February may be the shortest month… and one of the coldest months in Central Texas, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of FREE things to do. Whether you’re getting rowdy for the Super Bowl, getting romantic for Valentine’s Day, or chumming it up for Galentine’s Day, there are plenty of FREE February events!
Photo via Austin Humane Society Facebook
12th Annual Puppy Bowl
Saturday, February 2 | from 12 to 3 p.m. | Austin Humane Society, 124 W. Anderson Ln.
Another football season is heating up and the Austin Humane Society is counting down the days until the 12th Annual AHS Puppy Bowl presented by Heritage Ranch by H-E-B in partnership with Nestlé Purina Petcare. The big party before the big game is a football-themed, family-friendly tailgate which takes place on Saturday, February 2 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Austin Humane Society. This year’s tailgate will be jam-packed with delicious food, drinks, kid’s activities, and other vendors. Plus, our puppy players will again be on hand to make their prediction for Sunday’s big game as well as battle it out on the gridiron in the most adorable competition of the year – the MVP races! Join for this free event with your General Admission ticket or get the full VIP experience as a “Very Important Puppy-fan”! With your $20 donation to AHS you will receive: VIP Swag Bag with commemorative Puppy Bowl t-shirt, entry into the exclusive VIP Fan Zone provided by NXNW Beerliner, one free VIP drink ticket, and entry into the tastiest tailgate competition. This is a family-friendly event and all ages are welcome.
Super Bowl Party: Family Friendly Fun
Sunday, February 3 | from 4 to 10 p.m. | The Hive, 10415 Old Manchaca Rd.
Get ready to watch the game on the big screen while the kids are busy running off their energy and working up their appetite for some delicious RWB’s Chow Bus dinner (special kids menu available). There will be plenty of their famous wings to go around! We will have multiple tvs (including a large outdoor projector, weather permitting).
TRACE Hosts a Real Tail-gate at the Super Bowl, the Puppy Bowl on Feb. 3
Sunday, February 3 | from 2 to 4 p.m. | TRACE, 200 Lavaca St
Spirited dog lovers are invited to dress pups in their favorite team jerseys that didn’t make it to the Super Bowl at the Puppy Bowl, A Real Tail-Gate at W Austin’s TRACE. The day’s festivities will feature cocktails and puppy treats from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A 5:30 p.m. Super Bowl watch party will follow with complimentary game time subs.
Antonelli’s Free Cheese Week
Monday, February 4 through Friday, February 8 | at 5 p.m. | Various Locations
On February 11, the little ole Hyde Park shop turns 9 years old. And after a tough year in 2018 – opening and closing the downtown kitchen – they’re more grateful than ever before to still be slinging cheese. That means, they are celebrating in style. And as is tradition by this point, they’re making it rain free cheese across Austin with our #FreeCheeseWeek – and this year, there are more participating restaurants than ever. Each restaurant will start at 5 p.m. (or earliest open time after that) and will only give one free cheese plate per table. You are encouraged to be considerate to your restaurant folk (ie a drink and/or tip goes nicely with that free cheese plate!).
Austin Parks Foundation Presents Little Hummingbird Society Volunteer Project: Tree Love at Metz Neighborhood Park
Saturday, February 9 | from 2 to 4 p.m. | Metz Neighborhood Park, 2407 Canterbury St
Come out to Metz and serve with the Austin Parks Foundation February 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.! Enjoy the outside with your kids and help improve Metz while learning about Austin’s most valuable assets. Little Hummingbird Society offers children a great way to learn about giving back to the Austin community and the importance of parks, trails and green spaces. Parents can have fun with their kids while promoting a healthy lifestyle, volunteerism and advocacy for Austin’s youngest park-goers. Austin Parks Foundation will provide snacks, sunscreen, gloves and tools. Snack, water and play breaks will be built into the day. Please bring your own water bottle and wear closed toe shoes. For more information and to register, visit: https://austinparks.givepulse.com/event/97945-LITTLE-HUMMINGBIRD-SOCIETY-Tree-Love-at-Metz-Neighborhood-Park!
