Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Starts in 3 Weeks
An Austin staple is back for it's 44th year starting December 13th and runs through Christmas Eve. It's such an entertaining holiday shopping experience with nearly 200 curated artists to shop from and offers them the opportunity to personally meet them and discuss their work. Shoppers can schedule an appointmet with an Armadillo Art Concierge to help them select original works of art and handmade gifts for everyone on their gift giving list. Over the 12-day event, shoppers can experience 36 bands (3 play each day) including Dale Watson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Marcia Ball's Pianorama, Suzanna Choffel, Zach Person, Swimming with Bears, Ruthie Foster, Jackie Venson, Carolyn Wonderland, Blazing Bows, and more.
In the 1970s, the Armadillo World Headquarters (AWHQ) was the premiere concert venue for live music. In 1975, Lucinda Williams inspired a fabulous solution to AWHQ’s mid-winter money woes with a simple comment: “Too bad the artists down on the drag don't have a warm, dry place like this to sell their art for Christmas." Her comment sparked an idea to expand AWHQ’s cultural and economic reach. Over the decades since AWHQ closed in 1980, the Armadillo has lived on in 6 different locations, Cherry Creek Plaza, Austin Opera House, Austin Music Hall, and Austin Convention Center before finding a home at the Palmer Events Center in 2010. Along the way, the Armadillo grew in size from 8,000 to 44,000 square feet and now showcases work from over 160 artists. Now Armadillo is also considered a music festival, featuring musicians with local Austin flavor.
There's also new features this season! They include:
- The Wishing Trees: Write down your holiday or New Year wish and tie it to one of the Wishing Trees located in the Sun Radio Bench Plaza.
- "Capture the Moment” Corner: Take a selfie or photo with family and friends in the photo booth or at art activations by local artists.
- The Armadillo Shopping Scavenger Hunt: Purchase five or more items on the Armadillo Shopping Scavenger list to win. The more you match, the better the prize. Scavenger lists are available in the program upon arrival and can be redeemed at the Armadillo Store in the foyer.
- Kids Coloring Corner: Let the kids get creative and color in the Robo Roku booth.
- Art Concierge Service: Schedule an appointment to have a personal shopper help you select the perfect piece of art or gift for everyone on your list. Email annie@armadillobazaar.com to schedule a complimentary appointment.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
December 13 - 24, 2019, 11am - 10pm and 11am - 8pm on Christmas Eve
Tickets are $10 for a single-day pass; available at the door, or in advance online; free admission for children 12 and under. For tickets, click here:
https://www.armadillobazaar.com/tickets/
