Week of January 26th

What's Weird ATX

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The icy cold snap that swept through town this past weekend pretty much shut the city down. Everyone’s a little bit traumatized by memories of the Great Freeze of 2021, as they should be (I myself lost power for almost 2 weeks!) The community rallied around vulnerable pups; Austin Pets Alive! put out a call for help during the freeze and ended up with their lowest onsite animal count ever because so many people opened their homes for emergency fostering! I’m so proud of y’all.

In non-weather related news, UT researchers just dropped a fascinating study revealing that rock art in the lower Pecos River actually represents a 4,000-year-long continuous cultural tradition, which completely changes what we knew about the longevity of the people who lived here way back when. Waymo has officially started testing its driverless taxis on our highways, so don't be shocked if you see an empty car merging onto MoPac near you(!) Meanwhile, the city is also making a big move toward "ethical tech" by launching new guidelines for how the local government uses AI. These proposals will mandate human oversight for all city AI decisions, prohibit biometric surveillance and social scoring, and even guarante worker protection through a 'no displacement without consultation' policy." Lastly, after a tight race the 37th Street neighborhood just elected their first ever dog “Mayor”, a three-year-old Pug-Chihuahua mix named Mo Bamba. Mo Bamba ended the multi-year "cat tyranny" led by the previous mayor, a "pawgressive" orange cat named Zapp.

This past week the Austin food scene received a massive amount of national recognition, led by the announcement of nine local semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards. Both established favorites and newcomers made the list, with spots like Mercado Sin Nombre getting a nod for their incredible bakery work and Barley Swine being recognized for their top-tier hospitality. We’re also seeing a significant "Japanese dining boom" continue to sweep through the city; a high-tech conveyor-belt sushi spot called Aburi TORA just announced it's anchoring a new development in EastVillage, and the popular Kura Revolving Sushi is officially opening its newest location this week.

While the recent freeze forced a few temporary closures and pushed back a couple of grand openings, the momentum didn’t slow for long. Hyde Park Bar & Grill, a 43-year-old local staple, just transitioned to new owners who are keeping the classic vibe while subtly refreshing the menu, and a heavy-hitter from the California Michelin scene is moving back home to open a wellness-driven Mexican concept called Estella in the Hill Country. And a famous Denver steak sandwich trailer, Little Arthur’s, is officially picking out its new Austin home to start serving those famously cheesy hoagies.

There are fewer events this week than the usual, what with the cold weather and all. However we’ve got a variety of standby faves and some cool art parties on Friday, even some medieval weapons training! Check em out below.

Tuesday, Jan 27th

BYO Vinyl Night

6:00PM @ The ABGB, FREE!

Dust off your favorite or most interesting record and bring it in to play for the house. As a reward for your musical taste, the bartender will give you a free beer for your efforts. It's the perfect Tuesday ritual for vinyl enthusiasts looking for community and a cold brew.

The Last Class with Robert Reich

6:00PM @ Paramount and Stateside Theatres, $15

Join former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich for a deeply personal screening and discussion about his final course on wealth inequality. The film is a love letter to education, capturing a raw side of Reich never shared publicly before. A live Q&A with the director and producer follows the screening.

A New Year for Your Trees!

6:30PM @ Austin Public Library Terrazas Branch, FREE!

Get your urban canopy ready for the next winter storm with Certified Arborist Anna Konvit. This session focuses on simple ways to increase tree resilience against Austin's drastic weather patterns. It’s a practical and community-oriented way to embrace the "Winter is Coming" mindset.

Step It Up ATX: Line Dance Class

7:00PM @ Hanovers Draught Haus - $15 Drop-in (Pflugerville)

Get your sweat on with Miss Cordelia as she teaches various dance moves in an energetic two-hour session. This 21+ event is perfect for those looking to experience something new while learning to line dance. Drop-in fees are $15, or you can opt for an unlimited monthly membership for $60.

More interesting events on Tuesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Wednesday, Jan 28th

Yodel Blitz

6:00PM – 9:00PM @ Krause's Cafe & Biergarten

Experience a hilarious musical journey featuring unusual folk instruments like the alphorn, Austrian cowbells, and even a saw. This German folk group will have you clapping and singing along to lightning-fast, three-part harmony yodeling. It is a guaranteed "beer-drinking, yodel-blitzing good time" for anyone looking for authentic, eccentric entertainment.

