Austin January 2025

Austin January 2025 Events

Austin January 2025 Events

Stay in the Festive Sprit in Austin!

Average temperature low and high: 41°-61°
Fresh off from the holidays, the nightlife is still going strong in Austin, a city known for museums, live music, and the great outdoors. During January, expect low 60s temperatures, the 3M Half Marathon, the Family Film Festival, and plenty of top-notch BBQ spots (Franklin BBQ is an absolute must). And if you're a music fan, check out Free Week and electric concerts by Blue Monday, Touch of Trey, and Colter Wall. There's more happening in Austin next month, so come back here soon.

January Event Calendar

Free Week

Free Week

Dating back to 2003, Free Week is an annual event focusing on eating, drinking, and celebrating live music. It started at the legendary Emo’s in Austin to keep performances and live music going at clubs and venues during the beginning of January. Initially a one-venue annual occurrence, the event expanded city-wide in Austin and extended to Nashville, attracting tens of thousands of attendees. Free Week 2024 is scheduled for January 5th – 6th and features performances across more than ten venues, including 13th Floor, Barbarella, Cheer Up Charlies, and Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, focusing on local and regional talent.

Shen Yun Performing Arts

Shen Yun Performing Arts brings the splendor of ancient China to life through breathtaking music and classical Chinese dance performances in Austin, Texas. Founded in 2006, this world-renowned company is known for its full orchestra and talented artists that elevate each performance. Such beauty and depth can only be witnessed during the afternoons and evenings of select show dates, so lock your tickets in soon.

MLK Celebration

MLK Celebration

Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by attending Austin's MLK Celebration. Enjoy live music, watch the parade, and browse goods from local merchants at this street fair. For more information, visit the official website.

Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti, hip-hop's Picasso of peculiarity, has been painting the rap game in shades of wild since his 2017 mixtape debut. Hailing from Atlanta, this maestro of mumble turned heads (and twisted tongues) with "Magnolia," making us all bounce while trying to imitate that one-of-a-kind baby voice—like a gangster Elmo on the mic. With "Die Lit" in 2018, he didn't just enter the cult of cool—he became its whimsical overlord. Then, "Whole Lotta Red" dropped in 2020, sprinkled with punk pixie dust, splitting critics down the middle like a banana. And fashion? Carti's the Kanye West of wardrobe whimsy, strutting into the scene dressed to impress, or to confuse... sometimes both.

Learn more.

Downhill to Downtown 3M Half Marathon

Downhill to Downtown 3M Half Marathon

Whether you opt to stand on the sidelines to cheer on runners or compete yourself, the 3M annual half marathon is an event to put on your to-do list while in Austin. Passing some of Austin's most popular locations and landmarks on a 13.1-mile course, that mostly goes downhill, this race is considered to have one of the fastest courses in the country. It's perfect for those aiming to run a personal best time. 

Texas Lunar Festival

Texas Lunar Festival

Join us in celebrating the 28th Texas Lunar Festival in honoring the Year of the Rabbit. With endless entertainment, prepare to witness jubilant dragon and lion dances, drum performances, and even a firecracker explosion show. This family-friendly event offers stations for face painting, numerous food vendors, local artists, and traditional Asian dishes to try.

Located in Chinatown, the Lunar Festival begins at 10:30 am and ends at 4:40 pm. Admission is free, so join thousands and immerse yourself in the Chinese commemoration of the New Year.

Austin Events in January

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in Austin

Things to Do in Austin in January

Take A Hike

Take A Hike
Austin's mild winter means January is an excellent time to hike some of the beautiful trails surrounding the city.  Beginners will want to start on an easier path like Mayfield Nature Preserve, but avid hikers can take advantage of the River Place Nature Trail, a particularly difficult hike that will test your limits.

Enjoy Winter-Themed Cocktails Across The City

Enjoy Winter-Themed Cocktails Across The City
Warm up in the cooler evenings with a delicious winter-flavored cocktail.  Various bars have options, such as the ginger-flavored Blanche at Dumont's Down Low or Somersault's peppermint-tinged Snowball Fight.  Despite the lack of snow, enjoy the winter vibes in your glass.