Nov 26 Austin Toros
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
austintoros.com

Run with the Toros! Introducing Austin's new professional sports team, the Austin Toros in their first home game against Fayetteville. Game time - 7:30 p.m.

This NBA Development League includes the likes of University of Maryland Forward, Jamar Smith, and Texas Tech standout, Andre Emmett. Dennis Johnson, a 13-year NBA veteran and five-time NBA All-Star is the Head Coach. So look for some great court action.

All home games are played at the Austin Convention Center. Individual game tickets for the Austin Toros 2005-06 season are on sale now at the nine Pinky's Wireless locations in the Austin and Round Rock areas and Waterloo Records, as well as online at austintoros.com.

Dates and times are subject to change.

Go Toros!

Nov 25-Jan 8 The Santaland Diaries
Zach Scott Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd.
(512) 476-0541, zachscott.com

Now in its 7th hit season! ZACH spills more sardonic humor into the holiday punchbowl with David Sedaris' wickedly funny comedy. A laugh 'til you cry evening of merrily subversive holiday tales and music guaranteed to delight adult audiences. Starring Rob Williams (of "The Flaming Idiots") as the "Little Macy's Elf."

Nov 25-Jan 20 The Polar Express in 3D
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4600, thestoryoftexas.com

All aboard The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D experience on the biggest screen in Austin just in time for the holidays! Based on the award-winning children's book, this feature-length film reunites the Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (Cast Away, Forrest Gump). State-of-the-art computer-generated animation and "performance capture" technology create a unique blend of realism and fantasy. In IMAX 3D, snow flurries seem to whirl around movie-goers' heads, and the chugging of the train's engine resonates through 44 different speakers mounted throughout the theater for a full surround-sound effect. Be sure to hop on board for this splendid experience!

Nov 30-Dec 18 A Christmas Carol
State Theater, 719 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

"The show feels like a party, with visions of sight and sound, sumptuous and affecting," says The Austin Chronicle. Relive Scrooge's life as it's changed forever during a journey through time which is hilarious, sometimes terrifying and always magical. Join a super-charged ensemble of Austin's favorite actors, ready to conjure up the Yuletide world of Victorian London. There will be carols too, so be sure to bring the kids!

Nov 25-27 Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
(512) 472-5470,austintheatre.org

There's no jibberish when it comes to the magic of Mary Poppins. Bring your children to see this classic - first time on the big screen in over 25 years! Winner of multiple academy awards, (Best Actress, Best Music Scoring and Best Song among them) the music is totally infectious. Tickets on sale day-of-show only at The Paramount Theatre Box Office (713 Congress). Cash only for ticket purchases under $25.

Nov 30 Queertown!
Esther's Follies, 525 East 6th Street
(512) 320-0553, esthersfollies.com

Queertown! blends origianl social/political satire and sketch comedy with improvisation and music to create a hilarious perspective of gay life in the good ol' USA! This romp through Gay-ville will keep you laughing 'til you turn blue or at least a lovely shade of lavendar. Starring a cast of ten comedians from Dallas, this will be the only Austin appearence. So be there or be square. Showtime: 8:00 p.m.

Still On Stage Downtown...

Ongoing: Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D; Pulse: a STOMP Odyssey, Texas the Big Picture, Fighter Pilot, IMAX® Theatre and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Nov 26 Japanese Language Classes
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2494, austinkids.org

Learn the basics of Japanese language in this series of themed classes. November's themes are "Life in Japan" and "Shopping." Explore Japan's diverse land with a focus on the city of Tokyo. Ages 6 - 9 years with adult companion. Requires registration. Classes are FREE! Call 472-2499 to sign up.

Nov 26-Dec 21 Gingerbread House Workshops
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2494, austinkids.org

Experience the thrill of making a mess in someone else's kitchen! Kids and parents will love covering themselves in sugar icing while creating a candy-covered holiday tradition. Special workshops for children ages 2-5 with pre-built houses ready for decoration. $30 per house/$25 for Museum Members. Take home kits and private parties are also available. Call 472-2499 to reserve your spot or visit austinkids.org for more information.

