Dec. 28-30
Maker Faire exhibit encourages tinkering
Attendees can make and play video games through hands-on activities and demonstrations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free with museum admission ($9-$13). Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave. www.thestoryoftexas.com
Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year with music, food and fireworks
The city hosts a family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year’s bash with music, art, food trucks and fireworks. Performers include Brownout. 3-10 p.m. Free. Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive. www.austintexas.gov/any
Dec. 31
Stomp on bubble wrap at Thinkery’s New Year’s event
Children’s museum Thinkery celebrates the “noon” year with a daytime balloon drop and bubble wrap stomp. The event also includes winter crafts and “snowball” fights. Noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. $12 (general admission). Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. www.thinkeryaustin.org
Jan. 6-7
Central Texas’s largest bridal showcase returns
Austin’s Bridal Extravaganza brings the pages of a wedding guide to life for future brides and industry professionals. Noon-5 p.m. Free (children age 12 and younger), $15. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road. www.austinweddings.com
Jan. 15
Celebrate MLK’s legacy
The annual community march celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy. Beginning on The University of Texas campus, the march continues to Huston-Tillotson University. 9 a.m. Free. MLK statue on the UT campus, 23rd St. and Speedway. www.mlkcelebration.com
Jan. 18-21
Boat showcase returns
Boats, RVs, kayaks and live fishing are on display at the annual Austin Boat & Travel Trailer Show. Times vary by day. Free (age 7 and younger), $6 (age 60 and older; ages 8-12), $10 (ages 13-59). Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. www.austinboatshow.com
Jan. 21
7,000-plus expected to run in 3M Half Marathon
Participants in the 3M Half Marathon run downhill for 13.1 miles to downtown Austin. Contestants get a finisher medal and celebrate at a festival. 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $105. Stonelake Boulevard (begins), state Capitol (ends), 1100 Congress Ave. www.3mhalfmarathon.com
Jan. 27
Wildlife celebrated at museum event
The Texas Memorial Museum hosts Texas Wildlife Day with The University of Texas scientists, science educators and local master naturalists. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity St. www.facebook.com/texasmemorialmuseum