All brave, weirdo Austinites to the front, please! The new year is right around the corner and if you can’t start 2026 without jumping into a frigid body of water, we’ve got you covered. Not in a towel, of course, but hopefully you have one of those handy!
Here’s where you can plunge on Jan. 1, 2026:
Save Our Springs Alliance hosts a polar bear plunge at Barton Springs Pool, 2131 William Barton Drive, every year. While the organization has not posted full information about its 2026 plunge, they have said they plan to do one.
You also can just go to Barton Springs Pool whenever you want on Jan. 1! The pool is open year-round and has free entry during winter months.
Six of the city’s pools are open all year, including Bartholomew, Barton Springs, Big Stacy, Colony Park, Deep Eddy, and Springwoods. Pop in to one and do your own polar bear plunge! Just be sure to check the temperature – pools will close if the air temperature on a pool deck is at or below 32 degrees.
The Austin Aquanauts Dive Club is hosting a dive at Mansfield Dam Park on Lake Travis, 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Road, at 11 a.m. on Jan. 1. Entry fees are $15 for members of the dive club and $25 for non-members.
🧊 Leander
Leander’s polar bear plunge starts at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Robin Bledsoe Park Pool, 601 South Bagdad, and includes a hot cocoa bar, giveaways, games, and more. The event is $10 for plungers and free for spectators. Pre-registration is recommended.
🐻❄️ Cedar Park
The city of Cedar Park is hosting its polar bear plunge at Veterans Memorial Pool, 2525 New Hope Dr., at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. The plunge is $10 a person to attend and has a hot cocoa bar for after your dip!
