Summer is flying by so fast; don’t blink and miss these fun FREE July events in Austin and beyond!
A big thank you to OurPact, for partnering with us to present this guide to free July fun in Austin! OurPact is a leading parental control app for iPhones, iPads, and iPods that makes it easy for you to set limits on how much time your child is spending on mobile devices. Download your free OurPact app for iPhone or Android, and make plans to leave screens behind as you get out and enjoy some free summer fun together as a family!
Free July Events in Austin
Summer Celebration
July 1 at 5:30 p.m. | Metz Rec Center, 2407 Canterbury St, Austin
FREE games, door prizes, and hot dogs. Minions movie will start at dusk.
Music on the Square (Georgetown)
Friday nights in July from 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Courthouse Square, Georgetown
The “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas” will be the stage for FREE weekly Friday night concerts featuring regional musicians. Attendees are encouraged to dine at a downtown restaurant or bring a picnic. Seating will be on the lawn so concertgoers should bring chairs or a blanket. Beverages, including alcohol, are permitted but no glass containers are allowed. All concerts are FREE! July 1: Square Tones; July 8: Bluegrass Showmen; July 15: Wilson String Band; July 22: Bob & Johnny; July 29: Jimi Lee.
Free Kids’ Music at Strange Brew
Saturdays in July from 10-11 a.m. | Strange Brew, Lounge Side, 5326 Manchaca Rd, Austin
Staci Gray (July 2), Groundwork Music (July 9), Que Pastas (July 16), Big Don (July 23) will be performing FREE all ages shows. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Freddy Carnes Productions Presents Aeneid (RSVP)
July 2 at 7:30 p.m. | Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin,
Freddy Carnes Productions presents Aeneid, an original musical based on Virgil’s epic poem. The Trojans have lost the Trojan War when the giant wooden horse filled with Greeks destroys Troy. Now led by the warrior Aeneas, a small band of refugee Trojans sail toward Italy and their destiny. What will happen!? To reserve your FREE seats email [email protected]. Learn more and confirm event details here.
Free Kids’ Music at Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Sundays in July from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E. 38 1/2 Street, Austin
Hey Lollies (July 3), Groundwork Music (July 10), The Que Pastas (July 17), Staci Gray (July 24), and Jenny Parrott (July 31) will be performing FREE all ages shows. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
HEB Austin Symphony Concert & Fireworks
July 4 from 4-10 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. Symphony performance begins at 8:00 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Great food and drinks will be available for purchase, as well as a variety of local arts and crafts vendors. FREE!
Independence Day Celebration (Bee Cave)
July 4 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Celebrate our independence at the Hill Country Galleria! Enjoy shopping, dining, live music, and fireworks! Live music by Vallejo and KP & The Boom Boom. Bring chairs or blankets and enjoy the live music starting at 6:30 p.m. The Hill Country Galleria is home to over 20 restaurant & food options to suite your dinner time needs. Order food to go or have it delivered straight to your seat while enjoying the show! Children can enjoy a complimentary face painter & other activities. Firework show at approximately 9:15 p.m. Admission & parking are always FREE.
Moviehouse & Eatery FREE Summer Kids Camp
Tuesdays in July at 9 a.m. | 8300 N FM 620, Building B, Austin
FREE Summer Kids Camp is back! Every Tuesday morning from June 7 to August 23, see a hand-picked family favorite for FREE! Tickets are given away starting at 9 a.m. on a first come, first serve basis. July 5: Shrek 2; July 12: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2; July 19: The Peanuts Movie; July 26: Hook.
The Hillside Summer Concert Series
Tuesdays in July from 7-9 p.m. | AB Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 E 3rd St, Austin
FREE family fun every Tuesday in July: 7/5 New Generation, Mari y Cien Grados, Canonazo; 7/12 Los Texas Wranglers, Phoebe Marie, David Farias; 7/19 Conjun Cats, Jonny Martinez Y Grupo Bravo featuring Buddy Lonesome & Veronique Medrano; 7/26 Marcos Orozco, Tortilla Factory. Things to bring: kids, blankets, can drinks, sunglasses, lawn chairs, family & friends. Come early! Things NOT to bring: Glass, radios.
