Summers in Austin move like molasses. Days stretch long, temps creep high and the air is sticky. The heat slows our roll as patio misters beckon. Students are gone and tourist traffic is light.
If you're looking for free fun for the whole family, there are plenty of options for free music, games and community celebrations.
The official Juneteenth federal holiday is on June 19. It marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and enforce the emancipation of all enslaved people. Austin's celebrations begin this weekend.
Sunday: Freedom Juneteenth at Waterloo Park. DJ sets, vendors, a family corner with kids' activities, a sip-and-paint activity (beverages for sale) for the first 30 attendees. 5 to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 100-Year Community Cookout at the Carver Museum. Food, music, dancing, games, a dominoes tournament and opportunities to learn about the library's 100-year history. noon to 3 p.m.
June 19: Central Texas Juneteenth at Rosewood Park. Parade, live entertainment, food vendors, community resources and cultural activities.
June 20: Juneteenth at the Carver Library. Music, puppet show, capoeira, African dance, kids' activities and refreshments.
🎸 More free events this weekend
Friday: CorMae at Waterloo Records. Catch the riot grrl, egg punk crew before they hit the road with of Montreal later this month. 5 p.m.
Saturday: Teddy Bear surgery at Austin Humane Society. Staff will diagnose and guide young guests through "surgery" on stuffed animals (no repairs will be done). Adoptable puppy meet-and-greet, activities and snacks and an onsite food truck with coffee for parents and kid approved lunch options. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday: Animanga Fest at Austin Public Library Ruiz Branch. Japanese snacks, trivia with prizes, crafts and manga for all ages. Cosplay is encouraged, but no weapons. noon to 2 p.m.
Saturday: Met Pride Amplified at Metropolis Apartments. Live music from Quentin and Cormae, bounce house, dunk tank, carnival games and treats, local food and beverage vendors. 4 to 10 p.m.
Saturday: Black Girl Austin and Vision Decor spring block party at Cosmic Saltillo. DJ sets and local vendors. Two hours of free parking in the Saltillo garage. 21 and up. 7 p.m. to midnight.
Saturday: Pride Party at St. Elmo South. Live drag show with performances from Louisiana Purchase, Arinna Dior Heys, Tatiana Cholula and more, local vendors, flash tattoos, food and drink.
Sunday: Symphony in the Park. The Hartman Foundation closes out this season's concerts with a brass ensemble at 7:30 p.m.
Hoova'palooza salutes East Austin icon
Some of Austin's top chefs will host a retirement party for East Austin champion Hoover Alexander at the site of his former restaurant on Manor Road on Monday. Organizers are tight-lipped about the chef list, but we suspect the roster will be stacked. Expect free bites, a cash bar and QR codes to raise money for the chef who has retired from the restaurant world but remains committed to getting people to put down their forks and come together at the table.
"I really feel like he’s the medicine the world needs. He lifts us all up. We can learn from him," Este owner Sam Hellman-Mass, who is planning to open a taqueria on the east end of the lot in the future, told restaurant critic Matthew Odam.