Need an evening out on the town? From free comedy to free concerts, Austin offers plenty of budget-friendly options for Date Night!
Thursday, February 4, 2016
The Brixton proudly hosts “The Brixton Comedy Hour” showcasing some of the best local comedians in town, such as Duncan Carson, Maggie Maye, Sam Harter, and Yola Lu. FREE show and great drink specials! The show starts at 8 p.m., out on the covered and heated patio. (Brixton, 1412 East 6th Street, Austin)
South Congress Hotel Open House
As part of the First Thursday festivities, head on over to South Congress Hotel for live music by Shivery Shakes, DJ Dan Gentile, and an interactive photo booth from 5-9 p.m. There will food and drink specials available for purchase as well as a FREE valet. (South Congress Hotel, 1603 South Congress Ave, Austin)
120 Year Birthday Bash at The University Co-Op
The UT Co-op is celebrating its 120th Birthday from 4-6 p.m. with a DJ set and plenty of giveaways! Join in for FREE giveaways from: High Brew Coffee, Tiff’s Treats, SkinnyPop, KIND Snacks, Red Bull, Favor, Texas Exes, Cyc Fitness, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Painting with a Twist, and more! Plus, while supplies last, FREE koozies, tote bags and t-shirts from The University Co-op! (University Co-op, 2246 Guadalupe Street, Austin)
3rd Annual Hand Drawn Records Battle of the Bands at Brass House
Omarr Awake hosts the 3rd annual Battle of the Bands, presented by Hand Drawn Records, Live at Austin’s renowned jazz lounge, Brass House. Nightly winners move on to an unofficial South-By showcase on March 17th, where the finalists compete for a chance to be included on this year’s Hand Drawn Records’ compilation record! The “battle” voting is 50% audience ballot voting and 50% judge voting. So come join the fun, from 8 p.m. – midnight, and vote for your favorite! This week’s battle is between The Mackays at 9 p.m., David Shabani at 10 p.m., and Tiny Purple Fishes at 11 p.m. (Brass House, 115 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin)
First Thursday on South Congress
First Thursday happens this week and takes place along South Congress Avenue, generally from Barton Springs Road to Elizabeth Street. The SoCo block party starts at 6 p.m. and the stores along South Congress that normally close early stay open late until about 10 p.m. They will be joined by craft vendors, live music, and special guests. One of Austin’s best block parties! (South Congress Avenue, Austin)
Austin comedy captains Kath Barbadoro, Joe Hafkey, and Mac Blake have a new FREE show, Triplane. The lineup for their 8 p.m. show includes Andrew Dismukes, Michael Good, and Pat Dean. (Companion, 908 E 5th St, Austin)
This is Dale Watson as you’ve never seen him before! Special guests, special costumes, and a swing show you can’t hear anywhere else! With a recording career spanning over two decades, Dale is a state treasure, rocking roadhouses and dance halls with his signature brand of honky tonk and country swing. This guy is the real deal, and once you’ve seen him, you’ll be back every week. FREE show from 8-11 p.m. (The Highball, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin)
Throwback Thursdays with Jack Burton Trio
Throw back a drink while JB3 plays your favorite throwback tunes and original music for booty shakin’. Starts at 8 p.m. No cover, drink specials, and killer grooves. (Icenhauer’s, 83 Rainey St, Austin)
The Austin improv scene is bursting with creativity. A never-ending parade of improv experiments. There are hundreds of performers, and every single one of them is prone to saying things like “Wouldn’t it be crazy if…?” or “I just had the most insane idea.” This is where those dreams go, not to die, but to live gloriously on the stage for one night only at the FREE Fringe. Show at 10 p.m. Get tickets here. (The Hideout, 617 Congress Ave, Austin)
Friday, February 5, 2016
Brimstone Potluck: Comedy at Cenote
Weekly FREE comedy every Friday from 8-10 p.m. Hosted by Montgomery Wayne and Tiffany Stepp, this week’s comics are Andrew Murphey, Andrew Cooksey, Andrew Clarkston, Andrew Dismukes, Melody Shifflett, and Adam Weightman. (Cenote, 1010 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin)
