It’s almost time to go back to school… almost! But while we still have a few more days of summer left, it’s time to have some FREE fun around Austin, and right now our calendar is jam-packed with local things to do. Check out our top ten FREE things happening this week.
This list contains a mix of family-friendly and adult focused Austin events.
Teacher Appreciation Month
All August | From 9 to 5 p.m. | San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio
Texas teachers get to explore the San Antonio Zoo for FREE all month long and huge discounts! All you need is to bring your teacher ID.
Teen Writing Lab
Monday, August 8th | From 3 to 4 p.m. | Austin Central Library, 710 West Cesar Chavez
Teens 13-18 can learn writing tips. Summer is for WRITING! Come to Teen Central throughout this summer and learn key exercises while writing with other teens.
Green Thumbs Up Gardening: Drip Irrigation
Tuesday, August 9th | From 7 to 8 p.m. | Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Boulevard, Cedar Park
Join Cedar Park Library for this ongoing program about gardening. One Tuesday a month the A&M Agrilife Extension Office and Williamson County Master Gardeners will present on a different topic; this month we’re learning all about drip irrigation.
Movies In Your Park: Scoob!
Tuesday, August 9th | From 8 to 11 p.m. | San Marcos Park Plaza, 210 N Mc Allen Parkway, San Marcos
Last one of the season! The Parks and Recreation Department hosts FREE Movies in Your Park. The movie will be shown in San Marcos Plaza Park and will begin at approximately 8:45pm. There will be pre movie activities, so come get set up and comfortable starting at 8:00!
Rooftop Sessions
Wednesday, August 10th | From 6:30 to 9 p.m. | The Jones Center, 700 Congress Avenue
Join The Jones Center on the rooftop overlooking downtown, where music and complimentary drinks will set the vibe for an electric night of sound, art, and camaraderie.
Movie Night: The Outsiders
Wednesday, August 10th | From 9 to 11 p.m. | Central Machine Works, 4824 East Cesar Chavez
The Outsiders is a 1983 American coming of age drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola based on the novel by S.E. Hinton. Starring C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio and Diane Lane. Watch it for FREE at Central Machine Works!
Banned Camp: Bonding with Books
Thursday, August 11th | From 6 to 7 p.m. | Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 South Fifth Street
A book discussion for tweens and their grownups together. Let’s unite to explore topics of representation and censorship as we discuss books recently challenged or removed in Texas. Register on Eventbrite, then pick up a free copy of The Breakaways from one of the host branches, provided by BookPeople.
Laguna Gloria Open Late
Thursday, August 11th | From 6 to 9 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street
Experience Laguna Gloria under the stars during our weekly extended open hours! You’ll enter a magical world of illuminated sculptures, gently lit pathways, hooting owls, and moonlight reflected on the waves of Lake Austin.
Pride Silent Disco
Friday, August 12th | From 6 to 8 p.m. | Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road
Celebrate Austin Pride at our after hours silent disco! We’ll provide tunes and headphones, as well as refreshments. You’ll also be able to share your story at our Pride oral history booth, make your own pronoun button, and hang with local LGBT+ groups! Age 16+
Movies in Your Park: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Friday, August 12th | From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. | Gregg Clarke Park, 1301 West Center Street, Kyle
This event is free to attend, no registration needed. Just show up, and make sure you bring the whole family! The movie will begin at sundown! Grab a blanket and a friend for another great season of the Movies in the Park shown on the big screen. Movies in the Park are FREE and fun for all ages! All movies are rated G or PG, except when noted.
