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The best free and fun events in Austin, January 30 – Feb 1, include the Austin Revolution Film Festival, Bye Bye Dry January with Austin Ale Trail, 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!
Weather this Weekend – Jan 30 – Feb 1: A secondary surge of Arctic air will keep conditions quite cold throughout the weekend, with freezing morning temperatures and highs struggling to climb out of the 40s and 50s.
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.
Free Things to Do in Austin this Weekend
Arty Party: Kindness!
This free, interactive story time invites you to explore the beautiful sculpture park through books, songs, and hands-on art experiences designed for small hands and big hearts.
It’s a wonderful way to play, grow, and connect with other families in the community—just be sure to reserve your free tickets in advance to secure a spot for this monthly morning of joy!
Where: The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
When: Friday, January 30, 2026 | 10 am – 11 am
How Much: Free
Drink + Draw
Image credit: Contracommon
Unleash your inner artist at Drink + Draw. This free event welcomes all skill levels and media, offering the perfect opportunity to meet local artists while enjoying refreshments from community sponsors.
Whether you are a professional or just looking to doodle, come join the camaraderie and kick off your weekend with some low-pressure art-making!
Where: Contracommon, 12912 Hill Country Blvd f140, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5 pm
How Much: Free
Austin Witches Market
Explore a world of local magic at the Austin Witches Market. You can browse through a curated selection of crystals, tarot decks, handcrafted jewelry, and ritual tools while enjoying the relaxed, outdoor atmosphere of this East Austin favorite.
Where: Ani’s Day and Night, 7107 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 12 pm – 4 pm
How Much: Free entry
Latinas Run ATX
Image credit: latinasrunatx
Lace up your sneakers and join Latinas Run ATX for a vibrant community run and walk at PopStroke. You can choose between a 2.5-mile run at a 10–12 min/mile pace or a 1.5-mile “Hot Girl Walk,” making it a perfect morning for every fitness level.
After you finish your miles, you are invited to stay for the post-run social, where you can hang out, play sand volleyball, or grab a club for some mini-golf.
Where: PopStroke, 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 9:30 am
How Much: Free entry
Jo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off
Join the “fiesta of flavor” in the Hotel San José parking lot to taste dozens of unique recipes while enjoying live music from Jeff Hughes & Chaparral and the Jo’s House Band.
While entry is free, for $25, you can grab a tasting wristband to sample every entry and cast your vote for the “Crowd Favorite,” with all proceeds benefiting Free Lunch to help combat food insecurity in Austin.
Where: Hotel San Jose, 1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 12 pm – 3 pm
How Much: Free entry
Friday in Austin | Best Weekend Kickoff Events
Weather on Friday: Turning much colder with increasing clouds and a slight chance of light rain or sprinkles; High 49°F / Low 28°F (20% chance of precipitation).
Austin Revolution Film Festival
Dive into a world of independent cinema at the 14th Annual Austin Revolution Film Festival. Explore a global selection of films at the AFS Cinema or head to the Holiday Inn Austin Midtown for exclusive networking mixers and filmmaker speed dating.
Where: Various locations in Austin
When: Friday, January 30 – 31, 2026
How Much: Varies
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins
Watch the magic of Cherry Tree Lane come to life as the LT Choir and Tech Theatre departments transform the Lake Travis High School Performing Arts Center into a world of wonder.
This enchanting production of Mary Poppins features your favorite songs and high-flying stagecraft, offering a “practically perfect” evening for the whole family.
Where: Lake Travis Performing Arts Center, Lake Travis High School, 3324 Ranch Rd 620 S, Austin, TX 78738
When: Friday, January 30 – February 2, 2026
How Much: Not stated
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 30 – February 1, 2026
How Much: Starts at $40
Saturday Austin Events: January 31st Highlights
Weather on Saturday: Cold and mostly sunny with a biting north wind; High 47°F / Low 30°F (0% chance of precipitation).
Red Dragon Players presents Gypsy: A Musical Fable
Experience the ambition and heartbreak of show business as Austin High School’s Red Dragon Players bring the legendary musical Gypsy to life.
