Our Favorite Upcoming Austin Events in February
The temperatures may be low, but our spirits are high this February in Austin! There are so many amazing and family-friendly events on our itinerary, we don’t even mind the (sort of) cold. From playing with puppies and tarot readings to Chinese New Year, we can’t wait to attend these solid happenings around town this month.
Austin Humane Society presents 11th Annual Puppy Bowl
The best Super Bowl party in town happens a day early at the Austin Humane Society’s 11th annual Puppy Bowl! This family-friendly fundraising event taps into Austin’s love of tailgating and rescue dogs for the perfect Saturday afternoon. Enjoy activities for the kids, local vendors, and all the puppies you can snuggle. Last year over 40 puppies found their new forever homes. But even if you are not looking to add a new canine companion to your abode, you can still enjoy events like the MVP Battles (Most Valuable Puppies) and the Puppy Player Prediction happening throughout the afternoon. The 11th Annual Puppy Bowl is free for attendees and proceeds are donated to the Austin Humane Society.
When: February 3, beginning at 12 PM
Where: 124 W. Anderson Ln.
Ground Floor Theatre presents The Amazing Acro-cats
Not a dog person? No worries! This February, Austin cat people will be lining up to enjoy the feline fun of The Amazing Acro-cats. You may have caught these fickle, fuzzy entertainers perform (or, not perform) on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The acro-cats don’t always stick to the routine– they are cats, after all… they do what they want! But that’s the beauty of the show. When they do grace the audience with an amazing feat, it makes witnessing it that much more special. Plus, a portion of the proceeds always benefits their mobile foster and rescue efforts for homeless kitties.
When: Select dates and times February 8th- 18th (see tickets and showtimes here)
Where: Ground Floor Theater @ 979 Springdale Rd.
Irene’s presents Tarot & Tequila Tuesday
This month, tap into your inner city witch at Irene’s Tarot & Tequila Tuesdays. You may be familiar with Irene’s after seeing all your friends Instagram themselves posing under their neon sign. Now you have the chance to get to know this downtown bar and eatery beyond the ‘gram while enjoying discount tequila and FREE tarot readings! Kristin of Senders Receive will be setting up shop to answer your questions and help you to get in touch with your Higher Self. Meanwhile, bartenders will be helping you get in touch with your tipsy self by pouring Tequila Tuesday specials until close, including House Tequila Shots, Premium Tequila Shots, and Waterloo Sunset.
Where: Irene’s @ 506 West Ave.
Jo’s Coffee presents 12th Annual Jo’s Chili Cook-Off
Winter chill got you down? Warm up with a hot bowl of spicy chili courtesy of the 12th Annual Jo’s Chili Cook Off! The South Congress coffee spot is hosting this free-to-enter competition to see who in Austin can really bring the heat. All proceeds benefit the Urban Roots farm— a youth development organization that uses food and farming to transform the lives of young people and inspire, engage, and nourish the community while teaching them about sustainability. And since it wouldn’t be Austin without some live music, attendees will be dancing to Jeff Hughes and Chapparal as well as the Jo’s House Band. Chili tasting wristbands are only $20 (available day of) and the winner will be announced at 3 PM.
When: February 11th, beginning at 12 PM
Where: Jo’s Coffee South Congress @ 1300 S. Congress Ave.
Wu Chow presents Chinese New Year Celebration
This Friday, February 16th 2018 begins the Chinese New Year of the Dog! While across the world people in China celebrate with lighting firecrackers, traditional lion dances, and red envelopes full of money, here in Austin we have the Wu Chow Chinese New Year Celebration. The Sichuan cuisine hot spot is serving up special Chinese New Year dinner dishes both Friday and Saturday evenings featuring signature plates like the Beijing roast duck and lobster. Or join on Sunday for a Chinese New Year dim sum brunch with additional menu specials. This family-friendly event will also have their very own Lion Dancers, temporary tattoos for the kids, and puppy adoption opportunities with Austin Pets Alive.
