Looking for great happenings in February in Austin, Texas? Here are some ideas.
Carnaval. February 1, 2014, south - Austin's adaptation of a traditional Brazilian festival held each February. An annual Austin event since the 1970s. Dancing, live performances, costumes, and Brazilian music played on authentic instruments. Carnaval
View some footage of the Austin Carnaval:
Modern Home Tour. February 2, 2013, multiple locations - A self-paced, self-driving tour of over 15 modern-style homes on the market, designed by Modern Austin architects. Event concludes with an after-party and architect panel discussion.
Watch a video of the 2012 Modern Home Tour:
Boy Scouts Report to State Parade. February 2, 2013, central - Boy Scouts, as well as Cub Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts and Explorers from across Texas march to the state capitol and report to a state government representative on accomplishments in their respective councils over the previous year. Boy Scouts Report to State Parade
Texas Photo Roundup. February 7 - 9, 2013, central - A three-day event including photography displays, workshops, and seminars. Proceeds benefit the Austin Center for Photography and the American Society of Media Photographers. Texas Photo Roundup
Cupid's Undie Run. February 8, 2014, central - downtown. A one-mile run in your skivvies to raise funds for the Children's Tumor Foundation. Participants must be at least 21 with ID. Cupid's Undie Run
Watch a video promotion of Cupid's Undie Run:
Human Rights Campaign Gala. February 9, 2013, central - A fundraising dinner, auction, live entertainment, and a guest speaker. Sponsored by Human Rights Campaign, working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual equal rights. Human Rights Campaign Gala
Mardi Gras. February 9, 2013, central - Austin's annual self-organized street party celebrating a New Orleans tradition. Dancing, costumes, purple, green, and gold beads, the whole bit.
View some video footage of Austin's Mardi Gras celebration in 2013:
Chinese New Year Celebration. February 16, 2013, north - Austin's celebration of the Chinese New Year features Asian and Indian dances, lion and dragon dances, drum routines, and martial arts, as well as a climbing wall, trampoline, and mechanical bull. Chinese New Year Celebration
Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon. February 16, 2014, downtown - Austin's premier annual running event is also an opportunity to fundraise for local charities. Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon
Paramount Break-A-Leg 5K. February 16, 2014, downtown - Run/walk event held in conjunction with the Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon. The 5K course ends at the finish line of the Austin Marathon. Proceeds from the race support the historic Paramount and State Theatres. Paramount Break-A-Leg 5K
SweetBarks. February 16, 2013, south - Indulge in live music, pizza, and beer. Pet some adoptable dogs. Enjoy games, vendors, a raffle, and silent auction. Sponsored by Austin Pets Alive!. SweetBarks
No Idea Festival. February 16 - 24, 2014, various locations - This unusual, open-format event brings together selected artists and musicians from the U.S., Mexico, and Europe for performances, workshops, dinners, and interactions. Activities take place in various locations in Austin, San Antonio, and other nearby cities. No Idea Festival
Austin RV Expo. February 20 - 23, 2014, downtown - Central Texas's largest exhibition of RVs and RV accessories. Over 200,000 square feet of displays. Austin RV Expo
Jugglefest. February 22 - 24, 2013, south - Three days of shows, demonstrations, games, and workshops related to juggling, unicycling, and similar skills. Also vendors, door prizes, a silent auction, and more. Event kicks off with an open stage for members of the public to show off their juggling talents. Jugglefest
View some video footage of Jugglefest in 2013:
That Takes the Cake!. February 22 - 24, 2013, north - Three days of cake competitions, classes and demonstrations, kids' cookie and cupcake decorating, and a raffle. That Takes the Cake!
View pictures of some of the amazing cakes in the 2013 show:
Austin African American Community Heritage Festival. February 23, 2013, east - An annual, family-friendly event featuring games, vendors, health screenings, safety demonstrations, books, apparel, arts and crafts, storytelling, prizes, live musical entertainment, and kids' activities. Austin African American Community Heritage Festival
Art Night Austin. February 23, 2013, multiple locations - A display of art work by international, national, and local artists in various mediums, at multiple locations. Artwork includes paintings, photography, digital interactive performance, pencil drawings, sculptures, and lighting displays. Each location also features food, drinks, and sound effects to accompany the artwork. Art Night Austin
Austin Specialty Beer Festival. February 23, 2013, east - A day to celebrate and sample exotic beers. Over 80 selected beers from around Texas and the world are available for tasting. Also food trailers and live music. Event is held in a beautiful park along the lake. (www.austinspecialtybeerfestival.com) Austin Specialty Beer Festival