Weekend Top 10 FREE Events (July 10-12, 2015)

1. Music Under the Star: Brownout and Sweet Spirit – Friday, July 10, from 6-9 p.m. Bring the whole family, camp chairs, and blankets to enjoy live music under the big star in the Bullock Museum’s outdoor plaza. This FREE concert series is presented in partnership with Fun Fun Fun Fest in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the popular Austin festival. Formed 10 years ago by members of Grammy Award-winning Latin revival orchestra Grupo Fantasma, Brownout has evolved into a musical force all its own. They’ve performed at events including Bonnaroo, High Sierra Music Festival, Pickathon, FFFFest, Utopia Festival and Pachanga Fest, while regularly touring the United States. Opening for Brownout is Sweet Spirit, which is the latest musical project of Sabrina Ellis and Andrew Cashen, and has quickly garnered critical praise and captivated the Austin music scene. Bring the whole family, camp chairs and blankets, and enjoy this special lineup of Texas artists. During the outdoor concerts, cool off with beer, soda, and more for sale on the plaza. FREE parking in the garage after 5 p.m. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin.
2. Teen Summer Reading Program Event: Adventure Time Party – Friday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. Shmow-zow! Have an algebraic time at the library with your pals Jake the Dog and Finn the Human. Dress up like your favorite character, watch some episodes, and make some rad Adventure Time crafts. For ages 12-17. FREE! APL – University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln, Austin.
3. Planet Music: Son Armado – Friday, July 10, from 7-9 p.m. Bring your dancing spirit to the Dougherty Arts Center for Planet Music: Son Armado. Son Armado is an Austin-based folk music group that promotes the “son jarocho” music tradition originating in Veracruz, Mexico. This tradition is rooted in various cultures including the Indigenous, the African, and the Spanish cultures that converge in the state of Veracruz. This is a family friendly, FREE all ages music event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
4. Zilker Summer Musical: Hairspray – Friday, July 10, Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 at 8:15 p.m. Zilker Theatre Production’s summer musical is a cherished Austin cultural event. The 57th Annual Zilker Summer Musical, Hairspray, winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is a high-energy musical comedy phenomenon that will have the whole Hillside on their feet. Set in 1962 Baltimore, this musical is chock full of dazzling, toe-tapping production numbers and soulful rhythm and blues. On Saturday, arrive early for a ’60s dance party! Hop up on stage every Saturday evening at 6:30, as Hairspray cast members show you how to do some of the super hip dance crazes of the ’60s!  FREE; donations greatly appreciated. Bring $5 for parking in Zilker Park. Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
5. Friday Night Films at South Shore District: Clueless – Friday, July 10 at 8:30 p.m. South Shore District, in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse, is excited to announce the ’90s-themed Friday Night Films movie series. Food trucks will be on site. Rated PG-13. FREE! Check the Facebook page for weather updates. South Shore District, 1333 Shore District Dr, Austin.
6. Movie at the Pool: Surf’s Up – Friday, July 10 at 8:30 p.m. The movie will begin after dark. Pool Fees apply during regular pool hours; for FREE entry you must enter after 8 p.m. El Salido Pool, 11500 El Salido Pkwy, Austin.
7. Free Family Movies at the Bullock: The Tale of Despereaux – Saturday, July 11 at 2 p.m. All summer long, the Bullock Museum is presenting a bi-weekly Summer Free Family Series. These programs are FREE and open to the public. On July 11, the Bullock will screen Tale of Despereaux, the tale of three unlikely heroes – a misfit mouse who prefers reading books to eating them, an unhappy rat who schemes to leave the darkness of the dungeon, and a bumbling servant girl with cauliflower ears – whose fates are intertwined with that of the castle’s princess. You must get a FREE ticket from the front counter prior to making your way to the Spirit Theater. Seating is limited. Tickets do not include admission to the exhibits. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin.
8. Movies in the Park: Paddington – Saturday, July 11 at twilight (approximately 9 p.m.). Wells Branch MUD presents Movies in the Park at Katherine Fleischer Park. Admission is FREE. Ice cream will be available for purchase from Cub Scout Pack 140 and Boy Scout Troop 1409 will be selling drinks. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy these family events. Parking is limited, so residents are encouraged to walk or ride a bike. Katherine Fleischer Park, 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin.
9. UMLAUF Family Day – Sunday, July 12, from 12-4 p.m. Enjoy  an ice carving demonstration, music by Armstrong Community Music School, ice painting, sculpture safaris, and more! FREE! Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, 605 Robert E. Lee Road, Austin.
10. Austin Symphony Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park” – Sunday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. 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. This weekend, enjoy the Brass ensemble. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a group outing. FREE! Check the Facebook page for weather updates. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin.