Unplugged at the Grove
Thursdays in July at 8 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
KGSR’s Unplugged at the Grove series is returning for its 23rd season. 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 22, Unplugged-goers will enjoy live music as well as a special patio menu of Austin-inspired home cooking and drink specials. July 7: Shane Smith & The Saints; July 14: The Reverend Horton Heat & Dale Watson; July 21: Griffin House; July 28: Uncle Lucius.
Music in the Park (Pflugerville)
July 8 & 22 at 7:30 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. July 8: El Tulé; July 22: Choctaw Wildfire.
Shrek: the Musical
July 8 – August 13 at 8:15 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Drive, Austin
The Zilker FREE summer musical starts on July 8th. Nominated for eight Tony Awards and 12 Drama Desk Awards, Shrek: The Musical brings the beloved characters from the popular animated film to life on stage. Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. The Zilker Summer Musical is always family-friendly, but ZTP takes a special delight presenting shows that specifically capture the hearts of children. Shrek will again delight, thrill and entertain over 40,000 hillside audience members of all ages during its six-week run during July and August 2016.
Music Under the Star
July 8, 15, 22 from 6-9 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Avenue, 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 8: The Midnight Stroll with Walker Lukens; July 15: Grammy Award winners Los TexManiacs with special guest “Living Legend” Flaco Jiménez; July 22: Quiet Company with Riders Against the Storm.
Hands On History (Georgetown)
July 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Williamson Museum, 716 S Austin Ave, Georgetown
The second Saturday of each month, the museum hosts an interactive activity where children can get up close and personal with history, learning something new and creating their own artifact. Pickett’s Charge: learn about the battle of Gettysburg and Pickett’s charge while making your own kepi. FREE for children of all ages.
Second Saturdays are for Families: Underwater Cities (RSVP)
July 9 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street, Austin
Make a reflective work of art using cool printmaking techniques at this architecture-themed workshop, inspired by the hundredth birthday of the majestic Driscoll Villa! Collaborate with fellow architects on a Lego city and learn more about how buildings are made. Reservations are requested for family art-making workshops; please reserve your spot here beginning the 1st of each month.
The Dougherty’s First Annual #NOFOMO event
July 9 from 1-4 p.m. | Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The Dougherty’s first annual #NOFOMO event kicks off this year with music by the top under 18 musicians in Austin: Ben Buck, Electric Milk, Pacifist Ninjas, Room 24 and The Tiarra Girls. Jump into a live art installation, partake in some slam poetry by Speak Piece, munch out on some FREE food and be inspired by Arte Texas street art ONLY at the Dougherty Arts Center. This is an all ages event and FREE!
Umlauf Family Day
July 10 from 12-4 p.m. | 605 Robert E. Lee Road, Austin
Family Days offer special, hands-on programs designed for families with children, ages four to ten 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 and open to the public.
Concerts in the Park
Sundays in July, excluding July 3, 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. July 10 – Woodwinds; July 17 – Strings; July 24 – Brass; July 31 – Big Band; August 7 – Strings; August 14 – Brass; August 21 – Woodwinds; August 28 – Big Band. 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.
Austin Chamber Music Concert
July 13 at 6 p.m. | Emeritus, 4401 Spicewood Springs, Austin
Celebrating 20 years of presenting world-class chamber music concerts for central Texas audiences, Austin Chamber Music Festival has FREE Festival Outreach Concerts that compliment its most dynamic lineup to date. This summer, a remarkable roster of the world’s top classical, jazz and choral musicians will serenade Austinites beginning June 16 until July 21 at different locations around Austin. Wednesday, July 13 at 6:00 p.m.: Golden Connections Festival Concert Auteur Saxophone Quartet at Emeritus Spicewood Springs.
Blues on the Green: Hayes Carll with Carson McHone
July 13 at 8 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
KGSR’s Blues on the Green is at Zilker Park with FREE, live music. Take your blankets or lawn chairs and join in the fun.
Bubblepalooza!
July 16 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Bubbles, live music, a giant parachute, and more FREE fun for the entire family! Activities include live music from the Kupira Marimba, The Biscuit Brothers and Big Don; theatre for the very young (0-4 years) presented by Pollyanna Theatre Company; food trucks, Arts & Crafts tent, local vendors, a Coloring Corner, face painting, plus ticket giveaways and specials throughout the day!
