What’s Happening at Pearl in January

January at Pearl is all about fresh starts, creative energy, and cozy winter nights. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite happy hour spot, a high-stakes culinary competition, or a night of classic jazz, we have a packed calendar to kick off 2026.

January at a Glance

• Emma's Tiki Tavern at Sternewirth
• Annual Niche Warehouse Sale
• Author Events at the Twig Book Shop
• Deeper Roots Open Mic Night at Bakery Lorraine
• Entrepreneurship Team Challenge
• High Street Wine Class
• Jazz Brunch at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou
• Jazz Dinner at Southerleigh
• John O’Hurley: A Man With Standards at Jazz, TX
• MICHELIN-Recognized Chefs of San Antonio: Cuisine for a Cause
• Movie Monday Winter Lineup
• New Happy Hour Launch at Otto's Ice House
• Texas Old Fashioned Face-Off at Stable Hall
• Weekend Markets at Pearl
• Tequila Fortaleza Dinner
• Texas Anthology Dinner at Isidore
• Restaurant Weeks Returns
• Ridge Vineyards Wine Dinner
• Weekend Wine Tastings at High Street Wine
  

Emma's Tiki Tavern at Sternewirth

Trade winter layers for island vibes at this one-day-only tropical transformation! Sternewirth becomes Emma's Tiki Tavern, bringing the islands to the heart of Pearl.

• When: Saturday, January 31, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• The Vibes:
  • Tiki-style cocktails featuring spirits from Planteray, El Tequileño, and Tempus Fugit
  • The Food: Award-winning Curry Boys patio pop-up with signature Thai-meets-Texas BBQ

Happy Hour at Otto’s Ice House

Start your week right with the brand-new happy hour at Otto’s! This is the perfect spot for midday breaks or early-evening hangs with scenic river views.

• When: Wednesday–Friday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• The Goods:
  • $7 Old Fashioneds & $9 Seasonal Frozens
  • $20 Pick Your Pitcher
  • $9 Bites: German Soft Pretzels, Cantina Queso, and Loaded Cheese Fries
  • Smashburger Combo: $17.50

Jazz Brunch at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

You're invited to dine with Brasserie Mon Chou Chou and KRTU 91.7 FM for a monthly celebration of food and sound.

• When: Sunday, January 4 at 11:00 AM
• Plan Ahead: Sunday, February 1
• The Vibe: A curated jazz playlist by Bria Woods, handcrafted themed cocktails, and Mon Chou Chou's classic menu favorites.

Make your reservation here.

Jazz Dinner at Southerleigh

Join Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery and KRTU 91.7 FM for a monthly celebration of food and sound.

• When: Wednesday, January 7 at 5:00 PM
• The Vibe: A curated jazz playlist by Bria Woods, handcrafted themed cocktails, and Southerleigh’s classic menu favorites.

Make your reservation here.

Tequila Fortaleza Dinner at Hotel Emma

Join us as we toast to the spirit of old-world craftsmanship with an evening dedicated to the revered Tequila Fortaleza portfolio.

• When: Friday, January 9 at 6:30 PM
• The Vibe: A guided tasting of traditional spirits, a curated chef’s choice menu, and a celebration of a 150-year legacy.

Purchase your tickets here.

Ridge Vineyards Dinner at Hotel Emma

Gather with us inside Supper’s Swiggle Key private dining room to celebrate Ridge Vineyards, a true pioneer of single-vineyard winemaking since 1962.

• When: Friday, January 16 at 6:30 PM
• The Vibe: An intimate dinner party featuring a selection of prized California expressions paired with a specially designed chef’s choice menu.

Purchase your tickets here.

Texas Anthology Dinner at Isidore

When: January 29, Where: Isidore inside Pullman Market

Experience a collaboration rooted in the land at Isidore’s Texas Anthology Dinner No. 5, featuring Emmer & Rye on January 29.

This exclusive tasting menu celebrates the art of intentional cooking, highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farmers and ranchers who share a commitment to sustainability.

