Skate Downtown
Whole Foods Market hosts its annual ice skating on the plaza at its flagship store downtown. The rink will close early on New Year’s Eve and Day. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $10. Whole Foods Market, 525 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-542-2200. www.wholefoodsmarket.comJanuary
Jan. 2
Kick off Free Week
Do512 presents Free Week, an annual weeklong event with cover-free shows at venues throughout the Red River Cultural District. Hundreds of bands are participating, including Cowboy Diplomacy and Sun June. Times and locations vary. Free. https://freeweek.do512.com
Jan. 3-5
Browse at the Boat Show
The annual Austin Boat & Travel Trailer Show returns for its 47th year, with local dealers, live music and a boater education class. 1-9 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.). Free-$10. Austin Convention Center,500 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin.512-494-1128 www.austinboatshow.com
Jan. 11
Attend a new art exhibit
The Blanton Museum of Art debuts a new exhibit, “Ed Ruscha: Drum Skins,” which will be open through mid-July. It features paintings on found drumheads that the American artist made between 2017 and 2019. Free-$12. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin. 512-471-5482. www.blantonmuseum.org
Jan. 11-12
Plan your dream wedding
The Austin Bridal Extravaganza brings together hundreds of wedding industry professionals and offers free food samples and a chance to win grand prizes. Noon-5 p.m. $15. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 210-599-0336. www.texasweddings.com
Jan. 12
Try out a new workout
Ballet Austin hosts its annual Get Fit Day and offers a variety of fitness and conditioning classes, including Bollywood dance fitness and reformer Pilates. Local health and wellness experts will also be on hand. 1-4:30 p.m. Free. Butler Center for Dance & Fitness, 501 W. Third St., Austin. 512-501-8704. www.balletaustin.org
Jan. 19
Run a half marathon
More than 7,500 runners will participate in the 3M Half Marathon, which boasts one of the country’s fastest courses—it is mostly downhill. A festival and beer garden await at the finish line. 7:30-11:30 a.m. $129. Stonelake and York boulevards (start), Texas State Capitol (finish). www.3mhalfmarathon.com
Jan. 20
March on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Austin Area Heritage Council hosts its annual march and festival, which honors King’s legacy and celebrates diversity and multiculturalism. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free (suggested donation to the Central Texas Food Bank). MLK statue on UT campus, 23rd Street and Speedway (start),
Huston-Tillotson University (finish). 512-657-3064. www.mlkcelebration.com
