Welcoming Week September 10-19, 2026

Join us for Welcoming Week events across Austin from Sept 10 to September 19, 2026. There are multiple events happening each day. Check the calendar drop downs below for events happening on each day of Welcoming Week. 

September 10, 2026 

 

Welcoming Week Kickoff: The Stories We Share - The Courage to Connect

• Register for the Kickoff event
• Time: 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.
• Location: Austin Central Library | Demonstration Area | 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
• Join Austin Equity and Inclusion to kickoff Welcoming Week featuring welcoming remarks, City proclamation, an art gallery, cultural performances, and resources honoring Austin’s diverse communities.

[Welcoming Week 2026 Kickoff Flyers]

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Clase de inglés / ESL Class

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Location: Ruiz Branch Library | 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
• Practice English skills with an ESL instructor through informal reading, writing, listening, speaking, and pronunciation activities. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Practiquemos Espanol

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Location: Twin Oaks Branch Library | 1800 S 5th St, Austin, TX 78704
• Practice and refine your Spanish in a relaxed environment with guidance from a fluent facilitator; basic knowledge required. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

September 11, 2026

 

Talk Time (English Language Practice)

• Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
• Location: Windsor Park Branch Library | 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin, TX 78723
• Practice English conversation in a relaxed setting with fellow learners and volunteers; open to adults with basic English skills. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Qigong Meditation

• Time: 2:00 P.M. - 3:15 P.M.
• Location: Spicewood Springs Branch Library | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
• Reconnect mind and body through gentle Qigong meditation, calm your breath, ease tension, and restore natural balance. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

September 12, 2026

 

Citizenship Clinic & Resource Fair

• Time: 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
• Location: Asian American Resource Center | 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
• Learn citizenship requirements, get eligibility questions answered by attorneys, and receive a document checklist for the clinic. Hosted by Austin Equity and Inlcusion and American Gateways.

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Community Work Party

• Time: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Location: Adelphi Acre Community Garden | 3701 1/2 Adelphi Ln, Austin, TX 78759
• This workday is led by Community Gardens Program gardeners. Hosted by Adelphi Acre Community Garden and Austin Parks and Recreation.

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Garden Open Hours

• Time: 9:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
• Location: Austin Parks Community Gardens | Multiple locations
• This workday is led by gardeners, volunteers/tours welcome. Hosted by Austin Parks and Recreation.

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Bilingual Yoga with Ameika | Yoga Bilingue con Ameika

• Time: 10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
• Location: Southeast Branch Library | 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin, TX 78744
• Enjoy bilingual yoga with gentle movement, breath awareness, and relaxation, accessible for all experience levels in a welcoming environment. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Chess Club / Club de Ajedrez

• Time: 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Location: Pleasant Hill Branch Library | 211 E William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745
• Kids learn and practice chess with supportive, experienced instructors dedicated to helping young players grow and excel. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Dual Language Japanese-English Storytime

• Time: 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• Location: Milwood Branch Library | 12500 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78727
• Enjoy bilingual Japanese‑English storytime with books, songs, seasonal traditions, and a themed craft to take home. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Agujas y ganchos / Needles and Hooks

• Time: 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
• Location: Southeast Branch Library | 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin, TX 78744
• Learn or practice knitting or crochet in a welcoming group that shares projects, materials, and supportive guidance. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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*Find Your Voice

*Registration required

• Register for the event
• Time: 2:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
• Location: Austin Energy Headquarters | 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, TX 78723
• Explore identity and voice through guided reflection, trauma awareness, and strategies for self‑advocacy and community empowerment. Hosted by Better Force. 

September 13, 2026

 

Refugee Arts, Crafts and Food Bazaar

• Time: 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
• Location: Town Lake YMCA | 1100 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703
• Shop refugee‑made art, crafts, and foods while supporting artisans building income, entrepreneurship, and community connections. Hosted By Global Impact Initiative and YMCA. 

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Spanish-English Music and Movement / Música y movimiento español-inglés

• Time: 2:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
• Location: Little Walnut Creek Branch | 835 W Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78758
• Enjoy bilingual music time where little ones stretch, sing, dance, and explore rhythms with engaging instruments. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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ATX116 Listening Circle: Stories of Arriving, Stories of Staying

• Time: 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Location: Violet Crown City Church | 1300 Morrow St, Austin, TX 78757
• Share personal Austin arrival stories in a welcoming listening circle that fosters connection, reflection, and community understanding. Hosted by ATX116.

