Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa

Texas Peforming Arts
September 12
Bass Concert Hall
Austin
texasperformingarts.org

Texas Performing Arts invites you to enjoy an evening with New York Times bestselling cookbook author and Emmy-winning host of Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network, Ina Garten, in a lively and insightful conversation with Texas Monthly's Patricia Sharpe.

CIS Food for Thought Benefit

September 12
Austin Music Hall
Austin
cisaustin.org

Come enjoy Communities in Schools’ signature tasting event featuring appetizing dishes from the most exclusive Austin restaurants. This event raises funds for CIS programs and services, which surround students with a community of support and empowers them to stay in school. You won’t want to miss out on this delicious cuisine – and it’s all to keep kids in school!

Albuquerque's Old Town Salsa Fiesta

September 14
Historic Old Town
Albuquerque
abqsalsafiesta.com

Join in on this celebration of all things salsa. The annual Old Town Salsa Fiesta features a salsa making competition and tasting, salsa bands and dancers on the gazebo and throughout Old Town, kids’ activities and crafts.

CASA Superhero Run

September 21
CASA programs of Travis and Williamson counties
Mueller Lake Park & Hangar
Austin
casasuperherorun.com

Every child needs a hero, but abused children need superheroes! Run, walk or fly to the 2013 CASA Superhero Run, a chip-timed 5K and Kids 1K with superhero costume contest, bounce house, special superhero guest appearances and more. Visit casasuperherorun.com for more information.

Texas Top Thirty

September 23–October 19
Art on 5th Gallery
Austin
arton5th.com

Art on 5th Gallery will showcase signature pieces by over 30 artists participating in the PAWS for a PURRpose November auction benefiting the Texas Humane Legislation Network and the South Texas College of Law Animal Law Clinic.  All artwork will be available for purchase, and 10% of all sales will be donated to PAWS for a PURRpose.

Bar-B-Que Cook-Off & Festival

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
September 27–28
AT&T Center | Freeman Coliseum
San Antonio
sarodeo.com

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off & Festival, featuring over 300 teams of the world's best Barbequers, begins Friday evening with the Ace in the Hole Casino Night (must be 21 and older) including great food, Las Vegas-style gaming, music and live & silent auctions. Saturday is a fun-filled day of family-friendly events and activities, including Mutton Bustin’!  Enjoy live music, shopping, and plenty of fine Texas Barbeque to sample. The Cook-Off is a championship event sanctioned by the Texas Gulf Coast Bar-B-Que Cookers Association. 

The Texas Tribune Festival

September 27–29
University of Texas Campus
Austin
texastribune.org

The Texas Tribune Festival is a weekend full of debate and dialogue featuring some of the biggest names in the world of politics and public policy. The program will feature over 150 speakers, 45 interactive events and countless networking opportunities. In this year’s expanded program, eight tracks of content will cover the topics that are most relevant to our state and the nation. 

Gruene Music & Wine Festival

October 10–13
Gruene Historic District
New Braunfels
gruenemusicandwinefest.org

Save the date: Gruene Music & Wine Festival is gearing up for its 27th year! We are excited to welcome wine enthusiasts, music lovers, beer connoisseurs, and anyone who appreciates a great Texas festival to Gruene Historic District from Thursday, October 10th to Sunday, October 13th, 2013. Combining valuable knowledge that comes straight from the winemakers and brewers with live music and great food, this year promises to be even bigger and better than last.

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown

October 12–13
Houston
bayoucityartfestival.com 

This annual fine art event boasts an outdoor gallery featuring 300 artists. Additional attractions include wine cafés, an interactive Creative Zone for children, restaurants, The Art Bar, and a performing arts stage with entertainment presented by The Houston Arts Alliance. The festival is showcased in front of City Hall and around Hermann Square, as well as Sam Houston Park. For more information, please contact the Art Colony Association.  

Celebrating Women

Baylor Health Care System
October 23
Hilton Anatole
Dallas
give.baylorhealth.com 

Celebrating Women is known as the premier breast cancer luncheon for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It brings together 150 dedicated committee members and more than 1,300 supporters each year to increase awareness and generate funding for breast cancer research, diagnosis and treatment. Together we can find a cure for this disease that affects so many women and families in our community.

The Family Place's Partners Card

October 25–November 3
Participating retailers and restaurants
Dallas
partnerscard.org

Partners Card 2013, presented by Bank of Texas, offers the opportunity to receive a 20% discount at your favorite stores while helping The Family Place continue their work with family violence intervention and prevention. Partners Card is one of the most popular shopping events in the Dallas Metroplex, raising a record-breaking $1.1 million in 2012. This 10-day shopping extravaganza with over 750 participating retailers offers something for everyone. Partners Cards will go on sale in mid-September for $70 each.

Signature Author Series

John Cooper School
December 5
Waterway Marriot Hotel & Convention Center
The Woodlands
johncooper.org  

Come hear Jodi Picoult, the critically acclaimed author of 21 novels, including The Tenth Circle, Plain Truth and My Sister's Keeper at this year’s Signature Author Series luncheon. The event features a private reception for underwriters, lunch, keynote message and Q&A with Jodi Picoult, followed by a general public book signing.