Summer has arrived! Festivals, live music, and outdoor fun awaits, so get out your calendar and fill up the month of June with FREE Austin events!
A big thank you to OurPact, for partnering with us to present this guide to free June 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!
June, 2016
Unplugged at the Grove
Thursdays in June 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. June 2: Carson McHone; June 9: Harvest Thieves; June 16: Alejandro Escovedo; June 23: Ray Wylie Hubbard; June 30: James McMurtry.
Music on the Square (Georgetown)
Friday nights in June 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 from June through August in Georgetown, Texas. 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. From June 3 to August 26, 2016, every Friday night from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. All concerts are FREE! June 3: Georgetown Pipes and Drums; June 10: Mr. Thrill; June 17: Blue Vibe; June 24: Wound loose.
Ballet Under the Stars
June 3 & 4 at 8 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Beginning just before sundown, this Austin tradition is fun for the whole family and a great way to kick off your summer. The performance will feature a variety of choreographers including some emerging talent in the dance world. This year’s production will feature Les Sylphides which was first performed in 1909 by the Ballet Russes. The beautiful setting of the park will become the backdrop for this ballet blanc. Blanc, translated “white,” refers to the wearing of long, white tutus that became characteristic of Romantic ballets. The dancers will begin warming up an hour before the show, which provides a wonderful opportunity to see the preparations dancers make to create art with their bodies. FREE! During intermission the bucket is passed for donations and any amount is graciously accepted. Concessions will be available for purchase. This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
Bubblepalooza! ***POSTPONED TO JULY 16, 2016***
June 4 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!
Free Kids’ Music at Strange Brew
June 4 & 11 from 10-11 a.m. | Strange Brew, Lounge Side, 5326 Manchaca Rd, Austin
Staci Gray (June 4), Groundwork Music (June 11) will be performing FREE all ages shows. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Saturday Night Concert Series: Midnight River Choir (Bee Cave)
June 4 from 7-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, FREE kids activities, and great shopping at the Saturday Night Concert Series. The music begins at 7 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater. Genre: Texas Groove.
Free Kids’ Music at Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Sundays in June from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E. 38 1/2 Street, Austin
Hey Lollies (June 5), Groundwork Music (June 12), The Que Pastas (June 19), and Staci Gray (June 26) will be performing FREE all ages shows. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Austin Refugee Day Festival
June 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Givens Park, 3811 E 12th St, Austin
The first annual Austin Refugee Day Festival is open to the public and will be a fun park day for the community. It will include 5-on-5 soccer matches (register here), kids’ activities including a Velcro wall, inflatable bounce houses, multi-lingual cartoons, face painting, outdoor games, information and resource booths, as well as a variety of food vendors onsite. Admission and activities are FREE! Food will be available for purchase. This is a collaborative event hosted by different refugee service agencies here in Austin and will be a chance to celebrate the refugee population within our community. Learn more and confirm event details here.
Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum: Museum Anniversary Celebration
June 5 from 12-5 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin
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 p.m. combine art creation, exploration stations, and gallery activities. Be part of the Bullock Museum’s 15th anniversary in this day-long celebration featuring live music and performances, hands-on activities, and food and drink tastings.
Moviehouse & Eatery FREE Summer Kids Camp
Tuesdays in June 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. June 7: Ice Age: The Meltdown; June 14: Annie; June 21: The Lego Movie; June 28: Minions.
World Oceans Day
June 8 at 10 a.m. | Austin Aquarium, 13530 N Hwy 183 #101, Austin
People who come dressed as their favorite sea animal get in FREE! The World Oceans Day theme is “Together we have the power to protect the ocean,” focused on raising awareness and promoting personal and community action in fun and positive ways, leading to a more aware, engaged, and sustainable society, and a healthier ocean.”
Nature Nights at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
June 9, 16, 23, 30 from 6-9 p.m. | Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin
Join Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for FREE family fun Thursday evenings this summer. 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. June 9: Harnessing Fire (prescribed burns); June 16: Grow (plants and animals); June 23: Pollinate (bees, birds and beyond); June 30: Predators (snakes and birds of prey). Regular admission prices apply during the day. From 6-9:00 p.m., admission is FREE for everyone. Children 12 and younger receive a free gift at the Store during Nature Nights.
Shakespeare at Ramsey Park: The Winter’s Tale
June 9-11; 16-18; 23-25 at 8 p.m.| Ramsey Park, 4301 Rosedale Ave, Austin
The Winter’s Tale takes place at Ramsey Park Picnic Pavilion Thursdays – Saturdays, June 9-11, 16-18, and 23-25, 2016, beginning at 8:00 p.m. The annual tradition of Shakespeare at Ramsey Park continues in 2016 with William Shakespeare’s lovely fairy tale, The Winter’s Tale. This play will have minimal props, costumes, and lighting, and focus more on storytelling and the wonderful language of Shakespeare. Something for Nothing’s Artistic Director Deb Streusand makes her Austin directorial debut with The Winter’s Tale. As always, shows are FREE, family-friendly, and open to the public.
ROT Rally Parade and Free Concert
June 10 at 7 p.m. | Congress Ave from Cesar Chavez to 11th St., Austin
The ROT Biker Rally is the largest “turnstile” motorcycle rally in the country. Although the Travis County Expo Center is the main location for the Rally, the Friday of Rally weekend, there is a parade and concert downtown. The parade will run from about 7:45-8:30 p.m. Bring ear protection for the littles, as the event can get loud. Motorcycles wanting to participate should gather at the Travis County Expo Center at 7 p.m. at gate 3 (only participants with official ROT wristband can be in the parade). Bikes will leave the expo at 7:45 p.m. Music starts right after the bikes finish parking. FREE!
