Best Free Fun in Austin Events Happening in January 2026

It’s a new year and there are so many ways to celebrate. Here are the best free events happening this month in Austin and beyond.

Best Free Fun in Austin Events – January 2026

Austin School Fair

Get ready to explore your PK-12 school options at the Austin School Fair in celebration of National School Choice Week! Are you still looking for the right school for your kids? Meet a variety of local area schools and community partners before the 2026-27 school year. Head to the Bob Bullock Museum on Saturday, January 31, for a fun family day out and connect with private, district, charter, and magnet schools all in ONE place. Don’t miss out on this chance to WIN a free laptop, iPad, Austin Symphony Orchestra tickets, Round Rock Express tickets, and MORE. RSVP and check-in at the fair are required for an entry to win prizes. Plus, FREE admission to the Bob Bullock Museum for ALL families that RSVP and attend. RSVP here!

Yoga Storytime with ATX Yoga Girl

Practice movement, mindfulness and hear a story. No mat or registration is required. Storytime programs introduce young children to books, rhymes, music and other fun activities. Happening at the Austin Central Library on Mondays: January 5, 12 and 26 at 10 a.m.

Free Week

The 22nd edition of Austin’s beloved admission-free, all-ages winter music festival is set for January 9 and 10, 2026. Expect 100+ bands and DJs performing across 10+ venues in the Red River Cultural District, offering paid gigs for local artists and free entertainment for fans. Learn more HERE.

Track Like Gabby™ powered by BetterWay™ Blood Testing at H-E-B

On January 10 at 10 a.m., join BetterWay and Olympian and public health advocate Gabby Thomas at H-E-B SoCo for a day of wellness, nutrition, fitness and blood testing education! Join for a day full of wellness education with fitness guidance, healthy-eating recipes, giveaways and more.

AARC’s Makers Market

Ring in the new year by supporting local Asian American makers at the AARC’s Makers Market, happening Saturday, January 10 from 1 to 4 p.m.! This event will feature a curated lineup of over 20 local AAPI creatives, makers, and cottage bakers. This family friendly event is free and open to the public. Free onsite parking is available but limited. Registration encouraged. RSVP and learn more: AARC Makers Market RSVP.

High January – Presented by HIGHPOUR

• HIGHPOUR is taking over Goodnight Cowboy for High January — a one-night celebration of elevated THC pours, good food, and even better energy. Join for THC-infused cocktails and samples poured by Tony Gonzalas and the HIGHPOUR team, next-level bites from Mill Scale + Seth Siegel, and DJ Keno on the decks all night setting the vibe. Feeling bold? Get a flash tattoo by SurvivingwithGrace and take the night home with you. Come thirsty, come curious, come ready to vibe — this is Dry January, reimagined. Happening on January 15 from 4 to 8 p.m.

The Carver Celebrates King

The George Washington Carver Museum offers a full day of events on January 15 and 16 celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Get details on everything that’s going on here.

MLK Day Donation Drive at Pease Park

In honor of Martin Luther King Day on Monday, January 19, Pease Park Conservancy is hosting a donation drive for the Austin community! Stop by Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to drop off non-perishable food items as well as diapers and period products. Donations will be delivered to the Micah 6 food pantry and the Austin Diaper Bank.

MLK March, Rally, and Festival

The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. The MLK Community March kicks off on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. on the south steps of the State Capitol for a rally. At the conclusion of the program, you will march to Huston-Tillotson University for the MLK Festival. All details can be found here.

Thursday Film Series: ¡Three Amigos! (1986)

Join The Harry Ransom Center for a screening of ¡Three Amigos! (1986) on January 19 at 6 p.m. A reception will follow the screening. This special film screening series features three notable films produced by Lorne Michaels and is held in conjunction with the Ransom Center’s exhibition Live From New York: The Lorne Michaels Collection. A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Line forms upon arrival of the first patron, and doors open 30 minutes in advance. Doors to our theater will open approximately 30 minutes before the event begins.

BookPeople Presents: May Cobb – All The Little Houses

BookPeople welcomes May Cobb in conversation with Gabino iglesias to celebrate the release of All The Little Houses. This event is free, open to the public and happening on January 20 at 7 p.m.

BookPeople Presents: Lord of the Rings Day

On January 25, join BookPeople for an all-day celebration of The Lord of the Rings featuring trivia, a costume contest, Blue Owl Brewing beer, and more. This event is free and open to the public with festivities all day from 9AM to 9PM, with certain events scheduled throughout the day. You are highly encouraged to come in costume as you will be transported to Middle-Earth.

Featured photo via TrongNguyen on iStock.