Summer is in full swing and you won’t want you to miss these FREE July events going on all around Austin!
Barton Springs
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Bug House
July 1 from 9:00 a.m. to noon | Home Depot Stores
You and your child can celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Kids Workshops by building a bug house you can use to get a closer look at some many-legged friends in your own backyard. Once the project is complete, your child can personalize their bug house with paint. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. RSVP is recommended here. FREE!
Crafts for Kids
Saturdays in July from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
July 1: Liberty Crown. July 8: Summer Memories Scrapbook. July 15: Sail Away STEAM Boats. July 22: Summertime Nameplate. July 29: Jammin’ Jellyfish. Ages 3+. No reservations required. FREE!
Summer Free Family Film Series
July 1 & 22 from 2-4:00 p.m. | The Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin
All summer long, the Bullock Museum is presenting a Summer Free Family Film Series with the theme, A Magical Fantastical Adventure. These programs are FREE and open to the public with preferred seating for Bullock Museum members. July 1: The Black Cauldron. July 22: My Neighbor Totoro. All seats are available on a first come first served basis, with priority seating for members beginning at 1:30 p.m. All other guests will begin seating at 1:40 p.m. Concessions from the IMAX lobby will be allowed in the theater.
Free Kids’ Music at Cherrywood Coffee House
Sundays in July from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E 38 1/2 St, Austin
July 2: Hey Lollies. July 9: Groundwork Music. July 16: Que Pastas. July 23: Staci Gray. FREE all ages shows. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum
July 2 from noon to 5:00 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin
Celebrate our nation’s birthday with activities that are as American as apple pie. From creating a hat for a festive parade to writing a bluesy summer tune, join the Bullock for creative fun. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase artifacts from around the state. Special family programs from 12-3:00 p.m. combine art creation, exploration stations, and gallery activities. H-E-B Free First Sundays Presented by H-E-B.
HEB Austin Symphony Concert & Fireworks
July 4 from 4-10:00 p.m. | Downtown Austin at Vic Mathias Shores & the Long Center, 600 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Austin Symphony’s July 4th Concert and Fireworks is an Austin Tradition. FREE fireworks and a FREE live symphony performance for all central Texans. Plus, great food and drinks and a variety of local arts and crafts vendors.
Strike Out Hunger with the Round Rock Express
July 5 & 19 at 7:05 p.m. | Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
July 5 vs. Memphis Redbirds. July 19 vs. New Orleans Baby Cakes. Strike Out Hunger when you bring two H-E-B branded canned goods in exchange for one FREE lawn ticket to benefit the Central Texas Food Bank.
Unplugged at the Grove
July 6, 13, 20, 27 at 8:00 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Austinites of all ages have the opportunity to experience one of Austin’s longest-running FREE live music series on Shady Grove’s iconic pecan tree shaded patio. Every Thursday night through September 14, Unplugged-goers will enjoy live music as well as a special patio menu of Austin-inspired home cooking and drink specials. July 6: Shane Smith & the Saints. July 13: Jackie Venson. July 20: Kevin Russell. July 27: Nakia & the Blues Grifters.
Music Under the Star
July 7, 14, 21 from 6-9:00 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin
Music Under the Star is a FREE concert series held each July in the Bullock Museum’s Lone Star Plaza. The public is invited to experience free concerts under the iconic Bullock Museum Star from 6 to 9 p.m. with complimentary garage parking. Bring the whole family, camp chairs, and blankets to enjoy an incredible lineup of Texas artists. July 7: James McMurtry with Akina Adderley. July 14: Mother Falcon with Molly Burch. July 21: Tameca Jones with Los Coast.
Purple Martin Parties
July 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 from 8-9:30 p.m. | Embassy Suites Hotel parking lot at 5901 N I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin
FREE bird watching party! Watch a hurricane of birds as hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins “swirl” into their roosting site each evening. It’s better than the bats! Binoculars are optional. Lawn chairs, cameras, and hats or umbrellas are highly recommended.
