexic-artemuseum.org Celebrate El Dia de los Muertos with a colorful procession and traditional Mexican food. 12/31 FIRST NIGHT AUSTIN Downtown 512-476-5577, www.firstnightaustin.org A public celebration of the arts, the evening includes street performances, parade and other family-friendly, alcohol-free activities. NOVEMBER 11/3–11/4 TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL Texas State Capitol 512-477-4055, www.texasbookfestival.org Showcasing Texas and nationally known authors, the festival features panel discussions, book readings, signings, live music and a children’s tent. 2008 JANUARY 1/1 RED-EYE REGATTA Lake Travis 512-266-1336, www.austinyachtclub.org The Austin Yacht Club welcomes the New Year with sailboat races on Lake Travis. 11/24 CHUY’S CHRISTMAS PARADE Congress Avenue 888-439-2489, www.chuysparade.com A procession of giant balloons, marching bands, vintage cars, celebrities and floats usher in the season of giving. 1/21 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MARCH AND FESTIVAL Huston-Tillotson University 512-505-3006, www.mlkcelebration.com Outdoor festival celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with performances by some of the city’s finest jazz, blues and gospel musicians. Photography: Zilker Tree (above) ©Barton Wilder; Austin Marathon (above center) ©Barton Wilder; Indian Paintbrush (right) ©Richard Cummins
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