DOGPOP Hosts Dog-Friendly Market on South Congress
Saturday, February 9 | from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Birds Barbershop, 1902 S Congress
On Sat., Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., DOGPOP will bring its dog-friendly market and pup party to the parking lot of Birds Barbershop at 1902 South Congress in the heart of the South Austin. Highlights include a pet costume contest, dog play area, 20+ pet-industry and local maker vendors, drinks from Independence Brewery, local food trucks, and music by DJ Girlfriend. The event is free, with a suggested minimum donation of $5 to benefit the Forgotten Friends Rescue in Austin. For more details, visit www.austindogpop.com.
BFF Galentine’s Celebration
Saturday, February 9 | from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Adelante Boutique, 1206 W 38th #1404
Join Bumble BFF and Adelante Boutique to celebrate Galentine’s with your besties!Enjoy complimentary treats & beverages from Yes We Can Wine, Frankly Organic Vodka and FitJoy Tarot readings from Sound Sight Tarot. Lip touchups by Sentrel Natural Beauty, manis by LACQUER, 20% off all health & wellness items at Adelante, and MORE! Bring a gal pal or swipe right on BumbleBFF to find a new friend to meet! Show your bumble app at the door for an AWESOME goody bag (first come, first served)
The Empty Mug Art Festival
Saturday, February 9 | from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Grace Covenant Church, 9431 Jollyville Rd
Art Event featuring live local artists demos, Art workshop for kids of all ages, Free admission, refreshments, Art display, and giveaways. Raffle items for Z’ Tejas, Jump street, Arbor car wash, Pottery, Art Work, Artistic Succulent planters and more. Proceeds from the Art Center Market support the work of Mission: Possible! Austin and the Restoration Art Center.
The Black Composers Concert: The African Diaspora
Saturday, February 9 | from 6 to 8 p.m. | Dell Fine Arts Center at St. Andrew’s, 5901 Southwest Pkwy
FREE annual concert from Austin Chamber Music Center in honor of Black History Month. The 16th year of this annual event explores the African diaspora. The program is curated by Artina McCain, winner of an Austin Critics Table Award for the 2018 Black Composers Concert. Featured composers this year include Chevalier de Saint-Georges, William Grant Still, and Tania León. FREE and open to the public. RSVP at Eventbrite.com.
The Rise of Everyday Design: The Arts and Crafts Movement in Britain and America
Saturday, February 9 | from 12 to 5 p.m. | Harry Ransom Center, 21st and Guadalupe
Extraordinary drawings, sketches, photographs, art objects, and handcrafted furniture offer a new and detailed look at the history of the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain and America. Discover how this innovative design movement transformed the homes and lives of ordinary people and how it continues to influence modern design. Open daily with tours every day at noon. Free admission. February 9 through July 14, 2019. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Thursday, Noon–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Valentine’s Market at Sour Duck Market
Sunday, February 10 | from 3 to 6 p.m. | Sour Duck Market, 1814 E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Join Sour Duck Market for the Sour Duck Valentine’s Market! In preparations for the holiday, come out and shop from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 10 on the patio to find something for that special someone, or just spoil yourself! We are continuing to host local businesses who we look forward to working with and continue supporting. Entry is free! Happy hour starts at 2 p.m., so come grab a drink before you shop ’til you drop.
2nd Annual GALentine’s Gala!
Wednesday, February 13 | from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Space 2055, 2055 S Lamar Blvd
Are you a girl advocate? Would you love to join a group dedicated to igniting the power in girls? Come on down to the Girl Advocacy League GALentine’s Gala!We’ll have: free bites and drinks, a photo booth, a cookie decorating station, crafting activities, and much more! Join Girl Advocacy League for this free event and celebrate the awesome gals in your life! To learn more about Girls Empowerment Network’s Girl Advocacy League, visit: https://www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org/get-involved/supporters/giving-circles/gal/
Science Under the Stars
Thursday, February 14 | from 6 to 8 p.m. | Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2901 Lake Austin Blvd
What do people, peacocks, and Poeciliids have in common? This Valentine’s day, they are all looking for dates! While tasty treats and fancy feathers may work for many animals, clones need some special dating advice. Join us this month to discover how an all-female clonal fish joins the dating scene! Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. The talk will be held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. First time visitor? Please read our pet policy & field station rules here, and find parking info and directions here.