Through Jan 15 Reflecting Time
Scarbrough Building, 101 West Sixth Street
(512) 370-1910, thanksgivingimage.com

The Austin Fairchild Art Foundation, in conjunction with First Night Austin, has commissioned a special Thanksgiving piece by Sally Weber entitled Reflecting Time. Projected on triangular screens 65 feet in length, this brilliant video installation will fill the windows of the Scarbrough Building as it embrace the universal qualities of gratitude and Thanksgiving through images and words. You don't want to miss this mesmerizing exhibit on display from dusk to midnigh through January 15. A companion exhibit - Johnny Walker's Thanksgiving video Leaves & Water will also be on display in the Scarbrough's Sixth Street Lobby Gallery.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 11/26: Will Klemm New Work, Wally Workman Gallery, wallyworkman.com
To 11/29: Recuerde (Remember), La Pena Gallery, lapena-austin.org
To 12/1: The Blue Paintings, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 12/3: Asian Art Exhibition, Lotus Asian Art & Antique Gallery, lotusasianart.com
To 11/27: Hermandados En El Arte 2005, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 12/23: Stitch in Time, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 12/30: Eastern European Video, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 12/31: Ansel Adams: A Legacy, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 12/31: The Fourth Season, f8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
To 1/1: Collecting Latino Art, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 1/2: Jerry Uelsmann & Maggie Taylor, Oswald Gallery, oswaldgallery.com
To 1/15: The Art of Dr. Seuss, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 1/15: A Tom Lea Retrospective, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 1/27: Japan & Nature, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 2/06: Courtesy, Service, Protection, Texas Capitol Visitors Center, TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com

Nov 26 Chuy's Giving to Children Parade
Congress Avenue-State Capitol to Sixth
chuysparade.com

Giant inflatable balloons, festive holiday floats, famous children's characters, spectacular marching bands, cool classic cars and Santa! Bring a toy, enjoy the spectacle and help your kids understand the true meaning of giving. The Chuy's Giving to Children Parade benefits Operation Blue Santa. At a designated time during the procession, all units will stop to collect the toys. Santa's helpers will line the parade route and help spectators give their toy. These will then distributed to another child just in time for the holidays. This is truly one of Austin's neatest holiday events that gets underway at 11:00 a.m.

Nov 26- 27 Victorian Christmas on Sixth Street
East Sixth Street
roadstarproductions.com

The Victorian Christmas on Sixth Street kicks off the Holiday Shopping Season with handmade arts and crafts and unique gift items from over 150 Festival vendors. You will undoubtedly find that perfect present for everyone on your list, plus something special just for yourself. Re-live the turn-of-the-century and rejoice in the spirit of Christmas on Austin's historic 6th Street.

Nov 26- 27 City Wide Garage Sale
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
cwgs.com

Every item here has a story and an energy all its own. Be a part of Austin's largest antique, collectible and vintage marketplace. Take home a piece of history - you'll find everything from 50's modern couchs, Art Deco lamps, paintings and vintage jewelry to old cowboy boots and some dishes like Grandma had. Free parking available at the Palmer Events Center.

Dec 2 The Annual Preservation Awards
Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos
(512) 474-5198 ext 11,
heritagesocietyaustin.org

Downtown: Where Preservation Meets Progress. The Heritage Society is delighted to present Dana Crawford of Denver, Colorado as the featured speaker of this annual event held to honor individuals and organizations whose extraordinary foresight and consistent commitment to preservation have had a lasting impact on Austin's heritage and economic zones. RSVP by November 28.


