Austin has plenty of things to do in the summer, but one of the city’s best traditions is also one of the easiest on your wallet:

Free outdoor musical theater.

This July, you have two great options — the longtime Zilker Summer Musical in Zilker Park and the newer Magnolia Musical Theatre production at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.

Both are free.

Both are outdoors.

Both are great for a summer night.

And they’re completely different experiences.

ZILKER SUMMER MUSICAL

If you’ve lived in Austin for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of the Zilker Summer Musical.

It’s one of Austin’s longest-running summer traditions, dating back to 1959.

The 2026 production is the classic movie musical Singin’ in the Rain.

And yes, that means the famous rain sequence is coming to the outdoor stage.

The show runs July 10 through August 15, with performances Thursday through Sunday at approximately 8:15 p.m. at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater.

Best of all:

Admission is free.

Donations are encouraged because the program depends heavily on community support to keep the performances free.

WHY ZILKER IS SUCH AN AUSTIN TRADITION

This isn’t a new summer concert series that just showed up.

The Zilker Summer Musical has been part of Austin’s cultural identity for more than six decades.

You aren’t sitting inside a traditional theater.

You’re sitting outside on the hillside in Zilker Park, under the Texas summer sky, watching a full-scale musical.

Bring a blanket.

Bring some snacks.

Bring friends.

And make an entire evening out of it.

THIS YEAR’S SHOW: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

If you’re familiar with the classic Gene Kelly movie, you already know what you’re getting.

If you aren’t, you’re in for a fun introduction.

The musical includes the famous songs, dancing, comedy and romance from the classic film.

And the production’s biggest attraction may be the iconic rainstorm.

Seeing Singin’ in the Rain performed outdoors in an Austin summer is a pretty perfect combination.

THE BEST PART: IT’S FREE

This is one of those Austin experiences where you can legitimately have a great date night for almost nothing.

Admission:

Free.

You can bring your own picnic.

Sit on the lawn.

Watch a professional-scale production.

And enjoy one of Austin’s signature outdoor venues.

BUT PARKING IS NO LONGER FREE

This is an important change for 2026.

The musical itself remains free, but parking is now paid.

Zilker Theatre Productions says paid parking helps support the long-term sustainability of the program and rising production costs.

So don’t show up assuming you can park for free just because the show doesn’t cost anything.

GET THERE EARLY

This is one of the biggest Zilker Summer Musical tips.

Don’t arrive at 8:05 p.m. for an 8:15 show.

Give yourself time to:

Park.

Walk.

Find a good spot.

Get settled.

Eat.

Have a drink.

And enjoy the atmosphere before the show starts.

The City of Austin also extends Zilker Park shuttle service hours during the summer musical season, with a stop at the Hillside Theater.

BRING A BLANKET

The hillside is made for it.

Spread out a blanket.

Sit back.

And watch the show.

If you prefer a chair, check the current event rules before bringing one.

MAKE IT A PICNIC

This is one of the best ways to experience the Zilker musical.

Don’t treat it like:

“Drive there, watch the show, leave.”

Instead:

Grab food.

Bring a picnic.

Get to the park early.

Hang out.

Watch the sunset.

Then watch the musical.

That’s the Austin way.

BEST DATE NIGHT

Want a cheap summer date?

Here’s the move:

Pick up dinner.

Bring a blanket.

Head to Zilker.

Watch the sunset.

Watch Singin’ in the Rain.

Then grab drinks afterward.

You just created an Austin date night without spending Broadway-ticket money.

BEST FAMILY NIGHT

It’s also a great family activity.

The show is rated G, and the outdoor setting makes it much more casual than taking children to a traditional theater.

Kids can move around before the show.

You can bring snacks.

And nobody has to worry about being perfectly quiet while you’re getting settled.

THE BEST TIME TO GO

If you want the biggest traditional Austin summer experience:

Friday or Saturday night.

If you prefer something a little more relaxed:

Thursday or Sunday.

And remember that the production continues into August, so you don’t have to squeeze it into the first weekend.

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THEN HEAD WEST FOR ANOTHER FREE MUSICAL

Here’s the part many Austinites still don’t realize:

There’s another major free outdoor musical happening at Hill Country Galleria.

And it’s become its own summer tradition.

MAGNOLIA MUSICAL THEATRE

The 2026 production is The Addams Family.

And yes, it’s exactly as fun and weird as it sounds.

The show runs July 15 through August 15, Wednesday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

And once again:

Admission is free.

No tickets are required.

The performances take place on the Central Lawn and Pavilion at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

If you’re looking for something completely different from Singin’ in the Rain, this is it.

The Addams Family is dark comedy, musical theater and ridiculous family drama all rolled into one.

It’s based on the famous Addams Family characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams.

And it makes for a perfect summer outdoor production.

WHY THE GALLERIA SHOW IS SPECIAL

The Hill Country Galleria production has grown into an annual summer musical tradition of its own.

The outdoor lawn creates a completely different atmosphere from a conventional theater.

You can:

Bring friends.

Bring the kids.

Grab dinner.

Shop.

Get drinks.

Then spread out on the lawn and watch the show.

And because admission is free, you don’t have to make it a huge financial commitment.

NO TICKETS REQUIRED

This is one of the best things about the Magnolia production.

You don’t have to coordinate a ticket purchase.

You don’t have to worry about ticket prices.

You can simply show up.

The official event information says admission is free and no tickets are required.

GET THERE EARLY ANYWAY

Free doesn’t mean unpopular.

A good outdoor performance can attract a crowd.

Get there early enough to find a good place on the lawn.

Then use the time before the show to explore the Galleria.

MAKE IT A FULL EVENING

The Hill Country Galleria is actually perfect for this.

You have shopping.

Restaurants.

Bars.

Dessert.

And the outdoor performance area.

So you can turn the musical into a full date or family night.

THE PERFECT GALLERIA DATE

Here’s the plan:

Arrive around 6:30.

Walk around the Galleria.

Grab dinner.

Get dessert.

Find a good spot on the lawn.

Watch The Addams Family at 8.

