Another fantastic weekend is here, and there are so many great things to do in and around Austin. Here are the top 10 FREE events happening this weekend.
Weekend Top 10 FREE Events: August 10-12, 2018
- Cool Summer Nights: Music Night
Friday, August 10 | from 6 to 9 p.m. |Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave.
The final Cool Summer Nights will take inspiration from Austin’s thriving music culture and the Museum’s exhibition celebrating the history of Austin City Limits. Guests can pick up a ukulele and experiment, experience contemporary opera or try their hand at song writing. - Dittmar Recreation Center The Last Sip Of Summer
Friday, August 10 | from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Dittmar Recreation Center 1009 W Dittmar Rd.
The Dittmar Recreation Center is hosting an end of summer gathering for the local Community called ‘The Last Sip of Summer.’ At this event we will have family friendly activities along with live music. We will also include information vendors for the participants. We will not be having any food vendors as we will not be selling any food, however, we will be using the popcorn machine and snow cone machine for free snacks. This event is meant to bring the local community together for one last family friendly and fun event to cap off the summer. There will be games with prizes and open play opportunities for the community while the music plays. Local Band Texas Inc. will be the musical guest. - The Mean Girls Free Outdoor Screening
Friday, August 10 | from 8 to 11 p.m. | The Community Cinema at Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd.
Mobile Loaves & Fishes invites you to a FREE movie night at Community First! Village. Grab chairs and a blanket, bring family and friends, and enjoy this special screening. Get there early to explore Community First! Village, pick your spot, and enjoy your favorite movie snacks. Hot dogs, milkshakes, popcorn, candy and drinks will be available for purchase (cash preferred). The event is free, however a $5 donation would be highly appreciated. - Family Programs Ice Painting
Saturday, August 11 | from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St.
In this month’s free family program, 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 inspired by a work of art at Laguna Gloria. Reservations available online. - TownLake YMCA Splash Bash
Saturday, August 11 | from 1 to 3 p.m. | TownLake YMCA, 1100 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Swim and play with the TownLake YMCA! They’ll pull back the pool dividers, invite the community, have free snacks and treats, free giveaways, fun music, a bouncy house, and turn our pool into a party. This event is free and open to the public. - TRACE Seventh Annual Ice Cream Social
Saturday, August 11 | from 3 to 5 p.m. | TRACE, 200 Lavaca St.
While summer may be coming to an end, the temps are still soaring. TRACE has a way to cool down and give back to the community, at the seventh annual Ice Cream Social benefitting local organization SAFE. This family and pet-friendly event encourages guests to ‘earn their spoon’ by donating unopened school supplies. Enjoy a lineup of fun flavors by Chef Angel Castillo, as well as fido-friendly scoops for pups. A list of needed supplies can be found here. - Austin Pride Parade
Saturday, August 11 | from 5 to 11 p.m. | Downtown Austin
The Austin Pride Parade is happening on Saturday and The Balloon Collective is inviting you to march with them! If you love balloons, LGBTQA rights, and parades, you’re their kind of people! They want YOU to walk with balloons and wear their fantastical balloon props. Head over to their website to sign up. They’ll take the first 100 people who fill out their parade form. Of course, you can also watch the parade for FREE! - Austin Summer Musical for Children: Honk!
Sunday, August 12 | At 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St.
Austin Summer Musical for Children is pleased to present HONK!, live on stage this summer! This delightful award-winning musical adaptation of “The Ugly Duckling” is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us special. - August Family Day
Sunday, August 12 | from 12 to 4 p.m. | UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Azie Morton Rd.
UMLAUF’s Monthly Family Days are designed for families and friends to explore and create. On the second Sunday of each month, they feature a line-up of activities for families to enjoy. This month’s theme is “Remembering LBJ” and they will be partnering with the LBJ Presidential Library to bring you this exciting event! - Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Sunday, August 12 | from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
These free ensemble concerts take place at the Hartman Concert Park in front of the Long Center City Terrace, and each Sunday a different ensemble of the ASO will be featured. A variety of music will be performed, 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.
Bonus Nearby FREE Fun:
- Art Squared Arts Market (San Marcos)
Saturday, August 11| from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Downtown Square, 150 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
The Art Squared Arts Market is a juried fine arts and fine crafts event that happens every second Saturday, from March through December, in San Marcos, Texas. This open air art market features all handmade, original artwork shown by the artists themselves. In addition to all the great art there is live music, free yoga/tai-chi, free kid’s arts and crafts, featured non-profit organizations, and a farmer’s market adjacent to the art market. Art Squared is produced by the San Marcos Art League and is sponsored by the San Marcos Arts Commission. - Ancient Spear Throwing (Lockhart)
Saturday, August 11| from 9:30 to 11 a.m. | Lockhart State Park, 2012 State Park Rd., Lockhart
Can you hunt down an angry Columbian Mammoth with nothing more than a stick and a stone point?? Your ancestors did. Before the bow and arrow, Native Americans hunted with the atlatl and dart. Join us to learn about this ancient hunting tool and find out for yourself if you would’ve been a great hunter in prehistoric Texas! All equipment is provided. Recommended for age 10. Regular park entrance fees apply ($3/adult, free for children 12 & under).
