Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, and we’ve got some FREE ways to celebrate dad around town. You know he’ll be impressed that you saved your money!
Third Thursdays at the Blanton
June 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 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.
Nature Nights at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Habitats
June 15 from 6-9:00 p.m. | Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin
Take dad to the beloved Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for a FREE evening of family fun. Nature Nights are fun explorations of plants, animals, and the ecology of Central Texas. Each evening features interactive presentations, hikes with experts in their fields, and nature crafting for kids of all ages. This Thursday you can learn who lives where and what makes an ideal home for critters and plants alike. Admission is FREE for everyone from 6-9:00 p.m.
Around The World In 80 Days (Round Rock)
June 15, 16, & 17 at 8:00 p.m. | Round Rock Amphitheater, 301 W Bagdad Ave, Round Rock
Got a bibliophile father? Take him to a live performance of this classic! This hilariously fresh take on the classic novel follows the fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg, who agrees to an outrageous wager that puts his life and fortune at risk. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in a dramatic race against time. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! No reservations required.
Unplugged at the Grove: Sarah Jaffe
June 15 at 8:00 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Austinite dads love live music! Take him to experience one of Austin’s longest-running FREE live music series on Shady Grove’s iconic pecan tree shaded patio to see Sarah Jaffe.
Troilus and Cressida presented by Something for Nothing Theater Company
June 15, 16, & 17 at 8:00 p.m. | Ramsey Park Pavilion, 4301 N Rosedale Ave, Austin
The tradition of Shakespeare in Ramsey Park continues with Troilus and Cressida produced with minimal props, costumes, and lighting, focusing on storytelling and the wonderful language of Shakespeare. For this production, the script has been cut down to less than two hours, so it will be a snappy experience, unlike the epic you may have read in school. Two armies, two lovers, two hours! Find out what William Shakespeare can do with the story of ancient Troy. Bring a blanket or chair and pack some snacks for this FREE Trojan journey!
Juneteenth Rhythm & Ribs Festival (Round Rock)
June 16 & 17 | Old Settlers Park Lakeview Pavilion, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
What dad doesn’t love ribs? The Voice Inc. and the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department are joining forces again for the 8th annual Round Rock Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival from 7:30-11:30 p.m. on Friday and from 2:00 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. There will be live music, a barbecue cook-off, health fair, moonwalks, clowns, games, food, retail vendors, and much, much more. Admission and parking are FREE!
Free Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
June 16 from 2-7:00 p.m. | Locations vary
Get a FREE 16 oz. Sunshine Smoothie™ when you wear flip flops on June 16, National Flip Flop Day, from 2-7:00 p.m.
Live at Lamar
June 16, 17, & 18 | Whole Foods, 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin
Take dad down to the Whole Foods Flagship on Friday from 5-7:00 p.m.; Saturday from 6-8:00 p.m.; or Sunday from 4-6:00 p.m. “Live at Lamar,” features live music performed by local singers and songwriters. Performances take place at Bar Lamar or outside at Shoal Creek entrance.
Music in the Park: Cody Wayne Band (Pflugerville)
June 16 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd, Pflugerville
Music In The Park provides a variety of entertainment for any music-loving dad. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, friends, and neighbors for a FREE evening of music, entertainment, and relaxation and see the Cody Wayne Band.
Father’s Day Storytime
June 17 at 11:00 a.m. | Barnes & Noble, locations vary
Take your dad to read When Dads Don’t Grow Up at your local Barnes & Noble. Just in time for Father’s Day, this playful book follows four father-child pairs as they spend happy, silly times together, popping bubble wrap, watching cartoons, and taking part in shopping cart races. These dads may look like grown-ups on the outside, but underneath they’re kids just like you! Activities to follow.
Crafts for Kids
June 17 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
What do you give the guy who has everything? A homemade craft! Take the kids to make a Dad’s Day Craft-Stick Card. Ages 3+. No reservations required. FREE!
