Austin in January and February: 7 Winter Events
December 11, 2024
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January in Austin is a refreshing time of year when the city resets after a busy holiday season. The energy is active and the weather is mild — usually promising sunny, cool days that are best spent outside.
Even so, if you’re here during the winter, it’s always a good idea to have a few indoor activities on your itinerary.
If you’re planning a trip to Austin this winter, we put together some of our favorite January and February events worth adding to your calendar.
January Events in Austin, Texas
Free Week
Kick off the new year in Austin with Free Week January 3-4. Presented by the Red River Cutural District, the annual winter festival began in 2003 as a way to keep venues and musicians busy during a typically slow season.
This year’s free performances are taking place across 12 live music venues in downtown’s Red River Cultural District including Barbarella, Mohawk, Empire Control Room, Cheer Up Charlie’s, and more.
Want to stay near the Red River area? The Heywood Hotel is just a short five-minute drive, and we have free parking for guests.
Book your winter getaway at the Heywood Hotel. Our Winter Getaway Package is available now through January 31st, 2025.
Austin International Half Marathon
Austin International Half Marathon (formerly 3M Half Marathon) takes place on January 19. This race is different from others in Austin in that it has a significant downhill elevation — it even touts itself as the downhill-to-downtown race. The half marathon starts up north, runs along Mopac, and ends at the Texas State Capitol.
Cello Fest
Cellists from Austin Camerata and the Austin Symphony Orchestra are joining forces for Cello Fest, an intimate musical performance. The evening includes two seatings, one at 2pm and a second at 5pm, as well as complimentary cocktails from local vendors. The event takes place on January 19 at The Cathedral, a unique art gallery in a refurbished 1930s church in East Austin about two miles from the Heywood.
February Events in Austin, Texas
Austin Marathon
The city’s biggest running event, the Austin Marathon takes place Sunday, February, 16. If you’re a runner, the Austin Marathon offers incredible sightseeing through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks, complete with live music. (There’s also the option to run a half marathon or 5K).
Of course, you don’t have to be a runner to participate. One of the best parts about marathons is spectating. You can show your support by cheering on the runners as they make their way around downtown Austin. Austin Marathon even put together this helpful guide for spectators that outlines the best spots to cheer and watch. The Heywood Hotel is located on mile 24 — a crucial point where runners need that extra boost of motivation to cross the finish line!
OUTsider Festival
OUTsider Festival is an annual art festival that brings together the LGBTQ+ community for a weekend of performances, art showcases, and panels. This year’s event marks the festival’s 10th anniversary. The fun takes place February 19-23 at The Vortex, a theater located a little over two miles from the Heywood.
ATX Open
ATX Open is unlike any other professional sports event in Austin as it’s one of four women-only tour-level tennis tournaments in the country. Going into its third year, the tournament includes both singles and doubles matches. Headliners include tennis stars Ajla Tomljanović, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys. The week-long tournament takes place from February 22 through March 2 at Westwood Country Club. Tickets start at $20.
NASCAR at COTA
If you can’t get enough racing events, add NASCAR at COTA to your calendar. The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix is part of the NASCAR Cup series and promises all of the exhilarating twists and turns fans expect at Circuit of the Americas. The event starts February 28 and the final race is March 2.