Free Austin summer activities announced

Free Concerts and Events in Austin this Summer

As the Texas summer heat settles in, Austinites can enjoy a variety of free experiences. From cultural events to weekend markets and outdoor concerts, there's something for everyone to enjoy without breaking the bank.

Free Concerts Happening in Austin this Summer

• Blues on the Green (dates TBA): A family- and pet-friendly event at Zilker Park's Great Lawn, featuring live music and a chill outdoor setting. Check the 93.3 KGSR website for updates on the lineup and schedule.
• Zilker Botanical Garden's Bands in Bloom: A free concert series bringing live music to the garden, with shows starting at 6 p.m. The series kicks off on May 30 with local singer-songwriter Elijah Delgado. Register before attending to secure your spot for the event, and bring your own blankets, chairs, and a picnic to enjoy while listening to the music. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash, and complementary sips will be provided by Rambler. Upcoming shows include alt-rock band KONGOS on June 6, and Americana singer Rob Baird on June 13.
• Fridays in June: Bullock Museum's Music Under The Star: A free outdoor concert series every Friday in June from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Capitol Mall Amphitheater. The series begins with Luke Bulla and the Sentimental Family Band on June 6, San Gabriel and Pedal Steel Noah on June 13, the Tiarras and Llamativa on June 20, and Ian Moore with Brodie Lane on June 27. Pack chairs and blankets for this family-friendly concert series, and enjoy food and drinks available for purchase on site.
• Thursdays, through August 14: The Drop-In concert series: The Long Center's popular concert series offers live music and downtown views every Thursday. Featuring a lineup of local artists, it's a great way to unwind and enjoy live music on the lawn. Keep an eye on the Long Center's social media each Friday for the following week's artist reveal, and remember that RSVPs open on The Long Center's website every Monday.
• Sundays, through June 29: Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park: A free summer tradition presented by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, with small ensemble concerts at the Hartman Concert Lawn at the Long Center. All ages are welcome to bring picnic blankets and dinner for an evening of music under the stars. Pets are also welcome, and no tickets are required. The event runs through June 29, and all weather-related cancellations are announced on the Symphony's website and social media accounts by 6 p.m. on show days.
• July 4: Fourth of July at Auditorium Shores: The Star Spangled Fest is back at Auditorium Shores for the 48th annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th free concert and fireworks show. Music starts at 5 p.m., with family-friendly activities, yard games, and food trucks throughout the day. The event includes a taco eating contest presented by Planet Fitness at 7:25 p.m., followed by the Austin Symphony Orchestra concert at 8:30 p.m., and the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays in July: Pan Am Hillside Concert Series (dates TBA): Austin's longest running free concert series, with outdoor shows at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center and Neighborhood Park. The series typically takes place every Tuesday in July, with music programming that reflects the neighborhood's Mexican American roots.
• July 24-26: Red River Cultural District's Hot Summer Nights: A free music festival with over 150 Austin bands playing shows at more than 10 local music venues for three nights. This year will also feature new daytime programming for families, food and drink specials, vendor markets, wellness activities, and more. RSVP and make a small donation in advance for a chance to win a special skip-the-line homie badge.

Free Cultural Events Happening in Austin this Summer

• July 11 - August 16: Zilker Summer Musical: The Zilker Summer Musical, presented by Zilker Theatre Productions, returns with the production of "Bring It On: The Musical" at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater. Performances run Thursday through Sunday evenings at 8:15 p.m., and admission is free, though donations are encouraged.
• Free entry days at Austin museums:
  • Blanton Museum of Art: Free admission for everyone on Tuesdays, with a diverse collection spanning ancient to modern art. 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. 512-471-5482. blantonmuseum.org.
  • Bullock Texas State History Museum: Free admission every first Sunday of the month. 1800 Congress Ave. 512-936-8746. thestoryoftexas.com.
  • The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center: Free admission every Thursday. 700 Congress Ave. 512-453-5312. thecontemporaryaustin.org/jonescenter.
  • The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria: Free admission every Thursday. 3809 W 35th St. 512-458-8191. thecontemporaryaustin.org/lagunagloria.
  • Mexic-Arte Museum: Free admission every Sunday. 419 Congress Ave. 512-480-9373. mexic-artemuseum.org.

Summer Outdoor Fun in Austin

• Through early fall: Bat watching: Witness the nightly emergence of the world's largest urban bat colony from under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, an estimated 1.5 million bats call this bridge home.
• Every Sunday: Guadalupe Street vintage market: A vintage market with local vendors, hosting dozens of local vendors selling vintage clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and more. 2932 Guadalupe St.
• Take the pup on a walk around Town Lake: The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail follows the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the lake. It's dog-friendly, but pay attention to public notices about toxic algae blooms, pack a water bottle for the pooch, and avoid the hottest parts of the day to keep your pup safe. Popular access points are near the old Austin American-Statesman building (305 S Congress Ave) and Auditorium Shores (900 W Riverside Dr).
• Every day: Visit the Austin Central Library: Explore rotating art exhibits on the first floor, delve into local history on the fourth, or discover the Living Room Gallery on the sixth. The rooftop garden and reading porches offer outdoor retreats, and the library offers a variety of free events for all ages, including coding clubs, chess for kids, film screenings, and ESL programs. 710 W Cesar Chavez St. library.austintexas.gov/central-library. 512-974-7400.