- September 3, 2014

30 Free September Events in Austin

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L to R: George Washington Carver Branch Library, Bullock Museum,
Steve the Improvising Poodle, Long Center (home of Trailer Food Tuesdays),
Umlauf Sculpture Garden, BookPeople

Read to plan for the month ahead? You can always refer to our Free Fun Calendar for upcoming activities and events happening around town, but we thought you might like to see a roundup of some September highlights:


Wine Down Wednesday Wednesday, September 3 


From 6-8:00 p.m., event stations will be set up in four designated locations throughout The Arboretum, each serving a different wine selection paired with small bites and live music from local Austin artists. Guests are encouraged to sign in and pick up an event guide at the registration table near Amy’s Ice Creams. 

Fairytale Threads (Cedar Park) – Thursday, September 4 – 6


Fairytale Threads is a consignment event, held several times throughout the year, designed to turn clutter into cash and give you the opportunity to shop new and gently loved items for great prices. Find clothes for newborns-kid’s 16, maternity, books, gear and toys for kids, babies and toddlers. Free admission.


Unplugged at the Grove Thursday, September 4, 11, and 18

Celebrate 21 years of free, live music with KGSR at Shady Grove, Thursdays through September 18. The live music begins at 8 p.m.


Movies in the Park: The Lego Movie (Cedar Park) Friday, September 5

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a free movie in the park. Concessions will not be available. Rated PG. Movie begins at 8 p.m. 

What’s the Story Steve? – Saturdays, September 6 – 20

Steve Scott, Austin’s only improvising poodle, has finally begun kindergarten and he’s super excited. This improvised, interactive show invites the audience to guide the show through suggestions and even by joining the actors on stage! 
The show begins at 10 a.m., but be sure to arrive early to get a seat. Admission is donation based (pay what you wish). 

Zilker Clothing & Book Swap – Saturday, September 6

Bring what you can and take what you need! This annual swap at Zilker Elementary will be held in the school cafeteria from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Other clothing swaps coming up this month are the Back to School Kids’ Clothing Swap at HOPE Farmers Market, Austin Sustainable Swap at Hot Mama’s Cafe, and the Really Really Free Market in Chestnut Park.)

International Music Festival at George Washington Carver Museum – Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7

The Fourth Annual Music Festival presented by the Texas Music Museum at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center will feature music representing various cultures through out the world. This is a free event. 


Saturday Night Concert Series at Hill Country Galleria (Bee Cave) – Saturday, September 6 – 27

Enjoy free, live music in the outdoor amphitheater, Saturday evenings from 7 – 9 p.m. The free concert series kicks off on September 6 with Vallejo

Salsa Under the Stars – Saturday, September 6

Salsa under the stars at Zilker Hillside Theater! Arrive early for a beginner dance lesson at 7 p.m., then stay and dance until 9 p.m. with live music from La Moña Loca!

First Sunday at Bullock Museum – Sunday, September 7

The Bullock Museum provides free admission to the exhibits on the first Sunday of each month, from noon – 6 p.m. Regular admission prices still apply to the Texas Spirit Theater and IMAX Theatre.


UMLAUF Family Day – Sunday, September 7

First Sundays offer a special, hands-on program designed for families with children, four to 15 years old. Families have the opportunity to explore the Umlauf collection and exhibitions in the garden and museum while engaging in creative activities. Family First Sundays feature Story Time with BookPeople (1 p.m.), sculpture demonstrations by representatives from Texas Society of Sculptors, sculpture scavenger hunts and more! Free and open to the public from noon – 4 p.m. 

Dav Pilkey at BookPeople – Thursday, September 11

Dav Pilky, the bestselling author of the Captain Underpants series, will be at BookPeople at 6:30 p.m. with Captain Underpants’ latest adventure! When the Incredible Robo-Plunger defeated the evil Turbo Toilet 2000, George and Harold thought their toilet troubles were over. Unfortunately, their porcelain problems were only beginning… The speaking portion of this event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required for the signing and only available with the purchase of a copy of Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000.


Movie in the Park: Raising Arizona – Thursday, September 11

Movies in the Park is a series of free films brought to you by the Austin Parks Foundation, and presented by the Alamo Drafthouse. Each year, APF and the Drafthouse bring you totally free movies right in downtown Austin at Republic Square Park. Austin residents and visitors bring their blanket or lawn chairs (and often a picnic dinner) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. The movie starts at 8 p.m.


September Wine Walk (Bee Cave)Thursday, September 11

Join Hill Country Galleria for Wine Walk, the 2nd Thursday of every month from 5-9 p.m. Start at Twin Liquors to pick up a map to guide you on the Wine Walk. Keep your map with you as your ticket for each wine walk stop. Hill Country Galleria Shopping Bags filled with exclusive offers will also be available to Wine Walk participants.


Family Fun Fest – Saturday, September 13

From 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Austin Diaper Bank and City of Austin Parks and Recreation will co-host Family Fun Fest and Diaper Drive at Northwest Recreation Center. The Fest will be a free, rocking good time for families, as well as a showcase of awesome local children’s businesses!


