Nido at The Loren Hotel Austin is excited to announce Curtain Call PreShow Dining for “The Wizard of Oz” at ZACH Theater. From Aug. 13 to Sept. 21, guests can enjoy a special dining experience with panoramic city views, featuring elegant brunch or dinner options perfectly timed to have guests seated at the theater before the curtain rises.

For evening shows, the dinner menu begins with a special “Wizard of Oz”-themed cocktail to toast the upcoming theatrical experience. Guests will choose from three starters — Beef Carpaccio with maseca, cucumber and lime; Gem Lettuce with green goddess, heirloom tomato and toasted seeds; or Grilled Watermelon with dashi, miso and shiso. Main course options include Grilled Branzino with fennel, fumet and Niçoise olives; Grilled Chicken with pearled couscous, harissa and saffron; or Parisian Gnocchi with eggplant, Parmigiano-Reggiano and tomato. 

For matinee performances, guests can enjoy Nido’s full brunch menu, featuring an array of morning favorites perfectly suited for preshow dining. Highlights include Fresh Seasonal Fruit; Florentine Frittata with confit tomato and ricotta; Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy with sausage gravy and raspberry preserves; Smoked Salmon Hash with crispy fingerling potatoes, whipped cream cheese, dill, capers and roe; and the signature Dry-Aged Burger with smoked bacon, cheddar, pickles, onions and dijonnaise on brioche. 

Juniper’s Guest Chef Dinner Series continues Sept. 18 with a one-night-only collaboration between Executive Chef Nic Yanes and Houston’s Aaron Bludorn, chef-owner of Bludorn, Navy Blue, BAR Bludorn and the newly opened Perseid.

The chefs will present a six-course tasting menu that combines Juniper’s modern Italian style with Bludorn’s Gulf Coast influences. Dishes include summer gazpacho with Texas peach and Osetra caviar, smoked beef shortrib ravioli with fig and blue cheese, sakura pork chop with chanterelle mushroom, and salted caramel gelato with sweet corn panna cotta.

A portion of proceeds benefits Southern Smoke Foundation.

Join Emmer & Rye as they “break bread” with celebrated chefs from Austin. On Sept. 18, Chef de Cuisine Alexa Mejia will host Chef Stewart Scruggs of Wink. Scruggs will be serving up some special, one-night-only dishes alongside Emmer & Rye’s standard dinner menu.

Reservations for Emmer & Rye’s Breaking Bread Guest Chef Series are available on OpenTable from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Reservations are highly encouraged, with walk-ins welcome as space allows. For more information on the series and to stay updated on additional chef announcements, please visit www.emmerandrye.com or follow along on Instagram at @emmerandrye.

Join Hestia this summer as they collaborate with Michelin-recognized chefs from around Texas for their Lone Star Dinner Series. On September 21, Hestia will host Michelin-starred Houston restaurant MARCH.

Each dinner in the series represents a true collaboration where chefs will cook side by side, sharing techniques and exchanging ideas rooted in the hearth and Texas barbecue tradition. The menu will reflect fire-driven cooking philosophies, featuring local ingredients with global influences.

Each set menu will be $200 per person, with optional wine pairings available for $100 per person. Reservations for Hestia’s Lonestar Guest Chef Series are available on OpenTable from 5:30 to 10 p.m. For more information on the series and to stay updated on additional chef announcements, please visit hestiaaustin.com or follow along on Instagram at @hestia_austin.

Join Ezov, the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant from the award-winning Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, as they continue their Meze Mash Up monthly series with standout guest chef collaborations. On Wednesday, September 24, Ezov is thrilled to welcome Chef Peter Klein of the Holiday. Each guest chef will collaborate with the Ezov team to serve up exclusive, one-night-only dishes, in addition to Ezov’s regular dinner menu.

Reservations for Ezov’s Meze Mash Up dinner are available on OpenTable from 5-10 p.m. For more information on the series and to stay up-to-date on additional chef announcements, please visit www.ezovatx.com or follow along on Instagram at @ezovatx.

Pack your passport for the ultimate Sauvignon Blanc adventure that’ll take you from the chalky hills of France to the sunny slopes of South Africa, with plenty of delicious stops along the way. The world’s most traveled grape variety has picked up some serious personality in every corner of the globe!