Then grab a late-night drink.

That’s an entire evening without buying a theater ticket.

THE PERFECT FAMILY NIGHT

Bring the kids.

Have dinner.

Walk around.

Let them burn off some energy.

Grab a spot on the lawn.

Watch the show.

Then head home.

The outdoor environment makes the whole experience less formal than traditional theater.

ZILKER VS. HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA

So which one should you see?

Honestly:

See both.

They’re free.

They’re different shows.

They’re different locations.

And they offer two completely different Austin summer experiences.

ZILKER SUMMER MUSICAL

Show: Singin’ in the Rain

Dates: July 10–August 15

Days: Thursday–Sunday

Time: Approximately 8:15 p.m.

Location: Zilker Hillside Theater

Admission: Free

Parking: Paid

Best for: Classic Austin tradition, picnics, dates, families, longtime Austinites

HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA

Show: The Addams Family

Dates: July 15–August 15

Days: Wednesday–Saturday

Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Central Lawn and Pavilion

Admission: Free

Best for: Families, date nights, Lake Travis/West Austin residents, people who want to combine dinner and shopping with theater

THE BEST PART: YOU CAN SEE BOTH

Here’s a summer challenge:

See Singin’ in the Rain at Zilker.

Then see The Addams Family at Hill Country Galleria.

Now you’ve seen two completely different productions.

And you didn’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on theater tickets.

THE ULTIMATE FREE THEATER WEEKEND

Try this:

FRIDAY

Head to Zilker.

Bring a picnic.

Watch Singin’ in the Rain.

SATURDAY

Drive to Bee Cave.

Have dinner at the Galleria.

Watch The Addams Family.

Two nights.

Two musicals.

Two completely different Austin experiences.

DON’T FORGET THE WEATHER

It’s July in Central Texas.

That means:

Heat.

Outdoor theater is amazing, but you need to prepare.

Bring water.

Wear comfortable clothing.

Bring sunscreen.

Wear sunglasses before sunset.

And don’t underestimate how hot it can remain after dark.

THE BEST CLOTHING

Forget dressing up.

Both shows are casual outdoor experiences.

Wear:

Shorts.

A comfortable shirt.

Sneakers or sandals.

And bring something lightweight if the temperature drops later.

BRING BUG SPRAY

You’re outside.

It’s summer.

Enough said.

THE BIGGEST ZILKER TIP

Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out parking.

Zilker can get extremely busy during major events.

Plan your route.

Consider public transportation or rideshare.

And give yourself plenty of time.

THE BIGGEST GALLERIA TIP

Make a reservation for dinner if you’re going at a popular time.

You don’t need a reservation for the musical, but nearby restaurants can get busy on summer evenings.

Or eat early and grab your spot on the lawn afterward.

THE BEST BUDGET NIGHT

If you’re trying to spend as little as possible:

Bring your own picnic.

Go to Zilker.

Watch the free show.

That’s it.

Or do the same at the Galleria and eat something inexpensive beforehand.

THE BEST “SHOW YOUR FRIENDS AUSTIN” NIGHT

Take visitors to Zilker.

There’s something about sitting under the stars at Zilker Park watching a musical that feels unmistakably Austin.

Then, on another night, take them to Bee Cave for The Addams Family.

Now they’ve seen two completely different sides of the area.

WHY THESE SHOWS MATTER

Austin is famous for live music.

But the city has an equally interesting theater tradition.

The Zilker Summer Musical has been entertaining Austinites since 1959.

And now Magnolia Musical Theatre is creating another outdoor summer theater tradition west of the city.

That means you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience live theater in Austin.

You just have to know where to look.

THE BALLER ATX SUMMER THEATER STRATEGY

See both.

Go early.

Bring a blanket.

Bring water.

Pack a picnic when appropriate.

Wear comfortable clothes.

Plan parking ahead of time.

Don’t assume free admission means you can arrive at the last second.

And most importantly:

Enjoy the fact that Austin is giving you two major outdoor musicals for free.

THE BOTTOM LINE

July is the perfect month to rediscover Austin’s outdoor theater scene.

At Zilker Park, Singin’ in the Rain brings one of Hollywood’s most beloved musicals to the Hillside Theater from July 10 through August 15. It’s free, open to the public and performed Thursday through Sunday nights.

Then, beginning July 15, The Addams Family takes over the lawn at Hill Country Galleria through August 15. It’s also free, requires no tickets and runs Wednesday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

One is a classic Austin tradition.

The other is a newer summer tradition that’s growing quickly.

One is in Zilker Park.

The other is in Bee Cave.

One gives you Singin’ in the Rain.

The other gives you The Addams Family.

And both give you something that’s becoming harder and harder to find:

A great night out in Austin that doesn’t require buying an expensive ticket.

Grab a blanket.

Bring some friends.

Pack a picnic.

And make July your month for outdoor theater.

Moontower Comedy Festival.

If you’ve never experienced Moontower, think of it as SXSW for comedy.

Comedians take over theaters, comedy clubs, bars and other venues around Austin, with big-name headliners sharing the city with local comedians, rising performers, podcasts, special shows and completely unpredictable late-night comedy.

And the best part?

You don’t have to be a hardcore comedy fan to have a great time.

MOONTOWER IS AUSTIN’S COMEDY FESTIVAL

Moontower began in 2011 as the Moontower Comedy and Oddities Festival and has grown into one of Austin’s biggest annual comedy events.

In 2025, the festival ran April 9-19, bringing more than 100 comedians to venues around the city. The final four days, April 16-19, became the heart of the festival, with a huge collection of comedy-club shows, parties and special events.

That means you aren’t simply buying a ticket to one comedy show.

You’re entering an entire comedy scene.

THE PARAMOUNT IS STILL THE CLASSIC MOONTOWER EXPERIENCE

One of the best things about Moontower is getting to see a comedian in a historic Austin theater.

The Paramount Theatre is right in the middle of downtown and gives the festival some of its biggest-name performances.

There is something pretty cool about walking into the Paramount, sitting in a beautiful old theater and watching a comedian who normally sells out theaters around the country.

