Austin
Hot Summer Nights
The Red River Cultural District will present this annual three-day music and arts festival downtown. Enjoy live music from local musicians and DJs and explore downtown Austin's live music venues, bars, food trucks and more.
- July 18-20, music starts around 7 p.m. nightly
- Free (admission)
- Downtown Austin
- www.redriverculturaldistrict.org
VFW Post 8787 Classic Car Show
Featuring vehicles from before 1973, attendees can check out cars and enjoy raffles, free games and burgers. All proceeds from the event will benefit veteran support and post improvement projects.
- July 19, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Free (entry), $25 (car registration)
- 500 VFW Road, Austin
- Facebook: VFW Post 8787 Classic Car Show
Summer Mini Market
Attendees can support local creatives by checking out vendor products and creative goods while also enjoying music, refreshments and food.
- July 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- Northwest Sewing Center, 5448 Burnet Road, Austin
- Facebook: Summer Mini Market
Bastrop
Live music with Letha Mignon
Attendees can spend the evening listening to a music performance by the longtime local artist.
- July 18, 8-10 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- Film Alley, 1600 Chestnut St., Bastrop
- https://bastrop.filmalley.net/events
Corvette Invasion
The 12th annual event will feature live music, refreshments and a guest speaker. The first 300 registrants can participate in the Friday night meet-and-greet. Saturday’s agenda includes the car show, followed by the awards ceremony.
- July 18, 7-9 p.m. (meet-and-greet); July 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (car show)
- $50 (registration), Free (admission)
- Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop
- www.corvetteinvasion.com

Individuals can get to know the city’s firefighters and police officers as they battle against them with reusable water balloons. Attendees can look forward to waterslides, a splash pad, food vendors and a snow cone vendor.
- July 19, 2-4 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop
- www.visitbastrop.com/event/fire-%26-police-water-battle/7986
The Great CASA Casino
Locals can spend an evening engaging with a wild card game, bingo and auction prizes while enjoying complimentary wine and beer, along with a dinner and dessert buffet. The event will benefit CASA of Bastrop, Fayette & Lee Counties and the Smithville Chamber of Commerce.
- July 19, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
- $85 (individual tickets), $150 (two tickets), $65 (tickets at the door after 7 p.m.)
- Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston St., Smithville
- www.casabfl.org
Cedar Park
The Hero Train
This three-and-a-half-hour round trip ride features activities in each train car and professional superhero and cosplay characters performing throughout the journey. Riders are encouraged to dress up in their best superhero outfits.
- July 19, 8 a.m.
- $45-$60
- Cedar Park Depot, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park
- www.austinsteamtrain.org
Greater Austin Comic Con
Adults and kids alike can enjoy this two-day event with pop culture vendors, gaming competitions, cosplay contacts and a superhero-themed car show. Attendees can meet special guests including move and TV stars, sports stars, cosplay artists and game developers.
- July 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- $35 (ages 6-12), $62 (ages 13 and older)
- H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park
- www.hebcenter.com

From Balconies to Backyards
Texas Master Naturalists will host the annual event, where participants will learn about the changing climate, native plants and gardening. Attendees can look forward to a variety of environmental speakers, including keynote speaker Sarah F. Jane, an environmentalist, wildlife advocate and lifelong gardener.
- July 19, 1-7 p.m.
- $20 (virtual attendance), $35 (in-person attendance with box dinner)
- Williamson County Annex, 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown
- www.txmn.org/goodwater/from-balconies-to-backyards
Leander
Superhero Party with Mark Garcia
Attendees can dress up as their favorite superhero and spend some time crafting masks and playing games to sharpen their super skills. Entry to the event includes a lunch with choices of a hamburger, cheeseburger, veggie burger or hot dog with a side of chips and a soda.
- July 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- $20 (admission and food truck lunch)
- Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark, 16107 FM 2769, Leander
- www.volentebeach.com
Round Rock
Popsicle Dash
Runners of all ages can race in a 1K, 5K, or 10K at Dell Diamond and receive a popsicle at the finish line. Participants will also receive a ticket for the Aug. 15 Round Rock Express game.
- July 19, 7:30-10 a.m.
- $50 (5K), $60 (10K), $20 (1K)
- 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
- https://tinyurl.com/4jhsxxyb
Pop Up Play Day
Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department will host a play day at the pool at Lake Creek Park. The event will include music and water-themed games.
- July 19, 9-11 a.m.
- Free (admission)
- 800 Deerfoot Drive, Round Rock
- www.roundrocktexas.gov/pop
Westlake
Midsummer Celebration @ Laura’s
The celebration will feature a presentation from Creature Teacher, a mobile petting zoo that offers wildlife education and awareness, alongside a sloth meet and greet, and face painting from Lady B.
- July 20, 11 a.m. (Creature Teacher presentation), 1-3 p.m. (sloth meet and greet, face painting)
- Free (admission)
- Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Caves Road, Austin
- www.westbanklibrary.com