It’s a month full of fireworks, flip flops and fireflies. July is nearly here! Get out your calendars and save the date for all of this free fun in store during the month of July, in greater Austin:
101X Summer Cinema Series: The Sandlot – July 1 at 8:30pm
Arrive early with your blankets, lawn chairs, kids and leashed pets to enjoy The Sandlot. The movie starts at dusk, but prior to the show, you will be able to enjoy plenty of fun-filled family activities, food specials in the cafe and more! No outside food or drinks allowed. Additional event parking in the Heart Hospital garage, located next door (3rd floor and up). Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756.
Movies in the Park: The Incredibles – July 2 at 8:30pm
Movies in the Park is a series of free films brought to you by the Austin Parks Foundation, and presented by the #1 movie theater in America, the Alamo Drafthouse. Bring your blanket, a picnic, dogs and lawn chairs for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky watching The Incredibles. Alcoholic beverages, glass and styrofoam are not permitted in the park. Recycling bins are provided, but organizers ask that you pack out all of your trash. Smoking is also prohibited in the park, per city law. Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701.
Pfirecracker Pfestival (Pflugerville) – July 3 from 3-11pm
The annual outdoor festival honors the nation’s Independence Day with a day of PFUN at the city’s Lake Pflugerville. The event features two stages with live music, a children’s area on both the north and south shores of the lake, dozens of food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, businesses on display — all before the pfantastic fireworks show! Stake out a spot on the north beach after 12 p.m., take a walk around the lake, or rent a kayak on site from Pflug Pfun. Special Showing: A movie throwback to 1965, Beach Blanket Bingo, will be shown after the fireworks on the North shore. Sing along with Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. Lake Pflugerville, 18216 Weiss Ln, Pflugerville, TX 78660.
Free Admission at the LBJ Library – July 4 from 9am-5pm
The LBJ Presidential Library is one of thirteen Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Admission is free on select holidays, including July 4th. It houses 45 million pages of historical documents which include the papers from the entire public career of Lyndon Baines Johnson and those of his close associates. In addition to the permanent exhibits, you can now see Ladies and Gentlemen…The Beatles!, a traveling exhibit curated by the GRAMMY Museum® and Fab Four Exhibits that explores the impact The Beatles’ arrival had on American pop culture, including fashion, art, advertising, media and music, from early 1964 through mid-1966 – when the British boy band was at its peak. On display will be more than 400 pieces of memorabilia, records, rare photographs, tour artifacts, video, and instruments from private collectors and the GRAMMY Museum, including the original Ludwig drum head Ringo played on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” It even includes an oral history booth where visitors can leave their own impressions of the timeless group. The LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705.
July Fourth Frontier Days Celebration (Round Rock) – July 4 from 12-11pm
At Round Rock’s annual July Fourth Frontier Days Celebration, enjoy a parade, fireworks, carnival rides, jalapeno pepper eating contest, Swifty Swine Pig Races, children’s games, Sam Bass Shootout, Movies in the Park and skydivers are all part of the City of Round Rock’s July Fourth Frontier Days Celebration. Independence Day festivities will begin with free watermelon at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park and include music from the Austin Symphonic Band. Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665.
Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival (Bee Cave) – July 4 from 4-10pm
Enjoy live music all day by Vallejo (4:15pm), Dawn & Hawkes (5:45pm), T Bird & the Breaks (7:00pm), and Austin’s Uncle Lucius (8:30pm). Shop over 75 art vendors, enjoy festival food and barbecue, cool off in the kid’s water zone and enjoy fair rides & games! End the day with “the best firework show in Central Texas” at 9:45pm. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738.
H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks – July 4 at 8:30pm
Spend this Independence Day with 100,000 of your closest friends! Tens of thousands of families will be decked out in red, white, and blue and heading down to Vic Mathias Shores for an amazing event, complete with a fireworks display over the city skyline backed by symphonic patriotic classics. The orchestra will perform at 8:30pm, followed by “mile-high” fireworks at approximately 9:30pm. Lady Bird Lake at Vic Mathias Shores (formerly Auditorium Shores) in front of the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 800 W. Riverside, Austin, TX 78704.
