Updated: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Jump to: Free | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Kids
The best free and fun events in Austin, January 9 – 11, include Intro to Mural Painting Workshop at The Lot on 12th, Arboretum Food and Artisan Market, 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!
Stay on top of the best weekend events in Austin with our always-up-to-date guide to Things to Do in Austin this Weekend! Updates are 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.
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. This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Things to do in Austin this Weekend – Free Events in Austin (January 9 – 11)
Free Week
The Red River Cultural District proudly brings back Free Week, its multi-genre, multi-venue, admission-free winter music festival, to downtown Austin on January 9–10, 2026. Kick off the new year with two nights of free performances from dozens of local music acts.
Expect beloved Austin staples like Stubb’s, Mohawk, Flamingo Cantina, and Empire to be present at key cultural spots such as The 13th Floor, Elysium, Valhalla, Swan Dive, and more for an unforgettable celebration.
Where: Multiple venues
When: Friday, January 9 – 10, 2026
How Much: Free
Manifest the Future: Youth New Works Festival Workshop
Manifest the Future celebrates original artistic works from Austin-area children and teens with a free festival hosted by New Manifest Theatre Company.
Young artists connect with mentors who guide them in creating original theatre or music pieces, culminating in a free performance on January 24, where they showcase their work to family and friends.
Workshops support participants in writing and performing skills, led by professional artist educators and a Spanish bilingual educator, providing strong guidance throughout the creative process.
Where: Easton Park, 7604 Solari Dr, Austin, TX 78744
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026
How Much: Free
Meet Me at the Mile Marker
Image credit: The Trail Conservancy
Join The Trail Conservancy for a morning-long celebration of the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail! Explore Mile 1 to Mile 10, stopping to discover special highlights that showcase the people, partners, and places that make the Butler Trail so beloved.
Expect activities such as free kayak rentals, live music, free snacks, ecological restoration, and more.
Where: Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Austin, TX
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 9 am – 11 am
How Much: Free
Things to do in Austin this Weekend – Friday Events (9th of January)
Open Comedy Mic Night at Hopsquad Brewery Co.
Friendly Friends Fridays is the fastest, wildest comedy show in Austin – come see a free show with a stacked roster of Austin comedians doing lightning-fast sets!
Where: 2307 Kramer Ln, Austin, TX 78758
When: Friday, January 9, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
How Much: Free
Candlelight: The Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Step into the glow of candlelight and experience the magic of Best of Bridgerton on Strings in Austin. Hear your favorite melodies from Shondaland’s hit Netflix series, Bridgerton, beautifully reimagined by a talented string ensemble.
Where: The Mansion, 2312 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Friday, January 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $38
STOMP
Image credit: STOMP
STOMP delivers an explosive, inventive, and utterly unique percussion experience that captivates audiences of all ages. This international sensation fills the stage with magnificent rhythms using everything but conventional instruments, including matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and hubcaps.
With rave reviews and numerous awards, STOMP keeps audiences worldwide coming back for more of its pulse-pounding, electrifying show. Don’t miss the chance to see what all the noise is about.
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, January 9 – 10, 2026
How Much: Starts at $48
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ rolls into Austin with its new Glow-N-Fire theme, delivering the thrilling fun fans expect with an exciting fiery twist.
See favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks onstage once again, including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and the brand-new Skelesaurus™, the giant unleashing fossil fury. The show also features a transforming robot and the high-flying Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team.
You can also join the Pre-Show Party held two and a half hours before every performance, where you get up close to the massive trucks on the arena floor and enjoy autograph signings from your favorite drivers and performers.
Each Pre-Show Party ticket includes an autograph card and a lanyard exclusive to attendees, making this an unforgettable experience for Hot Wheels fans.
Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, January 9 – 10, 2026
How Much: Starts at $23
Georgetown Palace Theatre presents Disney’s Frozen
Image credit: Georgetown Palace Theatre
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 9 – February 1, 2026
How Much: Starts at $40
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Saturday Events (January 10th)
Arboretum Food and Artisan Market
Come join us for the Arboretum Food and Artisan Market in the parking lot of the Juliet Kitchen in the Arboretum every Saturday! We have hot foods including fresh arepas, dumplings, gourmet foods, baked goods, local meats, veggies, fresh eggs, artisans, home goods, and more! Over 40 vendors weekly!
Where: 10000 Research Blvd Building C, Austin, TX 78759
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | Every Saturday
How Much: Free
Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
Discover the music of Adele at The Mansion, all under the gentle glow of candlelight.
The tentative program features Hello, Rumour Has It, Make You Feel My Love, Water Under the Bridge, Oh My God, Someone Like You, Send My Love (To Your New Lover), Chasing Pavements, Skyfall, When We Were Young, Set Fire to the Rain, Easy On Me, and Rolling in the Deep.
Where: The Mansion, 2312 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 8:45 pm
How Much: Starts at $49.50
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Austin, TX
Prepare for a thrilling night of intrigue and laughter at North America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theater show, now playing right here in Austin!
Enjoy a delicious dinner while you solve a hilarious true crime. Just be careful — the killer is hiding in plain sight among the audience, and you might just become a prime suspect yourself!
Where: Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown, 810 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 6 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $69.99
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Sunday Events January 11th
Intro to Mural Painting Workshop at The Lot on 12th
Unleash your inner artist at this hands-on Intro to Mural Painting Workshop! Hosted by Raasin in the Sun, the event takes place on Sunday at The Lot on 12th in Austin, TX. Participants of all skill levels (ages 10 and above) will dive into aerosol art and learn spray-paint techniques, from can control to creating vibrant designs, in a fun and creative atmosphere.
Where: 1522 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Sunday, January 11, 2026 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
How Much: $17.85
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 11, 2026 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Kids Events January 9th to 11th
STOMP
STOMP delivers an explosive, inventive, and utterly unique percussion experience that captivates audiences of all ages. This international sensation fills the stage with magnificent rhythms using everything but conventional instruments, including matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and hubcaps.
With rave reviews and numerous awards, STOMP keeps audiences worldwide coming back for more of its pulse-pounding, electrifying show. Don’t miss the chance to see what all the noise is about!
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, January 9 – 10, 2026
How Much: Starts at $48
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
Image credit: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ rolls into Austin with its new Glow-N-Fire theme, delivering the thrilling fun fans expect with an exciting fiery twist.
See favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks onstage once again, including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and the brand-new Skelesaurus™, the giant unleashing fossil fury. The show also features a transforming robot and the high-flying Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team.
You can also join the Pre-Show Party held two and a half hours before every performance, where you get up close to the massive trucks on the arena floor and enjoy autograph signings from your favorite drivers and performers.
Each Pre-Show Party ticket includes an autograph card and a lanyard exclusive to attendees, making this an unforgettable experience for Hot Wheels fans.
Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, January 9 – 10, 2026
How Much: Starts at $23
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 9, 2026 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3
Manifest the Future: Youth New Works Festival Workshop
Manifest the Future celebrates original artistic works from Austin-area children and teens with a free festival hosted by New Manifest Theatre Company.
Young artists connect with mentors who guide them in creating original theatre or music pieces, culminating in a free performance on January 24th, where they showcase their work to family and friends.
Workshops support participants in writing and performing skills, led by professional artist educators and a Spanish bilingual educator, providing strong guidance throughout the creative process.
Where: Easton Park, 7604 Solari Dr, Austin, TX 78744
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026
How Much: Free
Meet Me at the Mile Marker
Join The Trail Conservancy for a morning-long celebration of the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail! Explore Mile 1 to Mile 10, stopping to discover special highlights that showcase the people, partners, and places that make the Butler Trail so beloved.
Expect activities such as free kayak rentals, live music, free snacks, ecological restoration, and more!
Where: Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Austin, TX
When: Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 9 am – 11 am
How Much: Free
