In case you’ve been under the radar, there’s always something new and fun to do in Austin, and the best part is that it is totally free. Heading to Austin soon? Bookmark this list of free things to do now!
1. Crowd-surf sans cover at Free Week
Start your year off with a free live music every January. Think of it as a mini SXSW geared towards Austinites — no admission required.
2. Park yourself at Zilker
Comparable to New York’s Central Park, Zilker is located conveniently in the center of the city and is an ideal spot for pickup sports, picnicking, and playing with pups.
3. Check out the bats on Congress Avenue Bridge
Spot the world’s largest urban bat colony, and watching them swarm out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge is probably one of the most famous attractions in Austin.
4. See awesome art at the Blanton
Head to the Blanton, which is free on Thursdays, and on the third Thursday of every month, when it’s open until 9pm.
5. Visit the Bullock Museum
This museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
6. Take a dip at Barton Springs Pool
Have your swimming needs covered during Barton Springs’ free hours: 5-8am and 9-10pm.
7. Explore Mexic-Arte andEmma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Learn more about the art and culture of our neighbors through the Mexic-Arte Museum (free on Sundays) and the Cultural Center, where admission is always free.
8. Catch a sunrise or sunset at Mount Bonnell
Go to Mount Bonnell for a stunning view of Lake Austin and the Downtown skyline, especially during sunrise or sunset. According to the city’s legend, if you and your lover will walk up the stairs hand-in-hand, you will be together forever, so consider this your next rendezvous.
9. Take a walking tour
Learn more about Austin by taking a lot of plenty of self-guided options that allow you to play tourist for the day (fanny pack optional, but encouraged).
10. Bike your way to The Veloway
Take your bike outside on this 3.1-mile paved asphalt loop, which is designed for bikes and rollerblading and serves as a fun alternative to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Boardwalk.
11. Be one with nature at the Greenbelt
The Greenbelt offers hiking, rock climbing, and tubing, making it the most amazing and affordable outdoor experience imaginable.
12. Show off your keg-stand skills on game day
Wander around, search out some sponsored tents, Google your way to an open-to-the-public event, or befriend undergrads with beer.
13. Explore Austin Nature & Science Center
The mission of ANSC (located at the edge of Zilker Park) is to “increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment,” and the center features educational exhibits, workshops, and, most importantly, a dino pit in which you can dig for dinosaur fossils.
14. Visit HOPE Outdoor Gallery
The HOPE Outdoor Gallery is the epitome of Austin’s creative culture and offers a way to enjoy incredible art in a totally amazing setting.
15. Listen to live music at Blues on the Green
Every year, KGSR takes over the park and hosts a free, super-popular summer concert series. Make sure to pack your cozy blankets.
16. Picnic at the Texas State Capitol
It is one of the man-made wonders of Austin where admission is free. It has lush, sprawling grounds that’s perfect for lounging.
17. Experience live music at Central Market and Whole Foods
Duh, Austin is the live music capital of the world in case you didn’t know.
18. Have a free yoga
Attend free yoga classes once a year, offered by participating studios across town, which open their doors to the public.
19. Enjoy farmers market
The SFC Farmers’ Market at Republic Square Park, the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller,the HOPE Farmers Market… the list goes on. Enjoy all the fresh produce!
20. Peruse the iconic collections of the Harry Ransom Center
Enjoy the works of Harry ransom from art and photography to writings and books, located on the UT campus.
21. Enjoy storytelling at Backyard Story Night
Gather around and hear strangers tell stories at this casual, intimate event.
22. Catch Christmas fever at the Trail of Lights
Cue “Jingle Bells,” spike some hot chocolate, and head over to Zilker Monday through Thursday, when there is no cost of admission, to stroll through. Witness the park transformed into a Christmas setting with amazing string lights and decorations, particularly the star of the show: the Zilker Holiday Tree, a 155ft sculpture boasting over 3,000 lights.
23. Enjoy movies and live music at Sound & Cinema
Have a blast every summer as Do512 and the Alamo Drafthouse join forces to bring the public live music and beloved films on the lawn of the Long Center.
24. Unleash your inner hippie at Eeyore’s Birthday Party
Head to Pease Park for a yearly iconic gathering celebrating everyone’s favorite emo cartoon character.
25. Head Downtown for 2nd Street Soundcheck
Sixteen restaurants, 20+ bands, 24 shops… those are just some of the fun things to do during the summer in Austin.
26. Have a rare wholesome Sixth Street experience at the Pecan Street Festival
The normal, drunken crowd of Sixth Street is replaced by families, animals, art vendors, and stages at this delightful fest, which takes place once in the spring and once in the fall.
27. Embark on a party marathon at SXSW
SXSW has more than enough free parties, concerts, and events (often with free food and drinks) to make anyone happy.
28. Enjoy the Zilker Kite Festival
Have a delightful day and enjoy the colourful kites!
29. Explore the sculpture scene at the UMLAUF
Have a dose Charles Umlauf’s work for free! Thanks to the donors who’ve made the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum free of admission until the end of August.
30. Take the East Austin Studio Tour and West Austin Studio Tour
These free tours take place over the course of two weekends, and feature events, special exhibits, and the chance to get up close and personal with local artists.
31. Get lit at the Texas Book Festival
Gather your bookworm buddies and head to this annual fest featuring 250+ acclaimed authors, 80+ exhibitors, live music, activities, and more.
32. Witness live the Dragon Boat Festival
Experience this 2,000-year-old tradition on Lady Bird Lake. Place your bet on one of the 40ft boats, and cheer as they race across the water.
33. Enjoy outdoor theater at Austin Movies in the Park
Pack up food and enjoy movies under the skies as the Austin Parks Foundation presents outdoor movie screenings at various Austin parks.
34. Witness insane wordplay at the O. Henry Pun-Off
You will cringe, you will groan, and you will be undeniably impressed at this annual event that pits sharp-witted contestants against each other for on-stage duels in which the pun is mightier than the sword.
35. Listen to live performances at Waterloo Records
Catch occasional free shows from touring artists when they hit up one of Austin’s iconic record stores.
36. Exprience the fun of F1 at Circuit of the Americas Fan Fest
When the F1 races head into town, the Fan Fest kicks off with an awesome party.
37. Laugh in between sipping on your latte at Sure Thing
On weekends at Austin Java, satisfy your caffeine & comedy cravings at Austin Java, which offers free live performances every Saturday.
38. Spice up your life at the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
Enjoy different kind of spices at this annual festival benefitting the Capital Area Food Bank. While admission is free in the technical, monetary sense, be sure bring a few non-perishable items to donate for entry!
39. Discover all the exhibits on Austin Museum Day
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 18th for the 2016 Austin Museum Day.
40. Listen to free tunes at Unplugged at the Grove
Every summer, KGSR presents a free concert series at Shady Grove that’s stacked with some steadily excellent acts.
41. Experience theatre alfresco at the Zilker Hillside Theater
For over 50 years, Zilker Theatre Productions has been putting on spectacular summer musicals that run at the Zilker Hillside Theater over the course of a few weeks. Catch shows that include Hairspray (2015) and Shrek: The Musical (2016) perfect for family-friendly evening.
