This Coming Week:
Austin Card Show, Jan 2-4 at Palmer Events Center, SPORTS CARDS | MEMORABILIA | COLLECTIBLES | POKEMON | TCG | AND MORE! https://www.austincardshow.com/
Texas vs. Mississippi State Texas Men’s Basketball, Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Moody Center onTexas Men’s Basketball, https://moodycenteratx.com/event/texas-mens-basketball-mississippi-state/
2026 Kwanzaa Celebration, Saturday, January 3, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Carver Museum. Join us at the Carver on Saturday for a celebration of Black family, community and culture at the Carver 2026 Kwanzaa Celebration. This year we are celebrating the seventh principle – Imani, which means faith! Imani essentially means a profound and enduring belief in and commitment to all that is of value to us as a family, community, people and culture. Faith is put forth as the last principle as unity is put forth as the first principle for a definite reason. It is to indicate that without unity, we cannot begin our most important work, but without faith we cannot sustain it. Unity brings us together and harnesses our strength, but faith in each other and the Good, the Right, the Beautiful inspires and sustains the coming together and the commitment to take the work to its end.
MC Darren Hyson will host our celebration that includes special music and dance performances, and more. Come out to celebrate and support local Black owned businesses and sample foods from the African Diaspora! Free and open to the public. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kwanzaa-at-the-carver-celebrating-imani-tickets-1977320481789?aff=oddtdtcreator
Lakeside Maker’s Market, January 03, 2026 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Cafe at The Loren (1211 W. Riverside Drive). Head to The Cafe at The Loren for a delightful afternoon of shopping, sipping and explore an array of handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans.
H-E-B Free First Sunday, January 4, 2026 10:00am – 5:00pm, Bullock Museum. Start the new year off right with a free visit to the Bullock. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Take this chance to explore Texas under one roof through three floors of exhibitions with ever-changing artifacts and incredible stories.
Texas Women’s Basketball vs. Ole Miss, Sunday 4th at 2pm at the Moody Center | UT Campus. https://moodycenteratx.com/event/texas-womens-basketball-olemiss/
MoonLAUF, Jan 07, 2026, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum (605 Azie Morton Rd) Since 2017, the UMLAUF and AiA Austin have partnered to support Austin’s emerging architects and designers through an annual juried competition. In 2025, the AIA Austin Emerging Professionals Committee and the UMLAUF are proud to present the 8th annual Design Shine, showcasing winning installations from 4 local design teams/individuals, each offering a unique interpretation of the Nestled in Nature theme. The installations include elements of light that can also be enjoyed during evening events or viewed from the street.
Free Week at the Jones Center, Jan 7–11 (Wed–Sun) At the Jones Center, Enjoy free admission to the Jones Center from January 7-11 (Wed–Sun) and experience our current exhibitions The Canvas Can Do Miracles, Teddy Sandoval and the Butch Gardens School of Art, and HOST: Raul De Lara before they end on January 11. And while you’re there, take a moment to stroll by Manik Raj Nakra’s exterior mural Man Who Fell to Earth. Capacity is limited; pre-registration recommended. https://thecontemporaryaustin.org/
On Going Holiday Festivities:
The ZACH Theatre’s A Christmas Carol now until January 03, 2026 7:30 pm,The Topfer at Zach Theatre (202 South Lamar). ZACH Theatre brings back its popular holiday production of “A Christmas Carol,” mixing Charles Dickens’ classic story with a high-energy, pop-infused performance. The show is adapted and directed by Dave Steakley with musical direction by Allen Robertson.
The Light Park (Round Rock), Friday, December 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026,Dell Diamond, (3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock), Buckle up, turn up the volume, and prepare for a dazzling experience at The Light Park! You will immerse yourself in a mile-long light show featuring millions of stunning LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy holiday music presented by DJ Polar Ice.
This resident mixologist spins re-imagined holiday favorites blended with fresh beats to keep the energy high from start to finish, and you can even tune in before arrival to set the festive tone on your drive to The Light Park.