Wine & Food Foundation’s wine wizard Krista Church will guide you through this liquid world tour, revealing how terroir, climate, and winemaking style transform the same grape into completely different experiences. Prepare for “aha!” moments as you discover why Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc tastes like summer vacation and French Sancerre feels like sophisticated poetry.

And because great wine deserves great company, Central Market is providing perfectly paired bites that’ll make each wine shine even brighter.

Come thirsty, leave enlightened! This isn’t just a tasting – it’s a passport to understanding why Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate globetrotter’s grape.

The 91st Annual St. Elias Mediterranean Festival returns September 26–28 at St. Elias Orthodox Church, 408 E. 11th Street. Austin’s longest-running festival features authentic Mediterranean food, along with cocktails, wine, and beer. Guests can enjoy live music, traditional dabke dancing, and an open-air marketplace with artisan goods and jewelry.

Festival hours are Friday 6–11 p.m., Saturday noon–11 p.m. (free entry noon–4 p.m.), and Sunday noon–6 p.m. Admission is a $5 donation, with free entry for kids 10 and under and college students with ID. The event is cashless, so cards and digital wallets are required.

The 91st Annual St. Elias Mediterranean Festival returns September 26–28 at St. Elias Orthodox Church, 408 E. 11th Street. Austin’s longest-running festival features authentic Mediterranean food, along with cocktails, wine, and beer. Guests can enjoy live music, traditional dabke dancing, and an open-air marketplace with artisan goods and jewelry.

Festival hours are Friday 6–11 p.m., Saturday noon–11 p.m. (free entry noon–4 p.m.), and Sunday noon–6 p.m. Admission is a $5 donation, with free entry for kids 10 and under and college students with ID. The event is cashless, so cards and digital wallets are required.

The 91st Annual St. Elias Mediterranean Festival returns September 26–28 at St. Elias Orthodox Church, 408 E. 11th Street. Austin’s longest-running festival features authentic Mediterranean food, along with cocktails, wine, and beer. Guests can enjoy live music, traditional dabke dancing, and an open-air marketplace with artisan goods and jewelry.

Festival hours are Friday 6–11 p.m., Saturday noon–11 p.m. (free entry noon–4 p.m.), and Sunday noon–6 p.m. Admission is a $5 donation, with free entry for kids 10 and under and college students with ID. The event is cashless, so cards and digital wallets are required.

Skipjack Oyster, a new coastal-inspired seafood restaurant and raw bar, will debut Oct. 3 in the former Stella San Jac space inside The Westin Austin Downtown. The restaurant will feature one of downtown’s largest raw bars, alongside a menu that balances classic seafood favorites and lighter coastal fare.

Signature dishes include linguini and clams, fried oyster po’boys, blackened Texas redfish, ceviche and king crab, complemented by an expansive sparkling wine program with 31 labels ranging from approachable pours to rare Champagnes. Guests can also expect house originals such as oyster shell–infused vodka cocktails and a return of Stella San Jac’s beloved #16 Biscuits.

Skipjack Oyster will serve breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday, brunch Friday through Sunday, and dinner nightly, with a daily Half Shell Happy Hour and opening specials including 50% off bubbles throughout October and discounts for ACL wristband holders. Reservations are now open on OpenTable.

Round Rock Arts Fest is an annual celebration of creativity in all of its forms, with live performances, food and drink, vendors of all kinds, visual artists, interactive art and music experiences, and more! Some of that “and more” includes a fun Oktoberfest with Bluebonnet Beer Company! This three day event is for families, residents, and visitors to Round Rock, and admission is free! Round Rock Arts Fest takes place at Centennial Plaza, in Downtown Round Rock, and is hosted by the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture. 

Round Rock Arts Fest is an annual celebration of creativity in all of its forms, with live performances, food and drink, vendors of all kinds, visual artists, interactive art and music experiences, and more! Some of that “and more” includes a fun Oktoberfest with Bluebonnet Beer Company! This three day event is for families, residents, and visitors to Round Rock, and admission is free! Round Rock Arts Fest takes place at Centennial Plaza, in Downtown Round Rock, and is hosted by the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture. 

