School may be starting back up this month, but there’s still plenty of FREE summer fun you won’t want to miss!
Moviehouse & Eatery’s Free Summer Kids Camp
August 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 9:00 a.m. | 8300 N FM 620, Bldg B, Austin
Summer Kids Camp is back! Every Tuesday morning in August, see a hand-picked family favorite for FREE! Tickets are given away starting at 9:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Blues on the Green: The Bright Light Social Hour with The Digital Wild
August 2 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 gather for Austin’s largest FREE concert series. View traffic and parking information here.
Rhythm on Stage (RSVP)
August 3 at 7:00 p.m. | The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Austin’s only instructional dance series invites you to take center stage. Learn the fun music video choreography for NSYNC’s “It’s Gonna Be Me” on the Dell Hall Stage. The Long Center partners with Ballet Austin to bring you a FREE evening of dance for everyone. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Dance instruction begins at 7:30 p.m. The event is come and go. No experience is necessary. All ages welcome.
Unplugged at the Grove
August 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 8:00 p.m. | Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Austinites of all ages have the opportunity to experience 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.
The Wizard of Oz
August 3-6 & 10-12 at 8:15 p.m. | Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin
For more than a century, The Wizard of Oz has enchanted readers, theatre, and movie goers alike. Now, Zilker Theatre Productions will bring this cultural treasure to the historic, outdoor theatre at The Zilker Hillside. 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 FREE to the public (donations gratefully accepted). 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.
Home Depot Kids Workshop
August 5 from 9:00 a.m. to noon | Home Depot Stores
You and your child can make a wooden Penske truck to roll some fun into August. Once the project is complete, your child can personalize their truck with stickers and 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. FREE!
Back to School Bash at Austin Emergency Center
August 5 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Austin Emergency Center, 3563 Far West Blvd, Ste 110, Austin
Wrap-up a fun-filled summer at Austin Emergency Center’s FREE annual Back to School Bash! All ages are welcome. The fun includes pizza, snow cones, a petting zoo, balloon animals, prizes, giveaways, and ER tours.
4th Annual Austin Duck Derby
August 5 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Ann W Richards Congress Ave Bridge / Austin American-Statesman parking lot, 305 S Congress Ave, Austin
Summertime means making a splash and enjoying the sun at the 4th Annual Austin Duck Derby presented by Austin Sonic Drive-Ins. The family-friendly festival will feature food, music, and activities in the parking lot near the Austin American-Statesman—and, of course, the signature duck race on Lady Bird Lake. The derby begins at 11:30 a.m. with the launch of more than 15,000 eco-friendly rubber ducks into the water from the Congress Avenue Bridge. Ducks may be purchased here (proceeds support The Austin Boys and Girls Club Foundation). All activities, giveaways, and entertainment are FREE!
Crafts for Kids
Saturdays in August from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Lakeshore Learning, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Austin
August 5: Back to School Photo Frame. August 12: You’re Stylish! Backpack Tag. August 19: Fold & Hold Pencil Cup. August 26: Bright New School Year Card. Ages 3+. No reservations required. FREE!
Summer Free Family Film Series
August 5 & 12 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. August 5: The Secret of Kells. August 12: Where the Wild Things Are. 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 August from 10-11:30 a.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E 38 1/2 St, Austin
August 6: Big Don. August 13: Groundwork Music. August 20: Que Pastas. August 27: Staci Gray. FREE all ages shows. Schedule is subject to change.
H-E-B Free First Sunday at the Bullock Museum
August 6 from noon to 5:00 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave, Austin
What makes a great game? Rediscover timeless games that don’t require batteries or a controller, then visit the exhibition Pong to Pokémon: The Evolution of Electronic Gaming and test your skills at various video games. 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.
Concerts in the Park
August 6, 13, 20, & 27 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 27. 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.
Music on the Square (Georgetown)
August 11, 18, & 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Courthouse Square, Georgetown
Dance on over to Georgetown for Music on the Square and enjoy FREE concerts. 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.
Music in the Park (Pflugerville)
August 11 & 25 at 7:30 p.m. | Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd, Pflugerville
See the Jacqui Walker Band (August 11) and The Human Circuit (August 25) at Music in the Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, friends, and neighbors for a FREE evening of music, entertainment, and relaxation.
Back 2 School Bash & Stuff the Bus (Cedar Creek)
August 12 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. (Stuff the Bus distribution begins at 8:00 a.m.) | Memorial Stadium, 755 Hwy 21, Cedar Creek
In celebration of education, Bastrop Independent School District hosts an annual Back to School Bash and Stuff the Bus school supply distribution to kick off the upcoming school year. Thanks to generous community partners and fundraisers at local businesses, Stuff the Bus will provide 1,400 backpacks with school supplies to Pre K-8th grade students on a first come, first serve basis. Students must be present to receive a backpack with school supplies. For the Back to School Bash, all games, activities, and food will be available FREE of charge for all attendees. Vendors will include businesses, civic and nonprofit groups, BISD campuses, governmental agencies, and local organizations.