Get tickets here.

Community & Culture

Movie Mondays: Winter Lineup

Grab your coziest blankets! Our outdoor cinema beneath the stars returns on January 12. Catch these favorites on the big screen:

• January 12: "Twilight"
• January 19: "Ratatouille"
• January 26: "Casablanca"

Trinity x CIA Entrepreneurship Team Challenge

Witness the next generation of leaders at this high-pressure "culinary bootcamp" finale. Thirty students from Trinity University and the CIA have just seven days to turn a secret concept into a reality.

• When: Sunday, January 11 at 10:00 AM
• Where: Pearl’s Sunday Makers Market
• The Experience: Meet the teams, hear their stories, and sample their creations before a winner is crowned!
• Tickets: Get $25 tickets here!

Author Appearances: January Lineup

Turn the page on a new year! The Twig Book Shop becomes a living library, hosting the brightest voices in Texas literature throughout January. Join the community for personal signings, live readings, and stories for every age:

• Jan 3, 11:00 AM Christina Ditchkofsky, Burnt Letters
• Jan 4, 11:00 AM: Parker Kelly, A Shattered World & The Sullivan Detective Agency
• Jan 4, 1:30 PM: Michael Thomas, Poetry of the Soul
• Jan 8, 5:30 PM: Thomas Edwards, Daughters Drear
• Jan 11, 11:00 AM: F.R.E. Kinney, Bone Touched
• Jan 15, 5:30 PM: Bianca V. Gonzalez Perez, Bloodlines
• Jan 17, 11:00 AM: Austin Lane, Investing With Purpose
• Jan 18, 11:00 AM: Maria Murillo, dog + girl
• Jan 18, 6:30 PM: May Cobb, All the Little Houses
• Jan 24, 11:00 AM: Janilee Miles, Amelia and the Traveling Teddy Bear Go to New York
• Jan 25, 11:00 AM: Valerie Paige, Identity Theft
• Jan 31, 11:00 AM: Sariah Swartz, The Cutest Cactus in Big Bend

Twiglet Storytimes: Friday Mornings

Bring your little readers for the wildest start to the weekend! Miss Anastasia returns every Friday morning at 10:30 AM (Jan 9, 16, 23, & 30) for high-energy storytelling that brings books to life for children of all ages.

Deeper Roots: Poetry Open Mic

Jan 13, 6:00 PM (at Bakery Lorraine) Grab a coffee and a pastry for an evening of local verse. Poet Cloud Cardona anchors January’s "Deeper Roots" session.

Annual Niche Warehouse Sale

January 8 thorugh January 10

It’s the one you’ve been waiting for! Niche's biggest event of the year is back at the Niche Warehouse Sale. Join us for exclusive deals on locally made clothing, fabric by the piece, and full fabric rolls. Whether you are looking for a wardrobe refresh or your next DIY project, this is the place to be.

Get details here.

Live Performances

John O’Hurley: A Man With Standards

Thursday, January 15 | 7:00 PM | Jazz, TX

The award-winning actor and comedian (of Seinfeld and Dancing With The Stars fame) returns for one night only. Accompanied by the Doc Watkins Orchestra, O’Hurley shares songs from the Great American Songbook and hilarious stories from his eclectic career.

Get tickets here!

Texas Old Fashioned Face-Off

Thursday, January 29 | Hosted by Still Austin Whiskey Co.

A full day dedicated to the craft of the cocktail, featuring elite bars from DFW, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

• 2:00 PM: Live Podcast Recording with Sternewirth & Still Austin.
• 4:00 PM: The Face-Off! Watch top mixologists (including local favorites from Bar Loretta, Stable Hall, Mixtli, and Sternewirth) compete.
• 8:00 PM: Live concert by The Texases playing 80s and 90s country hits.
• Tickets: Full-day passes or "Concert Only" tickets are available.
  • Industry Pro Tip: Reach out to Mengler@stablehalltx.com for a $40 industry discount code!

Get tickets here!