One-Time Figure Study with Model

6:30PM – 9:30PM @ Feats of Clay Pottery - $85

Explore the human form in this informative sculpture workshop led by professional figurative artist Rebeccah Polk. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will learn essential sculpting techniques with all materials and a dip glaze included in the cost. Please arrive 15 minutes early to respect the live model's schedule.

Wednesday Night Jazz Meeting

7:00PM – 9:00PM @ Cactus Cafe, FREE!

Join Rabbi Neil Blumofe for a unique evening that blends sophisticated live jazz with engaging conversation in the historic Cactus Cafe. This event offers a rare chance to interact with Austin’s leading jazz musicians in a cozy, inviting setting. Admission is completely free, with doors opening at 7:00 PM for the 7:30 PM show.

I Love the 2000s Trivia

7:00PM – 9:00PM @ Pinthouse Pizza (South Lamar), FREE!

Relive the decade of flip phones and velour tracksuits at this themed trivia night where costumes are highly encouraged. Teams of up to six can compete for prizes across five rounds of '00s-centric questions. It is free to play, but be sure to bring a charged phone as they use a virtual platform for scoring.

More interesting events on Wednesday @ WhatsGoodATX!

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Thursday, Jan 29th

Lantern Tour at Laguna Gloria

6:00 PM @ The Contemporary Austin Laguna Gloria, FREE!

Wander through beautiful grounds on a staff-led excursion that blends art and nature into perfect harmony. These magical lantern tours offer new perspectives on outdoor artworks under the evening sky. Tours kick off at both 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM and are free for the community to enjoy.

Get to Know Glaze

7:00 PM @ Community Garden, FREE!

Connect with Austin's creative ecosystem at this low-pressure gathering hosted by an independent fashion and culture zine. Whether you're a photographer, designer, or writer, you can learn how to get involved with their upcoming season while enjoying DJ sets. Take advantage of Dry January-friendly drink specials while mingling with the local arts community.

Neon Rainbows' U-Haul Hoedown

8:00 PM @ Elysium - $20

Dust off your boots for a Southern Sapphic night featuring line dance lessons, drag hosts, and a curated vendor market. This unique 18+ gathering at a historic Red River club is the perfect place to grab tickets for a night of inclusive country fun. Early birds can save by grabbing pre-sale tickets online before heading to the dance floor.

The Shit Show

9:30 PM @ Swan Dive - $5

Embrace the chaos at a night dedicated to "Austin's shittiest bands" for a swirling rock n' roll experience that goes down the drain. For just a $5 cover, you can catch sets by Mimiclou, SPIRAL, and more starting at 10:00 PM. Secure your tickets online or bring paper cash for this self-deprecating 21+ showcase.

Find more fun stuff on Thursday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Friday, Jan 30th

Drink + Draw with Contracommon

5:00 PM @ Contracommon, FREE!

Join local artists for a judgment-free night of creativity where you can work on your own project or use the provided supplies. It’s a casual, community-focused gathering that welcomes all skill levels and artistic media. Refreshments are provided for free by event sponsors.

Art Party: Within These Walls

7:00 PM @ Almost Real Things Studios, FREE!

Immerse yourself in a night of community healing and local creativity at this interactive art party hosted by the residents of ART studios. It’s a perfect chance to explore Austin’s underground art scene in an intimate, collaborative environment. Enjoy free drinks and admission while exploring original artwork, making charms at the charm bar, sound healing, and discovering medical astrology insights!

Off the Grid: A 90s Kickback

9:00 PM @ 906 East 5th Street - $20.00

Ditch the digital world for a night of real conversation and 90s nostalgia where phones and social media are strictly prohibited. Come dressed in your best 90s fit to dance to classic tracks without any distractions. It’s an authentic "analog" experience in the heart of East Austin.

01: SOUTH MASS Bollywood Party

10:00 PM @ 318 Colorado Street

Dive into the ultimate Kolly Tolly and Bollywood dance party for a night of high-energy Desi hits. It's a massive cultural celebration that brings a unique global rhythm to the downtown scene. Best of all, there is no cover charge to join the festivities.

