Local nonprofit Austin Ballroom Dancers hosts a night of dancing to welcome the next decade. Dance to live music from the Nash Hernandez Septet and enjoy hors d’oeuvres. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $40-$60. Austin Uptown Dance, 8868 Research Blvd., Austin. 512-989-3939. www.austinballroomdancers.org
Dec. 31 | Enjoy New Year’s Eve for kids
The Thinkery hosts its fourth annual Noon Year’s Eve balloon drop and Bubble Wrap-stomp. Guests can enjoy music, winter crafts and kid-mosas. 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. $20 (members), $25 (nonmembers). Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave., Austin. 512-469-6200. www.thinkeryaustin.org
Jan. 1 | Take the polar Plunge in a frigid El Salido Pool
Plunge into the waters of El Salido Pool to ring in the New Year. Light snacks and hot chocolate are available during the event. Noon-1:30 p.m. Free. El Salido Pool, 11500 El Salido Parkway, Austin. 512-250-8427. www.amld.org
Jan. 2 | Learn the basics of Dungeons & Dragons
Game Kastle Austin, North Austin’s newest gaming store, hosts a day of introductory Dungeons & Dragons for people interested in playing the classic roleplaying game. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Game Kastle Austin, 3407 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 800, Austin. 512-436-8708. www.gamekastle.co/gk5
Jan. 2-5 | Drop into dozens of free concerts at downtown venues
Do512 presents Free Week, an annual music event with hundreds of local bands playing free shows throughout the Red River Cultural District in downtown Austin. Times and locations vary. Free. https://freeweek.do512.com
Jan. 3-5 | Get spiritual at a holistic expo
The Austin Metaphysical and Holistic Life Expo is a three-day event with lectures, demonstrations and merchants. Attendees will learn about holistic practices. Times vary. $8 each day. Norris Conference Centers-Austin, 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 365, Austin. www.spirituallifeproductions.org
Jan. 5 | Catch one of Yale’s best choirs singing at Shir Ami
Magevet, Yale University’s Jewish a cappella choir, is performing for the public at Congregation Shir Ami. The 18-person, co-ed group sings in eight languages with genres ranging from modern Israeli pop songs to compositions from the 17th century. Doors open at 3 p.m. $5 (children age 12 and younger), $10 (general admission). Shir Ami, 3315 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park. 512-843-3539. www.shir-ami.net
Jan. 11-12 | Shop and plan for your perfect wedding ceremony
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. 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 as it is mostly downhill. A festival and beer garden await runners at the finish line. 7:30-11:30 a.m. $129. Stonelake and York boulevards (start), Texas Capitol (finish). www.3mhalfmarathon.com
Jan. 31-Feb. 2 | Watch a ‘Trolls’ show with your family in Cedar Park
The “Trolls” universe goes live with six performances at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. The musical show incorporates dancing, puppetry, projections and more into an interactive performance fit for all ages. Performance times vary. Ticket prices vary. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000. www.hebcenter.com
Feb. 1 | Learn about Austin’s Early Tejano Community
“Caminar” is a walking history and cultural event to honor Tejanos buried in Austin’s Oakwood Cemetery. Activities include a ceremonial dance, a musical procession, storytelling and a tamale-making performance. 2 p.m. Free. Oakwood Cemetery Chapel, 1601 Navasota St., Austin. www.austintexas.gov
Area events
Jan. 10-12 | Austin Home and Garden Show
Austin Convention Center • www.austinhomeandgardenshow.com
Jan. 19 | Tet Festival
Vietnamese American Community of Austin • www.vacat.org
Jan. 25 | Margarita Crawl Austin
Locations vary • www.barcrawlunlimited.com