Bonus free treats:

• 7-Eleven Day – Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by any participating 7-Eleven to get a FREE small Slurpee!

Bonus fun in the ‘burbs:

• Music in the Park (Pflugerville) – Friday, July 10 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, friends, and neighbors for a FREE evening of music, entertainment, and relaxation. This week’s performers are Kaylee Rutland and Ruby Dee & The Snakehandlers. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Pfluger Park, 515 City Park Rd, Pflugerville.
• Movies at the Lake: The Neverending Story (Kyle) – Friday, July 10, 30 minutes after sunset. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy a movie by the lake. FREE! Lake Kyle Park Amphitheater, 700 Lehman Road, Kyle.

Bonus crafting just for adults:

• Austin Public Library Craft Crawl – Friday, July 10, Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12. Austin Public Library’s Summer Reading Program for adults isn’t just about reading. It’s about experiences! So, this weekend, put on your overalls and get ready to craft with the Book Your Summer Craft Crawl. From painted beaded necklaces to dream catchers, APL and local makers have teamed up to bring you six free, fun crafting adventures all around town. For ages 17+. Times and locations vary.

Bonus fun on the cheap:

• Alamo Kids Camp: Muppets Most Wanted – Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. Donate $1-$3 per person – you choose the amount – to reserve your ticket online in advance, with reserved seating. Confirm showtime and reserve your tickets here. No children under the age of 3 will be admitted. Families with loud children will be asked to leave. Alamo Drafthouse Village, 2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin.
• Alamo Kids Camp: Charlotte’s Web – Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. Donate $1-$3 per person – you choose the amount – to reserve your ticket online in advance, with reserved seating. Confirm showtime and reserve your tickets here. No children under the age of 3 will be admitted. Families with loud children will be asked to leave.  Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline, 14028 N US Hwy 183, Bldg F, Austin.
• Alamo Kids Camp: Chicken Run – Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. Donate $1-$3 per person – you choose the amount – to reserve your ticket online in advance, with reserved seating. Confirm showtime and reserve your tickets here. No children under the age of 3 will be admitted. Families with loud children will be asked to leave. Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter, 5701 W Slaughter Ln, Austin.
• Steve Scott Solves Them All – A Small Dog Mystery – Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. What’s the Story Steve? is interactive, improvised theater for kids and families. Featuring Steve Scott, Austin’s only improvising poodle, and his cast of fantastic human performers, each show is an entirely original comedy inspired by audience suggestions. This week, Steve encounters a mystery, and he’s going to need your help to solve it. Bring your magnifying glass and a trench coat, this one is going to be serious. And funny, always funny. Tickets available at the door. Pay what you wish. Be sure to arrive early as seating is extremely limited. ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd., Austin.
• Kids Club Music Hour – Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. Sing, dance, jump, and shout with Mr. Johnny, Sharon, Nick, Amber and the Hoppettes. Tickets are $3 at the door, but Free Fun in Austin readers can get a FREE family pass here. Scottish Rite Theater, 18th & Lavaca, Austin.
• Second Saturdays are for Families: Pinhole Cameras – Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The second Saturday of every month, The Contemporary Austin offers hands-on art-making workshops at Laguna Gloria, inspired by the exhibitions on view. Recommended for ages 2–11. John Grade’s sculpture hangs from the trees at Laguna Gloria and frames a view of the sky. Make your own pinhole camera that will show you the world in a whole new way. Then, see how an entire room can be transformed into a giant pinhole camera when you step into a temporary camera obscura! $10 per family. The Contemporary Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th Street, Austin.
• Deep Eddy Splash Party Movie Night: Maleficent – Saturday, July 11 at dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.). The regular pool entrance fee covers both pool entrance and the movie.  Pool admission is free for children under 1 year, $1 for a Child (1-11), $2 for a Junior (12-17), $3 for an Adult (18-62), and $1 for a Senior (62+). Non-residents add $1. Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin.

For tons more fun events happening this weekend, be sure to check out our Free Fun Calendar!