Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre—Las Vegas’ long‑running, award‑winning family show built entirely around rescue animals—is finally making its Austin debut on January 31 at the historic Scottish Rite Theater. For families, animal lovers, and anyone who appreciates uplifting entertainment with a real‑world rescue mission, this one‑night stop is one of the most meaningful January events in the city, especially alongside other family‑forward picks like Austin Public Library’s Lunar New Year celebration.

Below is your full briefing, including what makes this touring production so acclaimed, how the animals are trained, venue intel you won’t find in standard listings, and essential planning tips before tickets sell out.

THE SHOW: RESCUE ANIMALS, CIRQUE‑LEVEL TALENT & GENTLE HUMOR

Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre is led by Gregory Popovich, a former Ringling Bros. and Cirque‑trained performer and an “America’s Got Talent” finalist. His Vegas Strip show has been voted “Best Family Show in Las Vegas,” built around more than 30 rescued cats, dogs, birds, and even a miniature horse, and you can see that reputation echoed on its Las Vegas tourism feature.

Every animal in the show was adopted from a shelter, then trained using only positive reinforcement—no coercion, no harsh cues, just treats, repetition, and fun, a philosophy that lines up closely with American Humane’s overview of reward‑based training. For parents and educators, the performance doubles as entertainment and an introduction to humane training and rescue‑focused values that mirror what you’ll see in local programs like The Dog Alliance’s January training expansion.

Expect juggling, balancing acts, comedy sketches between Popovich and the animals, and high‑energy sequences showcasing the animals’ personalities. For younger kids, this is the rare show that holds attention without overwhelming them. For adults, there’s real craft underneath the slapstick—Gregory Popovich is a fifth‑generation circus performer with deep roots in classic training and clowning, which you can dig into on his official bio.

THE VENUE: SCOTTISH RITE THEATER

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As Austin’s oldest theater—built in 1871 and originally a German opera house—the Scottish Rite Theater offers an intimate, historic backdrop that makes the show feel more immersive than the typical large‑venue experience.

Parking options nearby include:

• 316 W. 12th St. Lot
• 1200 Guadalupe St. Lot (0.18 miles)
• 1900 San Antonio St. Garage (usually around $5)

Weekends are generally easier, and most reviews say parking is surprisingly manageable; if you’re planning multiple downtown outings this year, it’s also worth knowing the city’s broader schedule of free‑parking days via our guide to Austin’s 2026 Parking Holiday Calendar.

INSIDER INTELLIGENCE

These are the details locals will appreciate when planning the outing:

• Best seating: The theater is compact, so even back‑row seats feel close. For families with small kids, rows 4–8 offer the ideal elevated sightline.

• Arrive early: Doors typically open 30 minutes before showtime, and younger audience members often enjoy watching the crew prep the stage. If you want a calmer pre‑show reset nearby, consider a quick nature detour from our guide to Austin’s quietest escapes.

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