If you’re looking for the Austin music event that truly defines the city this weekend, it isn’t another late‑night set at a dive bar or a touring indie act passing through. It’s Hi, How Are You Day 2026, the annual celebration of Daniel Johnston’s legacy and mental‑health advocacy, returning to the historic Paramount Theatre on Friday, January 23. With Nathaniel Rateliff headlining and a community‑forward mission at its core, this is the one night where Austin’s music culture, history, and heart converge in a single room. The event is produced in partnership with the Hi, How Are You Project, the nonprofit dedicated to continuing Johnston’s mission.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
• Time: Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm
• Location: Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. (full venue details at the Paramount Theatre site)
• Genre & Mood: Soulful, reflective, high‑impact storytelling through music
• Why It Matters: Now in its eighth year, the event continues Johnston’s mission to spark mental‑health awareness through art, with more on the organization’s work at the official Hi, How Are You Project page.

THE EXPERIENCE
Hi, How Are You Day is different from a typical concert. The evening blends performances, community storytelling, and thoughtful commentary woven throughout a lineup anchored by Nathaniel Rateliff—an artist whose emotional range makes him uniquely suited to honor Johnston’s raw, honest songwriting legacy. Expect a room filled with longtime fans, mental‑health advocates, and newcomers experiencing the cultural weight of the event for the first time. For visitors building a broader Austin itinerary around the show, the official Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau offers up‑to‑date guides to nearby food, bars, and late‑night options.

WHY THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE ELEVATES THE SHOW
The Paramount is one of Austin’s most iconic venues—a 1915 landmark with a 1,150‑seat layout and the famous “Starry Dome” ceiling. You can explore more history and photos on the Paramount Theatre’s homepage. Acoustics shine in center‑section seats halfway back, and the space's intimacy makes this event feel personal even from the balcony.

INSIDER INTELLIGENCE
• Best parking: The 600 Congress Avenue Garage across from Perry’s Steakhouse. Buy the $11 exit voucher at the box office or bar before the show; you’ll find parking and accessibility notes on the Paramount’s venue information.

• Best seats for sound: Center sections, mid‑orchestra. This is where the theatre’s sweet spot lives, and the Paramount event listings include a seating map when you purchase tickets.

• Arrival tip: Get there by 7:15pm. The lobby fills quickly, and early arrivals get first access to merchandise and the featured mental‑health organization tables, including resources highlighted by the Hi, How Are You Project.
• Post‑show plan: Congress Ave. gets crowded—Uber pickups are fastest two blocks east on Brazos.
• Atmosphere note: This event draws a crowd that is attentive, respectful, and emotionally tuned‑in—expect fewer phones and more connection.

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PRIMARY SOURCE LINKS
• Paramount Theatre venue info
• Hi, How Are You Project organization
• Event info (Paramount listings)

Hi, How Are You Day has grown into one of Austin’s most meaningful annual music traditions—equal parts concert, community gathering, and emotional reset. For locals and newcomers looking for a night that captures the true spirit of the city, there’s no better place to be this Friday.