From giant illuminated tunnels to towering animated trees and dancing reindeer, every night promises an unforgettable spectacle of color and sound designed to delight all ages. Starts at $29 https://www.thelightpark.com/locations/round-rock-texas
Luminations, Dec. 5, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (4801 La Crosse Ave.). Enjoy the natural wonder of winter in our gardens and natural areas. Featuring thousands of luminarias and seasonal delights. Luminations returns this winter! Celebrate the season under a canopy of twinkling lights. Stroll glowing garden paths, enjoy nightly live music, and warm up with hot chocolate, churros, and festive photo moments
Die Hard Pop-Up at Saturn, Now open, various times, 906 Congress Ave.
Calling all Die Hard fans! Whether or not you think it’s a bona fide Christmas movie, the Bruce Willis classic inspired a new pop-up at Saturn that is debuting this week. Sip cocktails with names like Is the Building on Fire? and My Wife’s Pregnant as you soak in the fake C4 explosives hung from the ceiling and the glorious 1980s office party decor.
Jingle Jangle, Nov. 18-Jan. 4, The Dead Rabbit Austin (204 E. Sixth St.) Celebrate the holidays with flair at The Dead Rabbit’s festive pop-up. In addition to nostalgic decorations and Irish Christmas music, the bar will feature drinks like the Cookie Jar, made with Irish whiskey, coconut rum, vanilla, chai, and lemon, and the Naughty List, a hot beverage made with Irish whiskey, Scotch, chocolate, oats, and salted caramel cream. https://thedeadrabbit.com/location/austin/
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Nov. 19-Jan. 3, The Topfer at Zach. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story of regret and redemption is coming up on 200 years, but it never goes out of style. Zach’s musical production has been going for about 10 years itself, with an adaptation by director Dave Steakley bringing a fresh perspective and pop-concert sensibility to the timeless tale. Make this one of your holiday stops this year and take note of special shows like the Champagne Opening, Pride Night, Zachademia Night, and more.
Peppermint Parkway, Nov 21st- Jan 4th, Circuit of The Americas
Peppermint Parkway is a magical experience at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas. This year, the holiday spectacular will be transformed into a one-mile driving attraction that immerses visitors in millions of holiday lights synchronized to joyful holiday classics. https://peppermintparkway.com/
Four Seasons Ice Rodeo (Nov. 21-Jan. 4) Experience the magic of ice skating in Austin at the Ice Rodeo, Austin’s premier ice rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake. From November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026, skate beneath the stars in a winter wonderland at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, cozy dining cabins, pop-up lounges, family nights, immersive holiday décor and art installations. https://www.fourseasons.com/austin/ice-rodeo/
Coming Soon:
Free Week, 1/9/26 – 1/10/26, Red River Cultural District. The beginning of January might be the best time for a music fan to visit Austin. Why? Hundreds of Austin bands participate in this annual event that encompasses multiple venues all over Austin https://redriverculturaldistrict.org/free-week/
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire, January 09, 2026 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Moody Center (2001 Robert Dedman Dr) Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow-N-Fire, which won the Pollstar Family Show of the Year award in 2025, returns to Austin Jan. 9-10. Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks light up in the dark, and the world debut of an all-new truck to the tour: Rhinomite — the dynamite Rhino-themed truck. Charging horn-first into challenges, Rhinomite explodes on the scene with a mission to destroy the competition. This exciting new experience will feature never-before-seen stunts performed by the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, as well as the all-new No-Handed Front Flip performed by the FMX riders.
Austin Camerata and The Cathedral Presents the 5th Annual Cello Fest, January 10, 2026 2:00 pm, The Cathedral (2403 E 16th St). Austin Camerata and The Cathedral will present the fifth annual Cello Fest on Jan. 10–11, bringing an eight-cellist ensemble into one of Austin’s premier gallery spaces. The program spans classical, rock and pop, showcasing the versatility of the cello across centuries and genres.
The anniversary edition features guest cellist Bion Tsang and drummer Sam Wheeler performing a rarely heard concerto blending blues, jazz and rock influences. Tickets include a pre-show cocktail hour to view The Cathedral’s current exhibition of works by local women and nonbinary artists, followed by a one-hour performance and an open bar.tickets@thecathedralatx.com
‘Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster’ at The Paramount Theatre, January 11, 2026 2:00 pm, The Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave). The Paramount Theatre will present “Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster” on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, with performances at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The family-friendly production is staged by the acclaimed theater company Manual Cinema and is co-presented with Texas Performing Arts. Based on beloved books by Mo Willems, the show brings Leonardo, the Terrible Monster and Sam, the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World to life using hundreds of puppets to create a live “movie” onstage. The performance is recommended for ages 4 and up. A pop-up BookPeople book fair will be available in the lobby before and after the show.
