Five Austin Events To Get You Out of the House This Winter

Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up indoors with a good book, but it's still fun to get out of the house every now and then. Austin has a lot to offer this winter, from comedy shows to festivals. Here are some of the best winter events you won't want to miss.

Free Week
The City of Austin

Free Week is an annual tradition in Austin. From January 1 – 8, bands perform at venues all over the city, and admission to all shows is free. Some of the best shows include:

• Whiskey Shivers and Sailor Poon at Empire Control Room & Garage: January 4 at 8 p.m.
• Roadkill Ghost Choir at Mohawk Austin: January 6 at 8 p.m.
• Moving Panoramas at Valhalla: January 6 at 8:30 p.m.

This is the perfect opportunity for you to discover a new venue and some new local bands.

Martin Luther King March & Festival
MLK Statue
University of Texas Campus, Austin

This festival celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 15, it includes a short march led by local businesses and non-profit organizations. There will be food trucks, vendors and local artists on site. All participants are asked to bring canned goods or other non-perishable food items to donate to the Central Texas Food Bank.

Carnaval Brasileiro
Palmer Events Center
900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin

Get ready to samba at the largest Brazilian celebration outside of Brazil. Carnaval Brasileiro is a celebration of Brazilian cultural heritage and its place in the Austin community. There will be singing, dancing, and music perfoHot Rods and Hatters Car Showrmed on classic Brazilian instruments. The event is scheduled for February 10, beginning at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $37.50 per person and can be purchased online. There will be cash bars scattered throughout the dance room, along with plenty of delicious snacks. All ages are welcome, but the event coordinators recommend the festival for those ages 10 and older.

Hot Rods and Hatters
Caldwell County Courthouse
110 S Main St, Lockhart

If you love cars, then head over to the  on Saturday, February 3. Between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., you'll see over 1,200 hot rods from every era. There will also be plenty of refreshments and vendors, along with live music by Dale Watson, The Paladins and other local artists.

Austin Marathon
Downtown Austin

The Austin Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K are scheduled for Sunday, February 18. There's still time to train for the 5K if you're trying to get more exercise. Even if you don't participate, consider coming downtown to cheer on the runners! The marathon and half marathon start at 7 a.m., and the 5k starts at 7:30 a.m.

Residents at Springs at Lakeline and Springs at Round Rock, have you heard of any other exciting winter events coming up in the Austin area? Be sure to tell us about them in the comments below.