Viva Mexico – Saturday, September 13

Feel the pride and joy of your Mexican roots as the Mexican American Cultural Center celebrates Mexico’s independence day with music and tradition. Free event for the entire family! Children’s art activities at 7 p.m. Music begins at 8 p.m. Shuttle will be available at Sanchez Elementary and Martin Middle School. Free parking on Holly Street.

Boardwalk Bazaar – Wednesday, September 17

Enjoy live music from Soul Track Mind, Riders Against the Storm, Quiet Company, and more at this South Shore District outdoor party. There will also be food trucks with food available for purchase.


Movies in the Park: Muppets Most Wanted (Cedar Park) – Friday, September 19

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a picnic and movie in the park. Concessions will not be available. Rated PG. Movie begins at 7:45 p.m. 

Just Between Friends Sale (Pflugerville) – Saturday, September 20


This consignment event will offer new and gently-used children’s and maternity items. Shoppers can purchase items at great savings, usually far below retail prices. Free admission on Saturday.


Accessory Swap at TOMS – Saturday, September 20


Bring your jewelry, belts, scarves, shoes and any other accessories you have laying around to TOMS Roasting Co. While you’re swapping, grab a cup of coffee courtesy of TOMS. All attendees are asked to make a monetary donation to the Austin Clothes Exchange. The swap will be held in back of TOMS Roasting Co. on South Congress, in the Carriage House, from 1 – 4 p.m. 

Austin Museum Day – Sunday, September 21


The Austin Museum Partnership is proud to host the 17th annual Austin Museum Day, ­a free, community­-wide rediscovery of Austin museums. On Sunday, September 21, take the entire family out to enjoy local exhibits and activities at more than 35 participating institutions, for free! Special activities planned include a living history tour of downtown Austin, hands-on fun at the Thinkery, weaving on a loom at the Williamson Museum, playing outdoor games at the French Legation, and eating tacos shot from a taco cannon at the O. Henry and Susanna Dickinson Museums!


Movie in the Plaza: The Wedding Singer (Round Rock) – Wednesday, September 24


Movies in the Plaza continues with The Wedding Singer (PG-13) at 8:15 p.m. at Main Street Plaza. Music by Strangedayz begins at 6 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Krave Wine Bar and Bistro will be selling refreshments.

Second Annual American Indian Heritage Day – Friday, September 26


Head to the Bullock Museum’s Grand Lobby for American Indian Heritage Day, hosted by the Bullock Museum and Great Promise for American Indians. Drumming, dancing and interactive experiences begin at 7 p.m. during this celebration of historical, cultural, and social contributions American Indian communities and leaders have made to the state of Texas. Free and fun for all ages!

Radiostar Concert (Cedar Park) – Friday, September 26

Wear your best ’80s gear and dance the night away, from 7 – 10 p.m. Admission is free.

Fajita Fiesta (Buda) – Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27


Fajita Fiesta is a free event that offers something for all ages. Fiesta goers will experience the blending of foods, music and cultures. They will also rediscover Texas thorough sights, sounds and their taste buds.Fajita Fiesta is a family friendly event with free admission, free parking and free concerts. There will be food booths, venders, games, a jalapeno eating contest, talent show, mariachi groups, arts and crafts. Friday night will have live music and food booths.


National Hunting and Fishing Day (Round Rock) – Saturday, September 27


Join the City of Round Rock and Kids Outdoor Zone in celebrating the original outdoor challenge – National Hunting and Fishing Day. 
This free, family-oriented event will feature fun and educational hands-on activities that everyone will enjoy. Introduce youth and newcomers to outdoor sports while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing play in Texas’ wildlife conservation programs. 

St. Elias Mediterranean Festival – Saturday, September 27

Live music by Layalina, LAAND Greek Ensemble, and DJ Ahmad. Dancing demonstrations on Friday & Saturday from the Dabke Dancers. Free admission on Saturday from noon – 4 p.m. (At all other times, admission tickets are available for a $5 suggested donation. Friday 6 – 11 p.m. and Saturday Noon – 11 p.m.). 

Pseudonymous Bosch at BookPeople – Saturday, September 27

At 2 p.m., see the mysterious author of the Secret Series, speaking and signing copies of his new book, Bad Magic. The speaking portion of the event is free. In order to have anything signed, a copy of Bad Magic must be purchased from BookPeople. If you purchase your book from BookPeople in advance of the event, please save your receipt and present it at the event.

Pecan Street Festival – Saturday, September 27 – Sunday, September 28

The Pecan Street Festival, one of Central Texas’ oldest and most popular events, is a free, two-day arts festival held each spring and fall in downtown Austin’s charming Sixth Street Historic District.

Trailer Food Tuesdays – Tuesday, September 30


Austin’s premier mobile food event is back for another season! Buy dinner from some of Austin’s most popular food trucks. Enjoy something new every last Tuesday of the month from 5 – 9 p.m. at The Long Center.