Your unofficial local guide for events, business openings, meetings and more in the months of December and January


Dec. 29-31
Celebrate the arrival of 2018 with Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson & Family bring three nights of performances and celebrations at the ACL Live Moody Theater. Other performances includes Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and Blackberry Smoke. Times vary. Prices vary. 310 Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin. www.whotelaustin.com/willie





Dec. 29-31
Attend an anime convention
Annual anime convention Ikkicon takes over the Renaissance Hotel Austin for three days of panels, cosplay competitions and art shows. Visit the convention’s website for information on times and tickets. Renaissance, 9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin. www.ikkicon.com






Dec. 31
Ring in the new year with arcade games
Pinballz Arcade hosts a Noon Year’s Eve party for families. Admission includes $5 in arcade play and a balloon drop. 10:30 a.m.-noon. $10. Pinballz Arcade, 8940 Research Blvd.; Pinballz Lake Creek, 13729 Research Blvd., Austin. www.pinballzarcade.com





Jan. 1-15
Enjoy live music during Austin Free Week

Local bands, musicians and venues kick off the new year with two weeks of free concerts throughout Austin. The annual event has been hosted by local promoters and musicians since 2003. Times vary. Free. Locations vary. www.austintexas.org/event/free-week-2018/328527







Jan. 12-14
Learn about home improvement resources
The Austin Home and Garden Show celebrates 20 years of hosting home improvement professionals who specialize in gardening, landscaping and interior design. Times vary. Admission varies. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.austinhomeandgradenshow.com





Jan. 15
Celebrate Martin Luther King’s life
Austin’s annual Community March honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Participants gather at the MLK Jr. statue on The University of Texas campus and march to Huston-Tillotson University, with a stop at the Capitol. 305 E. 23rd St., Austin. 9 a.m. Free.  www.mlkcelebration.com





Jan. 19
Attend a princess-themed event at Austin Aquarium
Austin Aquarium hosts a “Princess and Her Hero” event, which includes dancing, photo opportunities, snacks, prizes and visits from a mermaid and a pirate. 7 p.m. Admission varies. Austin Aquarium, 13530 US 183, Ste. 101, Austin. 512-222-5586. www.austinaquarium.com





Jan. 21
Support those affected by Parkinson’s disease
Nonprofit Power for Parkinson’s celebrates its fifth anniversary with a party. The event includes dinner, dancing, exercise demonstrations and live music. 4-7 p.m. Free. The Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin. www.powerforparkinsons.org





Jan. 25
Play casino games for a cause

Crowns of Hope Texas, an organization supporting human trafficking survivors in Austin, hosts a casino night with hors d’oeuvres, poker, blackjack, craps, karaoke, prizes and a silent auction. 7 p.m.-11 p.m. 11505 Anderson Mill Road, Austin. www.crownsofhopeaustin.com 








Jan. 27
Learn about beekeeping
Experienced or beginner beekeepers can learn from experts at the 7th Annual Beekeeper Seminar. A portion of proceeds benefits the Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab and other bee organizations. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $65. 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 325, Austin. www.aabaseminar2018.eventbrite.com