Another fantastic weekend is here, and there are so many great things to do in and around Austin. Here are the top 10 FREE Austin events happening this weekend.
Weekend Top 10 FREE Austin Events: December 21-23, 2018
- TUBACHRISTMAS
Friday, December 21 | at 12 p.m. | Texas State Capitol Building (South Steps), 1100 Congress Ave.
2018 is the 45th anniversary for TUBACHRISTMAS concerts/events which are presented throughout the world. TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Free! - Winter Solstice Lantern Party
Friday, December 21 | from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd.
Celebrate the longest night of the year at Minor Mishap’s annual Winter Solstice Lantern Parade! On Friday, Dec. 21, attendees can enjoy a night of music, community and creativity as hundreds of lanterns come together under the night sky at Mueller Lake Park. Participants can also look forward to a special performance by Minor Mishap Marching Band, a 25-piece brass band. This event is free, but please be sure to RSVP if you plan to attend! - Christmas Towne (Round Rock)
Friday, December 21 through Sunday, December 23 | from 5 to 10 p.m., 2 to 10 p.m., and 2 to 9 p.m. | 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
Free! (tickets for carnival available for purchase). This is the final day of this recurring event. - Mozart’s Annual Light Show
Friday, December 21 through Sunday, December 23 | from 6 to 11 p.m. | Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
The 9th Annual Joyous Mozart’s Christmas Light Show is here and better than ever! This year is an on-going experience with over one million LED lights, a giant coffee mug, and more. New this year is the Cobalt Blue Piano that will be played by pianist all season long. They also have a German Market in the parking lot serving warm treats as you walk in. Whether you’ve been before or not, this is the year to add the Mozart’s Light Show to your calendar! - Austin Trail Of Lights ($3)
Friday, December 21 through Sunday, December 23 | from 7 to 10 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2400 Barton Springs Rd.
A gate fee of $3 is required for individuals 12 and older from December 14-16 and again December 20-23. Tickets may be purchased at the onsite box office, however, it is highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance here to avoid long admission lines at the gate. Children 11 and under are FREE every night! Parking passes and shuttle tickets are available online. - 2018 Big Chirp Studio Winter Recital
Saturday, December 22 | from 6 to 8 p.m. | Boyd Vance Theater, 1165 Angelina St.
Support pre-professional children and adult Austin singers in this short recital of musical theatre, opera, pop, R&B, and rock/country music! For the 2018 Winter Recital, enjoy a free show of up-and-coming singers enrolled in intensive voice study at Big Chirp Studio. - December KIDS CORNER for Military Families
Saturday, December 22 | from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Red’s Porch Quarry Lake, 4200 B Braker Ln.
Join for food, fun, games, and other kid activities Saturday, December 22, at Red’s Porch Quarry Lake! Please RSVP so they can accommodate your family! - Storytime with Mrs. Clause (Round Rock)
Saturday, December 22 | from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and 4 to 5:30 p.m. | Round Rock Premium Outlets Food Court, 4401 N. Interstate 35
It’s nearly Christmas, and Mrs. Claus has just informed us she will be visiting Round Rock Premium Outlets to share holiday stories, hot cocoa, cookies and fun. The event will take place in our Food Court. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a special meet & great, and to book your appointments with Santa for photos. Story Time begins promptly., don’t be late! After story time, Mrs. Claus will be icing cookies with your children, sponsored by Cinnabon. Enjoy a warm hot chocolate from Mrs. Claus’ Hot Coca Bar. - Keep Christmas Weird
Sunday, December 23 | at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. | Gateway Church, 7104 McNeil Dr.
Von’t let this Christmas be just another Christmas. Make it an Austin Christmas and keep it weird. That’s why Gateway is featuring top local Austin musical artists across all campuses. They’ll sing songs we know with the artists we love! Join for one two Sunday services at the North location featuring very special guest Bob Schneider singing a few Christmas songs with the Gateway band! FREE EVENT. Performances are also happening on both Sunday and Monday at this and the church’s other two campuses. Get more info here. - December Sunday Shindigs
Sunday, December 23 | at 5 p.m. | Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, 121 Pickle Rd., Ste. 111
Bring your friends, order a cocktail + s’mores and enjoy free live music every Sunday in December under the holiday lights. Artists TBD.