The Improvised Shakespeare Company, January 16-17, McCullough Theatre (2390 Robert Dedman Dr.) Based on one audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a brand new, fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. All of the dialogue is said for the first time, the characters are created as you watch, and if you’re ever wondering where the story is going…so are they! You’ve never seen the Bard like this before! https://texasperformingarts.evenue.net/
Catching the Light: Works by Madelon Umlauf at the Old Bakery & Emporium, Saturday, 1/17, 1:00PM-4:00PM, Free and open to the public. Madelon Umlauf (1942-2025) was a talented artist and respected educator born to Charles and Angeline Umlauf and raised in Austin. You’re invited to the opening reception of her exhibition Catching the Light, on view at the Old Bakery & Emporium.
Austin International Half, 1/18/26. Downtown Austin. Formerly the 3M Half Marathon, the Austin International Half boasts one of the fastest half-marathon courses in the country. Enjoy a mostly downhill course that takes you past some of Austin’s finest locations and finishes downtown near the Texas State Capitol. https://www.austintexas.org/event/spurs-austin-international-half-marathon/386078/
MLK Day Festival, 1/19/26, MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus
Don’t miss this year’s MLK Day celebrations with The Austin Area Heritage Council. Enjoy a walk starting from the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on the University of Texas campus to the south steps of the Capitol for a rally and ending the march at the historic Huston-Tillotson University for activities and events. https://www.austintexas.org/event/austin-mlk-day-march-festival-and-food-drive/377820/
‘Reuse On the Runway: The Exhibit’ Artist Reception, January 21, 2026 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, The Doughtery Arts Center (1110 Barton Springs Road) “Reuse On the Runway: The Exhibit” will be on view Jan. 17–Feb. 28, 2026, at the Julia C. Butridge Gallery at the Dougherty Arts Center, showcasing 24 upcycled couture looks from Austin Creative Reuse’s 2025 Reuse on the Runway fashion show. The exhibition features designs created from repurposed materials such as fabric remnants, architectural samples, newspapers and everyday objects.
An artist reception is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m., followed by an artist talk on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibit highlights the intersection of fashion, sustainability and creative reuse.
Hi, How Are You Day 2026, January 23, 2026 7:00 pm, The Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave. ) The annual music and mental health awareness event will return Jan. 23, 2026, at Austin’s historic Paramount Theatre. Hosted by the Hi, How Are You Project in honor of Daniel Johnston’s birthday, the signature fundraiser brings together artists, advocates and the community to promote open conversations around mental health. The main stage lineup features Nathaniel Rateliff (solo) and Lamont Landers. Additional shows expand the celebration across Austin, with performances by Caroline Hale and Witches Exist on Jan. 22 at the Ballroom, followed by a late-night set Jan. 23 at the Continental Club featuring Landers with Donovan Keith. https://tickets.austintheatre.org/13069/13070
Le Garage Sale in Austin, January 24 & 25, 2026 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Palmer Events Center (900 Barton Springs Rd). Le Garage Boutique Sale returns with its biannual shopping event, bringing together discounted fashion from local boutiques, brands and designers under one roof. The Austin-born sale, which has been a fixture in the city’s fashion scene since 2001, features every rack at reduced prices. In addition to shopping, the two-day event includes a DJ, cocktails and giveaways. Advance tickets are available for those who want to skip the line.
PlayStation: The Concert, January 29, 2026 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm, Bass Concert Hall (2350 Robert Dedman Dr) Immerse yourself in the worlds of PlayStation™ like never before at PlayStation: The Concert. This revolutionary live experience takes you on a journey through the most celebrated scores in gaming history, including God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon and beyond. Each piece is reimagined for the stage in collaboration with acclaimed composers such as Gustavo Santaolalla, Bear McCreary, Ilan Eshkeri and Joris de Man.