House Party Fridays

11:30 PM @ Elsewhere Hookah Lounge

Keep the vibes going late with an "after hours" atmosphere that features Afrobeat, Dancehall, and R&B. This spot offers BYOB specials alongside premium hookahs and fresh food trucks to keep you fueled. It’s the perfect way to stay grooving and warm during a late Austin night.

Make Friday amazing @ WhatsGoodATX!

Saturday, Jan 31st

Heavy Metal Mace & Kettlebell Workshop

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM @ Castle Hill Fitness, $40+

Get ready for the zombie apocalypse by mastering ancient strength tools in this highly unconventional fitness workshop. You’ll learn the primal history and technical grip of kettlebells before ending with steel mace basics, proving there is nothing more metal than functional strength.

Royal Rumble Watch Party

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM @ Busy Signal, FREE!

Grab some $1.50 wings and join the chaos at this no-cover wrestling watch party where cosplay is highly encouraged. With big screens, craft cocktails, and an all-ages atmosphere, it’s a community-oriented way to experience one of the biggest events in sports entertainment.

"For Good" Wicked One-Day Choir

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Distribution Hall, Donation-based

There are no auditions and no judgments at this one-day pop-up choir event designed purely for the joy of harmony. Join a room full of humans to learn and sing "For Good" from the musical Wicked, focusing on connection over perfection.

Art for Change (& Supply Swap)

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Fast Friends Beer Company, Donation Based

Support the community at this donation-based craft day where all profits benefit Street Medics Austin. Bring your extra materials for the supply swap and spend the afternoon creating art for a cause in this inclusive, all-ages setting.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM @ 207 West 18th Street - $23.18

Direct from the Las Vegas Strip, this unique show features an amazing cast of rescued furry performers including cats, dogs, and even geese. It’s an eccentric, high-energy spectacle that blends physical comedy with animal stunts for a truly weird and wonderful Austin night.

Deadhead Disco in the Control Room

9:00 PM @ Empire Control Room & Garage - $20+

Experience a "new kind of trip" as the spirit of the Grateful Dead is reimagined through hypnotic house energy and deep dance floor grooves. This continuous five-hour set seamlessly blends legendary jams with the pulse of modern artists like Tame Impala and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.

More interesting events on Saturday @ WhatsGoodATX!

Sunday, Feb 1

Jo's 19th Annual Chili Cook-Off

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM @ Jo's Coffee South Congress - Free Entry / $25 Tasting

Help fight food insecurity in Austin while enjoying live music and samples from local chili competitors. While entry is free, $25 tasting wristbands allow you to sample the entries and cast your vote for your favorite spicy signature recipe.

Borracho Pro Wrestling: Blood, Sweat, & Beers III

2:00 PM @ Pinballz Lake Creek - $20+

Get ready for pure chaos as Borracho Pro Wrestling returns for an afternoon of intense, high-energy matches at the Whiskey Dock. Doors open at 2:00 PM with the first bell ringing at 3:00 PM for wrestling action you won't find anywhere else.

Austin Poet's Lounge & Reading

5:00 PM @ Radio Coffee & Beer, FREE!

Join the Weird Warrior Yoga Group for an all-ages evening of literary expression starting with a lounge session followed by a formal reading. If you're feeling brave, stick around for the open mic at 6:30 PM to share your own creative work with the community.

Pleasure Soiree

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM @ Hedonist Vintage - $25

This intimate evening features a curated collection of vintage lingerie and a steamy anonymous Q&A with a certified sex therapist. Indulge in champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries knowing that 100% of the ticket profits benefit Planned Parenthood.

Blade Runner Live

7:00 PM @ Bass Concert Hall, $40+

Watch Ridley Scott’s cult classic on a massive HD screen while The Avex Ensemble performs Vangelis’ iconic score live and in-sync with the film. It is a rare opportunity to experience the stylish noir atmosphere of 1982's Los Angeles with a full live synthesiser-led ensemble.

More interesting events on Sunday @ WhatsGoodATX!

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