Then you can walk outside afterward and immediately find a bar, restaurant or another comedy show.

That’s Austin.

BUT DON’T SPEND THE WHOLE FESTIVAL AT THE PARAMOUNT

This is probably the biggest Moontower tip.

The big theater shows are great.

But the club shows are where the festival really comes alive.

The smaller rooms allow comedians to experiment.

You get shorter sets.

More comedians.

More interaction with the crowd.

And sometimes surprise appearances.

The festival’s 2025 club series featured more than 100 comics across multiple Austin venues.

THE CLUB SERIES IS THE SECRET WEAPON

If you’re a comedy fan, this is where you want to spend some of your time.

During the 2025 festival, club shows were held at places including The Creek and the Cave, Sunset Strip, The Velveeta Room and other Austin comedy venues.

You can bounce from one room to another and see completely different styles of comedy.

One show might be polished stand-up.

The next could be a podcast.

Then you might find an experimental show.

Then a comedian you’ve never heard of.

That’s the fun.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW THE COMEDIANS

This is another reason Moontower is so good.

If you’re going to see a famous comedian, you already know what you’re getting.

But some of the best festival experiences happen when you walk into a show because the name looks interesting.

You don’t know who the person is.

You sit down.

They start performing.

And suddenly you’re thinking:

“Why have I never heard of this person?”

That’s how you discover comedians.

2025 BROUGHT SOME BIG NAMES

The 2025 lineup included major names such as Maria Bamford, Big Jay Oakerson, Josh Johnson and Brad Williams, along with a huge collection of emerging comedians and Austin performers.

That combination is what makes Moontower different from a traditional comedy tour.

You’re not just seeing famous comedians.

You’re seeing what’s happening in comedy right now.

MARIA BAMFORD

Maria Bamford was one of the major returning names on the 2025 lineup.

If you’ve never seen her live, she’s a great example of why Moontower works.

Her style isn’t generic stand-up.

She has a completely distinctive voice and approach to comedy.

And seeing somebody like that during a festival gives you an opportunity to experience something different from the standard comedy-club routine.

BIG JAY OAKERSON

Big Jay Oakerson was another major name returning to Moontower.

If your comedy preference leans toward brutally honest, dark and unapologetic material, he’s exactly the type of performer you want to see.

And Moontower is a perfect environment for comedians with different styles.

JOSH JOHNSON

Josh Johnson brought another style to the festival.

His comedy often mixes observations, storytelling and commentary on current life.

He’s also the type of comedian who can appeal to people who don’t necessarily consider themselves hardcore stand-up fans.

BRAD WILLIAMS

Brad Williams is another comedian who has become a major comedy headliner.

His energetic style makes him a natural fit for a festival atmosphere.

And because Moontower brings such different comedians together, you can easily see somebody like Williams one night and a completely different style the next.

THE BEST PART: AUSTIN COMEDIANS ARE EVERYWHERE

Don’t make the mistake of assuming Moontower is only about people flying into Austin.

Austin has a huge comedy community.

Local comedians are part of the festival.

Some are established.

Some are newer.

Some are performing in the same week as comics who have Netflix specials.

That’s one of the best things about the event.

You’re getting a snapshot of Austin comedy.

THE CREEK AND THE CAVE

If you’re trying to experience the club side of Moontower, The Creek and the Cave should be on your radar.

During the 2025 festival, it hosted shows including “Some of This Is Bad,” Industry Showcase, Beth Stelling and other performances.

This is exactly the type of venue where you want to experiment.

Don’t just go for the biggest name.

Pick something that sounds interesting.

THE VELVEETA ROOM

The Velveeta Room is another important part of Austin’s comedy scene.

During Moontower, it hosted shows including Best of the Fest and other late-night performances.

And late-night comedy is where things can get especially interesting.

THE LATE-NIGHT SHOWS ARE A MUST

If you can handle staying up late, do it.

A show at 11 p.m. can be a completely different experience from a theater performance at 7 p.m.

The comedians are looser.

The crowd is different.

And the performers may be willing to take more chances.

For example, The Goddamn Comedy Jam was scheduled for 11 p.m. at Antone’s during the 2025 festival, combining comedy and music with Josh Adam Meyers.

That’s a perfect example of why you shouldn’t think of Moontower as simply a series of traditional stand-up shows.

COMEDY AND MUSIC

This is Austin, after all.

Of course somebody was going to combine comedy and music.

The Goddamn Comedy Jam is built around comedians who also perform music, creating something that feels more like a comedy concert than a normal stand-up set.

If you’ve never seen a comedy show like that, it’s worth trying.

THE “BEST OF THE FEST” SHOWS

One of the easiest ways to discover comedians is to attend a Best of the Fest-style show.

Instead of committing to one comedian, you get a collection of performers.

That’s perfect if you’re new to Moontower.

You might walk out with three new favorite comedians.

THE INDUSTRY SHOWCASES

Moontower also has shows designed around showcasing comedians.

The 2025 Industry Showcase at The Creek and the Cave featured a collection of performers and was available as a club event. Single tickets were also available at the door.

These kinds of shows are great because you aren’t relying on one comedian carrying the entire night.

You’re getting variety.

THE MOONTOWER BAR CRAWL

Here’s how to turn Moontower into a full Austin night.

Start with dinner.

Go to an early comedy show.

Walk downtown.

Grab a drink.

Find a second comedy show.

Then finish with a late-night set.

You can easily make an entire night out of it.

DON’T EAT AT THE SAME PLACE EVERY NIGHT

This is Austin.

Use Moontower as an excuse to explore the food scene.

Before the show, grab tacos.

Another night, get barbecue.

Another night, try a burger.

Another night, find a food truck.

Don’t make the mistake of spending the entire festival eating inside the same downtown restaurant.

THE DOWNTOWN FOOD STRATEGY

If you’re going to the Paramount or another downtown venue, eat early.

Don’t wait until 6:45 p.m. to look for dinner when your show starts at 7.

You’ll be fighting everybody else attending the same show.

