January 2026 events in Austin

Austin in January: 19 Winter Events 

December 31, 2025 | by Heywood Hotel
Austin Events, Heywood Picks

January is a great time to visit Austin to escape colder weather. The energy is active and the weather is mild — usually promising sunny, cool days that are best spent outside. It’s also a time when restaurants and the airport are less busy, hotels are more affordable, and there are a number of free events to make a visit worthwhile.

Even so, if you’re here during the winter, it’s always a good idea to have a few indoor activities on your itinerary. 

If you’re planning a trip to Austin this winter, we put together some of our favorite January events worth adding to your calendar.

Barton Springs Polar Bear Plunge 

Start the new year with a splash at the Save Our Springs Alliance’s annual Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs Pool. The beloved Austin tradition has been taking place for over 30 years and is a chance to celebrate community and clean water advocacy. The group jump happens at 9:30am and is followed by coffee and donuts to warm up post-plunge. 

Guided Goat Walk at Jester King Brewery 

If you’re looking for a uniquely Austin experience, head to Jester King Brewery for a Guided Goat Walk. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings in January, you can go for a one-hour guided goat walk through the farmhouse brewery’s expansive property alongside a herd of 75 Nigerian Dwarf goats as they graze. Tickets are $15 per person and the tour starts at 5pm each day.

Free Week

Kick off the new year in Austin with free live music during Free Week, January 9-10. Presented by the Red River Cultural District, the annual winter festival began in 2003 as a way to keep venues and musicians busy during a typically slow season. This year’s free performances are taking place across 12 live music venues in downtown’s Red River Cultural District including Mohawk, Empire Control Room, Cheer Stubb’s, and more. 

Want to stay near the Red River area? The Heywood Hotel is just a short five-minute drive, and we have free parking for guests. 

Cello Fest

From January 10-11, cellists from Austin Camerata are presenting Cello Fest, an intimate musical performance. The evening includes a cocktail hour, a one-hour performance featuring 8 cellists, and an open bar with complimentary cocktails from local vendors. There are three seatings on Saturday — one at 2pm, a second at 5pm, and the final seating at 8pm — and two on Sunday. The event takes place on January 10 at The Cathedral, a unique art gallery in a refurbished 1930s church in East Austin about two miles from the Heywood.

City-Wide Vintage Sale 

Vintage lovers and bargain hunters will delight in the City-Wide Vintage Sale where decades of treasures, antiques, collectibles, and unique finds await from more than 80 vendors. It’s a must-visit marketplace if you’re looking to score something special or just spend a weekend browsing timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces. The event takes place January 10-11 at Palmer Events Center.

Austin International Half Marathon

Spurs Austin International Half Marathon (formerly 3M Half Marathon) takes place on January 18. This race is different from others in Austin in that it has a significant downhill elevation — it even touts itself as the downhill-to-downtown race. The half marathon starts up north, runs along Mopac, and ends at the Texas State Capitol.

Austin MLK Day March and Festival 

Join the community in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at the annual Austin MLK Day March, Festival, and Food Drive on January 19. The march begins at the State Capitol with a rally and concludes at Huston-Tillotson University where participants can gather for a lively festival that includes local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. Participants are also asked to bring non-perishable foods that will be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank. 

Le Garage Sale 

Head to the Palmer Events Center January 24-25 for Le Garage Sale, Austin’s semi-annual shopping event where top local boutiques and independent designers bring all of their sale racks under one roof for two days of deals. Expect a lively atmosphere with DJs, cocktails, giveaways, and an unbeatable opportunity to discover stylish finds at great prices while shopping locally. General admission tickets are $12 per day, and VIP tickets are $25. 

Concerts and shows in January