Round Rock Arts Fest is an annual celebration of creativity in all of its forms, with live performances, food and drink, vendors of all kinds, visual artists, interactive art and music experiences, and more! Some of that “and more” includes a fun Oktoberfest with Bluebonnet Beer Company! This three day event is for families, residents, and visitors to Round Rock, and admission is free! Round Rock Arts Fest takes place at Centennial Plaza, in Downtown Round Rock, and is hosted by the City of Round Rock Arts and Culture. 

Join The Loren Hotel for trivia night, held monthly at Café at The Loren. Each evening centers on a unique theme, inviting guests to enjoy sophisticated bites, signature cocktails, and engaging trivia. Entry is $5 per person at the door. Celebrate the season with trivia rooted in gothic lit, mysteries, true crime, and moody October vibes.

Schedule:

Wednesday, July 9: “Red, White & Brainy”

Wednesday, Aug. 13: “Screen & Scene”

Wednesday, Sept. 1: “Peak TV & Pop Culture”

Wednesday, Oct. 8: “Dark Matters”

Wednesday, Nov. 12: “Plated & Poured”

Wednesday, Dec. 10: “Culture & Celebration”

Journey through the fog-kissed vineyards of California and Oregon as we explore the elegant world of West Coast Pinot Noir – America’s answer to Burgundy’s most beloved grape. From the cool coastal hills of Russian River Valley to the volcanic soils of Willamette Valley, discover how New World innovation meets Old World tradition in every glass!

Certified Sommelier Malon Lemoins will lead you through this captivating tasting, featuring four exceptional West Coast expressions alongside two classic Burgundies for comparison. With his WSET Level 2 credentials and expertise as Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Blurred Vines, Malonwill reveal how terroir, climate, and winemaking philosophy create distinctly different personalities from the same notoriously finicky grape.

Central Market will provide thoughtfully selected bites designed to complement each wine’s unique character, enhancing your tasting journey from coast to countryside.

Come curious, leave converted! This isn’t just a wine class – it’s your introduction to understanding why Pinot Noir is considered the most expressive grape in the world.

Space is limited for each seating to ensure an intimate, educational experience.

Step into your time machine and join Austin Food and Wine Foundation at Somm Space in the decade of flannel, dial-up internet, and some of the most legendary wine vintages ever bottled. This isn’t just any throwback party – we’re talking about tasting liquid history from one of the most celebrated decades in winemaking.

Before and after the guided tasting, they will have a DJ spinning all your favorite ‘90s bangers (think Nirvana, TLC, and Alanis), and you’ll be sipping on museum-quality bottles that have been aging to perfection for over two decades. These aren’t your college party wines – we’re talking about serious, cellar-worthy vintages that represent the absolute pinnacle of ‘90s winemaking craftsmanship.

What to Expect:
🍷 Rare and exceptional 1990s vintage wines that most people only dream of tasting
🍷 Expertly curated light bites that complement these liquid treasures
🍷 A killer ‘90s soundtrack to transport you back to the days of Blockbuster and boy bands
🍷The chance to experience wines that have been developing complexity and character for 25+ years

Whether you remember when these wines were current release, or you love the aesthetic, this is your chance to taste history while dancing to the soundtrack of a generation. These wines were crafted during an era when winemakers were pushing boundaries and creating bottles that would define excellence for decades to come.

Don’t miss this very limited seating event – the best things really do get better with age.

Wine proudly sponsored by Estate Wine Brokers – A premier source for exceptional current releases and coveted library wines.

The Heat. The Competition. The Culinary Magic—LIVE!

Get ready, food lovers! MasterChef All-Stars Live! is hitting the road, bringing your favorite chefs straight from the MasterChef kitchen to Bass Concert Hall!

This brand-new, high-energy stage show delivers the ultimate MasterChef experience—LIVE up close and personal! Witness epic head-to-head battles, thrilling challenges, and jaw-dropping culinary creations right before your eyes. Plus, hear from your favorite all stars on what it’s like to cook in America’s famous kitchen and toughest judges plus tips and tricks to take to your own home kitchen.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime night of food, fun, and fierce competition! Secure your tickets now and get ready to go on a MasterChef culinary journey through the senses and experience the excitement!