The Wizard of Oz
July 7 – August 12, Thursdays – Sundays at 8:15 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin
The Zilker FREE summer musical starts on July 7th. The Wizard of Oz musical, based on the book by L. Frank Baum, was Broadway’s biggest hit in 1903. These cultural classics, in turn, inspired the 1939 movie version – garnering an Academy Award for Judy Garland. For more than a century, The Wizard of Oz has enchanted readers, theatre, and movie goers alike. Now, ZTP will bring this cultural treasure to the historic, outdoor theatre at The Zilker Hillside. ZTP delights in presenting shows that share the magic of musical theatre with children as well as Central Texans – and visitors from all over the world – of all ages. This summer, the ZTP team looks forward to welcoming over 45,000+ Hillside audience members to follow the yellow brick road “over the rainbow.” ZTP’s The Wizard of Oz is offered at no cost to the public (donations gratefully accepted) during the six-week run on Thursday through Sunday evenings. The “curtain” goes up right around dusk at 8:15 p.m., but arrive early with your low-backed chairs and blankets to get your spot.
Yoga on the Plaza (Round Rock)
July 8 at 8:00 a.m. | Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock
Get your om on in Downtown Round Rock with a FREE, beginner friendly yoga class presented by The Yoga Room. Bring a yoga mat or towel and bottle of water. Arrive a little early to get your mat on the plaza.
Second Saturdays are for Families: Out of the Past
July 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St, Austin
Dig into this geological event inspired by Anya Gallaccio’s “petrified” tree sculpture at Laguna Gloria. Explore excavated treasures with a bona fide rock expert, use messy science to begin growing your own rocks, and make a mark on some creatures from the past—a pair of lifesize dinosaurs! The Contemporary Austin offers FREE monthly hands-on art-making activities, brought to you by HomeAway. Recommended for ages 2-11. Reservations are requested for family art-making workshops; please reserve your spot here beginning the 1st of the month.
Cars and Coffee
July 9 from 8:00 a.m. to noon | The Oasis on Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin
Enjoy a low-key display of classic cars. FREE!
UMLAUF Family Day
July 9 from noon to 4:00 p.m. | 605 Robert E Lee Rd, Austin
Family Days offer special, hands-on programs designed for families with children ages 4-10 years old. Families have the opportunity to explore the UMLAUF while engaging in creative activities. Listen to stories, do yoga in the garden, watch sculpture demos, enjoy live music, and more. FREE!
Concerts in the Park
July 9, 16, 23, & 30 at 7:30 p.m. | Long Center Terrace, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Austin Symphony Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park” offers FREE ensemble concerts on Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m., through August 28, 2016 (except July 3). Each Sunday, a different ensemble of the Austin Symphony will be featured at the Hartman Park, located on the grounds of the Long Center, performing music from jazz and light classical to pops selections and film scores. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a group outing. Free Parking will be available at One Texas Center located on Barton Springs Rd. at S. 1st St. Paid parking will be available at the Palmer Garage for $8.
Rhythm on Stage: Brazilian Dance (RSVP)
July 11 at 7:00 p.m. | The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Rhythm on Stage is back for its 6th year. Join Austin’s only instructional dance series that invites you to take center stage in the Long Center’s Dell Hall. Llearn how to dance on the Dell Hall Stage as the Long Center Partners with Ballet Austin to bring you a FREE evening of dance for everyone! RSVP here.
Texas Radio Live
July 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 6-8:00 p.m. | Guero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin
Texas Radio Live brings you the very best Texas music with performances from Texas musicians. FREE, but donations to support the Sun Radio Foundation are appreciated. July 5: John Inmon and Randy Weeks. July 12: Scrappy Judd Newcomb and Wiretree. July 19: Monte Warden & The Dangerous Few and Two Hoots & A Holler. July 26: Beat Root Revival and Giulia Millanta.
Blues on the Green: Shinyribs with Jackie Venson
July 12 at 8:00 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Austin’s favorite summer tradition is back! 93.3 KGSR’s Blues on the Green invites music lovers out to Zilker Park to enjoy a family and pet friendly night of homegrown music in a relaxed atmosphere. Grab your family, friends, dogs, and blankets, and join us for Austin’s largest FREE concert series. Please click here for traffic and parking information.
Free Movie in the Park: Mighty Ducks
July 13 at 9:00 p.m. | Dick Nichols Park, 8011 Beckett Rd, Austin
Movies in the Park is a series of FREE films brought to you by Austin Parks Foundation in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse and presented by Lyft. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs (and a picnic dinner) for a fun and relaxing evening under the beautiful Austin night sky. Rain Date: July 20.