woom bikes USA presents The Raise Riders Family Bicycle Weekend
Friday, February 15 through Sunday, February 17 | times vary by day | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd
Local Austin children’s bicycle manufacturer woom bikes USA has partnered with nationally recognized children’s media company Buddy Pegs Media to host the first annual Raise Riders Family Bicycle Weekend February 15 -17, 2019. The 3-day celebration of families on bikes will be hosted alongside the 28th Anniversary of the Austin Marathon and Health & Fitness Expo sister event.
Local families with children 10 and under, as well as families traveling miles into Austin for the Marathon, will choose from a full menu of on-the-bike and off-the-bike activities that reinforce the most iconic marker of childhood, riding on two wheels. The festival kicks off Friday morning, February 15th at the Palmer Event Center (home of the Health & Wellness Expo) and runs all the way through the Austin Marathon Finish Line Festival Sunday, February 17th.
The festival will also include two new youth bicycle categories in the Manzano Mile running race on Saturday morning. Kids 8 and under can enter either the “balance bike” or “pedal bike” category depending on ability levels. The Manzano Mile takes place on Riverside Drive behind the Palmer Events Center.
Bright Horizons at Westlake’s First Birthday Celebration
Saturday, February 16 | from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Bright Horizons at Westlake, 4613B Bee Caves Rd
January marked the anniversary of our center’s grand opening a year ago. It has been a wonderful year serving families in West Lake Hills and the surrounding communities. As a thank you to the community for welcoming us, we are hosting a morning of family fun and hope your family will join us to celebrate.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: 11:00 a.m. – Live musical performance from
Joe McDermott, Dance party, storytelling, and other children’s activities, Photo booth, Refreshments, raffle prizes, and more. During the event, we will be collecting party supplies to make birthday boxes for young women at The Settlement Home. Please consider donating any of the following: cake mix, frosting, candles, plates, cups, decorations, and other party items. Items should be appropriate for high school or college-aged girls. The children will have the chance to help decorate birthday cards to go in the boxes. Kindly RSVP to [email protected]
Central Texas Teen & Kids Comic Con
Saturday, February 16 | from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. | Round Rock High School, 201 Deep Wood Dr, Round Rock
Central Texas Teen & Kids Comic Con debuted on December 2, 2017 in Round Rock, Texas where over 2,500 participants came to Round Rock High School for the festivities. This year’s con will be held February 16, 2019 at Round Rock High School (210 Deep Wood Dr.) in Round Rock, Texas. When students have the opportunity to meet an author or hear them speak in person, we see a much higher independent reading rate. This FREE EVENT is a graphic novel and comic convention aimed at offering teens, kids, and educators the chance to interact with popular authors and illustrators, participate in workshops, and showcase their creativity. We have a fantastic line-up of authors and workshop presenters, and students will have the opportunity to enter the art contest and cosplay contest.
Central Texas Teen & Kids Comic Con debuted on December 2, 2017 in Round Rock, Texas where over 2,500 participants came to Round Rock High School for the festivities. This year’s con will be held February 16, 2019 at Round Rock High School (210 Deep Wood Dr.) in Round Rock, Texas. When students have the opportunity to meet an author or hear them speak in person, we see a much higher independent reading rate. This FREE EVENT is a graphic novel and comic convention aimed at offering teens, kids, and educators the chance to interact with popular authors and illustrators, participate in workshops, and showcase their creativity. We have a fantastic line-up of authors and workshop presenters, and students will have the opportunity to enter the art contest and cosplay contest.
