Updated: Monday, January 12, 2026
Jump to: Free | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Kids
The best free and fun events in Austin, January 16 – 18, include the Spurs Austin International Half Marathon, FronteraFest, and more!
I’ve rounded up the top events and activities happening across the city, from festivals and outdoor fun to live shows and family-friendly picks. Please scroll down for my picks or use the links above to skip to your favorite section!
Editor’s Note: We update this guide each week with verified listings from trusted sources. Still, details can change — please confirm with the event organizer before heading out.
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Free Things to Do in Austin this Weekend
Metaphysical Fair for Austin
Experience a day of insight and transformation at the Metaphysical Fair for Austin. Visitors can connect with gifted psychics, healers, and intuitive readers while exploring a variety of metaphysical vendors.
The event also offers a unique opportunity to discover crystals and spiritual tools designed to provide guidance and refresh your energy for the year ahead.
Where: Wyndham Garden Austin, 3401 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78741
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
How Much: Free
MLK Kids Event
Image credit: Dunbar Heritage Association – DHA
Join the Dunbar Heritage Association for a vibrant celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This family-friendly event invites children and teens (ages 3–18) to engage with history through new books, art, videos, and hands-on crafts.
A highlight of the workshop is the opportunity for participants to design and create their own posters for the upcoming annual MLK Day March.
Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 10:30 am – 1 pm
How Much: Free
Friday in Austin | Best Weekend Kickoff Events
FronteraFest 2026
Image credit: FronteraFest
Austin’s premier performance festival, FronteraFest, returns for its 31st year as a collaboration between Hyde Park Theatre and ScriptWorks. This renowned event draws a diverse array of actors, poets, and improv troupes from across Texas and beyond.
The festival features two distinct components: the Short Fringe, showcasing pieces under 25 minutes, from January 13 through February 14 at Hyde Park Theatre, and Mi Casa es Su Teatro, a unique one-day event on February 7 held primarily in private homes throughout the city.
Where: Hyde Park Theater, 511 W 43rd St, Austin, TX 78751
When: Friday, January 16 – February 14, 2026
How Much: Starts at $26
The Improvised Shakespeare Company
The Improvised Shakespeare Company® produces an entirely new Shakespearean play on the spot based on a single audience-suggested title. Every performance is fully improvised, meaning the dialogue, characters, and plot are created in real time without any prior planning or rehearsal.
Where: McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, January 16 – 17, 2026
How Much: Starts at $47.40
Georgetown Palace Theatre presents Disney’s Frozen
Georgetown Palace Theatre presents Disney’s Frozen, a magical stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning animated film. Experience all the beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage.
Join Princesses Anna and Elsa, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and the cheerful snowman Olaf on an unforgettable journey through the kingdom of Arendelle.
Where: Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Friday, January 16 – February 1, 2026
How Much: Starts at $40
Cap City Comedy Club presents Damon Wayans Jr.
Cap City Comedy Club presents the multifaceted Damon Wayans Jr., an accomplished actor and comedian recognized for his standout performances in both film and television.
Well-known for his starring roles in the hit comedy series “New Girl” and “Happy Endings,” he has also made a significant impact on the big screen in films such as “Let’s Be Cops” and “How to Be Single.”
Where: Capitol City Comedy Club, Bldg B, 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Unit 100, Austin, TX 78758
When: Friday, January 16 – 18, 2026
How Much: Starts at $43.99
Crazy in Love: Beyoncé on Strings
ConcertDome presents Beyoncé on Strings, a transformative musical journey that translates the unmatched power and artistry of the global icon into a symphonic experience.
A live string quartet performs reimagined arrangements of her most influential work, covering everything from the early R&B roots of Destiny’s Child to the contemporary country flair of “Texas Hold ‘Em” and the infectious soul of “Cuff It.”
Set against a backdrop of 360-degree immersive visuals, this performance strips these legendary anthems down to their emotional essence while celebrating the expansive legacy of music’s reigning icon.
Where: ConcertDome, 10300 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78754
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 | 6:30 pm and 8:15 pm
How Much: Starts at $48
Saturday Austin Events: January 17th Highlights
Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay on Strings
Experience the music of Coldplay reimagined for a string quartet at the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University.
The evening’s tentative program features orchestral arrangements of the band’s most iconic hits, including “Yellow,” “The Scientist,” “Fix You,” and “A Sky Full of Stars.” Secure your tickets to enjoy these contemporary anthems in an intimate, atmospheric environment.
Where: Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University, 1001 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 8:45 pm
How Much: Starts at $31
Mark Morris Dance Group: The Look of Love
Image credit: Mark Morris Dance Group
This production celebrates Bacharach’s sophisticated musical style, which blends jazz, rock, and Brazilian influences with the evocative, bittersweet lyrics of Hal David. The production is anchored by a live ensemble of piano, trumpet, bass, and drums, led by the powerhouse vocals of Broadway star Marcy Harriell.
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Not stated
Sunday Funday: Austin Events & Activities
Spurs Austin International Half Marathon
Image credit: Austin International Half
The Spurs Austin International Half Marathon invites runners from across the globe to experience the vibrant energy and scenic beauty of Texas’s capital city. The exhilarating course winds through the heart of Austin, showcasing iconic landmarks and eclectic neighborhoods while immersing participants in the city’s lively culture.
Throughout the race, athletes enjoy live music and world-class support, culminating in an electrifying finish line festival.
Where: 9700 Stonelake Boulevard, Austin
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 6 am
How Much: Starts at $89
Fortlandia
Discover your new secret hideout at Fortlandia, an exciting interactive exhibit waiting for you at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! Connect directly with the environment by climbing upon, crawling through, and exploring a brand-new lineup of unique forts designed by local artists.
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3
Family-Friendly & Kids Events in Austin This Weekend
FronteraFest 2026
Image Credit: Hyde Park Theatre FB Page
Austin’s premier performance festival, FronteraFest, returns for its 31st year as a collaboration between Hyde Park Theatre and ScriptWorks. This renowned event draws a diverse array of actors, poets, and improv troupes from across Texas and beyond.
The festival features two distinct components: the Short Fringe, showcasing pieces under 25 minutes, from January 13 through February 14 at Hyde Park Theatre, and Mi Casa es Su Teatro, a unique one-day event on February 7 held primarily in private homes throughout the city.
Where: Hyde Park Theater, 511 W 43rd St, Austin, TX 78751
When: Friday, January 16 – February 14, 2026
How Much: Starts at $26
Fortlandia
Discover your new secret hideout at Fortlandia, an exciting interactive exhibit waiting for you at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! Connect directly with the environment by climbing upon, crawling through, and exploring a brand-new lineup of unique forts designed by local artists.
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3
MLK Kids Event
Join the Dunbar Heritage Association for a vibrant celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This family-friendly event invites children and teens (ages 3–18) to engage with history through new books, art, videos, and hands-on crafts.
A highlight of the workshop is the opportunity for participants to design and create their own posters for the upcoming annual MLK Day March.
Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 10:30 am – 1 pm
How Much: Free
- Top Weekend Events in Austin – January 16th – 18th, 2026 - January 12, 2026
- Austin Highlights: Jan. 12 to 15 – Food, Music, Arts & More - January 12, 2026
- Top 5 Events in Austin Today – Sunday, 11th January, 2026 - January 11, 2026
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