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BRAVE Communities: #MakeATX BRAVE Challenge

• Time: 8:00 P.M. - 11:59 P.M.
• Location: Virtual - submissions due by September 13, 2026 by 11:59 P.M.
• Join the #MakeATXBRAVE Youth Spoken Word Challenge to perform original pieces exploring civic engagement, democracy, community, and collective care in Austin. Hosted by Brave Communities.
• Apply and submit your video at bravecommunities.org

September 14, 2026

 

Gardening at South Austin Senior Activity Center

• Time: 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
• Location: South Austin Senior Activity Center | 3911 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78704
• Join Austin’s diverse aging community for Garden Day. Connect, garden, and grow together. Registration required; gardeners must be age 55+. Hosted by Resolution Gardens and Austin Parks and Recreation.

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Talk Time (English Language Practice)

• Time: 9:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
• Location: Twin Oaks Branch Library | 1800 S 5th St, Austin, TX 78704
• Practice English conversation in a relaxed setting with fellow learners and volunteers; open to adults with basic English skills. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Blooms of Belonging

• Time: 10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
• Location: Windsor Park Branch Library | 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin, TX 78723
• Bring neighbors of all ages and cultures together to create flower arrangements, share stories, and send bouquets that inspire connection and belonging. Hosted by SAIVA.

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*Welcoming Community Luncheon - A Roundtable Discussion & Celebration

• Register for the event
• Time: 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Location: Mt. Zion Baptist Church | 2938 E 13th St, Austin, TX 78702
• Join the Community Advancement Network (CAN) for a luncheon recognizing the contributions of immigrants while discussing ways to build a more welcoming Austin.

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English Practice / Hablemos Ingles

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Location: Terrazas Branch Library | 1105 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
• Practice English conversation in a relaxed setting with fellow learners and volunteers; open to adults with basic English skills. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Gardening at Dottie Jordan Recreation Center

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Location: Dottie Jordan Recreation Center | 2803 Loyola Ln, Austin, TX 78723
• Join Austin’s diverse aging community for Garden Day, led by Resolution Gardens, a contractor of St. David’s Foundation. Connect, garden, and grow together. Registration required; gardeners must be age 55+. Hosted by Resolution Gardens and Austin Parks and Recreation.

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Talk time / Hora de platica

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Location: Little Walnut Creek Branch Library  | 835 W Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78758
• Practice English conversation in a friendly, informal setting with learners and volunteers; open to adults with basic skills. Hosted by Austin Public Library

September 15, 2026

 

Cuentos con Señora Lili (programa en español)

• Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
• Location: University Hills Branch Library | 4721 Loyola Ln, Austin, TX 78723
• Storytime in Spanish | Una hora de cuentos en español. Hosted by Austin Public Library. 

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Welcoming Week Health & Resource Fair

• Time: 10:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Location: North Austin YMCA
• Access health screenings, enroll in MAP, and gather community resources and giveaways at a friendly wellness fair. Hosted By Austin Public Health and Austin Equity and Inclusion.

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Practiquemos Espanol

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Location: Spicewood Springs Branch Library | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
• Practice and refine your Spanish in a relaxed environment with guidance from a fluent facilitator; basic knowledge required. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

September 16, 2026

 

Spanish-English Storytime / Hora de cuentos en dos idiomas

• Time: 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.
• Location: Little Walnut Creek Branch Library | 835 W Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78758
• Enjoy engaging storytime with books, music, and activities designed for young children’s development, in spanish and english. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Music and Movement

• Time: 10:00 A.M. - 10:40 A.M.
• Location: Hampton Branch Library at Oak Hill | 5125 Convict Hill Rd, Austin, TX 78749
• Bring your little one to sing, dance, stretch, and explore music from around the world while building early literacy and social skills. Space is limited; arrive early for a ticket. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Intergenerational Wellness

• Time: 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Location: Asian American Resource Center (AARC) | 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
• Join us for morning yoga and share your story through the creation of a fabric square to add to the AARC’s intergenerational quilt. Hosted by Austin Culture Music and Entertainment.

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*Talk Time (English Language Practice)

• Registration required | Register for the event
• Time: 11:00 A.M. - 11:50 A.M.
• Location: Virtual online
• Practice English conversation in a relaxed setting with fellow learners and volunteers; open to adults with basic English skills. Hosted by Austin Public Library

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*BizAid Business Orientation 

• Limited seats | Reserve your spot
• Time: 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Location: Austin Economic Development Small Business Training Room | 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 300B, Austin, TX 78741
• Learn business requirements, permitting basics, and available support services to confidently start and grow a small business in Austin. Hosted by Austin Economic Development. 

