For more than 20 years, The Downtown Austin Alliance, KUT/KUTX and the Capital Area Food Bank have invited everyone to kick off the holidays downtown with the annual Sing-Along, Downtown Stroll and Capitol tree lighting. This year’s evening of family fun, food, hot chocolate and caroling takes place this Saturday, December 6, from 6 – 9 P.M. And while all events are free, visitors are asked to help put meals on the table right here in Central Texas during the holiday season.
The Food Bank is accepting cash and nonperishable food donations at each event entrance, and cash gifts at our staffed Food Bank tent, located near 900 Congress. Last year’s Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll raised nearly 500 meals for Central Texans facing hunger; over the last three years, it’s raised over 3,500 meals. We appreciate your support.
The evening starts at 6 P.M. when crowds gather on the south steps of the Capitol for the Holiday Sing-Along, led by John Aielli, popular host of Eklektikos on KUTX. As the clock chimes 7 P.M., the countdown to the lighting of the large Capitol tree begins, featuring a programmed light show at the top and bottom of every hour, set to holiday songs of local Austin musicians. Congress Avenue will be abuzz with holiday cheer during the Downtown Stroll. Shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late and will feature holiday activities, special offers or refreshments for visitors.
For more information, visit the Downtown Austin event page.
What's the best way to help the Food Bank?
Cash donations are accepted at the Food Bank tent. Every $1 donated provides 3 meals. We also accept healthy, non-perishable food; Items with intact, un-opened, consumer or commercial packaging; items with non-breakable packaging (no glass, please); food within the expiration date on the packaging. Our most requested items for the holiday season include:
- Peanut butter
- Canned chicken breast or tuna
- Canned low sodium vegetables
- Canned fruit in its own juice (no sugar added)
- Dry pinto beans
- Brown rice
- Non-fat dry milk powder
- 100% whole grain cereal