At the heart of the show is a troupe of 15 virtuosic soloists whose dynamic performances blend classical skill with contemporary flair. Enhanced by advanced LED projection, surround sound, and multi-layered visuals, their artistry transforms beloved soundtracks into a living, breathing experience that resonates with gamers and music lovers alike.
Celebrating PlayStation’s three decades of storytelling and artistry, this once-in-a-lifetime concert invites you to rediscover the music that defined entire worlds. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event — secure your tickets now and prepare to be transported like never before.
February 2026
Jo’s Chili Cook-Off, 2/1/26, Jo’s Coffee South Congress. Join Jo’s for a day of live music, cold beer and chili as they host their 19th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Entry to the event is free, and guests can purchase a wristband day-of to taste chili from some of Austin’s best restaurants and amateur culinary talent. https://www.austintexas.org/event/jos-annual-chili-cook-off/384811/
Black History Month, 2/1/26 – 2/28/26, Various Locations. To commemorate Black History Month, there will be events throughout the city celebrating important people and moments in time in African-American history. https://www.austintexas.org/explore/cultural-heritage/black-austin/
UMLAUF After Dark: Lunar New Year, Feb 03, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, 605 Azie Morton Rd, Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the UMLAUF! This evening event features vibrant performances and community connections to commemorate tradition and usher in good fortune.
SCHEDULE:
6:30PM (member) and 7:30 PM (public): Performances by Moonflower Performing Arts Group
8PM: Luminous Dragon Dance Performance by Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team
ALL NIGHT:
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Asian-American Artists + Vendors
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Community Partners
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Specialty Cocktail
Carnaval Brasileiro , 2/7/26, Speakeasy .Carnaval in Austin is one of the biggest Brazilian Carnaval celebrations outside Brazil. Brasileiro-style samba, costumes and wild abandon can all be seen in the heart of Texas.
Austin Marathon, 2/15/26, Downtown Austin. The Ascension Seaton Austin Marathon is returning to Austin in 2026. Whether you participate in the marathon, half marathon or 5K, or cheer on the runners, don’t miss this exciting race through Downtown Austin. https://www.austintexas.org/events/austin-marathon/
OUTsider Festival, 2/18/26 – 2/22/26, The VORTEX. As one of Austin’s most progressive festivals, OUTsider brings together Austin’s LGBTQ community for three days of creation and inspiration. This multidisciplinary art festival showcases film, performance art, music, visual art and more. https://www.outsiderfest.org/
San Antonio Spurs I-35 Series, Feb 19 & 21, Moody Center. Basketball fans, mark your calendar, the I-35 Series is back in Austin, Texas at the Moody Center. https://www.nba.com/spurs/schedule
ATX Open, 2/21/26 – 3/1/26, Westwood Country Club. The ATX Open is the only professional tour-level tennis tournament held annually in Austin. As part of the Hologic WTA Tour, the ATX Open is one of 50-plus events and four Grand Slams, spanning six continents, and nearly 30 countries and regions, reaching a global audience of over 700 million.
NASCAR at COTA, 2/27/26 – 3/1/26, Circuit of The Americas. Circuit of The Americas (COTA) will welcome race fans this spring when NASCAR returns to Austin, courtesy of Speedway Motorsports. Experience another unforgettable race weekend with the running of the NASCAR Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge at COTA.
March 2026
SXSW® Music, Film and Interactive Conference and Festival, 3/12/26 – 3/18/26 Various Locations. Every spring, crowds descend on Downtown Austin to experience the world-renowned SXSW Conference & Festivals. Consisting of three main components, Interactive, Music, Film and Comedy, each track brings top creatives and global professionals together to collaborate during this exciting week-long event.
Rodeo Austin, 3/13/26 – 3/28/26, Travis County Expo Center. Over the years, Rodeo Austin has grown from a show featuring 16 animals into one of Austin’s premier events, featuring Pro rodeo events, daily concerts, livestock show and more.
MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix, 3/27/26 – 3/29/26, Circuit of The Americas. The fastest show on two wheels revs up Austin for three days of bar-banging motorcycle racing action with the greatest riders in the world! The only North American stop of the world’s premier motorcycle racing series, the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix, comes to COTA this March.
