Weekend Top 10 FREE Events (Jan 27-29, 2012)

1. Tree Talk Winter Walk - Saturday, January 28, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. At this free event you can enjoy guided walks in the Wildflower Center and talks by local forestry experts. There will be family fun with a Kids Tree Climb and an educational tree scavenger hunt. TreeFolks will provide native tree saplings to those who complete the scavenger hunt. To see the schedule for this event, visit here.  Admission to the Wildflower Center is free during the month of January. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin.
2. AISD Feria Para Aprender - Saturday, January 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  AISD presents the 6th annual Feria Para Aprender, a free education fair designed to aid Spanish speaking parents and students who are navigating the US educational system from elementary school through college. Parents and students can browse booths from AISD departments, nonprofit organizations, as well as colleges and universities. Ask questions on topics ranging from early childhood education to scholarship applications. There will also be professionals in many in-demand careers on hand to speak about their experiences and the importance of education. New to the Feria this year will be special "Teen Zones" and "Anti Bullying Zones." North Austin Event Center, 10601 N. Lamar, Austin.
3. Austin Family Magazine Summer Camp Fair - Saturday, January 28, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The fair will host over 100 summer camps and programs for parents and kids to browse and learn more about. Visit the camp booths, then stick around for live performances and kids' activities. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin.
4.  What's the Story Steve? - Saturday, January 28 at 10 a.m. Join Move Your Tale and Steve the improvising poodle in this audience led theatrical journey. Kids can engage in collaborative storytelling and help make the story happen, or they can sit back and enjoy the production. The production is free, but donations are appreciated. The show is appropriate for all ages. Arrive a little early to get a good seat! ColdTowne Theatre, 4803 Airport Blvd., Austin.
5. Alamo Kids' Club - Saturday, January 28 at 10:45 a.m. Alamo Drafthouse Kids Club is showing Bad News Bears (1976) at the South Lamar location. The film is rated PG, so be aware that there are some swear words. Children age 3 and over may attend. No infants however, and families with loud children will be asked to leave. Alamo South Lamar, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
6. Puppet Show at BookPeople - Saturday, January 28 at 11:30 a.m. Join BookPeople for another rousing performance by the absolutely almost perfect puppeteers as they perform a masterful rendition of the Tooth Fairy starring book, No Tooth, No Quarter – a cautionary tale of the tough job held by the wealthiest fairy of them all, the Tooth Fairy. It will be funny and loud and silly and crazy – so don’t miss it! Make sure to arrive early to get a seat. BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar, Austin.
7. Australia Day Party at Boomerang's - Saturday, January 28, from noon - 9 p.m. The free event features entertainment for all ages, including a bouncy castle for kids, music from DJ GMAU, a pie eating contest, and a silent auction. Kids 12 and under eat free with adult purchase. Donate to Meals on Wheels and more and get a free sausage roll!  Boomerang's, 3110 Guadalupe, Austin.
8. The Que Pastas at Ruta Maya - Sunday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m. Free kids show with The Que Pastas.  Ruta Maya, 3601 South Congress, Austin.
9. Chinese New Year Celebration - Sunday, January 29, from 10:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit Chinatown Center in North Austin for the 2012 Chinese New Year celebration! The center will be featuring traditional Chinese firecrackers at the pagoda, followed by two different dragon and lion dance team troupes. The festivities start at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies and performances, and are expected to last until about 5 p.m. at the various retail stores. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature face painting, martial arts, Chinese Calligraphy, and more! Chinatown Center, 10901 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin.
10. Really Really Free Market - Sunday, January 29, from 1 - 3 p.m. The last Sunday of every month, East Austin is overtaken by a festival of free happening at Chestnut Community Park. Instead of selling your stuff at a yard sale or trashing it, why not bring it down to the Really Really Free Market and meet people doing the same? The landfills are full enough already and you might find something you need, make a new friend or just have a good conversation. The market is a mixture of reuse, recycling, sharing and community building. Share skills, goods, ideas, smiles, friendship, excitement, plans and more. Chestnut Community Park, 2207 East 16th St. (at Chestnut St), Austin.

Want more?  Check out the Free Fun Calendar!  Have a wonderful weekend.