Austin, TX
Top 5 Events In Austin Today – Saturday, 17th January, 2026

Updated: Saturday, January 17, 2026
This Saturday, January 17th, 2026, Austin is radiating with energy, offering a soulful blend of wellness, history, and world-class performance!
Below is my list of the Top 5 events in Austin today. For a complete round-up, check out my article on the best Events Happening in Austin this Weekend!
Today’s highlights offer something for every vibe, whether you’re seeking a fresh perspective at the Metaphysical Fair for Austin or honoring a powerful legacy at the MLK Kids Event in San Marcos. For those looking to move, the Mind, Body, Vacancy series at Vacancy Brewing kicks off your morning with community-focused wellness.
As evening falls, you can choose between the breathtaking choreography of the Mark Morris Dance Group at Bass Concert Hall or an intimate, string-quartet tribute to Coldplay under the glow of candlelight in Georgetown. Whether you’re exploring the arts, diving into spiritual wellness, or enjoying family-friendly history, these top picks capture the very best of the Greater Austin area this Saturday.
Read on to plan your day and make some unforgettable memories in Central Texas!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Top 5 Events in Austin Today – Saturday, 17th January, 2026
Metaphysical Fair for Austin

Image Credit: heartoftexasfairs.com
Experience a day of insight and transformation at the Metaphysical Fair for Austin. Visitors can connect with gifted psychics, healers, and intuitive readers while exploring a variety of metaphysical vendors.
The event also offers a unique opportunity to discover crystals and spiritual tools designed to provide guidance and refresh your energy for the year ahead.
Where: Wyndham Garden Austin, 3401 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78741
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
How Much: Free
MLK Kids Event

Image Credit: dhasmtx.com
Join the Dunbar Heritage Association for a vibrant celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This family-friendly event invites children and teens (ages 3–18) to engage with history through new books, art, videos, and hands-on crafts.
Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 10:30 am – 1 pm
How Much: Free
Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay on Strings
Experience the music of Coldplay reimagined for a string quartet at the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University.
The evening’s tentative program features orchestral arrangements of the band’s most iconic hits, including “Yellow,” “The Scientist,” “Fix You,” and “A Sky Full of Stars.” Secure your tickets to enjoy these contemporary anthems in an intimate, atmospheric environment.
Where: Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University, 1001 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 8:45 pm
How Much: Starts at $31
Mind, Body, Vacancy: Social Wellness Series at Vacancy Brewing

Image Credit: Vacancy Brewing FB Page
Join us at Vacancy Brewing for Mind, Body, Vacancy, a four-week social wellness series at Vacancy Brewing focused on movement, community, and good vibes. Each week brings a new local fitness partner and class style, all levels welcome.
Where: 415 E St Elmo Rd 1 d2, Austin, TX 78745
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am
How Much: Free
Mark Morris Dance Group: The Look of Love

Image Credit: texasperformingarts.org
This production celebrates Bacharach’s sophisticated musical style, which blends jazz, rock, and Brazilian influences with the evocative, bittersweet lyrics of Hal David. The production is anchored by a live ensemble of piano, trumpet, bass, and drums, led by the powerhouse vocals of Broadway star Marcy Harriell.
Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Not stated
Austin, TX
Antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island fell by half in 2025, ADL says
There was a significant reduction in the number of antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island in 2025, according to a national Jewish advocacy group.
According to the Anti-Defamation League’s latest Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, there were 26 antisemitic incidents in the state last year. That’s down from the 52 incidents counted by the group in 2024.
Samantha Joseph, New England regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, says a big reason for the reduction is a steep decline in antisemitism on college campuses.
“It shows that campus administrators are taking their responsibilities very seriously to provide a safe environment for all of their students,” said Joseph.
Brown University had over $500 million in federal funding frozen by the Trump administration last year following investigations into alleged antisemitism on campus. The funding was restored after Brown reached a settlement with the administration.
The reduction in antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island reflects a wider trend in New England as a whole. According to the ADL’s report, there were 400 antisemitic incidents in the region in 2025, compared to 638 the previous year.
While she’s pleased about the overall drop in antisemitic incidents in Rhode Island, Joseph says a number of concerning trends continue to persist. In particular, the state is still seeing more anti-Jewish incidents than it did prior to the October 7 attacks on Israel that launched the Gaza War in 2023.
Joseph is also concerned about the violent nature of local incidents of antisemitism.
“Even though overall incidents are down, assaults are up and assaults with a deadly weapon are up significantly,” said Joseph. “Our communities remain concerned for their safety, and our work is far from done.”
Austin, TX
Live blog: Severe thunderstorms possible in Central Texas
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Severe thunderstorms are possible Sunday evening as a cold front arrives in Central Texas. KXAN’s First Warning Weather Team will keep you updated on the weather coverage.
Risks to be aware of are damaging wind gusts that could reach as high as 60 to 75 mph and large hail up to quarter size.
Weather Resources:
Live Updates:
5:22 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued for all counties except for Milam County.
3:51 p.m.: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Mason, San Saba, and Lampasas County until 9:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.: The primary risk for Sunday’s severe weather is damaging wind gusts which could cause power outages.
3:26 p.m.: Storms will likely move toward the I-35 corridor around 6 p.m. Most of the storms will enter the Hill Country around 6 p.m. and the Austin metro counties after 8 p.m.
Austin, TX
Letter to the editor from Texas emeritus professor on Dell donation
Video of new Texas Tech System chancellor home at historic Lubbock property
The Texas Tech System is acquiring the historic Tudor Revival ‘English Home’ in Lubbock to serve as the new chancellor’s residence.
Money and rankings don’t make a great university. Providing opportunities for disadvantaged students and protecting academic freedom, however, do.
Case in point: Michael and Susan Dell recently surpassed $1 billion in giving to the University of Texas at Austin, launching a plan to build a new medical center and advanced research campus in north Austin.
To be sure, this is a magnanimous gift that will fund important initiatives. While enormously grateful for this contribution, I am disappointed that this gift was not accompanied with a strong message from Michael Dell admonishing the University for gutting DEI and infringing upon academic freedom.
As a colleague of mine astutely observed: “Good luck recruiting doctors and med students. The attacks on DEI and political climates will mean a lot more than rankings and money long-term.”
UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife, referencing the Dell gift, is right: “We are transforming this site into a new campus the world has never seen before.” Yes, never seen, but in a very negative and dangerous way!
Last week, I received a message from the Texas Exes: “This is your last chance to show your support during 40 Hours for the Forty Acres, UT Austin’s Texas-sized fundraising event. Can we count on you?”
My answer: “No, absolutely not. I won’t give one dime to a university that no longer is committed to diversity and preserving academic freedom.”
Having proudly taught at UT for 41 years, I am sad to say this.
– Richard Cherwitz, Ph.D. is the Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor Emeritus, Moody College of Communication and Founding Director, Intellectual Entrepreneurship Consortium (IE) at The University of Texas at Austin.
How to share a letter to the editor
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