Updated: Monday, January 19, 2026
Jump to: Free | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Kids
The best free and fun events in Austin, January 23 – 25, include the Le Garage Sale, Brick Convention Austin 2026, Broadway Austin Presents Six, 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: 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
Beachside Billy’s 6th Annual Chili Cook Off!
Dive into a perfect blend of spicy flavors and lakeside relaxation at Beachside Billy’s 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off!
Spend your day tasting your way through some of the best chili recipes in Austin, then kick back and catch the big football games on screen while soaking in the beautiful lakeside atmosphere.
Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 2 pm
How Much: Free
H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday
Make the most of your weekend with H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday, a special monthly invitation to explore the wonders of the natural world at no cost!
Embark on an epic journey through time as you explore the story of life in Texas. Your adventure begins with the very formation of the Earth, leads you through the awe-inspiring age of the dinosaurs, and brings you right into the heart of our modern environment.
Where: Texas Science and Natural History Museum, 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 1 pm – 5 pm
How Much: Free
Friday in Austin | Best Weekend Kickoff Events
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: Friday, January 23 – 25, 2026 | 7 pm
How Much: Not stated
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 recently joined Bert’s extensive catalog of hits, along with previous works 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: Friday, January 23, 2026
How Much: Not stated
Rara avi
Image credit: Ishida Dance Company
The nationally acclaimed ISHIDA Dance Company returns with Rara avis, a production that promises to be as “deeply poignant” and “remarkable” as the critics suggest.
Borrowing its name from the Latin phrase for “rare bird,” this program offers a highly physical and visually stunning exploration of the human experience through the lens of world-class contemporary dance.
The centerpiece of the evening is the world premiere of Rara avis by ISHIDA. This moving narrative follows a singer battling imposter syndrome as she bravely returns to the stage after a long hiatus.
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, January 23, 2026 | 8 pm
How Much: Starts at $30
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 23 – February 1, 2026
How Much: Starts at $40
Saturday Austin Events: January 24th Highlights
Brick Convention Austin 2026
Image credit: BRICK CONVENTION
Bring your imagination to life at Brick Convention Austin 2026, widely celebrated as the ultimate destination for LEGO® enthusiasts. This massive fan event transforms thousands of bricks into a world of creative “hands-on, minds-on” fun.
From awe-inspiring professional displays to interactive building zones, the weekend is packed with entertainment for the whole family.
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday, January 24 – 25, 2026
How Much: $15 – $20
Le Garage Sale
Image credit Le Garage Sale
Austin’s ultimate shopping destination is back!
Explore more than 140 of your favorite local boutiques, brands, and designers gathering under one roof to offer their new inventory, overstocks, and end-of-season merchandise at prices designed to thrill.
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday, January 24 – 25, 2026
How Much: $12 – $25
Manifest the Future: Youth New Works Festival 2026
Manifest the Future: Youth New Works Festival 2026 is a vibrant, free community event dedicated to empowering the next generation of Austin’s creative voices. This festival provides local children and teens a unique platform to develop and share their original artistic visions.
Throughout the program, young artists are paired with professional mentors who provide the guidance and tools necessary to craft original works of theater and music.
Where: Austin Community College: Highland Campus, 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX 78752
When: Saturday, January 24, 2026
How Much: $0 – $15
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show
The Dinner Detective invites you to step into the heart of a “whodunit” for an evening of mystery, laughter, and fantastic food.
The real twist? The talented actors are hidden in plain sight, dressed exactly like the audience. You could be chatting with a “detective” or sitting right next to the “killer” without even knowing it!
As you enjoy a delicious, full-plated dinner, you’ll gather clues and trade theories with your tablemates to crack the case. Just stay sharp — you might find yourself as the Prime Suspect!
Where: Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown, 810 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 6 pm – 9 pm
How Much: $69.99
Sunday Funday: Austin Events & Activities
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, January 25 – March 1, 2026
How Much: Not stated
Time Travel Half-Marathon
Image Credit: runsignup.com
Take a step through time at the Time Travel Half-Marathon. Whether you are aiming for a personal best in the Half-Marathon, 10K, or 5K, you’ll be rewarded with a custom race bib, a stylish designer shirt, and a unique finisher medal to mark your achievement.
If you prefer a more leisurely journey, the untimed 1-Mile walk/run allows you to soak in the atmosphere while still taking home the full suite of “time traveler” swag. Even the youngest runners can get in on the action with the Kid’s Dash.
Where: Northeast Metropolitan Park, 15500 Sun Light Near Way, Pflugerville, TX 78660
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 9 am
How Much: $25.98
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 25, 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
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 23, 2026 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3
Brick Convention Austin 2026
Bring your imagination to life at Brick Convention Austin 2026, widely celebrated as the ultimate destination for LEGO® enthusiasts. This massive fan event transforms thousands of bricks into a world of creative “hands-on, minds-on” fun.
From awe-inspiring professional displays to interactive building zones, the weekend is packed with entertainment for the whole family.
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday, January 24 – 25, 2026
How Much: $15 – $20
Manifest the Future: Youth New Works Festival 2026
Manifest the Future: Youth New Works Festival 2026 is a vibrant, free community event dedicated to empowering the next generation of Austin’s creative voices. This festival provides local children and teens a unique platform to develop and share their original artistic visions.
Throughout the program, young artists are paired with professional mentors who provide the guidance and tools necessary to craft original works of theater and music.
Where: Austin Community College: Highland Campus, 6101 Highland Campus Dr, Austin, TX 78752
When: Saturday, January 24, 2026
How Much: $0 – $15
Beachside Billys 6th Annual Chili Cook Off!
Dive into a perfect blend of spicy flavors and lakeside relaxation at Beachside Billy’s 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off!
Spend your day tasting your way through some of the best chili recipes in Austin, then kick back and catch the big football games on screen while soaking in the beautiful lakeside atmosphere.
Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 2 pm
How Much: Free
H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday
Make the most of your weekend with H-E-B Free Fourth Sunday, a special monthly invitation to explore the wonders of the natural world at no cost!
Embark on an epic journey through time as you explore the story of life in Texas. Your adventure begins with the very formation of the Earth, leads you through the awe-inspiring age of the dinosaurs, and brings you right into the heart of our modern environment.
Where: Texas Science and Natural History Museum, 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 1 pm – 5 pm
How Much: Free
Time Travel Half-Marathon
Take a step through time at the Time Travel Half-Marathon. Whether you are aiming for a personal best in the Half-Marathon, 10K, or 5K, you’ll be rewarded with a custom race bib, a stylish designer shirt, and a unique finisher medal to mark your achievement.
If you prefer a more leisurely journey, the untimed 1-Mile walk/run allows you to soak in the atmosphere while still taking home the full suite of “time traveler” swag. Even the youngest runners can get in on the action with the Kid’s Dash.
Where: Northeast Metropolitan Park, 15500 Sun Light Near Way, Pflugerville, TX 78660
When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 9 am
How Much: $25.98