Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Now that the holidays are over, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy all of the great events in Austin this January. From the Polar Bear Splash to the Snow Day, there’s something for every one to enjoy this month.

Events in Austin this January

Barton Springs Polar Bear Splash 2017
When: January 1^st, 2017
Where: Barton Springs Pool
2101 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX

Join us for the annual Polar Bear Splash at Barton Springs Pool on New Year’s Day. Save Our Springs will be set up from 9:30-2:00 with coffee, doughnuts, commemorative shirts, warm hearts and plenty of cold water to wash away the old and spring into the new!

American Flags Exhibit
When: Now through January 16^th, 2017
Where: Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX

Explore the transformation of the American flag and the historic events that influenced its many variations of red, white, and blue, and its stars and stripes. Discover flags dating to the War of 1812, ensigns used during the Civil War and Battle of Bull Run, and a 35-star pennant flown by the Buffalo Soldiers. Additional artifacts range from original artwork, such as Andy Warhol’s Moonwalk and Jasper Johns’ lithograph of White Flag, to rare archival pieces, such as the 1852 first edition of The History of the National Flag of the United States of America by Schuyler Hamilton—the first book dedicated to the history of the stars and stripes. Learn the nuances of proper flag etiquette and experience the growth of the nation through ever-evolving, star-spangled fabric sewn, held, and flown by ordinary and extraordinary Americans.

Freaky Friday
When: January 13^th, 2017
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX

It may be Friday the 13, but the more you learn about the creatures of the night, the less scary (and more fascinating) they become! Check out the nightlife at the Center, see what critters prefer the dark, and listen for the howls of coyotes under the full moon!

Snow Day
When: January 14^th, 2017
Where: Hull Country Science Mill
101 S. Lady Bird Lane
Johnson City, Tx

Join us for the second annual Snow Day as the outdoor Science & Art Park is transformed into a winter wonderland!  Special Snow Day activities include an ice piano, snowball catapult launches, mini snowman building contest, snowball radar throws, and more! Visitors are encouraged to bring mittens or gloves to keep their hands warm while playing in the snow. We’ll have twice as much snow (20 tons!!) as last year for twice the winter fun! Skip the line and purchase tickets online in advance! Members get in free. This event is sponsored by HEB.

Austin Boat & Travel Trailer Show
When: January 19^th – 22^nd, 2017
Where: Austin Convention Center
500 East Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX

The Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show is an annual event showcasing boats of all types, along with travel trailers, from dealers throughout Central Texas. Hosted in Austin, Texas since 1972, the Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show is a family event that attracts nearly 10,000 outdoor enthusiasts each year. Bringing unbeatable deals, the latest trends in boating and outdoor recreation, and fun activities for the whole family, the Austin Boat and Travel Trailer Show is a must-see!

7^th Annual Austin Gorilla run
When: January 28^th, 2017
Where: Camp Mabry
2200 W. 35^th Street
Austin, TX

Since most people can’t make it to the jungles of Africa, we are pretending the jungles are in Austin, Texas. Keep your eyes open on January 28, 2017, when hundreds of people dressed as mountain gorillas will run through Camp Mabry in Austin. The Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund is hosting the 7th Annual Austin Gorilla Run, a way for all of us to keep Dian Fossey’s dream alive.