Eat around 5.

Then walk to the theater.

You’ll be relaxed instead of rushing.

THE AFTER-SHOW FOOD STRATEGY

This is where Austin really shines.

If your comedy show ends late, you still have options.

Tacos.

Pizza.

Burgers.

Food trucks.

Late-night restaurants.

And because you’re downtown, you’re never too far from something.

Just expect the popular places to be busy.

MOONTOWER IS ALSO A GREAT DATE NIGHT

This might actually be one of the best Austin date ideas in April.

You don’t have to spend the entire night sitting across from somebody at a restaurant.

Get dinner.

See a comedy show.

Walk around downtown.

Grab a drink.

Talk about the comedians.

Then see another show.

It’s casual.

It’s entertaining.

And if the comedian isn’t funny, you have something to laugh about afterward.

THE BEST DATE-NIGHT COMBINATION

Here’s a good formula:

5:30 p.m.

Dinner.

7:00 p.m.

Main comedy show.

8:30 p.m.

Walk downtown.

9:00 p.m.

Drinks.

10:00 p.m.

Club show.

11:30 p.m.

Late-night food.

That’s a pretty good Austin date.

MOONTOWER WITH FRIENDS

Comedy is even better with a group.

Pick different shows.

Meet up between them.

Compare comedians.

Argue about who was funniest.

Grab drinks.

Then find another show.

The festival gives you plenty of opportunities to split up and regroup.

THE SOLO MOONTOWER EXPERIENCE

Going alone can actually be fantastic.

You don’t have to convince anybody to see a comedian they don’t know.

You can buy one ticket.

Walk in.

Sit down.

Laugh.

Leave.

Go somewhere else.

And if you discover a comedian you love, you don’t have to listen to your friend complain that they weren’t funny.

DON’T ONLY SEE THE BIG NAMES

This is worth repeating.

If you spend your entire Moontower experience seeing famous comedians, you’re only getting half the festival.

Go see somebody you’ve never heard of.

That’s the point.

THE BIGGEST MOONTOWER MISTAKE

Trying to schedule too many shows.

Comedy isn’t like music.

If you leave a concert after 20 minutes, you’ve still heard a few songs.

If you leave a comedy show after 20 minutes, you might miss the comedian’s best material.

Give yourself enough time between shows.

Don’t schedule things on opposite sides of downtown.

THE SECOND BIGGEST MISTAKE

Underestimating Austin traffic.

April isn’t SXSW.

But downtown can still be busy.

And if you’re trying to get from one venue to another during peak hours, give yourself time.

Walking is often easier.

WALK BETWEEN SHOWS

One of the best things about Moontower is that many venues are relatively close together.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Walk.

Enjoy downtown.

Stop for a drink.

Grab a snack.

Then head to your next show.

Don’t spend 20 minutes trying to find parking just to move five blocks.

THE COMEDY CLUB HOP

Here’s a fun Moontower strategy.

Pick three different comedy venues.

See one show at each.

That way you’re not just attending the festival.

You’re experiencing Austin’s comedy-club scene.

And you’ll get a feel for how different rooms create different audiences.

THE BEST WAY TO SAVE MONEY

You don’t have to buy the biggest festival package.

Moontower offers different ways to attend, including individual tickets and festival badges.

For the 2025 festival, the Club Badge provided access to the four-night club series and other benefits, while theater headliner tickets were sold separately.

If you only want to see one or two comedians, individual tickets may make more sense.

If you want to spend several nights bouncing between clubs, the badge can make more sense.

DON’T ASSUME A BADGE MEANS YOU WALK INTO EVERYTHING

Festival badges can provide priority access, but popular shows can still fill.

The 2025 club-show information specifically noted that badge holders received priority access, while single-ticket holders were seated from remaining availability.

So if there’s a show you absolutely want to see, don’t arrive at the last second.

THE BEST MOONTOWER STRATEGY

Pick:

One big-name comedian.

One Austin comedian.

One comedian you’ve never heard of.

One late-night show.

That gives you a little bit of everything.

APRIL IS PERFECT FOR A COMEDY NIGHT OUT

Austin’s weather makes this even better.

You can have dinner outside.

Walk around downtown.

Sit on a patio.

Go to a comedy show.

Grab drinks afterward.

You don’t have to spend the entire evening indoors.

And unlike SXSW, you aren’t battling thousands of people trying to attend every event.

THE BAR SCENE DURING MOONTOWER

Downtown bars get a different crowd during the festival.

Instead of everybody talking about bands and startups, you’re surrounded by comedians, comedy fans, writers and people who just want to laugh.

That creates a completely different energy.

And you never know who might be sitting at the bar next to you.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TALK TO COMEDIANS

If you see a comedian at a bar or after a small show, don’t immediately treat them like a celebrity.

They’re usually just people hanging out.

Say hello.

Tell them you enjoyed the show.

Then let them enjoy their night.

THE BEST MOONTOWER EXPERIENCE IS A LITTLE RANDOM

That’s the same principle that makes SXSW fun.

Don’t plan every second.

Plan your major show.

Then leave room for something unexpected.

You might find a comedian at a small club.

You might hear about a last-minute show.

You might end up at a bar where comedians are hanging out.

You never know.

THE BALLER ATX MOONTOWER GAME PLAN

Pick one major show.

Pick one smaller club show.

Find one comedian you’ve never heard of.

Eat before the show.

Walk between venues.

Have a backup show.

Don’t overbook yourself.

Check out a late-night performance.

Try a local restaurant or food truck.

Grab a drink after the show.

And don’t spend the entire festival watching people you already know.

THE PERFECT MOONTOWER DAY

5:00 p.m.

Early dinner.

6:30 p.m.

Walk downtown.

7:00 p.m.

Big comedy show.

8:30 p.m.

Drink and people-watch.

9:30 p.m.

Club show.

11:00 p.m.

Late-night comedy.

12:30 a.m.

Tacos.

1:00 a.m.

One last drink.

2:00 a.m.

Home.

That’s how you do April in Austin.