AISD Back to School Bash & Safety Fair
August 12 from 9:00 a.m. to noon | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Almost 150 community organizations and district departments will provide information and activities to prepare AISD students for a safe and successful school year. Presentations on safety and educational best practices will help prepare students and parents for the first day of school and beyond. Austin/Central Texas Care Van will provide FREE vaccinations (families must present student shot records). Austin ISD students (must be present) can receive a FREE backpack filled with school supplies, while supplies last. Austin ISD is also providing free shuttles at locations throughout the city.
Second Saturdays are for Families: Ice Painting
August 12 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St, Austin
Chill out with other cool artists and create drippy watercolor paintings using ice cubes. Then relax in the shade with a live ice sculpting demonstration courtesy of local sculpting pros. 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.
Oita Japan Festival
August 12 from noon – 4:00 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 401 Cameron Rd, Austin
All things Japanese will be the focus of the FREE Oita Japan Festival: Taiko drumming, a kimono show, gold fish and water balloon scooping, a tea ceremony, a noodle eating contest, and a demonstration of the martial art of kendo. Children can try their hands at origami, write their names in kanji, and practice using chopsticks. Films will be shown highlighting Oita and business opportunities in Japan will conduct seminars about traveling and doing business in Japan. Japanese ceramics, kimonos, and calligraphy, as well as Japanese foods and sake will be available for purchase. The festival is being held in conjunction with Planet Cinema 2017, which will feature a week of Japanese anime films presented by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department Division of Museums and Cultural Programs. The Japanese Anime Series kicks off from 4-6:00 p.m. August 12 at the AARC with a screening of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Festival attendees are encouraged to wear kimonos or anime costumes. For a complete schedule of festival activities, and a schedule and descriptions of the films in the Japanese Anime Series, see Facebook and the Austin Oita website.
Austin Summer Musical: The Jungle Book
August 12-27, Saturdays and Sundays; times vary | Boyd Vance Theatre, 1165 Angelina St, Austin
Enjoy a FREE original musical for kids. Tickets are free, but you must arrive early to snag seats. Tickets are available 30 minutes before each show. New this year, online ticket reservations are available for select shows. Read more about the ticketing policy here.
Cars and Coffee
August 13 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
August 13 from noon to 4:00 p.m. | UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, 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! Plus, regular UMLAUF admission is FREE through August 31, 2017.
Trailer Food Tuesdays
August 15 from 5-9:00 p.m. | Long Center Terrace, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Sample delicious fare from Austin’s wide variety of food trucks and enjoy live music in one convenient location featuring the best view in town. The downtown skyline is the backdrop as 14-16 of the city’s finest food trailers roll on to the Long Center terrace. Plus, enjoy live music. Admission is FREE! Food and beverages available to purchase.
Summer Concerts in the Park (Cedar Park)
August 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. | Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main St, Cedar Park
Listen to the sounds of the summer with FREE music by Mike Daniels Band.
Third Thursdays at the Blanton
August 17 from noon 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 and multiple programs including yoga in the galleries, tours, and other offerings. Thursdays are always FREE at The Blanton.
Austin Amazing Pet Festival
August 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and August 20 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
The Austin Amazing Pet Expo is the ultimate pet event. Check out tons of pet-friendly exhibitors and rescues, see live demos in positive-reinforcement obedience training, and let your pet take a spin with the latest pet sports. Learn about pet care and activism, great enter to win giveaways and prizes, receive amazing discounts on your favorite pet products, watch talent and costume contests, and shop with fabulous retailers. There will also be adoptions, free nail trims, low-cost vaccinations, agility, and much more fun for the whole family. Admission is FREE and pets are welcome.
Austin Bollywood Day
August 26 from 6-8:00 p.m. | Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin
Celebrate Bollywood dance and Indian culture. Bollywood Day is a FREE festival showcasing Indian culture, Indian food, clothing, music, vendors and contests. The festival will culminate in a record-breaking Bollywood dance attempt, where dancers and non-dancers alike participate in one massive dance number. This year the goal is 3,000 people of all age groups and ethnicities dancing together. Help make it happen! Apart from the practice videos for the event, practice sessions for the dance will also be held every hour on the hour at the venue. Want a reason to dress up in Indian clothes and dance to Indian music? Here is your chance!
Strike Out Hunger with the Round Rock Express (Round Rock)
August 30 at 7:05 p.m. | Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
August 30 vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox – 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.
Not free, but cheap:
Deep Eddy Splash Party Movie Nights: Moana ($1-3)
August 5 at 8:00 p.m. | Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin
This family oriented program brings people of all ages together. Watch Moana while you cool off in the 72-degree water or picnic on the hill. Movie begins at dusk. The regular pool entrance fee ($1-3 for Austin residents) covers the movie and pool entrance.
Adults pay, but kids get in free:
Ice Cream Festival
August 5 from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E Segovia St, Austin
The 11th Scoop will include lots of games, activities, contests, and live entertainment, as well as what we all scream for–ice cream! Cost: $15 entry with free ice cream. Kids 8 and under are FREE!
Austin Bat Fest
August 19 from 4:00 p.m. – midnight | Congress Ave Bridge, 100 S Congress Ave, Austin What will you see at Bat Fest this year? 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from under the bridge at dusk, 3 stages with live music, more than 75 arts and crafts vendors, delicious food and drinks, fun children’s activities, a bat costume contest, and other bat activities. Cost: $15 per person. Kids 8 and under are FREE!