Gus Garcia Recreation Center Kite-Making Workshop
Saturday, February 16 | from 1 to 3 p.m. | Gus Garcia Rec Center, 1201 E Rundberg
Come make a kite with Gus Garcia Recreation Center and let them fly high in the sky! There will be lots of fun including games, snacks, and a bounce house! FREE! All ages welcome. Gus Garcia Recreation Center is located at 1201 E Rundberg Lane, Austin TX 78753. The phone number to the Gus Garcia Recreation Center is 512-978-2525.
Intro to Archery (Lockhart)
Saturday, February 16 | from 10 a.m. to noon | Lockhart State Park, 2012 State Park Rd
Learn how to shoot like Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen! Join us for a lesson in international style archery! Participants will learn the basics of this archery style in a safe and fun 2-hour workshop. All equipment is provided. Registration not required, but please read the requirements below carefully before attending. Requirements: Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Participants must sign a liability waiver. Participants must be on time to this workshop, as latecomers will not be allowed to join after the safety briefing has been completed. Anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Prepare: Dress for being outside (layers and sturdy shoes recommended) and bring water. Warm, thin gloves are also recommended.
Meet: Meet your instructor at the volleyball court, which is just past the pool on the main road into the park. Park in the pool parking lot or the day use area parking lot.
Fees: Regular park entrance fees apply ($3/adult, free for children 12 & under).
Free ATX Youth Summit 2019: A Celebration of Teen Creativity
Monday, February 18 | from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St
The Women in Jazz Association, Inc. and the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department will host the free ATX Youth Summit 2019 on Monday, February 18, 2019 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina Street, Austin, TX from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Summit is free to the public with snacks and lunch provided. The purpose of the ATX Youth Summit 2018 project is to provide an artistic learning experience for Austin youth between the ages of 7 and 18. Register at www.atxyouthsummit19.eventbrite.com. For more information, visit www.womeninjazz.org or call 512-258-6947.
Austin Cave Festival
Saturday, February 23 | from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. 4801 La Crosse Ave
This free, family-friendly event will feature hands-on activities, cave tours, live music, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a cave and see how water makes its way to the aquifer and Barton Springs, learn about animals that call Austin’s caves home, try on caving gear, and learn how to protect and conserve Austin’s water resources.
Star Party (Lockhart)
Saturday, February 23 | from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Lockhart State Park, 2012 State Park Rd, Lockhart
Join a park ranger for a look at the night sky! Peer through a telescope at the stars, planets, and galaxies that mark our winter sky! Drop in anytime between 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm, weather permitting (at least 60 percent of the sky must be free of clouds). Prepare: If desired, bring a flashlight and blanket or chair. Meet: Meet on the No. 1 fairway of our golf course. Drive across the bridge, park along the road, and walk up onto the golf course — look for our red lights. Fees: Regular park entrance fees apply ($3/adult, free for children 12 & under).
History Hunt in the Guadalupe Neighborhood!
Saturday, February 23 | from 9 to 11 a.m. | Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 E 9th
Preservation Austin’s History Hunt is coming to East Austin’s Guadalupe neighborhood! This architectural scavenger hunt gets families out and exploring our city’s heritage. Children will race to follow clues to (top secret) stops throughout the Guadalupe neighborhood, learning about historic architecture while taking on sack races, hula hoops, and more along the way. Prizes will be awarded to the race champions at the finish line, where kids can make valentines dedicated to Austin’s historic buildings. Light snacks and hot cocoa provided.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy some screen-free time with kids and grandkids in one of Austin’s most beautiful historic neighborhoods. All are welcome, so we’ll see you there! FREE! All children must have an adult chaperone. RSVPs to Programs Director Lindsey Derrington at [email protected] are required by Monday, February 18. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is generously serving as home base for this year’s History Hunt. Preservation Austin will be outside in the green space facing Lydia Street between the historic church and the Family Life Center. There will be very limited parking on the church campus, but street parking is available throughout the neighborhood.
Now get out there and enjoy all of these FREE February events in Austin. Need more fun? Be sure to check out the Free Fun in Austin calendar and the Austin.com calendar for a wide variety of February events (not all events are free).