Nov 29 The Skin I'm In
Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina
(512) 974-1014, wiredforyouth.com

Kids are invited to participate in the YAYA Book Club at the Carver Branch
Library for an informal group discussion of The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake at 7:00 p.m. This is a terrific book about 13-year-old Maleeka, who is uncomfortable because her skin is extremely dark, until she meets a new teacher with a birthmark on her face. Maleeka makes some discoveries about how to love who she is and what she looks like.

Nov 30 Big Reds & Bubbles
Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos
(512 327-7555, winefoodfoundation.org

The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, along with TAG Heuer watch company and Russell Korman Fine Jewelry is proud to present the third- annual Big Reds and Bubbles, a red wine, champagne and cuisine tasting from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Held in the holiday splendor of the Driskill Hotel, this event will showcase signature dishes from the city's top chefs and more than 50 "big reds", sparkling wines and champagnes. Guests can also enjoy a spectacular silent auction, giving holiday shoppers the chance to nab rare and fine wines and other unique gifts.

Nov 24 Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot
9:30 a.m.
Waterloo Park, 403 E. 15th
thundercloud.com

The 15th Annual Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot is one of Austin's largest family friendly races! The event features a certified 5-mile chip-timed race, a 1-mile walk and a special Kid's K. Runners and spectators alike enjoy food, refreshments, live music and entertainment in the Stepping Stone School Kid's Area. The course begins and ends at Waterloo Park and winds around The University of Texas campus and the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood.

Thursday, November 24

Thundercloud Subs 15th Annual Turkey Trot
The annual Thanksgiving Day five-mile run will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Trinity Street and 14th Street.

Runners will take the following route:

• North on Trinity to MLK Blvd.
• West on MLK to Guadalupe St.
• North on Guadalupe to 27th St.
• East on 27th to Duval St.
• North on Duval to Harris Ave.
• East on Harris to Red River St.
• South on Red River to 10th St.
• West on 10th to Trinity
• North to the finish line at 14th
  

A one-mile walk will start at 9:45. Walkers will turn east from Trinity to MLK, head south on Red River, west on 10th and finish at 14th and Trinity.

All lanes of traffic on Trinity will be closed between 12th St. and MLK; other streets will have only partial closures. All closures are scheduled from 5:00 a.m. until noon.

The race is expected to be completed by 11:30 a.m. All proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin.

Saturday, November 26

Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade
Parade Route:

• South on Congress Ave. from 11th St. to 6th St.
• West on 6th St. to Guadalupe St.
  

The event begins at 11:00 a.m. and traffic will be disrupted on the route and on cross streets during the parade, which should last about one hour.

In addition to streets on the parade route, the following streets will be closed from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for staging purposes:

• San Jacinto Blvd. between 15th St. and 13th St.
• 14th St. between San Jacinto and Trinity St.
• 13th St. between San Jacinto and Trinity
• 12th St. between San Jacinto and Trinity
• 11th St. between San Jacinto and Congress
• San Antonio St. between 3rd St. and 5th St.
• Nueces St. between 3rd and 5th
  

Saturday, November 26 - Sunday, November 27

Victorian Christmas on Sixth Street
The following streets will be closed from 2:00 a.m on Saturday until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday:

• E. 6th Street between Brazos and Sabine
• Neches, San Jacinto, and Trinity between E. 5th and E. 7th
  

DOWNTOWN
KLRU-TV - Channel 18, Cable Channel 9

This Week's Episode: Tourists, Troups & Troopers

Have you ever been a tourist in your own town? Take a look at what it's like through the eyes of first time visitors. Premiered during SXSW Film Festival, Troop #1500 gives you a look at a special troop where Girl Scouts have their monthly meetings with their mothers who are in prison. What's all that political action at the Capitol? Follow all those hard-workers like "Quorum Report's" writer/editor Harvey Kronberg to the janitor who sees that nothing gets swept under the rug.

Nov 23 2005, 10:30 a.m.
Nov 24 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Nov 24 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Nov 25 2005, 9:00 p.m.