Summer Reading Program Event: Magik Theatre Presents Jack and the Beanstalk – July 5 at 2pm
Would you trade your best friend for three magic beans? When Jack does, he gets high-altitude adventure and more gold than he could ever spend. Even so, Jack is unhappy. Find out what happens when Jack learns that a true friend is the greatest treasure in the world in Jack and the Beanstalk. Suitable for all ages. APL – Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701.
Free Outdoor Movies at Amy’s Ice Creams: Three Amigos – July 6 at 8:30pm
Summer Mooovie Mondays return to Amy’s Ice Creams on Burnet Road! Three Amigos will start at dusk, and there will be themed ice cream flavors and activities. Amy’s Ice Creams, 5624 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756.
Summer Kids Camp: Night at the Museum – July 7 at 10am
Tickets to Night at the Museum will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, starting at 9am. The movie itself will start at 10am in one of the dine-in theaters. Moviehouse & Eatery, 8300 North FM 620, Building B, Austin, TX 78726.
Music for Kids: Staci Gray – July 8 at 4pm
The Music Division of the City of Austin offers a spectacular series for families featuring a variety of Austin musicians. Staci Gray is an Austin-based children’s performer who has mesmerized children all over Texas. APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745.
Nature Nights: Springs, Streams and Ponds Ecology – July 9 from 6-9pm
What is the difference between a spring, stream and pond? Does our water ever get to the ocean? Find out on July 9 at the Springs, Streams and Ponds Ecology Nature Nights. Arrive early, as the parking lot fills up quickly (and admission is free all day on July 9!). If the lot is full, please park on the street in designated parking spots. The Austin Public Library will present the puppet show “Tortuga del Mar” at 7:00pm. The puppet show is recommended for ages 5 and up. Information will be available about the endangered Houston toad. Texas Parks and Wildlife will have information about benthic macro invertebrates. Enjoy a backyard bass activity. Follow the water at the Wildflower Center as you go on a scavenger hunt. When there is an auditorium presentation, tickets will be given to the first 232 visitors. The Cafe will be open until 8:00 pm serving their regular menu items. Kids 12 and under receive a free gift in the Gift Store. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739.
Music Under the Star: Brownout with Sweet Spirit – July 10 from 6-9pm
The Museum’s Lone Star Plaza will host Brownout and Sweet Spirit. Bring the whole family, camp chairs, and blankets and enjoy Texas artists. During the outdoor concerts, cool off with beer, soda, and more for sale on the plaza. Free parking in the garage after 5 p.m. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701.
Free Family Movies: Tale of Despereaux – July 11 from 2-3:30pm
On July 11, the Bullock will screen Tale of Despereaux, the story of three unlikely heroes – a misfit mouse who prefers reading books to eating them, an unhappy rat who schemes to leave the darkness of the dungeon, and a bumbling servant girl with cauliflower ears – whose fates are intertwined with that of the castle’s princess. This screening is free, but each attendee must get a ticket from the front counter prior to making their way to the Spirit Theater. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701.
Austin Symphony Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park”: Brass – July 12 at 7:30pm
Kids frolicking, couples lounging on blankets, old friends in their trusty folding chairs, lone bicyclists and pedestrians who have been distracted from their destinations—all united by the sound of music. The Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park,” presented by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, brings together ardent enthusiasts and unwitting attendees alike just as similar events did in town centers years ago. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a group outing. Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704.
LEGO Lab – July 13 at 1pm
With LEGOs, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the LEGO Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library! Recommended for ages 5 and up. APL – Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701.
Rhythm on Stage: Bollywood – July 14 at 7pm
Back for its 4th year, Rhythm on Stage is Austin’s only instructional dance series. Rhythm on Stage is a partnership with Ballet Austin’s Butler Community School and invites you to take center stage in the Long Center’s Dell Hall. Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704.