THE PERFECT MOONTOWER WEEKEND

If you really want to get into it:

Thursday: Big headliner.

Friday: Club shows.

Saturday: Comedy during the day and late-night comedy.

Sunday: Recover.

You don’t need to attend every day.

Two nights can be plenty.

WHAT MAKES MOONTOWER DIFFERENT FROM SXSW

SXSW is chaos.

Moontower is controlled chaos.

SXSW has music everywhere.

Moontower has comedy everywhere.

SXSW is about discovering artists.

Moontower is about discovering comedians.

SXSW has day parties.

Moontower has late-night shows.

And both are excellent excuses to explore Austin.

THE BIGGEST SECRET

The biggest Moontower secret isn’t necessarily the biggest comedian.

It’s the smaller club.

That’s where you’re most likely to find somebody who isn’t famous yet.

And Austin has a long history of comedians using local rooms to develop their material.

You might see somebody in a tiny club this April and later see them performing on television or touring nationally.

That’s the kind of experience you remember.

WHY APRIL IS ONE OF AUSTIN’S BEST MONTHS

By April, the city has moved past the winter slowdown.

SXSW has come and gone.

The weather is getting better.

Patios are alive.

Restaurants are busy.

The music scene is still going.

And now comedy takes over downtown.

You can spend the afternoon outside and the evening laughing.

That’s a pretty good combination.

THE BALLER ATX MOONTOWER CHECKLIST

Buy your tickets early for must-see comedians.

Consider a club badge if you’re planning multiple nights.

Don’t rely exclusively on the biggest names.

Check out local comedians.

Try a club show.

See a late-night show.

Eat before your show.

Walk between nearby venues.

Give yourself plenty of time between performances.

Grab a drink afterward.

Don’t overbook yourself.

And leave room for something unexpected.

THE BOTTOM LINE

April is when Austin gets funny.

Moontower Comedy Festival brings national stars, Austin favorites and rising comedians into venues all over the city.

You can sit in the Paramount and watch a major headliner.

Then walk a few blocks and see a comedian you’ve never heard of in a tiny comedy room.

You can eat tacos before a show.

Grab drinks afterward.

Listen to music somewhere downtown.

And turn a comedy festival into a full Austin night out.

That’s what makes Moontower so much fun.

You aren’t simply buying a ticket to a comedian.

You’re getting a reason to explore the city.

So this April, skip the couch.

Grab your friends.

Pick a comedian you love.

Pick one you’ve never heard of.

Find a comedy club.

Get something to eat.

Grab a drink.

And spend a night laughing your way through downtown Austin.

Because SXSW may be Austin’s biggest March party, but when April arrives, the city belongs to the comedians.

Forget the New Year’s resolutions for a minute.

If you really want to start 2024 the Austin way, head downtown, walk down Red River Street and follow the music.

That’s because Free Week is back.

On January 5 and 6, 2024, the Red River Cultural District is kicking off the new year with one of Austin’s best traditions: two nights of free live music spread across more than a dozen venues in and around the Red River district.

And yes, we’re emphasizing the word free.

No giant festival wristband.

No $150 ticket.

No waiting six months for your favorite artist to announce a tour.

Just walk into the district, find a show and start listening.

The 2024 edition features venues including Mohawk, Stubb’s, Empire Control Room & Garage, Cheer Up Charlies, Elysium, Flamingo Cantina, Swan Dive, Valhalla, The 13th Floor, Barbarella, Chess Club and Creek and Cave, with dozens of artists scheduled across the two-night event.

This is one of those Austin events that locals sometimes take for granted.

Don’t.

FREE WEEK IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE WORD “FREE” SUGGESTS

Free Week actually started back in 2003 at the original Emo’s, near Sixth and Red River.

The idea was simple: January is traditionally a slow time for Austin’s nightlife and music businesses, so give people a reason to come downtown, fill the clubs and support local musicians and staff.

Two decades later, that little idea has grown into one of the city’s signature winter music events.

The Red River Cultural District says Free Week was created specifically to keep clubs’ lights on and staff working during the slower winter months. Today, the festival brings thousands of people together while providing paid performance opportunities for musicians.

That’s an important distinction.

The shows are free to you. The musicians still get paid.

The festival is supported through fundraising, sponsors and the work of the Red River Cultural District, allowing fans to attend without an admission charge while still putting money into Austin’s independent music economy.

So if you go, don’t just show up and enjoy the music.

Buy a drink.

Order food.

Tip your bartender.

Tip the band.

Buy something from a local business.

That’s how Free Week keeps working.

2024 IS A TWO-NIGHT MUSIC MARATHON

One of the biggest changes longtime Free Week fans have noticed is how much the event has evolved.

The 2024 district-wide festival is concentrated on Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 6.

That may sound short compared with the Free Week of years past, but don’t let the two-day schedule fool you.

There is a lot happening.

The 2024 lineup includes artists such as The Tiarras, Large Brush Collection, Magic Rockers of Texas, Daydream Twins, Redbud and Never, along with dozens of other local and regional acts.

And that’s only the beginning.

There are so many shows happening simultaneously that the biggest problem isn’t finding something to see.

It’s deciding what to skip.

THIS IS AUSTIN’S MINI SXSW

One of the easiest ways to explain Free Week to somebody who has never experienced it is:

It’s a mini SXSW without the SXSW price tag.

That doesn’t mean it’s literally SXSW.

It isn’t.

But the concept of walking around downtown, moving between venues and discovering bands you’ve never heard of is very similar.

And because everything is concentrated around Red River, you can actually do it.

You don’t need a car.

You don’t need to drive across Austin every hour.

You can walk from one venue to another.

Catch a band.

Walk outside.

Hear music coming from somewhere else.

Go inside.

Find another show.

Get a drink.

Repeat.

That’s the night.

THE MOHAWK SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST

If you’re trying to build a Free Week itinerary, Mohawk is one of the obvious stops.

The venue has long been one of the central pieces of Austin’s Red River music scene, and Free Week is a perfect excuse to spend a night there.

