(Austin, TX) The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, one of Austin’s longest-running iconic events returns December 16-24, from 11am to 11pm daily at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704.
With nearly four decades of bringing holiday cheer to Austin, this year’s event features the most dazzling selection of distinctive gifts, fine art and artisan crafts; running the gamut from statement-making collectible fine art to distinctive and modestly-priced stocking stuffers. Over 160 locally and nationally acclaimed artists, including 11 dynamic newcomers, line the aisles of Palmer Events Center with stunning holiday displays. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar offers art you can own and art you can give. The Bazaar will stimulate your senses with enticing art you can see, art you can smell, art you can touch, taste and hear. A full list of exhibitors and a photo gallery of their work is available at www.ArmadilloBazaar.com.
Equally rousing is the Armadillo’s legendary music festival, which in and of itself draws crowds for the rare opportunity to hear intimate showcases from some of the most renowned musicians in Central Texas. At least three bands per day claim the stage, from the hottest new groups to longtime favorites, from singer-songwriters, rock n’ rollers, western swingers to gospel/soul harmonizers and country music outlaws. Musicians include Ruthie Foster, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Carolyn Wonderland, Shiny Ribs and Mayeux and Broussard. Approximately 28 bands/musicians will be participating.
Anne Kelley, now General Manager of the show, grew up an ‘Armadillo baby’. Her parents, Cynthia and Bart Kelley, have been involved with the show since 1981. She is thrilled with the lineup for the 2014 show. “With nine days (extended one day from last year) and nights of live music, art, food and festivities, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a truly Austin experience. There are generations of Austinites who attend every year. Now, it is also a holiday destination event for visitors and tourists. It is one of the few ‘old Austin’ traditions that has survived the influx of festivals and the cities’ rapid growth – and thrived. People really appreciate the culture and history of the event. Also – it’s a heck of a Christmas party,” she laughs.
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar supports Austin’s vibrant non-profit community by donating booth space at the event. Past shows have highlighted the South Austin Popular Culture Center, Service Dogs Inc., KOOP Radio, Austin Creative Alliance, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association among many others.
Tickets are $7 for a single-day pass; available at the door. Free admission for children 12 and under. Group rates available for parties of 30 or more by emailing [email protected]. Paid parking is available in the Palmer Events Center/Long Center garage, which can be accessed from Riverside Drive on the North and Barton Springs Road on the South. For more information, visit ArmadilloBazaar.com.
About Armadillo Christmas Bazaar: Hot music, fine art and cold beer have made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar the place where Austin shops in the giving season. The show is two events in one: a fusion of an art fair and music festival with a vibrant community-driven vibe. Visitors can explore an amazing array of handmade items from more than 160 artists while enjoying live local music and sips from a full bar. It all adds up to a fun authentic Austin experience.
On exhibit will be everything from statement-making collectible pieces to modestly priced stocking stuffers, from stylishly smart to joyfully weird. While local artists predominate (many with national reputations), there are a select few carefully chosen from around the country. In addition to returning artists, an exciting array of new talent is featured every year.
The Armadillo stage showcases some of Austin’s most popular musical talent, with live performances throughout the afternoon and evening. Featured musicians range from new and emerging stars to local legends.