Things to Do in January in Austin
Kick off the year in style with our guide to the best things to do in Austin this January!
January 9 & 10
Free Week kicks off the year with two nights of free live music across the Red River Cultural District. Downtown venues fill with local and regional bands, giving music fans the chance to move from room to room, catch unexpected sets, and experience Austin’s live music scene at its most laid-back and lively. It’s a simple formula that works every time: no cover, great music, and a neighborhood that knows how to keep things moving well past sundown.
“The Canvas Can Do Miracles”
Through January 11
This new exhibition at The Contemporary Austin brings together an intergenerational group of artists who use abstraction in bold, unexpected ways. On view at the Jones Center, the show explores how paint, texture, and process can tell stories rooted in nature, identity, movement, and transformation. The result is immersive, expressive, and thoughtful, inviting visitors to slow down and experience painting as something alive and evolving rather than fixed on the wall.
Austin International Half
January 18
The Spurs Austin International Half brings runners together for one of the city’s most anticipated race days, with a fast, mostly downhill course that starts in North Austin and finishes near downtown. Formerly known as the 3M Half Marathon, this event pairs serious race energy with a supportive, crowd-filled atmosphere that makes the miles fly by. Whether you are racing for a personal best or cheering from the sidelines, it is a classic Austin way to spend a January morning.
MLK Day Festival
January 19
Austin comes together each January for the MLK Community March and Festival, a citywide tradition honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The morning begins with a rally on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol, followed by a community march to Huston-Tillotson University, where a family-friendly festival takes over the campus. Live music, local vendors, and a shared spirit of reflection and unity make this event both meaningful and welcoming for all ages, with an optional food drive supporting the Central Texas Food Bank.
Broadway in Austin Presents: “SIX”
January 20 - 25
The hit Broadway musical SIX brings high-energy pop concert vibes to the Bass Concert Hall as the six wives of Henry VIII take the stage and tell their stories on their own terms. With bold costumes, catchy songs, and a runtime that flies by, this crowd favorite blends history and humor into a fast-paced night out that feels more like a live show than a traditional musical.
“Murder on the Orient Express”
January 21 – March 1
This classic whodunit rolls into Austin at the ZACH Theatre with glamour, suspense, and plenty of twists along the way. Set aboard a luxurious 1930s train, the story follows detective Hercule Poirot as he pieces together clues after a mysterious overnight murder. Rich sets, sharp dialogue, and an ever-growing list of suspects make this a gripping night at the theater for mystery lovers and first-time sleuths alike.
January 24
Le Garage Sale returns to Austin with two full days of bargain hunting at the Palmer Events Center. This longtime local favorite brings together discounted fashion from Austin boutiques, designers, and brands, with every rack marked down. Between the DJ, cocktails, and giveaways, it feels just as much like a social outing as a shopping spree, and a great excuse to refresh your closet mid-winter.
January 29
PlayStation: The Concert brings iconic video game music to life at the Bass Concert Hall with a live performance that blends orchestra, modern visuals, and immersive sound. Featuring scores from games like God of War, The Last of Us, and Ghost of Tsushima, the show turns familiar soundtracks into a full sensory experience that feels cinematic, nostalgic, and exciting even for non-gamers.
The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short
January 30 - 31
Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short bring their long-running friendship and fast-paced banter to the stage at the Bass Concert Hall. Packed with sharp jokes, playful roasting, and stories from decades in entertainment, this live show feels like spending an evening with two masters who genuinely love making each other laugh.
January 31
Disco icons KC and The Sunshine Band bring their Get Lifted World Tour to the ACL Live at The Moody Theater for a night built around pure feel-good energy. The setlist is packed with instantly recognizable hits that turn the theater into a full-on dance floor, drawing fans across generations who know every chorus by heart. Bright lights, nonstop grooves, and a crowd ready to move make this show less about sitting back and more about leaning into the fun from the first beat to the final encore.
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