Sound & Cinema: Ghostbusters with LaTasha Lee & The BlackTies – July 15 at 7pm
Now in its third season, Sound & Cinema 2015 features unique pairings of classic movies with a diverse array of local musical guests. Each band plays a musical tribute to the night’s movie, followed by a screening of the film on the Alamo’s giant inflatable outdoor screen – all against the backdrop of the Austin skyline. The Long Center lawn is open seating all afternoon, so everyone can feel free to hang out and grab a good spot on the grass whenever they’d like. Food trucks open at 6pm each night. The sunset concerts start around 8pm. Movies begin shortly after dusk. Guests are welcome to bring blankets and folding chairs. Pets and outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704.
Art and Activities at the Blanton’s Third Thursday – July 16 from 10am-9pm
On the third Thursday of each month, The Blanton Museum of Art offers free admission, extended evening hours, and a range of activities including gallery tours, live music performances, yoga, and more. Open until 9 PM, the Blanton Café offers a special Happy Hour, with a glass of wine and a slice of gourmet pizza for $5, while the Museum Shop keeps its doors open late as well for all of your shopping needs. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78701.
Hairspray! presented by Zilker Theatre Productions – July 17 at 8:15pm
Zilker Theatre Production’s summer musical is a cherished Austin cultural event, attracting over 40,000 visitors each summer. The 57th Annual Zilker Summer Musical, Hairspray, winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a high-energy musical comedy phenomenon that will have the whole Hillside on their feet! Set in 1962 Baltimore, this musical is chock full of dazzling, toe-tapping production numbers and soulful rhythm and blues. Although Hairspray free, donations are greatly appreciated! The production opens July 10 and runs Thursdays – Sundays through August 15th. Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704.
Ney Day – July 18 from 12-5pm
Come hear live music from Elizabeth McQueen and EMQ, as well as Tiarra Girls, Yes Ma’am Brass Band, Naga Valli, and the Djembabes. Witness the FIRST OPENING of “DANCE OF THE COSMOS”, a new temporary outdoor sculpture by Elisabet Ney Museum Featured Artist Jennifer Chenoweth. Enjoy performances from Austin hoola hoop hero Hullaba Loola and more. Visit a ton of booths with activities set up by organizations ranging from Girls Rock Camp to Tree Folks. Celebrate Ney Day with food trucks, ice cream and more! Elisabet Ney Museum, 304 E 44th St, Austin, TX 78751.
Family Yoga in the Park – July 19 from 9:30-10:30am
Family classes are led by certified instructors from The Little Yoga House. The Little Yoga House is a boutique children’s and family yoga school with a specific focus on healthy child development through yoga, music, dance, and art. Please bring your own yoga mat to class. Wooldridge Park, 900 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701.
Crafternoon – July 20 at 2pm
Drop by the library and make a craft while you search for books, movies and music. Enjoy paper crafts, easy sewing and more fun projects for the whole family. The library provides the supplies; you provide the creativity. APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745.
Armstrong Community Music Storytime at BookPeople – July 21 at 10:30am
Come sing songs with one of the talented Early Childhood Development faculty members from the Armstrong Community School. An Armstrong teacher will engage your child with music and movement, plus they’ll read some stories for you too! This session is perfect for kids up to 6 years old. BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin, TX 78703.
Blues on the Green: Bob Schneider with Walter Lukens – July 22 at 8pm
KGSR’s Blues on the Green will return to Zilker Park with free, live music. Take your blankets or lawn chairs and join in the fun. For more information, visit the KGSR website and read the FAQs. For updates, join the Blues on the Green Text Alert Club by texting “BLUES” to 29217 and like KGSR’s Blues on the Green Facebook page. The stage for Blues on the Green will be on the east end of Zilker Park where Lou Neff Road wraps around (similar to the location of the main ACL stage). Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746.
Fish Gallery Summer Reading Program – July 23 from 3:30-4:30pm
Fish Gallery Summer Reading Program activities include fishy themed stories, demonstration feeding on one of the large display aquariums, touch tanks and educational info about some of the animals, crafts and refreshments. No registration required. If you are bringing a larger group, please email [email protected] in advance. Fish Gallery Austin, 6500 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752.