Frost Bank Summer Treat North Austin
July 14, times vary | Locations vary
Frost invites families to come to participating Austin-area financial centers for a FREE summer treat as it puts a smile on people’s faces through the summertime heat. Frost will host a series of local providers offering guests a variety of goodies.
Music on the Square (Georgetown)
July 14, 21, & 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Courthouse Square, Georgetown
Dance on over to Georgetown for Music on the Square and enjoy FREE concerts on July 14, 21, & 28! As long as the weather permits, the music kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with the last song fading out at 8:30 p.m. So grab your friends, take some food to go from one of the local spots, and settle in for an experience that is bound to be music to your ears. (No glass, please.)
Movie in the Park: Sing (Pflugerville)
July 14 at dark | Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd, Pflugerville
Featuring the voice of Austin’s own Matthew McConaughey. In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates event as its finalists find that their lives will never be the same. Dress in costumes like characters from the movie.
Elgin Beach Party (Elgin)
July 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Elgin Memorial Park, 1127 N Main St, Elgin
Enjoy some fun in the sun featuring a sandcastle contest, hula hoop contests, water slides, lemonade, watermelon, and much more. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Sound & Cinema
July 19 & 26 at 6:00 p.m. | Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Austin Sound & Cinema is a series of six summer nights of great live bands paired with classic Hollywood movies. All Sound & Cinema events are family-friendly and FREE! July 19: Galaxy Quest + Special Guest (TBA). July 26: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World + A Giant Dog.
Third Thursdays at the Blanton
July 20 from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin
Every third Thursday, the Blanton has a FREE themed event that features extended hours, multiple programs including Yoga in the Galleries, tours, and other offerings. Thursdays are always FREE at The Blanton.
Lady Bird Day
July 23 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin
You can enjoy FREE admission to the Wildflower Center for exhibits, children’s activities, and more in celebration of our “Environmental First Lady.”
Big Mega Workout (12+)
July 24 at 6:30 p.m. | The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Attention all boot campers! Leave your weights at home and join Austinites from all over town for a fierce workout utilizing the grounds and architecture of the Long Center and grounds. All you need is a mat (or towel), some water, and yourself. This summer, join the Long Center for a BIG MEGA WORKOUT hosted by the best in the business – Austin’s Camp Gladiator, created by American Gladiator Grand Champion Ally Davidson. These workouts are completely FREE and open to ages 12 and up – all you need is yourself and some stamina.
The Wine Down
July 26 from 5-8:00 p.m. | 3TEN Austin City Limits Live, 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Ste 1A, Austin
3TEN ACL Live brings you the latest edition of The Wine Down music series. The evening’s entertainment will be emceed by KUTX DJs and will feature pop-up shops from local retailers. FREE!
Music in the Park: Acustyka (Pflugerville)
July 28 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd, Pflugerville
Music In The Park provides a variety of entertainment on select Friday nights. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, friends and neighbors for a FREE evening of music, entertainment, and relaxation.
Bonus Nearly Free Fun:
Woodland Faerie Trail
Daily through July 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
The award-winning, 5th annual Woodland Faerie Trail features faerie homes and gardens created by Austin area gardeners, architects, artisans, businesses, clubs, families, and school groups. Explore the abodes of the faeries and gnomes along the Woodland Faerie Trail through the escarpment pathway and see who is home. Read about Emily’s experience here. FREE with Garden admission, which is $1-3 (for ages 3+).
Children’s Day Art Park
July 12, 19 & 26 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Symphony Square, 1101 Red River St, Austin
Make plans to attend Children’s Day Art Park on Wednesday mornings from June 7 – July 26, 2017 (excluding July 5). After the headlining performance, which usually starts around 10:00 a.m., follow the Pied Piper across the street to the Art Tent for crafts, stories, and more. As a heads up, strollers are not permitted in the amphitheater. There is complimentary stroller parking available on the north side of Serrano’s. Admission to Children’s Day Art Park is 50¢ per child. Adults are FREE! July 12: April & Amy. July 19: Mr. Will Music. July 26: Mr. Will Music