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Talk Time

• Time: 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
• Location: Spicewood Springs Branch Library | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
• Practice English conversation in a relaxed setting with fellow learners and volunteers; open to adults with basic English skills. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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ESL Class

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Location:  Spicewood Springs Branch Library | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
• Practice English skills with an ESL instructor through informal reading, writing, listening, speaking, and pronunciation activities. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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*The Welcome Table

• Register for the event
• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Location: Mr. Natural | 1901 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
• Connect across cultures through gentle movement, shared food, and meaningful conversation that fosters community belonging and renewal. Hosted by Aashiq Yoga and Mr. Natural.

September 17, 2026

 

Gardening at Conley-Guerrero

• Time: 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
• Location: Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center | 808 Nile St, Austin, TX 78702
• Garden day led by Resolution Gardens, a contractor of Saint David's Foundation. Requires registration and for gardeners to be ages 50+. Hosted by Resolution Gardens and Austin Parks and Recreation.

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Gardening at Gus Garcia Rec Center

• Time: 10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
• Location: Gus Garcia Recreation Center | 1201 E Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78753
• Garden day led by Resolution Gardens, a contractor of Saint David's Foundation. Requires registration and for gardeners to be ages 50+. Hosted by Resolution Gardens and Austin Parks and Recreation.

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Clase de inglés / ESL Class

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Location: Ruiz Branch Library | 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
• Practice English skills with an ESL instructor through informal reading, writing, listening, speaking, and pronunciation activities. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Understand AI, Protect Your Kids

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Location: Little Walnut Creek Branch Library | 835 W Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX
• Learn how youth use AI through demonstrations, privacy tips, misinformation guidance, and practical activities for families. Hosted by Austin AI Hub. 

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Practiquemos Espanol

• Time: 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
• Location: Twin Oaks Branch Library | 1800 S 5th St, Austin, TX 78704
• Practice and refine your Spanish in a relaxed environment with guidance from a fluent facilitator; basic knowledge required. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

September 18, 2026

 

Chinese Community Story Hour

• Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
• Location: Yarborough Branch Library | 2200 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78756
• Enjoy stories, songs, and family time for kids age 0-6! A free program offered in partnership with local Mandarin teachers. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Morning Mah Jong

• Time: 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Location: Howson Branch Library | 2500 Exposition Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
• Enjoy friendly mahjong games where older adults can play, learn, and connect in a welcoming community setting. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Stopping Immigrant and Refugee Hate

• Time: 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.
• Location: Virtual Online
• Learn safe bystander intervention strategies to support immigrant communities through interactive training using the 5Ds method. Hosted by Right to Be and Austin Equity and Inclusion. 

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Qigong Meditation

• Time: 2:00 P.M. - 3:15 P.M.
• Location: Spicewood Springs Branch Library
• Reconnect mind and body through gentle Qigong meditation, calm your breath, ease tension, and restore natural balance. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

September 19, 2026

 

Welcoming Week Community Block Party

• Time: 8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Location: Dobie Middle School | 1200 E Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78753
• Join Rundberg Alliance for a free, family-friendly celebration with cultural performances, local makers, food, children’s activities, health resources, and multilingual community information.

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Bilingual Yoga with Aneika | Yoga Bilingue con Aneika

• Time: 10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
• Location: Southeast Branch Library |
• Enjoy bilingual yoga with gentle movement, breath awareness, and relaxing meditation suitable for all experience levels. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Ukrainian Storytime 

• Time: 10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
• Location: Spicewood Springs Branch Library | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
• Enjoy Ukrainian storytime with engaging stories and simple activities for children ages 2–12 and their families. Hosted by Austin Public Library.

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Welcoming Week Call-to-Action: The Path Forward

• Time: 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
• Location: Austin Energy Headquarters | 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
• Connect with community partners, learn about Austin’s welcoming efforts, and help shape the future of a more inclusive city through presentations, a resource fair, and opportunities to share your ideas. Hosted by Austin Equity and Inclusion.

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Baby's First Symphony with Highland String Quartet

• Time: 12:30 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.
• Location: Hampton Branch Library at Oak Hill | 5125 Convict Hill Rd, Austin, TX 78749
• Join Austin Public Library and the Highland String Quartet for a welcoming, baby-friendly classical performance, followed by musical instrument playtime for non-walking infants ages 0–12 months.