Dive-In Movie: The Pirates – Band of Misfits (Kyle) – July 24 at 9pm
On this night, the pool will close at 7pm and all patrons must leave the pool. Pool staff will clean the restrooms, straighten up the pool deck and take their required break. Pool staff will begin handing out admission tickets at 7pm, no earlier, on the night of the movie, until all 230 tickets are handed out. One ticket per person, no exceptions (if you have children, please make sure they are in line with you at the time tickets are being handed out). The pool gates will reopen at 8pm and only admit those 230 people with admission tickets. If you do not have a ticket, you will not be admitted. All regular pool rules apply to all attending, and maximum pool complex capacity is 230. Gates open at 8pm and pool closes 30 minutes after conclusion of the movie. City of Kyle Pool, 1100 W. Center St, Kyle, TX 78640.
Austin Summer Musical for Children Storytime at BookPeople – July 25 at 11:30am
Come join characters from the Austin Summer Musical for Children summer show, Junie B Jones. Characters will be on hand to read and sing during story time and to answer questions about the show. The Austin Summer Musical for Children (ASMC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose goal it is to provide live musical theatre productions for the children of Central Texas as a way of fostering community, building interest and enriching the lives of children through music and theatre. BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin, TX 78703.
Free Family Movies: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – July 25 from 2-3:30pm
On July 25, the Bullock will screen 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. In the film, the oceans are no longer safe; many ships have been lost. Sailors have returned to port with stories of a vicious narwhal (a giant whale with a long horn) which sinks their ships. A naturalist, Professor (Pierre) Aronnax, his assistant, Conseil, and a professional whaler, Ned Land, join an US expedition which attempts to unravel the mystery. This screening is free, but each attendee must get a ticket from the front counter prior to making their way to the Spirit Theater. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701.
Staci Gray at Cherrywood – July 26 from 10-11:30am
Enjoy a free kids show on Sunday. Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E 38 1/2 St, Austin, TX 78722.
Bonzo Crunch the Clown (Leander) – July 27 at 1:30pm
Clown around with Bonzo Crunch! Recommended for all ages; you do not have to live in Leander or hold an LPL library card to attend. Leander Public Library, 1011 S Bagdad Rd, Leander, TX 78641.
Discovery! The Buzz About Bees – July 28 at 4:30pm
Join beekeeper and storyteller Kim Lehman for this fun-filled program about our tiny friends, the honey bees. Afterwards, try on bee suits, taste honey, make a beeswax candle, try some lotion made from beeswax, play pollination games, make comb rubbings and create your own honey bee puppet. This program is for ages 5 through adult. Kim is a beekeeper, storyteller, musician, and a workshop presenter. She writes for a national beekeeping magazine and is the founder of Bee Buddies, an international kids club. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin, TX 78733.
101X Summer Cinema Series: Hook – July 29 at 8:30pm
Arrive early with your blankets, lawn chairs, kids and leashed pets to enjoy Hook. The movie starts at dusk, but prior to the show, you will be able to enjoy plenty of fun-filled family activities, food specials in the cafe and more! No outside food or drinks allowed. Additional event parking in the Heart Hospital garage, located next door (3rd floor and up). Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756.
Elizabeth Kahura (Cedar Park) – July 30 from 1:30-3:30pm
As part of the Summer Reading Club, the Library will host special performers for kids in grades K-5. Join Elizabeth Kahura for a special show on African songs, stories, and culture. Doors open at 1:30 and attendees will be allowed into the room on a first-come, first-served basis. Shows will take place at both 1:30pm and 2:45 pm. Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613.
Metz Movies Under the Stars: Spongebob: Sponge Out of Water – July 31 at 8pm
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy Spongebob: Sponge Out of Water at dusk. Free popcorn and drinks. Movie nights will take place unless inclement weather occurs. Call 512-478-8716 to check on weather cancellations. Movie selections are subject to change. Metz Rec Center, 2407 Canterbury St, Austin, TX 78702.