Slip on your favorite leg warmers, crimp that hair, and let loose with videos from the superstars of the ’80s, because The Highball is pushing it to the limit. Whether you want to whip it or do the safety dance, you’ll feel like you’re walking on sunshine, because these interactive dance parties are simply irresistible. No cover. 10:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (The Highball, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin)
Free Comedy: In the Treehouse with Chris Castles
One of the longest running FREE comedy shows in Austin, this week’s featured comics include Ella Gale (voted 3rd funniest person in Austin), Martha Kelly (Baskets on FX), Derek Phelps (Laugh Dammit), Brian Gaar (ATX Uncensored(ish), Joey Zimmerman (Good Vibes), and special guests. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. (Austin Java, 1608 Barton Springs Rd, Austin)
Jitterbug Vipers at C Boys Heart & Soul
The Jitterbug Vipers specialize in a beloved cult jazz offshoot called “viper jazz,” a screeching U-Turn back to the party where jazz music packed the dance floor and dazzled the audience with brilliant streams of improvisatory musicianship. This musical heritage pulls from the cherished musicality of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, and Slim Galliard. Show is FREE and starts at 6:30 p.m. (C Boys Heart & Soul, 2008 S Congress Ave, Austin)
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Love Fest: Valentines Day and Self-Love Market Day
Saturday, from 1-6 p.m., head to South First with friends, a hot date, or with the one who knows you best (yourself!). Peruse local pop-up vendors, grab some gelato next door at Dolce Neve, and check out the gallery! For a full list of vendors, check out the Facebook page. (Art For The People Gallery, 1711 South First Street, Austin)
The Flea features all local handmade items and vintage wares from some of Austin’s most amazing and talented vendors. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for any occasion including jewelry, glasswork, clothing, artwork, paper goods, textiles and so much more! Entrance to the event is FREE from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and open to all ages! (The Highball, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin)
Recovering…is a band dedicated to playing your favorite albums live. Comprised of recovering musicians Chris Nine (Karaoke Apocalypse, Butch County), Adam Tyner (Karaoke Apocalypse, Rockland Eagles, Nathan Hamilton), Phil McJunkins (Mice and Rifles, The Rated Exes, Treaty Oak), and Richard Weiss (Austin’s Hedwig in the Sideways Grimace), recovering plays one album per show, front to back from 10-11 p.m. Don’t miss the first show…The Bends by Radiohead! And let them know what albums you want to hear live HERE. (The Highball, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin)
SURE THING Comedy at Austin Java Parkway
Founded in 2012, SURE THING has grown to become Austin’s most popular and acclaimed stand-up showcase. This week’s comics include Michael Good, Adam Hrabik, Peggy O’Leary, and Pat Dean. The FREE show starts at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7:30 p.m. (Austin Java Parkway, 1206 Parkway, Austin)
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Free First Sunday at the Bullock
Enjoy FREE exhibit admission all day during Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month from 12-5 p.m. This month marks the opening of the Austin City Limits exhibit which includes a sit-in theatre room playing highlights from the show’s 40+ year history, memorabilia, and a timeline of historic ACL moments. (Bullock Museum, 1800 North Congress Avenue, Austin)
Laugh Dammit presents Aaron Brooks
Laugh, Dammit! Presents is a new FREE stand-up comedy show showcasing stand-up comedy from Austin and beyond. This week’s show will highlight Aaron Brooks. Joining Aaron will be Martha Kelley, Chris Tellez, Christina Parrish, Derek Phelps, and Pat Dean. (The Highball, 1120 South Lamar Blvd, Austin)
Super Soul Sundays with The Nightowls
Every Sunday, Icenhauer’s hosts The Nightowls – Austin’s own 10-piece soul band that was recently named one of the “Best New Bands of the Year” by Austin Chronicle and the Austin Music Awards. They play a unique blend of vintage and modern soul music that results in a high-energy, foot-stomping performance. This FREE show is 3-6 p.m. (Icenhauer’s, 83 Rainey St, Austin)
Open Mic Hosted by Kacy Crowley
Can’t get enough of the weekend? Catch a FREE late night open mic hosted by Austin’s own Kacy Crowley at 10:00 p.m. (Strange Brew, 5326 Manchaca Rd, Austin)