The outdoor stage gives you a chance to see a show under the Austin sky, while the indoor room gives you another option when you want to get away from the January weather.

And that’s another thing to remember about January in Austin:

It can be 70 degrees.

It can be 40 degrees.

It can feel like both on the same night.

Dress in layers.

EMPIRE IS ANOTHER MUST-STOP

Empire Control Room & Garage is another major part of the Free Week experience.

The venue’s programming has long leaned toward hip-hop, electronic, indie and other sounds that don’t necessarily fit neatly into one genre.

That makes it a particularly good place to go when you want to hear something different.

CultureMap’s 2024 Free Week recommendations specifically highlighted artists and performances at Empire, including Foxtales and other acts worth checking out.

And that’s the whole point.

Don’t spend both nights seeing the exact same type of band.

Mix it up.

CHEER UP CHARLIES

Then there’s Cheer Up Charlies.

If you’ve never been, Free Week is a great excuse.

The venue has become one of the Red River district’s most recognizable places to catch local bands, DJs and alternative acts.

The outdoor area also gives you a chance to step away from the crowded rooms and get some air.

In the 2024 schedule, Cheer Up Charlies had multiple performances throughout the night, including sets from Batty Jr., Mockjaw, Sammy 6, Redbud and Billy Glitter.

The best strategy is not to obsess over seeing every set from beginning to end.

See what you can.

Move around.

Explore.

STUBB’S: BARBECUE + MUSIC

If there’s one venue that gives you the complete Austin combination, it’s Stubb’s.

Barbecue.

Live music.

Cold drinks.

A historic venue.

And right in the middle of Red River.

You can literally build part of your night around food.

That’s one reason Free Week is so much more than a music event.

You’re spending money in the neighborhood.

You might start with barbecue at Stubb’s.

Then head across the street.

Then grab a drink.

Then see another band.

Then get late-night food.

The entire district benefits from the crowds.

FOOD IS PART OF THE FREE WEEK EXPERIENCE

If you’re doing Free Week correctly, you’re going to get hungry.

Probably multiple times.

And you should use that as an excuse to explore the neighborhood’s food options.

One of the participating venues in 2024 was Vaquero Taquero, giving festivalgoers an easy opportunity to get tacos without leaving the district.

That is exactly what you want.

You don’t need a fancy dinner reservation.

You need something you can eat quickly between bands.

Tacos.

Pizza.

Barbecue.

Whatever works.

Eat.

Then get back out there.

THE BEST WAY TO DO FREE WEEK

Here’s our Baller ATX strategy.

Don’t try to make a minute-by-minute schedule.

You’ll fail.

Instead, pick three or four artists you absolutely want to see.

Put those on your schedule.

Everything else is flexible.

If you discover a great band, stay.

If the room is too crowded, leave.

If someone tells you there’s an amazing set down the street, go.

If you walk past a venue and hear something you like, go inside.

The lack of a ticket makes this possible.

You aren’t losing money by leaving a show.

That’s what makes Free Week so much fun.

GO EARLY

Another tip:

Start earlier than you think you need to.

The biggest mistake people make at multi-venue music festivals is showing up at 10 p.m. and realizing they’ve missed half the night.

Start around dinner.

Eat.

Get your first drink.

Catch an early set.

Then work your way toward the later shows.

You’ll see more music and avoid spending the first half of the evening standing around deciding where to go.

DON’T TRY TO SEE EVERYTHING

This is impossible.

Don’t even try.

The 2024 lineup was packed enough that music fans were already debating which artists to see before the weekend began.

Local Austin discussions were recommending acts including Never, Glasshealer, Other Vessels, Eagle Claw, Prom Queen, Daydream Twins, Magna Carda, Deezie Brown and Jake Lloyd.

That’s a pretty good example of the problem.

There are too many choices.

And that’s a good problem to have.

FIND A BAND YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

This is our biggest Free Week rule:

At least one band must be completely new to you.

Don’t spend the entire weekend watching artists you already know.

You’re in Austin.

The city has thousands of musicians.

Free Week is one of the easiest opportunities you’ll get to discover somebody new.

Pick a name that sounds interesting.

Look at the genre.

Go.

Maybe they’re terrible.

Who cares?

You didn’t pay $60 to find out.

Maybe they’re incredible.

Now you’ve found your next favorite Austin band.

That’s the experience.

THE BAR SCENE IS HALF THE FUN

Let’s be honest.

Free Week isn’t just about music.

It’s also an excuse to spend two nights drinking and eating your way through Red River.

That’s why the festival works so well for Austin.

You can see a band at 8.

Grab a beer at 9.

See another band at 10.

Get tacos at 11.

See another band at midnight.

Then find a bar.

And if you still have energy, find another one.

Just remember that the goal is to enjoy the night, not see how quickly you can destroy yourself.

Drink water.

Eat.

Pace yourself.

And absolutely do not drive after drinking.

THE RED RIVER BAR CRAWL

If you’re with friends, make your own Free Week bar crawl.

Start at one venue.

Have one drink.

Walk to the next.

See a band.

Walk again.

Grab food.

Another venue.

Another drink.

Another band.

The beauty is that you don’t need to stay anywhere for three hours.

You’re free to move.

That’s why Red River is such a great neighborhood for this type of festival.

The venues are close together, and the district is designed around nightlife.

WHAT MAKES FREE WEEK SO AUSTIN?

It’s not just that the music is free.

It’s that Free Week represents something Austin has always been good at.

Discovery.

You can walk into a tiny room and hear somebody who may eventually become a big name.

You can see a local band before anybody outside Austin knows who they are.

You can talk to musicians.

You can meet other people who are there for the same reason.

And you can do it without worrying about whether you got your money’s worth.

That is becoming increasingly rare.

THE ECONOMICS OF FREE

Here’s the part that deserves more attention.

Free doesn’t mean the event has no cost.

The musicians are being paid.

The bartenders are working.

The security staff is working.

The sound engineers are working.

The restaurants are feeding thousands of people.

The venues are keeping their doors open.

The Red River Cultural District is putting resources into making the festival happen.