The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is a non-profit organization that celebrates, showcases and nurtures our region’s rich agricultural heritage, outstanding culinary experiences and award winning wineries. Through our programs and events, we support charitable organizations in the Texas Hill Country, ensuring prosperity and innovation within our community.

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival | October 22nd – 26th

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is the premier culinary and wine experience in the Texas Hill Country, showcasing food, wine, craft beverage and Texas Hill Country culture.

Join Austin Wine & Food Foundation for an evening where great wine meets smart money moves! This empowering event, hosted at the elegant Somm Space and presented in partnership with Austin Private Wealth, combines the sophistication of a curated wine tasting with practical financial wisdom designed specifically for women.

What to Expect: Experience five thoughtfully selected wines, each expertly paired with one of the “5 Financial Moves to Make Now” presented by Austin Private Wealth advisors Kieu Lê Turk and Hayley Swaim. Discover how intentional choices—whether selecting the perfect vintage or crafting your financial future—can create lasting impact.

Perfect For:

Entrepreneurs launching their next venture
Women planning major life transitions
Anyone curious about building financial confidence
Those seeking a refreshing, jargon-free approach to wealth building
This isn’t your typical finance seminar. In Somm Space’s welcoming atmosphere, we’ll explore personal finance one sip at a time, creating genuine connections while gaining actionable insights you can implement immediately.

Space is limited—reserve your spot today for this unique blend of wine education and wealth wisdom!

The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is a non-profit organization that celebrates, showcases and nurtures our region’s rich agricultural heritage, outstanding culinary experiences and award winning wineries. Through our programs and events, we support charitable organizations in the Texas Hill Country, ensuring prosperity and innovation within our community.

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival | October 22nd – 26th

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is the premier culinary and wine experience in the Texas Hill Country, showcasing food, wine, craft beverage and Texas Hill Country culture.

The acclaimed plant-based SEED Food & Wine Festival debuts in Austin from October 22 to 26, featuring a week of wellness-forward programming, culinary experiences, and community events that celebrate conscious living.

An intimate, multi-course plant-forward dinner by Austin chefs, including Alexa Mejia (Emmer & Rye). All proceeds support Good Work Austin’s initiatives for equity and sustainability in the hospitality industry.

The acclaimed plant-based SEED Food & Wine Festival debuts in Austin with a week of wellness-forward programming, culinary experiences, and community events celebrating conscious living.

A signature event of the festival featuring unlimited bites and sips from 100+ restaurants, bars, and brands. Includes wellness sessions, live music, cooking demos, and panels with chefs and thought leaders. VIPs enjoy exclusive access to a lounge, upper deck, and gift bag.

The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is a non-profit organization that celebrates, showcases and nurtures our region’s rich agricultural heritage, outstanding culinary experiences and award winning wineries. Through our programs and events, we support charitable organizations in the Texas Hill Country, ensuring prosperity and innovation within our community.

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival | October 22nd – 26th

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is the premier culinary and wine experience in the Texas Hill Country, showcasing food, wine, craft beverage and Texas Hill Country culture.

The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is a non-profit organization that celebrates, showcases and nurtures our region’s rich agricultural heritage, outstanding culinary experiences and award winning wineries. Through our programs and events, we support charitable organizations in the Texas Hill Country, ensuring prosperity and innovation within our community.

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival | October 22nd – 26th

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is the premier culinary and wine experience in the Texas Hill Country, showcasing food, wine, craft beverage and Texas Hill Country culture.

The kick-off to Auction weekend – this exclusive, elegant luncheon takes place the day before the Auction & Gala at FIXE Southern House, and includes a multi-course lunch paired with wines provided by our Featured Winemaker. This is an intimate, 4-course, fine-dining experience and an opportunity for a more in-depth conversation with our 2025 Featured Winemaker, Eric Jensen, Booker Vineyard. We will sample some of the winemaker’s most special offerings and learn more about each wine. FIXE is planning a perfectly paired lunch menu to accompany these exceptional wines. There will also be a mini auction to get everyone in the spirit for Saturday’s festivities, and a first look at the final version of the 2025 Auction Catalog!

The 14th annual Austin Food & Wine Festival, presented by C3 Presents, is back this fall for three days of world-class food, wine, and spirits. From Nov. 7–9, Auditorium Shores transforms into a culinary playground, spotlighting celebrated chefs, pitmasters, and beverage experts from Austin and across the country.