Juneteenth Celebration
June 17 from noon to 4:00 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center, 1165 Angelina St, Austin
Enjoy live music, food, games, and a marketplace. FREE!
8th Annual Wine & Cheese Art Festival (Round Rock)
June 17 from 6-8:30 p.m. | Allen R Baca Center, 302 Bagdad, Bldg 2, Round Rock
This FREE family-friendly event features guest artist and speaker Max Rightmer, who has been commissioned by the city of Hutto for a painting of the downtown Hutto Cotton Gin. Over 30 artists will be displaying their work. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages, cheese, cookies, and baked items will be available for purchase. Don’t miss door prizes, a silent auction, and music.
Free Admission for Dads at Typhoon Texas (Pflugerville)
June 17 & 18 | Typhoon Texas, 18500 TX-130 North Service Road, Pflugerville
Here’s a Father’s Day gift dad won’t soon forget – FREE admission to Typhoon Texas Austin all Father’s Day weekend. Simply purchase a regularly-priced, above-48-inch, single-day ticket at the Typhoon Texas ticket window, and dad can enter for free June 17-18. Typhoon Texas Austin is open until 10 p.m. both days to ensure dads and their families have plenty of time to enjoy the park’s high-speed raft rides and tube slides, free-fall body slides, four-story children’s Gully Washer with 800-gallon water bucket and more than 100 spray areas, Texas-sized wavepool, winding lazy river, family adventure trail and challenge course, and more. Single-day passes Father’s Day weekend are $34.99. Children under 48 inches tall, seniors 55 and older, and military personnel (with military ID) are $24.99. After 5 p.m., tickets are always $19.99. Children 2 and younger are free.
Free Meal for Dad at Pluckers
June 18 | All Texas locations of Pluckers
On Father’s Day, June 18, Pluckers will be giving a FREE meal (entree, side, and non-alcoholic beverage, up to $15 value) to any dad that takes a picture with their child/children (regardless of age) at Pluckers and posts that photo to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtag #Pluckers. It can be posted to Dad’s social media account or their child’s. This is for Texas Pluckers locations only.
Father’s Day Dad Gone Wild Car & Motorcycle Show (Leander)
June 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | 1070 CR-177, Leander
This is no ordinary Father’s Day. Vote for your favorite car, motorcycle, or off-road vehicle and enjoy live music, prizes, inflatables, and food trucks. Plus, there will be a free t-shirt for every man. Helicopter rides will be available for $60 cash/$65 credit. Admission is FREE!
Free Kids’ Music at Cherrywood Coffee House
June 18 from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E 38 1/2 St, Austin
Kids and dads alike will boogie down to the funky sounds of the Que Pastas. Treat him to coffee and breakfast while you’re there! FREE all ages shows. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
17th Annual Father’s Day Antique Automobile Show
June 18 from noon to 4:00 p.m. | The Winters Building, 701 W 51st St, Austin
Bring your car-loving dad to check out antique automobiles and view the other vehicles on display. Admission is FREE!
Dads Skate Free
June 18 from noon to 5:00 p.m. | Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Drive, Austin
Dads are FREE with child’s admission!
Austin Symphony Hartman Foundation Concert in the Park: Brass
June 18 at 7:30 p.m. | Hartman Concert Park at the Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
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. A gift from the Hartman Family Foundation, these concerts are presented to the Austin community in thanks for its continued, generous support. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a group outing. Admission is FREE, and free parking is available at One Texas Center located on Barton Springs Rd. at S. 1st St. Paid parking is available at the Palmer Garage for $8.
Father’s Day Concert in the Park
June 18 at 7:30 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin
The Austin Symphonic Band celebrates Dad with this annual concert. Marches, patriotic melodies, and other familiar works are the order of the day – selections that will have your Dad’s toe tappin’ – as well as your own! Bring a picnic basket and spread out a blanket under the pecan trees at the Hillside Theatre. FREE!
