To many, it's the most anticipated event of the year. Hundreds of volunteers, thousands of attendees, and hundreds of thousands of items. Few Austin traditions are quite as beloved, or quite as rewarding, as The Settlement Home for Children’s Annual Garage & Estate Sale. Returning for its 51st year, this celebrated shopping extravaganza invites bargain hunters, design enthusiasts, fashion lovers, collectors, and treasure seekers to uncover something wonderful while supporting an extraordinary cause, as our treasure-hunting philanthropy chronicler Lance Avery Morgan shares.
Set for November 4 (see below for details on the VIP Event and early-bird shopping opportunity) and November 6–8, 2026, at the Palmer Events Center, the four-day event promises an irresistible mix of one-of-a-kind finds, stylish discoveries, practical treasures, and the kind of unexpected shopping moments that make a great sale so much fun. With 21 departments to explore, shoppers can spend the day browsing, discovering, and perhaps finding something they never knew they needed.
And the best part? Every dollar raised directly supports the vital programs of Austin’s own Settlement Home for Children.
21 Departments. Endless Possibilities.
Whether your shopping list calls for a statement piece of furniture, a fabulous fashion find, or a little retail therapy with a meaningful purpose, The Settlement Home’s Garage & Estate Sale offers plenty of reasons to make a day of it.
Among the many departments awaiting shoppers are:
- Vintage furniture and home décor: Discover distinctive pieces, decorative accents, and treasures ready to bring new personality to a home.
- Designer clothing: Refresh your wardrobe with stylish finds and fashion-forward discoveries.
- Jewelry: Search for standout accessories, timeless pieces, and unexpected gems.
- Sporting goods: Find equipment and gear for active pursuits and weekend adventures.
- Electronics: Browse practical gadgets and technology finds.
- And much more: With 21 departments in total, there is always another corner to explore and another treasure waiting to be discovered.
For longtime attendees, the sale is a cherished annual ritual. For first-time shoppers, it is an invitation to experience one of Austin’s most distinctive shopping events, where the thrill of the find meets the satisfaction of giving back.
Shopping With A Bigger Purpose
Behind every bargain is a mission that reaches far beyond the sales floor. Located on a 10-acre campus in Austin, The Settlement Home for Children is a licensed nonprofit dedicated to helping children in foster care access the support they need to restore and preserve a permanent sense of well-being. Its mission is to promote healing and growth in children, young adults, and families through a continuum of care, support, and resources.
The organization serves individuals who have experienced severe emotional trauma, abuse, and neglect. Through its programs and services, The Settlement Home works to create opportunities for healing, stability, growth, and brighter futures.
That makes every purchase at the Settlement Home Garage & Estate Sale more than a smart shopping decision. It directly supports an organization helping vulnerable children and families move toward a stronger, more hopeful future.
A Tradition Powered By Austin Generosity
The 51st Annual Garage & Estate Sale is being led by event co-chairs Cathy Buchanan, Marian Kelley, and Carolyn Mobley, whose efforts help bring this much-anticipated Austin tradition to life.
The event reflects the generosity and community spirit that have made The Settlement Home’s sale a perennial favorite. It is a place where bargain hunters mingle with collectors, design lovers browse alongside families, and shoppers of every kind come together for a common purpose.
Whether you are searching for an heirloom-worthy accent, a designer addition to your closet, a practical household item, or simply the joy of finding something fabulous at a great price, the sale offers a compelling reason to shop, and to shop generously.
Mark Your Calendar
Clear your schedule, gather your shopping list, and prepare to explore four days of bargains and treasures at one of Austin’s most enduring charitable shopping traditions.
When: November 4 and November 6–8, 2026
Where: Palmer Events Center 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
Shopping Dates & Times
Wednesday, November 4 Preview Party: 7 p.m.-10 p.m. | $125
Friday, November 6 Early Bird Shopping*: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. | $25
General Shopping: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | $10. Sip ‘n’ Shop: 4 p.m.-8 p.m. | $10
Saturday, November 7 Early Bird Shopping*: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. | $15. General Shopping: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | FREE
Sunday, November 8
General Shopping: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | FREE. Box Sale: 3 p.m.-4 p.m. | Buy a box for $15: whatever fits, you keep. *Early Bird shoppers will enjoy continued access to shopping after 10 a.m. when shopping opens to the public.
Curated Texan’s takeaway: The best kind of shopping story is one in which everyone wins. At The Settlement Home’s 51st Annual Garage & Estate Sale, the treasures may be vintage, designer, practical, or completely unexpected, but the impact is lasting. Come for the finds, stay for the fun, and shop knowing that every dollar helps support Austin’s children and families.
Event details are based on information supplied by The Settlement Home for Children. Visit the official website for ticketing, admission details, and the latest event updates.