Festival Highlights

• Chef Demos with Tiffany Derry, Tristen Epps, Tiffani Faison, Kevin Fink, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Lorena Garcia, Fabio Viviani, Joshua Weissman, and more.
• Made in Texas (Nov. 7 at the Long Center Terrace) — Texas-inspired dishes, drinks, and live music.
• Fire Pit — Live-fire cooking with pitmasters and chefs curated by Jason Dady (Nov. 8) and John Bates (Nov. 9).
• Chef Showcase — Signature bites from Austin’s top restaurants, from Uchi to la Barbecue, plus exciting new spots.
• Hands-On Grilling with Tim Love — A pre-festival cookout add-on where attendees grill alongside the chef.

Tickets

• VIP: Includes Friday night Made in Texas + VIP lounge access, early entry, and exclusive bites/drinks.
• Weekender: Saturday & Sunday daytime access with tastings, demos, and Fire Pit.
• Single Day Grand Taste: One-day pass for either Saturday or Sunday.
• Made in Texas: Limited standalone tickets (waitlist only).
• Add-On: Hands-On Grilling with Tim Love (Sat, Nov. 8).

All tickets include unlimited food and beverage tastings. Attendees must be 21+.

The Austin Wine Auction will take place immediately prior to the Austin Wine & Food Foundation Gala. This intimate and traditional wine auction with limited seating will feature 50 extraordinary wine lots and luxury tasting experiences specifically curated for serious collectors and bidders. We’ve already secured unprecedented Harlan and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti lots that have never appeared in our catalog before!

While bidding, guests will indulge in sommelier-led premium wine service complemented by elevated light bites. The Austin Wine Auction is the perfect prelude to the Austin Wine & Food Foundation Gala.

Experience an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence and giving back at the Austin Wine & Food Foundation Gala. We’re changing things up this year! Our famous wine auction will now take place immediately prior to the Gala for our most passionate wine collectors and enthusiasts! We’ve already secured unprecedented Harlan and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti lots that have never appeared in our catalog before! More information about that event (now called the Austin Wine Auction) can be found here.

Immediately following the Austin Wine Auction, The Austin Wine & Food Foundation Gala features an exquisite four-course dinner with expert wine service from a team of Austin’s finest sommeliers. The event still includes a smaller, curated selection of 10-15 premium live auction lots, including luxury vacations, exceptional wines, exclusive dining experiences, and an exciting raffle with coveted prizes. And we are thrilled to have Eric Jensen, Booker Vineyard, as our 2025 Featured Winemaker.

As always, we will kick off the weekend on Friday, November 7th, at our Featured Winemaker Luncheon, held this year at FIXE Southern House. This exclusive, elegant luncheon takes place the day before the Auction & Gala at FIXE Southern House, and includes a multi-course lunch paired with wines provided by the Featured Winemaker.

Your participation in this beloved celebration of food and wine directly supports our philanthropic initiatives, including AWFF programming, the battle against food insecurity in Austin, and our scholarship program for local hospitality professionals advancing their careers through education.

Join The Loren Hotel for trivia night, held monthly at Café at The Loren. Each evening centers on a unique theme, inviting guests to enjoy sophisticated bites, signature cocktails, and engaging trivia. Entry is $5 per person at the door. A delicious evening of food and drink knowledge, from Michelin-starred menus to wine pairings and craft cocktails.

Schedule:

Wednesday, July 9: “Red, White & Brainy”

Wednesday, Aug. 13: “Screen & Scene”

Wednesday, Sept. 1: “Peak TV & Pop Culture”

Wednesday, Oct. 8: “Dark Matters”

Wednesday, Nov. 12: “Plated & Poured”

Wednesday, Dec. 10: “Culture & Celebration”

In celebration of 20 years of Austin’s favorite slice, the iconic pizza joint is bringing back its beloved carnival for one day only at the South Congress location’s parking lot.

What began in 2006 as a small fundraiser to celebrate Home Slice’s first anniversary became an 11-year tradition, drawing crowds for its games, live music, raffles and of course, plenty of pizza. The family-friendly event benefits Foundation Communities, a local nonprofit that provides affordable homes and free on-site support services to thousands of families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.