Looking to shake off those post-holiday blues? Red River Cultural District’s Free Week has your cure. The festivities will take place on January 9-10, 2026 and will feature a myriad of local bands in 14 venues around the city. With so many performances to hear and venues to see, here’s an insider guide to help you make the most out of your Free Week 2026.
THEBROSFRESH at Empire, Free Week. Credit Renee Dominguez.
When is Free Week 2026?
Free Week 2026 will take place on January 9-10, 2026. The annual festival has shifted to a two-day experience, making it easier than ever for folks to hear killer local musicians right here in the Live Music Capital of the World®. Plan to stay both days to experience a killer lineup of talented musicians across twelve of Austin's most popular music venues. Admission is FREE! Check back closer to the event or view their website for more details.
Featured Artists
Each year, Free Week features a killer list of local and national acts, and 2026 will be no different. The 2026 lineup includes 80+ local artists from longtime favorites to rising stars like Billy King & the Bad Bad Bad, Chancla Fight Club, Good Looks, Me Nd Adam, The Bright Light Social Hour, haha laughing, Judiciary, JD Clark and so many more. This year's festival features more genre diversity than ever, spanning indie, punk, metal, country, Latin, experimental and EDM.
Visit the Free Week website to view the full lineup.
Free Week. Credit Renee Dominguez.
Participating Venues
Enjoy the free concerts at some of Austin’s top venues:
The 13th Floor
This neighborhood rock and roll bar is complete with vibey neon lights. Grab a drink at the bar and prepare yourself for a killer live show.
Cheer Up Charlies
Cheer Up Charlies is an everybody-friendly space, usually playing hot dance hits and electronic music in their kaleidoscopic canopied backyard. Their vegan bar offers kombucha on tap and organic juice-blend cocktails.
Chess Club
The audience is always close to the action in this small venue with a big atmosphere. Prepare to listen to music that will have you headbanging through the set.
Elysium
Elysium Nightclub is one of the longest-standing residents to serve as a venue for Austin's alternative nightlife.
Empire Control Room & Garage
Empire's modern space boasts three unique stages and has hosted some of the greatest local and international acts.
Feels So Good
Shop apparel, vintage and vinyl before catching a show at this compact venue.
Flamingo Cantina
If you're looking for "good vibes music", Flamingo is the place to be. Usual beats include reggae, Latin, hip hop and world music.
Kingdom
This intimate late-night dance club is known for its high-tech sound systems, killer light shows and rollicking vibe.
Mohawk Austin
If you want to see emerging creative talent (from Austin and beyond), you'll need to catch a show at Mohawk. Renovated with recycled materials, Mohawk has two stages, a rooftop, multiple bars and killer live music.
The Side Bar
This no-nonsense dive bar has everything you could need from stiff drinks to rocking live music.
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
More than just a famous barbecue joint, Stubb's is a favorite local entertainment venue that hosts local and national acts. From hip hop to country, rock to electronica, shows at Stubb's are sure to have you headbanging.
Swan Dive
Known for its dance parties and drag shows, Swan Dive is sure to showcase artists that will have you dancing all night long.
Valhalla
Truly a neighborhood bar, you can listen to live music and challenge your crew to games of pinball, pool and air hockey in between sets.
Wes Denzel at Empire, Free Week. Credit Ismael Quintanilla III.
What To Know Before You Go
During Free Week, your boots are made for walking. Most of the venues participating are within walking distance, so make sure to wear some comfy sneakers and expect chilly weather.
When planning out your evening, be flexible with your night. If you really want to see a certain band or artist, get there a little earlier than usual to make sure the venue doesn’t hit capacity without you. Lastly, don’t be afraid to explore new sounds and venues you haven’t been to, you might just find your next favorite band around the corner.
Ready to plan your trip? Find places to stay near Red River Street.
