February 1
Warm up your winter weekend at Jo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off, a South Congress favorite that turns a casual afternoon into a full-on neighborhood gathering. Cooks bring their most brag-worthy chili recipes, crowds move from pot to pot debating spice levels and secret ingredients, and the energy builds as votes are cast and winners are crowned. The focus stays on personality over perfection, giving the cook-off the kind of distinctly local feel Austin does best.
February 3 - 8
The classic musical The Sound of Music is heading to Bass Concert Hall this February as part of Texas Performing Arts’ Broadway in Austin series, giving Austin audiences a chance to experience one of the most beloved shows in theater history live on stage. This touring production brings Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless story of Maria and the von Trapp family to life with a vibrant cast and a score full of unforgettable songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Edelweiss.” Under the direction of a three-time Tony Award winner, the performances capture both the heart and spirit of the original while inviting a new generation to fall in love with the tale.
February 6
The timeless story of The Sound of Music returns to Austin this February as part of Texas Performing Arts’ Broadway in Austin series, bringing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical back to the stage at Bass Concert Hall. Set in Austria on the eve of World War II, the production follows Maria as her love of music transforms the von Trapp family and challenges expectations along the way. Audiences can expect a richly staged performance anchored by iconic songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Edelweiss,” offering a live theater experience that feels both nostalgic and newly relevant.
February 7
Each February the shelter at Austin Humane Society becomes a lively gathering spot for animal lovers of all ages as the annual Puppy Bowl returns, this year on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The event mixes playful puppy races and Super Bowl–style prognostications with good food and a tailgate competition that gets everyone cheering for their favorite bites. People can stop by for free or upgrade to a VIP experience that includes extra perks and access to the food competition. Beyond the entertainment, the Puppy Bowl highlights adoptable dogs and supports the shelter’s ongoing work to find loving homes and care for animals in need.
February 7
The annual Carnaval Brasileiro brings a full-on Brazilian-style carnival experience to Austin each February, celebrating samba, music, dance, and vibrant costumes at The Speakeasy in downtown Austin. Evolving from a party started in the 1970s by Brazilian students wanting a taste of home, this event has grown into one of the city’s biggest Mardi Gras-style celebrations, drawing thousands of revelers ready to dance to live Brazilian bands and DJs for hours. Expect colorful feathered costumes, energetic samba rhythms, and a lively crowd unafraid to embrace the festive spirit, all wrapped in an atmosphere that channels the joy and spectacle of Carnaval beyond Brazil’s borders.
February 14
La La Land comes to life in a special live performance at Bass Concert Hall as part of Texas Performing Arts’ lineup. On this Valentine’s Day date, audiences can watch the Oscar-winning story of a jazz pianist and aspiring actress while a full orchestra and jazz ensemble perform the film’s enchanting score on stage, creating a rich audio-visual experience that deepens the connection to one of the most beloved modern musicals. The familiar melodies, including the film’s iconic theme, fill the hall as the movie plays on the big screen, giving longtime fans and newcomers alike a fresh way to enjoy the romance, color, and music that made the film a classic.
February 15
The 35th edition of the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K takes over downtown Austin, drawing tens of thousands of runners and spectators to the streets for one of the city’s biggest annual events. Participants tackle courses that wind past landmarks like the Texas State Capitol and South Congress while live music and cheering crowds keep energy high and neighborhood culture on full display. Weekend activities stretch beyond race day, including a health and fitness expo and a lively finish line festival where runners celebrate their accomplishments and connect with fellow athletes and supporters.
February 18 - 22
The OUTsider Festival brings bold queer creativity and boundary-pushing art into venues around Austin, celebrating originality through film, dance, theater, performance art, music, visual works and spirited conversations. Rooted in LGBTQ+ culture and community, the festival draws artists, audiences and thinkers together in dynamic spaces where unconventional expression and dialogue overlap, sparking new ideas and cultural discovery. Over several days of performances, showcases and gatherings, OUTsider highlights voices that defy the mainstream and creates a vivid showcase of what queer artistic performance looks like beyond conventional stages.
February 21 - March 1
Austin’s Westwood Country Club becomes a hub of high-level tennis each year as the ATX Open brings professional women’s tour-level competition to town, showcasing world-class players competing across singles and doubles on outdoor hard courts. The event has quickly become one of the city’s standout sports experiences, transforming courts and fan areas into an energetic setting where spectators can watch skilled athletes in action, soak up the tournament atmosphere and enjoy a slice of Austin’s lively culture.
February 19 & 21
Basketball fans in Austin can catch an NBA-level matchup with the San Antonio Spurs taking on the Phoenix Suns at Moody Center, where the energy of professional hoops fills the arena. The game brings two skilled squads to the court for a competitive showdown that highlights speed, precision, and momentum-shifting plays, giving local fans a chance to experience top-tier basketball close to home. As part of the Spurs’ expanded slate of appearances in Austin, this contest combines big-league talent with the lively atmosphere Moody Center is known for.
February 20 - 22
The acclaimed musical Hadestown arrives at Bass Concert Hall as part of Texas Performing Arts’ Broadway in Austin series, offering an immersive theatrical rendition of intertwined mythic tales. Inspired by ancient Greek stories of Orpheus and Eurydice alongside King Hades and Persephone, the production blends haunting melodies and poetic staging to examine love, hope, and the choices that shape our world. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, Hadestown has earned widespread praise for its emotional depth and inventive score, inviting audiences into a richly crafted underworld that lingers long after the final curtain.
February 22
Lunar New Year FEST Austin celebrates the richness of Asian cultural traditions through vibrant performances, interactive art, diverse food offerings, and community-centered experiences that honor the start of the lunar calendar. The festival brings together local and regional artists, musicians, dancers, makers, and food vendors to create an atmosphere alive with sound, color, and shared heritage, while activities and demonstrations give attendees ways to connect with customs old and new.
February 27 - March 1
Thrill seekers and racing fans gather at NASCAR at Circuit of The Americas when the world-class Circuit of The Americas track hosts a weekend of high-speed stock car competition. The weekend’s action highlights top drivers from the NASCAR Cup Series and support series battling through challenging turns and long straights on the road course that also hosts Formula 1 and other major motorsports events.
Black History Month Kids Day at the Carver
February 28
The Carver Museum ATX opens its doors for Black History Month Kids Day, a community event designed to engage young minds in the stories and contributions of African American history through interactive activities and creative play. Storytelling sessions, arts and crafts experiences, and hands-on exhibits encourage children and their families to explore remarkable achievements and cultural legacies in ways that are both fun and meaningful. This day blends learning and celebration, inviting attendees of all ages to connect with history in an immersive and welcoming environment.
Posted by: Realty Austin
Date: Jan 31, 2026
Category: Things To Do
