8 Totally Free Things to Do in Austin This Winter

Whether you want to take advantage of hiking weather or experience world-class art, here’s how to have fun without breaking the bank.

If youmoved to Austinfrom the Northeast , you might be used to hole up for the winter like some kind of torpid groundhog or box polo-neck . Butwinter in Austinbrings a real grab handbag of conditions . You ’ll see some people trying to sway theirbiggest coatsin 50 - academic degree temps , urgently seek to apologize that section of theirwardrobe , while others are still rolling out with crop tops and jean boxers . While there will be great deal of chilly days and evening that give the desire cold weather indoor vibes , depending on the week and time of day , wintertime is arguably the best time to beoutdoorshere . Whatever your druthers , we ’ve compiled a listing of free thing to do in Austin this season .

Dept. of the People + Process

Four Record Friday

DowntownFour Record Friday is a free - to - attend event put on by the When Where What Austin gang . host at cocktail bar Higher Ground from 5:30 - 9:30 pm , the event act as through four vinyl records . When the last one stops birl , the hosts give the records away to one lucky winner . It ’s a fun night of music with well - craft adult beverage available to buy ( if you have a snatch of cash to spend ) . To win , merely post an IG Story from the event , tag the hosts , and hopefully take the air by with four young vinyl for your collection .

Austin Public Library

DowntownThe Austin Public Library is an impressive infinite . It ’s full of public art and is , arguably , one of the coolest libraries that you ’ll ascertain in any metropolis . There ’s a ton of comfortable seating area and rooms to explore , include a scenic rooftop garden terrace that overlooks the river and the south side of downtown . The space comes as a result of yr of development and collaboration . It boasts desktop , laptop , tablets , and board games , not to mention countless books you may peruse and read . It ’s aright next to Shoal Creek Park , and makes for a marvellous spot to kill some time when the weather is n’t conformable . If you keep your visit shorter , parking is complimentary for the first time of day at the onsite sight , though it is unfortunatelypaid parkingafter that .

Free Mondays with Esquina Tango

MuellerIf you ’re look to up your dancing motion , Esquina Tango hosts free community Tango school term every Monday at the Halcyon Mueller java shop . It ’s a fun way to get moving and be around newfangled masses . The beginner course of instruction starts at 6:30 premier , and the Milonga ( social dance ) session go from 7:30 to 10 pm .

Mt. Bonnell

Mt. Bonnell TerraceA popular spot for tourists and occupant alike , Mt. Bonnell offer a captivating mountainside view of the Colorado River . It ’s the perfect space to watch the sunset ( though do design forwards since the winter sundown comes during rush hour ) . Many people make the misapprehension of set for a long salary increase when setting out , but it only takes a few minute to trek from the parking area to the scenic view . It ’s the tall point in Austin metropolis limits , beating out the Independent , a 58 - story skyscraper on West Avenue . Mt. Bonnell is also a well - known escort spot , and the chilly conditions only enhances the romantic vibes — no credit card required .

Free Thursdays at the Blanton-Art Museum

CampusArguably Austin ’s considerably - known museum , The Blanton , is a flagship in the Austin graphics scene . It feature a monolithic collection of whole kit focusing primarily on present-day American and Latin American artistry . It house beautiful permanent collections and pieces as well as rotate works , making it a heavy outing for anyone with even a clear interest in the artwork . Admission is entirely devoid for all every Thursday . Plus , if you are a University of Texas ID holder , a child under 12 , or a K-12 instructor with a valid ID , then admission is gratuitous every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Barton CreekWhen people think of the lush nature in Austin , they usually imagine the Barton Creek Greenbelt for good grounds . It has over twelve miles of lead with choice for hike , biking , bouldering , and swim . It belike wo n’t be hot enough to justify taking a dip in the creek right now . But a sunny and windy wintertime sidereal day makes for a not bad hiking experience that wo n’t douse you in exertion . There are many different entering point , each allowing easier admission to the various out-of-door activities . During this clip of yr , you ’ll want to focus on the Main Access Point off of Capital of Texas Highway . It provides the best access code to many of the elementary hiking trails .

Elizabet Ney Museum

Hyde ParkWith innocent admission , the Elizabet Ney Museum is a residential district staple that injects a lot of life into the local community of interests . It ’s a historical star sign featuring the works of nineteenth - 100 German sculptor Elizabet Ney . Located right in the middle of Hyde Park , the blank space has the bombastic display of Ney ’s marble sculpture work out , often featured alongside various contemporary exhibits . The museum has been known to host other free upshot include Saturday Drawing Salons , where participant are ask for to depict Ney ’s statues regardless of science level with all the material provide . determine out theirprograms pageto see their current slating of activeness .

Inside of George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center