From outdoor movies and children’s programs to live entertainment and free museums, there are many inexpensive options for family fun this summer in the Greater Austin area. Here are 20 low-cost ways to have fun locally.
Austin
1. Unplugged at the Grove
Every Thursday night starting at 8 p.m. through September, Shady Grove presents a free concert for all ages. Free VIP parking is offered to the first ten Subarus through a partnership with Austin Subaru. Free, 1624 Barton Springs Road.
2. Blues on the Green
Blues on the Green, hosted by 93.3 KGSR, holds Austin's largest free concert series once a month throughout the summer at Zilker Park. Music begins at 8 p.m. Free (admission), Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road. www.kgsr.com/promotions/blues-on-the-green-home-2017
3. Daybird Music Series
Throughout the month of June, the city of Austin presents the Daybird Music Series, the first of its kind in Austin that offers live music through the city at earlier times in the afternoon. The series features 38 performances from local musicians at five Austin venues. Free, various locations. www.austintexas.org/visit/music-scene/daybird-local-music-series
June 17:
3ten ACL Live: Jonathan Terrell / Carson McHone
Antones: Brad Stivers / Alan Haynes
Cedar Street: Graham Wilkinson / Suzanna Choffel
Speakeasy: American Dreamer / Akina Adderly
Austin Visitor Center: D-Soul Davis / Saul Paul
June 24:
3ten ACL Live: Star Parks / The Belle Sounds
Antones: Austin School of Music Rock Camp
Cedar Street: Shawn Pander / Dave Messier
Speakeasy: Aaron Stephens / Golden Hour Quartet
Austin Visitor Center: Texassippi two / Corey Baum
4. Movies in the Park
The Austin Parks Foundation offers a free movie screening every month at various city parks. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. www.austinparks.org/our-events/movies
- June 15, 9 p.m.: Aladdin en Espanol, Dove Springs District Park, 5801 Ainez Dr.
- July 6, 9 p.m.: Aladdin at Patterson Park, 4200 Brookview Road
- July 13, 9 p.m.: Mighty Ducks at Dick Nichols District Park, 8011 Beckett Road
- Sept. 14, 8 p.m.: Wayne's World at Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St.
- Oct. 19, 7:15 p.m.: Death Becomes Her at Pan Am Park, 2100 E. Third St.
- 5. Austin Sound & Cinema
The four-show series showcases live bands paired with classic Hollywood movies at the Long Center. Doors and food trucks open at 6 p.m., with live music beginning at 7:30 p.m. and the movies beginning at 9 p.m. Free, 701 W. Riverside Dr. www.helongcenter.org/event/sound-cinema
- June 21: Princess Bride+Icing
- June 28: Raising Arizona+The Quaker City Night Hawks
- July 19: Galaxy Quest+A special guest (TBA)
- July 26: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World+A Giant Dog
6. Yoga in the Park
The Austin Parks Foundation offers free yoga classes at various parks within the city. Participants must bring their own yoga mats. The class schedule can be found
here.
7. Zilker Theatre Productions presents The Wizard of Oz
In its 59th year of production, this summer's Zilker Theatre Productions show is
The Wizard of Oz. The free show is held July 7-Aug. 12 every Thur.-Sun. starting at 8:15 p.m. at Zilker Hillside Theatre, located at 2206 William Barton Dr. www.zilker.org/the-wizard-of-oz
8. Austin Museum Day
Held Sept. 17, Austin Museum Day allows free access to exhibits and activities to Austin-area museum. Participating museums can be found
here.
9. Austin Nature & Science Center
The museum provides hands-on nature exhibits, education programs and recreational activities for visitors. Free. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 2389 Stratford Dr. www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-and-science-center
10. Thinkery Austin
The museum offers free admission every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. 1830 Simond Ave. www.thinkeryaustin.org
Round Rock
1. Tours of Round Rock Honey
Round Rock Honey offers tours of its harvesting and bottling processes. Each tour ends with a honey tasting and photo opportunity in beekeeper gear. $20 (adults), Free (children 17 years old and under). www.roundrockhoney.com/honey-house-tours
2. Penfold Theatre presents Around the World in 80 Days
Throughout the month of June, catch
Around the World in 80 Days at Round Rock Amphitheatre. Free, 301 W. Bagdad Ave. 8 p.m., every Thur.-Sat. www.roundtherocktx.com/penfold-theatre-presents-around-the-world-in-80-days.html
Georgetown
1. Music on the Square Summer Concert
Every Friday night from June-August, listen to free music sponsored by the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau and The Williamson Museum. Free, 809 Martin Luther King Jr. St. 6:30 p.m. www.visit.georgetown.org/music-on-the-square-concerts/
- June 16: Jeremy McBee (Rock, Country, Oldies, Jazz)
- June 23: Tomzap Band (Classic Rock, Cover Songs)
- June 30: Woundloose Band (60s, 70s, 80s Rock, Country)
- July 14:Danny Santos (Country, Folk, Bluegrass)
- July 21: Strangedazs (Doors Tribute Band, 60s Rock)
- July 28: Adan Davila (Cover Music, Original Rock)
- August 11: Folkwine Band (Folk Music)
- August 18: Mike Elliott (Elvis Presley Tribute)
- August 25: Mike Hamilton (Jazz & Blues Saxophonist)
2. Market Days on the Square
From March to October, head to the downtown square for shopping and live music. Goods sold include arts and crafts, jewelry, clothings, woodcrafts, ironworks, food, antiques and stained glass. Second Staruday of each month, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. www.visit.georgetown.org/2nd-saturday-market-days/
3. Blue Hole Park
Open from dawn until dark, Blue Hole Park is a scenic lagoon bordered by limestone bluffs along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River. It features picnic areas, restrooms and swimming areas. www.parks.georgetown.org/blue-hole/
Pflugerville
1. Heritage House Museum
Tours of Pflugerville's Heritage House Museum are free. The house was built in 1913 and houses antiques, historical photographs, documents and books about rural farm life in the early-to-mid 20th Century. Free, 901 Old Austin Hutto Road. Open the first Sunday of the month from 1-4 p.m. and Tuesdays during the Pfarmer's Market from 3-7 p.m. March-October. www.library.pflugervilletx.gov/services/heritage-house-museum
2. Swim, bike, run or boat at Lake Pflugerville
Located at 18216 Weiss Lane, Lake Pflugerville Park includes a 3-mile walking/jogging trail, playground, boat launch, pavilion and beach area. www.parks.pflugervilletx.gov/parks-facilities/city-parks/lake-pflugerville-park
Cedar Park
1. Veterans Memorial Park
The park features an 8,500 square-foot family aquatic facility pool, pavilions, a five-acre dog park with a pond, an amphitheater, a community garden, basketball and tennis courts as well as sports practice fields. The park is open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 2525 West New Hope Drive. www.cedarparktexas.gov
2. Cedar Park Sculpture Garden
The sculpture garden currently displays 12 sculptures by Texas artists that range in mediums. Most of the art on display is on loan and are available for sale. Free, 1435 Main Street. www.cedarparktexas.gov/departments/parks-recreation/park-amenities-services-facilities/cedar-park-sculpture-garden
Leander
1. Mason Homestead Museum
Visit the
1860's-era restored farm house in Leander, located at 1101 S. Bagdad Road. www.leandertx.gov/parksrec/page/mason-homestead