So if you attend, support the ecosystem.

Buy a drink.

Buy food.

Tip.

Donate to the Red River Cultural District if you can.

And come back to these venues throughout the year.

The district doesn’t just need you for Free Week.

It needs you in February.

March.

April.

May.

June.

And every other month.

FREE WEEK IS ALSO ABOUT KEEPING AUSTIN WEIRD

There are plenty of reasons people complain about how much Austin has changed.

Some are legitimate.

Some are inevitable.

But every time you walk down Red River and hear music pouring out of a tiny venue, there is a little reminder of what made Austin special in the first place.

Independent musicians.

Independent venues.

People taking chances.

People trying something weird.

People showing up because they love music.

That’s what Free Week is protecting.

THE BALLER ATX FREE WEEK CHECKLIST

Before you head downtown, here’s the checklist:

✔ Pick three must-see artists

✔ Find at least one band you’ve never heard

✔ Start early

✔ Wear comfortable shoes

✔ Check the set times

✔ Eat before you’re starving

✔ Explore multiple venues

✔ Buy drinks and food locally

✔ Tip your bartenders and musicians

✔ Drink water

✔ Don’t drive after drinking

✔ Have a ride home planned

And most importantly:

Don’t over-plan.

Let the night happen.

TWO NIGHTS THAT CAN TURN INTO A MEMORY

Free Week is one of those Austin traditions that can seem almost too simple.

Free shows.

Red River.

January.

That’s it.

But when you actually experience it, you understand why it has survived for more than two decades.

It’s not about one headliner.

It’s not about one venue.

It’s not about one genre.

It’s about the entire district coming alive at the same time.

Hundreds of musicians.

Dozens of performances.

Restaurants.

Bars.

Friends.

Strangers.

And thousands of people wandering from venue to venue looking for something they haven’t heard before.

That’s Austin.

So don’t spend the first weekend of 2024 sitting at home complaining that there’s nothing to do.

There is plenty to do.

And it won’t cost you anything to get through the door.

Head downtown.

Walk Red River.

Listen.

Eat.

Drink.

Discover.

And support the people who keep Austin’s music scene alive.

Because if we’re lucky, we’ll still be doing the exact same thing twenty years from now.

Free Week.

January 5–6, 2024.

Red River Cultural District.

Free music.

Very Baller.

If there is one weekend Austin music fans should have circled on the calendar this July, it is Hot Summer Nights.

From Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 23, the Red River Cultural District is once again turning downtown Austin into one giant free music festival, bringing hundreds of local and regional musicians into venues throughout the district. The best part isn’t just the lineup. It is the fact that you can walk into venue after venue without buying a festival ticket.

For a city that has built much of its identity around live music, Hot Summer Nights is one of the best examples of what makes Austin different.

This isn’t ACL.

This isn’t SXSW.

There aren’t massive stages in a giant field.

There isn’t a $400 wristband.

Instead, the festival takes over the neighborhood that has been at the heart of Austin’s independent music scene for years. More than a dozen venues participate, with shows happening throughout the district and bands representing multiple genres.

And yes, it is free.

That makes Hot Summer Nights one of the easiest Austin festivals to recommend because you don’t have to spend months planning it.

You can simply show up.

FOUR NIGHTS. DOZENS OF VENUES. HUNDREDS OF MUSICIANS.

The 2023 edition is the sixth year of Hot Summer Nights, and the festival is scheduled to run Thursday through Sunday.

The idea behind the festival is simple: get people into Austin’s music venues during the traditionally slower summer months while creating paid opportunities for musicians and staff.

That mission is important.

Austin has built an international reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World, but keeping that music ecosystem alive takes more than putting “Live Music Capital” on a bumper sticker.

Musicians need to get paid.

Bartenders need to get paid.

Sound engineers need to get paid.

Door staff need to get paid.

Independent venues need customers.

And local businesses surrounding those venues need people walking through their doors.

Hot Summer Nights brings all of those pieces together.

The Red River Cultural District describes Hot Summer Nights and its sister winter festival, Free Week, as admission-free, all-ages festivals designed to provide additional revenue to musicians and staff during traditionally slower periods.

So when you walk into a free show, you’re not simply getting something for nothing.

You’re participating in an event specifically designed to support the local music economy.

RED RIVER IS THE PLACE TO BE

If you have never spent a night exploring the Red River Cultural District, Hot Summer Nights is probably the perfect introduction.

The district is compact enough that you can walk between venues, which means you don’t have to commit to one band for the entire night.

That’s the beauty of it.

You might walk into one venue because you recognize the name of the band.

You stay for twenty minutes.

Then someone tells you there is a great act playing down the street.

You leave.

Walk a few blocks.

Go inside another venue.

Discover a band you’ve never heard of.

Then another.

By midnight, you may have seen four or five completely different artists.

That’s the Hot Summer Nights experience.

The participating venues in 2023 included places such as Mohawk, Stubb’s, Cheer Up Charlie’s, Empire Control Room & Garage, Flamingo Cantina, Swan Dive, Elysium, The Creek and The Cave and The 13th Floor, among others.

That gives you a ridiculous amount of variety packed into a relatively small area.

Rock.

Punk.

Indie.

Hip-hop.

Electronic.

R&B.

Singer-songwriters.

Metal.

Experimental music.

Whatever your taste, there is probably something happening within walking distance.

THIS ISN’T JUST ABOUT THE BIG NAMES

One of the biggest mistakes you can make at Hot Summer Nights is trying to build your entire weekend around the most recognizable band.

Don’t.

This festival is about discovery.

Sure, if there is a band you absolutely want to see, put them on the schedule.

But leave room for surprises.

The best Hot Summer Nights story isn’t necessarily, “I saw the band I already knew.”

It’s:

“We walked into this tiny venue because we had no idea who was playing, and they were incredible.”

That is how Austin’s music scene works.

You don’t always know what you’re going to find.

And that’s what makes a multi-venue festival so much more fun than a traditional festival where you spend the entire day staring at a schedule and trying to figure out which stage you can physically reach in time.