Elgin Beach Party (Elgin)
July 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Elgin Memorial Park, 1127 N Main St, Elgin
Enjoy some family time at Elgin Memorial Park for a beach party. Build sandcastles, slide down a waterslide, eat watermelon, drink lemonade, and so much more.
Third Thursdays at the Blanton
July 21 from 12-9 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.
Big Mega Workout (12+)
July 23 at 9:30 a.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 & 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 27 from 5-8 p.m. | 3TEN Austin City Limits Live, 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Ste 1A, Austin
With music from El Tule, bites from Malaga Tapas & Bar, and pop-up shop from Luxe Apothetique. 3TEN ACL Live brings you the latest edition of The Wine Down, a music series presented by Ruffino along with new collaborator KUTX 98.9, as well as returning supporters 2ND Street District – Austin, TX and Elite 25 Austin—proceeds once again will benefit the Austin Music Foundation. This year’s The Wine Down series happens the last Wednesday of the month, through September. Each month, a different restaurant from 2ND Street District will be on-site providing food samples while guests enjoy free tastings and happy hour priced glasses featuring Ruffino. Each evening’s entertainment will be emceed by KUTX D.J.s and will feature pop-up shops from local retailers. The Wine Down is FREE, open to the public, and takes place from 5–8 p.m. at 3TEN ACL Live.
Rhythm on Stage (RSVP)
July 28 at 7:30 p.m. | The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Rhythm on Stage is back for its 5th year. Austin’s only instructional dance series invites you to take center stage in the Long Center’s Dell Hall. Learn 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. Please RSVP for each night you plan to attend. Dance instruction begins at 7:30 pm. The event is come and go. No experience is necessary. All ages welcome. July 28, Thursday – Bollywood Dance with Prakash and Divya, RSVP. August 11, Thursday – Michael Jackson’s BEAT IT! With Jenny, RSVP.
Summer Free Family Film Series
July 29 from 2-3:30 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin
Free-spirited mouse Celestine and troubadour bear Ernest form an unlikely bond. But it isn’t long before their friendship is put on trial by their respective communities. Rated PG. Come early for an Exploration Station kids activity table from 1-2 p.m.
Keep the Kids Busy for Free
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Ice Age Bowling Game
July 2 from 9 a.m. – Noon | The Home Depot
Join this hands-on workshop and you and your child can create a cool Ice Age: Collision Course bowling game. Once the game is built, your child can decorate it with stickers of characters in the new Ice Age movie. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE 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. Register here.
Crafts for Kids
Saturdays in July from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
Drop in for FREE crafting! July 2: Star-Spangled Wreath; July 9: ABC Tree; July 16: Colors of the Rainbow! Bookmark; July 23: Make Me Talk! Fish; July 30: Craft Stick Puppy. Ages 3+. No reservations required.
Bonus Nearly Free Fun
Children’s Day Art Park
July 13, 20, & 27 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 through July 27, 2016 (excluding July 6), from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. July 13: The Flying Balalaika Brothers; July 20: Mr. Will Music; July 27: Staci Gray. Plan to arrive early to find the most convenient parking. After the headlining performance, which usually starts around 10 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!
Splash Party Movie Night
July 9 & 23 at 8 p.m. | Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin
This family oriented program brings people of all ages together. See some of the latest releases and your old favorites, while you cool off in the 72-degree water or picnic on the hill. All movies begin at dusk. The regular pool entrance fee ($1-8) covers the movies and pool entrance. July 9: Raiders of the Lost Ark; July 23: Zootopia.
More Summer Fun
- Summer Fun Guide
- The Best 4th of July Fireworks in Austin
- 100+ Austin Adventures
- 75+ Things To Do This Summer In Austin
- Austin Splash Pad Schedules
- Austin Free Pools Schedules
- Top 10 Outdoor Music Spaces For Families in Austin
- Free and Cheap Summer Movies in Austin
- Fun Daytrips
- Educational Daytrips
- Free Fun Calendar
About OurPact
OurPact is a free parental control app for iPhones, iPads, and iPods that makes it easy for you to set limits on how much time your children are spending on their mobile devices. OurPact is now also available for parents on Web, Android and iOS through its Web Application. Create schedules, block all Internet and app use at a moment’s notice, or reward them with the allowance feature.