When: February 16th & 17th, beginning at 5 PM & February 18th, beginning at 11 AM
Where: Wu Chow @ 500 W. 5th St.
Four More Amazing Austin Events this February
The weather is already warming up around Austin, and we’re getting into the swing of things. As spring approaches, the amount of fun events happening around town increases. We’re sharing some of our favorite events so you can experience the best of Austin for the remainder of February.
2nd Street District presents Ron Campbell Cartoon Art Show
If you always wanted to live in a Yellow Submarine, you can’t miss this art show. Ron Campbell is an Australian animator who helped the Beatles take over Saturday mornings with their animated series titles– you guessed it– The Beatles. He was also one of the visionaries behind their pop-fueled psychedelic trip of a movie Yellow Submarine and went on to work with classic cartoons including The Jetsons, The Flinstones, Scooby-Doo, The Smurfs, and Rugrats. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Yellow Submarine, 2nd street businesses Austin Rocks and Toy Joy are bringing Cambell to Austin for a live event perfect for kids and adults alike. Join animation lovers on February 23rd and 24th for to get an up-close look at his vast collection of work. Campbell will also be painting live on site, signing autographs, and talking cartoons with fans. Artwork will also be for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas.
When: February 23, beginning at 4 PM & February 24, beginning at 12 PM
Where: 400 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701
Zip Lost Pines presents Sunset Zip and Sip
For those who like a little adrenaline paired with their vino, there is the Zip Lost Pines Sunset Zip and Sip. Ziplining is actually more than a thrill– it’s a great way to get some fresh air, burn calories, and reduce stress. This event provides all those benefits plus stunning views of the Hill Country as you fly down their fastest and second longest zip lines for a staggering 1,074 feet. Plus, enjoy post-zipping campfire s’mores as well as drinks provided by local brands including Copper Shot Distillery, Colorado Winery, and Wild Bunch Brewery. Tickets are $50 a person, or you can save a few bucks and bring a friend for an $85 per couple’s fee.
When: February 24 @ 5 PM
Where: 1760 State Highway 71 W Cedar Creek, TX 78612
Austin Oyster Festival
There’s old adage saying you shouldn’t eat oysters in months that do not have an “r” in them– luckily February has two, so we are good to go! The Austin Oyster Festival is the unofficial start of the festival season around here, giving locals a chance to gather together and party before the hoards of artists flood in for SXSW. This year, make it down to the Seaholm District not just for the Austin Seafood’s Gulf and East Coast oysters prepared by noted Eddie V’s Executive Chef Chris Bauer, but also for the extravagant Bloody Mary Bar, local beers by Blue Point Brewing, raffle prizes, and– of course– live music! VIPs also get to treat themselves to special oyster tastings including bites by Chef Shane Stark of Mongers Market + Kitchen, Chef Casey Wilcox of Central Standard. Kids under 12 get in free and general admission tickets are $60 and include entrance fee, live entertainment, and six festival vouchers. You can get more information on tickets and further details via the event website.
When: February 24, beginning at 12 PM
Where: The Lawn at Seaholm @ 800 W. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78703
El Chipirón Gin & Tonic Mixology Class
Warm weather calls for a refreshing drink. And while around here we are partial to the margarita, there’s nothing wrong with mixing it up a bit every once and a while. Enter the classic G&T– the gin and tonic. It’s crisp, herbal, just a little bit sweet and goes super well with a twist of lime. South Lamar tapas spot El Chipirón is bringing back their hit G&T mixology class this month to get you ready for spring. Learn how to craft three artfully assembled gin and tonics served alongside two pincho pairings per drink. They also provide a detailed history of gin and tonics de España getting into the nitty-gritty details about the building and techniques of G&Ts. Tickets for this event are $65.
When: February 25, beginning at 3:30 PM
Where: El Chipirón @ 2717 S. Lamar Blvd. #1085 Austin, TX 78704
