Shen Yun 2013 Tour

Are you looking for some new and exciting entertainment? Well look no further! Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance performance with a live orchestra is coming to Austin this weekend.  Performing at the Long Center Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Shen Yun Performing Arts combines the traditions of China’s classical arts and legends with dance and music to deliver a spectacular show you are sure to enjoy. Go with family and friends and experience this cultural phenomenon.

Tickets are still available. You can purchase them and learn more about Shen Yun at http://tickets.shenyun.com/event/shen-yun-2013-austin.

NAMIWalk Austin 5K

Join others is raising awareness and help build better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness. The organization NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will be having their 7^th Annual NAMI Austin Walk on Saturday, October 6^th. Last year the Austin walk had over 2,000 walkers and raised over $200,000 for NAMI’s programs.

For more information and to learn more about how you can help, visit http://www.namiaustin.org/namiwalks/

Pecan Street Festival

This weekend, September 29th & 30th,  kick off fall with the Austin’s 31st Bi-Annual Pecan Street Festival.  Over 600 artisans and performing artists will be showcased at the festival displaying and selling homemade art and craft work. The event is free and hosts games for the kids along with local musicians taking the stage at noon!  Kid’s activities include carnival rides, face painting, and a petting zoo. As the oldest and largest art festival in Central Texas, over 300,000 people attend each year.  Located on 6^th street in the heart of Austin, the festival combines a diverse group of people and promotes community in Central Texas. Be sure to come out and show your support.

For more information about vendors and events, visit http://www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com

Austin Teen Book Festival

As the largest teen book festival in the country, Austin hosts the 4^thannual Teen Book Festival at the Palmer Events Center September 29^th from 9:30 a.m – 5 p.m! Thirty-six of the most popular and acclaimed young adult fiction authors will be there along with 6 panels and 4 opportunities to listen to the authors speak about their books. The keynote speakers will include award-winners Neal Shusterman and Libba Bray. Shusterman is widely known for hisUnwind trilogy and Texas’ own Libba Bray is the author of 6 young adult novels, most notably Beauty Queens which was listed as Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books 2011.

Other authors include Marissa Meyer, Leigh Bardugo, Scott Speer, Jesse Andrews, Ally Condie and many more! And the best part of the festival? It’s absolutely free! For more information including authors and the full schedule visit www.austinteenbookfestival.com

Tony Bennett Comes to Austin

You can watch and listen to a true legend perform at the Moody Theater, Wednesday September 12^th at 8:00pm. ACL Live presents legend Tony Bennett and tickets are still available.

With a career that began in the late 1930s, Bennett has had dozens of platinum and gold albums, has received 15 Grammy Awards, and has had two dozen songs in the Top 40.  With this truly impressive resume, his performance in Austin guarantees rave reviews.

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.acl-live.com/calendar/2012/9/tony-bennett-2012

Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival

Calling all hot and spicy food lovers! Known as the world’s largest hot sauce festival, this year marks Austin’s 22^nd annual celebration.  Drawing as many as 15, 000 spectators and more than 350 entries each, the Hot Sauce Festival has become one of Austin’s largest and best-known parties. The festival also is a major fundraiser for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. With live music and great salsa, come join the fun this Sunday, August 26^th at Fiesta Gardens. Get in free with a donation of three healthy, nonperishable food items to the Capital Area Food Bank. For more information, visit http://www.austinchronicle.com/Market/HotSauce/

Happy 4th of July Austin!

I’m sure everyone is excited about the mid-week holiday! In case you’re looking for a way to celebrate, check out The Austin Symphony Orchestra which features patriotic music, the 1812 Overture and spectacular fireworks over Lady Bird Lake.

 The ASO will begin performing at 8:30PM and fireworks will take place from 9:30PM-10:00PM. The event is free and open to the public located at Auditorium Shores. No matter how you plan to celebrate, Everyone here at Lakeway Smiles would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy 4^th of July.