Music in the Park (Pflugerville)
June 10 & 24 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. June 10: Crystal Yates; June 24: BillyRay Sheppard
Hands On History (Georgetown)
June 11 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. Shoe cobbling: ever wanted to learn to make shoes? Be a cobbler for a day! FREE for children of all ages.
Second Saturdays are for Families: Lost and Found (RSVP)
June 11 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street, Austin
A missing cat, lost money—why are things suddenly vanishing at Laguna Gloria? Embark on a scavenger hunt to see if you can help solve this mystery, then stick around to make an artistic pet poster using tips from Austin’s own Pet Detective! This family program is inspired by new works at the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park by artists Teresa Hubbard and Alexander Birchler and the collective SUPERFLEX. 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 each month.
Saturday Night Concert Series: Dawn & Hawkes (Bee Cave)
June 11 from 7-9 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, FREE kids activities, and great shopping at the Saturday Night Concert Series. The music begins at 7 p.m. in the Hill Country Galleria’s outdoor amphitheater. Genre: Americana.
Austin Civil Orchestra presents “Oscar Winners”
June 10 & 11 from 8-10 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The ACO will once again present its annual FREE Pops Concert, featuring music from Oscar-winning motion pictures. In addition, their annual raffle drawing will award one lucky audience member (per night) a chance to conduct John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever.
Umlauf Family Day
June 12 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.
Fairy Tea Party at Terra Toys! (RSVP)
June 14 & 15 at 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. | Terra Toys, 2438 W Anderson Ln, Austin
Come to Terra Toys in your most fantastical fairy, wizard or gnome costume to make with a fairy with your very own hands! Enjoy free Tea and Cookies and play with other forest fairies and creatures! The event is FREE, but you need a free ticket to attend. Free tickets are available at the front counter at Terra Toys! Come by and get one before they are all gone! Up to three children per one adult. Call 512-445-4489 with any questions!
Third Thursdays at the Blanton
June 16 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.
Splish Splash Pool Bash at the Towlake YMCA
June 18 from 1-4 p.m.| TownLake YMCA, 1100 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin
Let’s face it. Summers.In.Austin.Are.So.Hot. By June, everyone is fleeing for a local watering hole or calling the AC repairman to finally catch a break from the Texas heat. Why not try out a new place to cool off this summer? At the TownLake Y, the Olympic-sized pool is normally used for lap swimmers, swim lessons, group exercise classes, and various lifeguarding certification courses, but not on Saturday, June 18th. They are opening up the lanes and hosting a Splish Splash Pool Bash from 1-4 p.m. This family friendly event is FREE and open to the public. There will be food, pool games, beach balls, music, noodle races, snow cones, and more. With school out and just enough time to settle into the summer relaxation mode, this will be the perfect afternoon to kick back and have some summer fun. All ages are welcome, so bring your friends, too.
2nd Street Sound Check
June 18 from 1-8 p.m.| 2nd Street District, 401 W 3rd St, Austin
Benefiting the Austin Music Foundation and KUTX 98.9, the FREE music and street festival will feature over two dozen local artists including Tameca Jones, Keeper, GOBI, The Warplanes, Migrant Kids and Sour Bridges. Delicious food and drinks from local restaurants, art vendors, in-store performances and more will all be taking place in downtown Austin.
Father’s Day Concert at the Park
June 19 at 7:30 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin
Austin Symphonic Band celebrates your dad with this annual FREE concert at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. 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 Theater.
Blues on the Green: Wild Child with Max Frost
June 22 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.
Summer Carnival
June 24 from 2-4 p.m. | Northwest Recreation Center, 2913 Northland Dr., Austin
FREE event and the first 10 carnival tickets are free!
The Wine Down
June 29 from 5-7 p.m. | 3TEN Austin City Limits Live, 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Ste 1A, Austin
With music from Amanda Cevallos, bites from Crú Wine Bar (Austin), and pop-up shop from Saint Bernard. 3TEN ACL Live brings you the latest edition of The Wine Down music series. The 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 and open to the public.
Sound & Cinema
June 29 at 7 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!
Keep the kids busy for free:
Home Depot Kids Workshop: Father’s Day Trophy Smart Phone Holder
June 4 from 9 a.m. – Noon | The Home Depot
Join this hands-on workshop and show Dad who’s #1! Build a trophy-shaped cell phone holder. Once the project is built, your child can paint it and decorate with stickers that show Dad he’s #1. FREE! Register here.
Crafts for Kids
Saturdays in June from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
Drop in for FREE crafting! June 4: Crafty Bird Feeder. June 11: Blast Off! Rocket Ship. June 18: Out of This World! Card for Dad. June 25: Crabby Headband. Ages 3+. No reservations required.
Bonus nearly free fun:
Children’s Day Art Park
Wednesdays in June 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 8 – July 27, 2016 (excluding July 6), from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. June 8: Sara Hickman; June 15: Beto and the Fairlanes; June 22: The Hey Lollies; June 29: Joe McDermott; July 13: The Flying Balalaika Brothers; July 20: Mr. Will Music; July 27: Stacy 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!
Faerie Trail by Silver Moonlight
June 17-19 from 8-10 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Visit the Woodland Faerie Trail by Silver Moonlight and experience magic! $6 per adult non-resident; $4 per adult resident; $2 for children (ages 3-12) and Seniors (age 62 & over). Entertainers, music, and cold treats. Family activity, no registration required. You will be hiking through the garden, so make sure to come with comfortable shoes and dressed for the outdoors. This is an outdoor event that will take place rain or shine, unless the weather is unsafe to work in. In such case, the event will proceed 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightening.
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