January Curated: Austin’s Top 10 Events this Month
Make plans to enjoy these top cultural events -- from live music to theatre, film, art and more!
Step into the new year with plans to experience Austin’s vibrant arts & culture opportunities. From live music to comedy, theatre, film, art openings, charity fundraisers, and more — we’re sharing some top events to add to your calendar this January.
MoonLAUF
The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum
January 4 & 18
Make plans to visit the UMLAUF during one of two evenings where the museum will be open late with extended hours until 8 p.m. During MoonLAUF, you can enjoy the Garden after dark and check out the new outdoor exhibit, Design Shine.
Free Week
Red River Cultural Arts District
January 5 & 6
Music fans are in for a treat each January when hundreds of local bands participate in Free Week, playing concerts in venues around Austin completely free of charge. It’s a great chance to get out and get to know some the city’s newest talent.
RELATED: 5 Acts to Catch During Free Week
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Bass Concert Hall
January 9 – 14
An uplifting story of one of the world’s best-selling artists, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, tells the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Fans will love the soundtrack featuring a soundtrack her most beloved hits.
MLK Day Festival
MLK Statue & Huston-Tillotson University
January 15
Enjoy a walk from the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on the UT Austin campus to the south steps of the Capitol for a rally, then continue to the historic Huston-Tillotson University for activities and events in celebration of MLK Day.
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
Paramount Theatre
January 18 – 20
Join Cary Elwes (Westley) for a special screening of the classic The Princess Bride. Following the film, Elwes will share a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set and engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales.
Tribeza Interiors Tour
Select homes across Austin
January 20 & 21
Don’t miss the 9th Annual Tribeza Interiors Tour, presented by SWBC Mortgage – The Breed Team and Heritage Title. The event offers an exciting glimpse into some of the area’s most gorgeous homes. Join hundreds of design fans on a self-guided, self-paced tour showcasing stunning styles across the city. Learn more about this year’s selected design teams.
Hi, How Are You Day
Paramount Theatre
January 21
Join a fundraising concert featuring Fleet Foxes and Valerie June. This is both a tribute and celebration of the legacy of Daniel Johnston as well as advocacy for mental health support services.
Trevor Noah: Off the Record Tour
Bass Concert Hall
January 24 – 28
Trevor Noah brings his popular comedy tour to Austin for four nights at Bass Concert Hall. One of the most successful comedians in the world, Noah was the host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central for seven years where he received seven Emmy Award nominations.
Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
The Topfer at ZACH Theatre
January 31 – March 3
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is an award-winning electropop opera by Dave Malloy. Based on a scandalous portion of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, this musical follows Natasha Rostova’s impulsive journey in Moscow and the efforts of a family friend, Pierre, to salvage her reputation.
Elizabeth Chapin’s Treespell
January 27 – March 7
Women & Their Work
Plan a visit to Austin’s Women & Their Work gallery to view Treespell. In this exhibit, artist Elizabeth Chapin “delves into the natural and mythological realms to comment with dark whimsy on the transformative power of the gaze, and how it can be used for violence as well as for care.”
More Events: Of course there are plenty more exciting events in Austin this month. As always, check out our curated calendar of events for more suggestions.