Downtown gets in the spirit

There’s a lot going on downtown this month; hence our multiple reminders, to help get you in the spirit for whatever you’re celebrating. This Saturday from 3-7 p.m. brings a Shop the Block event along the 600 block of Congress Avenue. Retailers are hosting a sidewalk market with free hot cocoa along with live music from Lion Heights and Leon Sanchez and comedy from the Hideout Theater Improv Group. The festivities continue Sunday from noon-5 p.m. with the People’s Market at Republic Square. This free event hosted by the Downtown Austin Alliance and Frida Friday ATX offers more outdoor shopping opportunities along with live performances from Young Voices of Austin and Mariachi Las Coronelas. There will be food vendors, art exhibits, free yoga and something called a “children’s holiday card activity table,” which sounds like lots of fun for little people.