This weekend in Austin offers a vibrant array of cultural experiences, from free live music to thought-provoking theater. Whether your New Year’s resolutions involve exploring your creative side or simply getting out more, the city’s dynamic art scene presents numerous opportunities to engage.
Free Week, Red River Cultural District
Running Friday and Saturday at various venues, Free Week showcases Austin’s musical talent while encouraging locals to enjoy the arts without spending a dime. This initiative, which has been ongoing for over a decade, aims to invigorate the city’s music scene during a typically quieter time of year. Highlights include performances by Jet Cemetery at Elysium and Grocery Bag at Swan Dive on Friday, followed by a show featuring Good Looks at Mohawk on Saturday.
Free Week at the Jones Center
From Thursday to Sunday, the Contemporary Austin is offering free admission to the Jones Center located at 700 Congress Ave. This is the last chance to view the Teddy Sandoval exhibit, which closes on Monday. Given the popularity of the exhibit, early reservations are advised.
Funeral for a Tree, Ivester Contemporary
Visit Ivester Contemporary from Thursday to Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., to experience an innovative installation by Steve Parker. The exhibit features playable records made from the trunk of a dead tree, which has been transformed into “cookies” that encode bird songs. The installation is complete with a wooden turntable inspired by vintage designs, alongside a unique apparatus combining medical breathing bags and reeds from a traditional Chinese wind instrument. This exhibit will be available for viewing until Saturday.
Intro to Mural Painting Workshop, Raasin in the Sun
On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., join a hands-on mural painting workshop at The Lot on 12th for just $17.85. Led by local artist Sam Soper, known for his pop-surrealist portraiture, this workshop is perfect for beginners eager to learn spray paint techniques and enhance their artistry.
Different Stages Theatre: Man of the People
This compelling play, running Thursday through Sunday at the Trinity Street Playhouse, tells the astonishing true story of John R. Brinkley, a 1920s medical charlatan who claimed to cure impotence through goat gland transplants. The performance schedule includes shows at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $17 to $37, allowing attendees to choose what they can afford.
For those who prefer to stay in, consider preparing a video for NPR’s upcoming Tiny Desk Contest, which opens on Tuesday. Artists have until February 9 at 11:50 p.m. ET to submit their entries.