Don’t miss your chance to see this “crowning achievement” of American theater, featuring a powerful score by Stephen Sondheim and Jule Styne.
Where: Austin High School, 1715 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703
When: Saturday, January 31 – February 8, 2026
How Much: $10 – $15
The Arboretum Food and Artisan Market
Support over 40 local vendors in the parking lot of Juliet Italian Kitchen while browsing a unique selection of fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, and handcrafted home goods.
Where: 10000 Research Blvd. Austin, TX 78759
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026
How Much: Not stated
Sunday Funday: Austin Events & Activities
Weather on Sunday: Sunny and slightly milder but still chilly; High 56°F / Low 31°F (0% chance of precipitation).
Bye Bye Dry January with Austin Ale Trail
Vacancy Brewing is hosting a laid-back celebration to officially close out Dry January with good beer, great food, and warm vibes. Guests are invited to enjoy fresh pours from Vacancy Brewing alongside pop-ups from St. Blane’s Hot Sauce and Salam’s Grill, serving up bold flavors and tasty bites.
Attendees can also kick off or continue their Austin Ale Trail adventure by grabbing a passport on-site and earning their first stamp. It’s a relaxed, social afternoon perfect for gathering with friends, bundling up, and easing back into the local brewery scene.
Where: 415 E St Elmo Rd 1 d2, Austin, TX 78745
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 1 pm – 4 pm
How Much: Not Stated
Blade Runner Live
Immerse yourself in a neon-drenched future as Ridley Scott’s cult classic, Blade Runner (The Final Cut), hits the screen. This cinematic event features Vangelis’ iconic, synthesizer-led score performed live and in sync by The Avex Ensemble, bringing an unparalleled depth to the film’s stylish noir atmosphere.
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026
How Much: Starts at $40.80
Sistine Chapel Experience
Step inside a breathtaking recreation of the Vatican’s most famous masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel Experience in Austin.
You can see Michelangelo’s legendary frescoes in a full-scale replica that brings every brushstroke and hidden detail within reach, accompanied by cinematic storytelling that explores the lives of Renaissance masters.
Where: Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746
When: Sunday, February 1 – April 26, 2026
How Much: Not stated
The VORTEX presents the wolf you feed
Venture to the feral outskirts of a national forest at The VORTEX for Darcy Parker Bruce’s new play, The Wolf You Feed. This punk-inspired modern fable follows Max as she navigates the chaotic influence of a wild wolf pack while living in a mysterious roadside motel.
Will you witness Max’s ultimate transformation or her return to the world she once knew?
Where: The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd #2135, Austin, TX 78722
When: Friday, January 30 – February 7, 2026
How Much: Starts at $15
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: Sunday, February 1 – March 1, 2026
How Much: Not stated
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, 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
Arty Party: Kindness!
Image credit: thecontemporaryaustin
This free, interactive story time invites you to explore the beautiful sculpture park through books, songs, and hands-on art experiences designed for small hands and big hearts.
It’s a wonderful way to play, grow, and connect with other families in the community—just be sure to reserve your free tickets in advance to secure a spot for this monthly morning of joy!
Where: The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
When: Friday, January 30, 2026 | 10 am – 11 am
How Much: Free
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 30, 2026 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3
The Arboretum Food and Artisan Market
Support over 40 local vendors in the parking lot of Juliet Italian Kitchen while browsing a unique selection of fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, and handcrafted home goods.
Where: 10000 Research Blvd. Austin, TX 78759
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026
How Much: Not stated
Jo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off
Image credit: Jo’s Hot Coffee Good Food
Join the “fiesta of flavor” in the Hotel San José parking lot to taste dozens of unique recipes while enjoying live music from Jeff Hughes & Chaparral and the Jo’s House Band.
While entry is free, for $25, you can grab a tasting wristband to sample every entry and cast your vote for the “Crowd Favorite,” with all proceeds benefiting Free Lunch to help combat food insecurity in Austin.
Where: Hotel San Jose, 1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
When: Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 12 pm – 3 pm
How Much: Free entry