Here, you can improvise.

THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE PARTY

One of the events worth putting on the July 2023 schedule is the Austin Chronicle’s Hot Summer Nights party at The 13th Floor on Saturday, July 22.

The Chronicle-curated lineup features JaRon Marshall + the Collective, Felt Out and Jane Leo, with DJ Jake Garcia opening the night.

Doors are scheduled for 7 p.m., with music beginning at 8 p.m.

And yes, admission is free.

JaRon Marshall is particularly interesting for music fans because of his work with Grammy-nominated Austin group Black Pumas.

The show is a good example of what makes Hot Summer Nights different from an ordinary free concert.

You’re getting an actual curated lineup in a real Austin music venue in the middle of a citywide music festival.

And you aren’t paying $40 or $50 to get through the door.

DON’T JUST GO FOR THE MUSIC

One of the best things about Hot Summer Nights is that you don’t have to spend the entire weekend inside a concert venue.

The Red River neighborhood is full of restaurants, bars and food options, which means the festival can easily become an entire night out.

Start with dinner.

Catch a show.

Walk to another venue.

Grab a drink.

See another band.

Get something to eat.

Find another show.

Repeat.

The festival’s 2023 promotion specifically highlighted local restaurant and bar specials happening throughout the weekend, giving people another reason to explore the district instead of simply going from venue to venue.

And that is exactly how we recommend doing it.

Don’t treat Hot Summer Nights like a concert.

Treat it like a neighborhood-wide party.

THE PERFECT HOT SUMMER NIGHTS PLAN

If you’re new to the festival, here’s how we would approach one of the nights.

Start around 6 p.m.

It’s still hot outside, so don’t feel like you need to arrive at 3.

Get dinner somewhere in or around the Red River area.

Grab a cold drink.

Then head toward your first venue.

Stay for a set.

If you love the band, stay longer.

If you don’t, leave.

That’s the beauty of a free festival.

You don’t have to feel guilty about walking out.

Head to the next venue.

Listen to another band.

Maybe stop for a drink.

Then keep moving.

Around 10 or 11 p.m., you’ll probably have a completely different idea of what you want to hear than you did when you arrived.

That’s when Hot Summer Nights gets really fun.

THE BAR SCENE IS PART OF THE FESTIVAL

For Baller ATX readers, there is another reason Hot Summer Nights deserves attention.

The bar scene.

Red River isn’t simply a collection of music venues.

It is one of Austin’s most concentrated nightlife districts.

During Hot Summer Nights, the bars become part of the overall festival experience.

You can see a band and then walk into a bar for a drink.

You can grab food between shows.

You can find a patio.

You can stop somewhere for a frozen cocktail.

You can meet friends who are attending a completely different show.

And because so much is happening within a relatively small area, you don’t have to spend your night sitting in traffic.

That’s a huge advantage in July.

THE HEAT IS REAL

Of course, there is one problem.

It’s July in Austin.

It’s going to be hot.

Very hot.

And you’re going to be walking.

So dress accordingly.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring water.

Don’t underestimate the heat.

Take breaks inside air-conditioned venues.

If you’re drinking, remember that alcohol and Texas summer temperatures aren’t exactly best friends.

Drink water throughout the night.

And don’t try to prove that you’re tougher than the weather.

The weather doesn’t care.

YOU DON’T NEED A WRISTBAND

This is perhaps the most important thing to understand about Hot Summer Nights.

You don’t need a traditional festival wristband.

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars.

You don’t even have to RSVP to attend.

The 2023 festival information specifically noted that RSVP was encouraged and could provide access to giveaways, but RSVP was not required and did not guarantee entry.

The festival’s fundraising component is also worth understanding.

Hot Summer Nights exists in part because the Red River Cultural District is trying to support the independent music economy.

So if you enjoy the free shows, consider supporting the organization.

You can donate.

You can buy food and drinks from participating businesses.

You can tip the musicians.

And most importantly, show up.

A free festival only works if people actually attend.

GO SOMEWHERE YOU’VE NEVER BEEN

Our biggest recommendation for Hot Summer Nights 2023 is simple:

Go somewhere you’ve never been.

Austin has plenty of people who say they love live music but spend every weekend at the same two venues.

Don’t do that this weekend.

Walk into a venue you’ve never visited.

Watch a genre you normally wouldn’t listen to.

See a local band you’ve never heard of.

Talk to somebody.

Ask what they’re watching next.

Then follow the crowd.

You might discover your new favorite Austin band.

And that’s worth far more than the price of a ticket.

Because the ticket is free.

THE REAL REASON HOT SUMMER NIGHTS MATTERS

Austin has changed a lot.

The skyline is different.

Downtown is different.

Restaurants have changed.

Bars have changed.

Entire neighborhoods have changed.

But the independent music scene remains one of the city’s defining characteristics.

Hot Summer Nights is a reminder of that.

It puts local musicians at the center of downtown.

It fills small venues.

It brings people together.

And it gives Austinites a reason to explore the Red River district during one of the toughest times of year for outdoor events.

Most importantly, it doesn’t require you to be wealthy to participate.

You can literally show up with $20 in your pocket, walk around, listen to music and have an entire night.

That’s becoming increasingly rare.

And it is exactly the kind of event Austin should continue supporting.

OUR BOTTOM LINE

If you only do one free music event in Austin this July, make it Hot Summer Nights.

Come Thursday.

Come Friday.

Come Saturday.

Come Sunday.

Or pick one night and explore.

Start with food.

Find a band.

Walk to another venue.

Grab a drink.

Discover somebody new.

Then finish the night with late-night food somewhere around Red River.

You don’t need a VIP pass.

You don’t need a festival outfit.

You don’t need a complicated plan.

You just need comfortable shoes and an open mind.

Because for four nights in July, downtown Austin becomes one giant free concert.

And in a city famous for live music, there may not be a better deal all summer.

Hot Summer Nights runs July 20–23, 2023, throughout the Red River Cultural District.

Four nights. Dozens of venues. Hundreds of musicians.

And absolutely no excuse not to go.