Austin Highlights: Jan. 19 To 22 – Food, Music, Arts & More

Updated: Sunday, January 18, 2026

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The best free and fun events in Austin, January 19 – 22, include the Broadway in Austin presents Six, Shen Yun, and more!

Austin turns up the energy long before the weekend hits, and this list rounds up the can’t-miss events keeping the city buzzing all week long. Explore what’s happening from January 12 – 15 and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity!

Continue the fun into the weekend with our guide to Things to Do in Austin this Weekend!, published every Monday and updated throughout the week.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, January 19, 2026

Austin MLK Day March, Festival and Food Drive

Austin picks Jan 19 to 22 2026 - Austin MLK Community March & Festival 2026

Image Credit: mlkcelebration.com

This annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. begins with a commemorative march that transitions into a lively community celebration.

Starting at 11:00 AM and continuing until 4:00 PM, the MLK Community Festival will feature a diverse array of vendors and performances by local musical artists, all coming together to create an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the festivities and cultural displays, the event includes a food drive, encouraging attendees to contribute to the well-being of the local community as they honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service and unity.

Where: Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 11 am
How Much: Free

Circles of Light: MLK Community Gathering

Join BRAVE Communities for an intentional gathering designed to foster unity and reflection. This event features “listening circles” where neighbors can engage in meaningful dialogue about social justice, mental health, and community building.

The afternoon also includes live youth performances by the Project Melody Quartet and a pop-up marketplace featuring local BIPOC-owned vendors. It’s located just a short walk from the main MLK Festival at Huston-Tillotson, making it a perfect afternoon stop.

Where: Rozco’s Comedy Club, 1805 E. 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
How Much: Free (Donations suggested to support youth initiatives)

MLK Day Donation Drive at Pease Park

Celebrate the “Day of Service” by giving back to the Austin community at Pease Park. The Pease Park Conservancy is hosting a massive donation drive at Kingsbury Commons to support local families in need.

They are specifically collecting non-perishable food for the Micah 6 food pantry, as well as diapers and period products for the Austin Diaper Bank. It’s a great way to turn the holiday into a “day on, not a day off” while enjoying one of Austin’s most beautiful green spaces.

Where: Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703
When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
How Much: Free to attend (Donations encouraged)

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, January 20, 2026

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Movie Party

The event returns to the perpetually cloudy town of Forks for a Movie Party that promises to outshine all previous installments. As Edward returns and Bella faces the difficult decision between the lifelong bond of her childhood friend Jacob and the immortal future offered by her fiancé, the audience can fully engage with every dramatic turn.

To enhance the experience, guests will receive a variety of themed props designed for fans to truly imprint on. These items include custom-packaged hand warmers for those seeking warmth on a snowy mountain, a glitter temporary tattoo to capture the signature Cullen sparkle, and a graduation tassel to commemorate the Forks High Class of 2010.

Attendees will also receive a special recreation of Bella’s engagement ring to celebrate the pivotal proposal, making this a must-see event for everyone, regardless of their team loyalty.

Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Village, 2700 W Anderson Ln., Austin, TX 78757
When: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $21

Broadway in Austin presents Six

Image credit: austin.broadway

Broadway in Austin presents Six, a high-octane musical phenomenon that reimagines the lives of Henry VIII’s wives.

Moving from Tudor queens to modern pop icons, these six legendary women take the microphone to reclaim their narratives, remixing five centuries of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, January 20 – 25, 2026 | 7 pm
How Much: Not stated

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Shen Yun

Image credit: Shen Yun

Shen Yun presents a unique artistic vision that transforms the theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional and deeply moving journey.

By featuring classical Chinese dance, one of the world’s most ancient and sophisticated dance systems, the production offers a rare glimpse into a heritage of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.

Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $80

Zach Theater presents Murder on the Orient Express

Zach Theatre presents a gripping production of Agatha Christie’s most famous mystery, Murder on the Orient Express. This stage adaptation brings the tension and glamour of Christie’s classic novel to life, offering an edge-of-your-seat experience for fans of the genre.

The story follows the world-renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he boards a luxurious locomotive for what was intended to be a peaceful journey. However, the atmosphere of elegance quickly turns to one of suspense when a passenger is discovered dead in the middle of the night.

Trapped by a snowdrift and surrounded by a carriage full of suspects, each with their own secrets and motives, Poirot must use his legendary intellect to solve the case before the killer strikes again.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, January 21 – March 1, 2026
How Much: Not stated

Crafting & Storytime

The new year brings the return of the beloved Crafting & Storytime event at Letterpress PLAY, offering a delightful morning filled with engaging tales and creative activities.

The session will begin with a reading of two cherished children’s stories designed to spark young imaginations. Following the readings, families are invited to stay for a hands-on experience featuring coloring and assembly of our unique letterpress printed paper toys.

Where: Letterpress PLAY, 2002 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 10:30 am
How Much: Free

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, January 22, 2026

Free Beginner Acroyoga Class

Image credit: Empowered Acro

Empowered Acro is celebrating its ninth anniversary this January by offering free introductory acroyoga classes to the community.

Designed specifically for beginners, the class guides you through foundational poses that often yield surprising results in just a single session, and you will have the opportunity to capture fun photos of your new accomplishments.

The environment is inclusive and welcoming to all bodies, and there is no need to bring a partner as you can arrive solo or with a group.

Where: Impact Martial Arts, 9501 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
When: Thursday, January 22, 2026
How Much: Free

Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party

Renowned comedian, actor, host, and author Bert Kreischer arrives in Austin as a major stop on his highly anticipated Permission to Party Tour.

This tour follows the successful release of his 2025 Netflix special, Lucky, which joined his extensive catalog of hits, including Razzle Dazzle, Hey Big Boy, and the world-famous story The Machine.

Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, January 22 – 23, 2026
How Much: Not stated

Already planning your days off? Browse our latest picks for Friday through Sunday in Austin — concerts, food festivals, date ideas, and more await!

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.