Check out our top 10 picks for weekend fun! You can see the Harlem Globetrotters’ silly slam-dunks, take part in Austin’s Free Day of Dance, clear out your clutter, create & tinker at a free MakerSpace event, go for a fun run in a gorilla suit, celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hook with Rufio, take the kids to a play, head to a chili cook off — and much more!
Other stuff:
Here are our Top Austin Family Events...
— The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are back at the Frank Erwin Center with a fun family-friendly show at 7 p.m. This is their most epic tour in history as the famous team celebrates its 90th anniversary world tour. Check out their rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, along with comedy and interaction with the fans. Tickets start at $17 per person and can be purchased online here.
— Today is Austin’s 8th Annual Free Day of Dance. Beginning at 9 a.m., over 180 free dance classes will be offered all over the city and surrounding areas. There are classes for all ages and levels of experience in a variety of dance styles. Click here to view the schedule of classes.
— Do your kids like to design, construct, tinker, create? Then Lanier High School is the place to go from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. MakerSpace Mania is a free event featuring fair-style booths run by instructors to lead children (of all ages) in their activities. The booths will give students the opportunity to experiment with technology, create art with recycled materials and make take-away projects, such as puppets and jewelry. Each child will also receive a free book and can enjoy free snacks.
— It’s the 10th Annual Clear Your Clutter Day where you can unload some of your unwanted items that are just taking up space in those closets & garages. NAPO-Austin (National Association of Organizing Professionals) is hosting this event at Bethany United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. where you can drop off a whole carload of items for free. Click here to read the list of what is accepted.
— Want to participate in something totally bananas? Hundreds of people dressed as gorillas will run through Camp Mabry for the 6th Annual Austin Gorilla Run. The Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund is hosting this event where runners of all ages will don gorilla or banana suits (provided with entry fee) at 9 a.m. and run a 5K course. Click here for an overview of registration fees (that increase on Jan. 30).
— The Alamo Drafthouse and the Long Center are teaming up for a special event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hook at 7:30 p.m. at the Long Center. Two of the actors who played the Lost Boys, Rufio (Dante Brasco) and Don’t Ask (James Madio) will be in attendance! At the party, you’ll get to participate in some ultimate Hook-themed silliness, like playing with inflatable swords as you quote along to the film. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased online here or by calling the box office at (512) 474-LONG (5664).
— Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year, or Tết, at the Travis County Expo Center. Austin families are invited for great food, shopping, live music, a raffle, cultural performances, and fun exhibitions from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under age 8.
— Spice up your Sunday at the 10th Annual Chili Cook Off at Jo’s Coffee on South Congress from noon – 3 p.m. This chili contest benefits Urban Roots, a nonprofit that inspires young people through farming. Entry is free. Chili tasting wristbands are $20 which gets you a sample of each chili along with one ticket to vote for your favorite.
— Check out ZACH Theatre‘s storybook-inspired show Tomás and the Library Lady at 2 p.m. This tells an inspirational story of a boy named Tomás who meets a “library lady” who encourages him to read. Youth tickets are $12 and adult tickets are $15, which you can purchase online here or call the box office at 512-476-0541 x1.
— Are your kids fans of Gerald and Piggie? Who doesn’t love these adorable Mo Willems characters? Paramount Theatre is bringing them live on stage in a production of “Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play” at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 (and very limited), which you can purchase online here.
These are just some of the fun events happening in Austin this weekend. For more, browse our daily calendar of events!
Have a great weekend!
