The sun isn’t the only thing heating up this summer in Austin. The live music scene is also on the rise and you can catch performances nearly anywhere throughout the city. Watch a local act on the patio of your favorite beer garden, or pack a blanket and your friends to enjoy a show at the park under the stars. The city is packed with opportunities to catch a live show, that’s why we’ve pulled together a list of some of the can’t-miss music series and festivals happening this summer. For even more ideas, see Your Complete Austin Summer Bucket List.

Wild Child Duo at The Drop In Summer Concert Series in Austin Texas
Wild Child at The Drop-In. Credit Brynn Osborn.

Annual Music Series

Inspired by Austin's love of outdoor jams, the Drop-In Summer Concert Series is bringing the tunes back to the Hartman Concert Lawn at the Long Center every Thursday, May 23 through August 15. In partnership with ACL Radio, this 12-week evening concert series inaugurates the first-ever 3D-printed outdoor pavilion and features local artists Grupo Fantasma, Tameca Jones, Daniel Fears and more. Bring your friends and claim your tickets in advance for this free (with RSVP) outdoor concert series.

The George Washington Carver Museum will host its fourth annual Stay Black and Live Juneteenth Festival from June 15-19. The event is centered around local celebrations and partnerships with organizations making an impact. Attendees can expect dance parties, cookouts and live music along with dynamic conversations with thought leaders, educators and public scholars.

Bands in Bloom is a new summer series located at the Mabel Davis Rose Garden in the Zilker Botanical Gardens. Wander through the natural scenery as you enjoy live music from artists selected by the Austin Music Foundation. The family-friendly event is hosted every Friday night from June 14 - June 28.

Head to the Bullock Texas State History Museum to enjoy their free series, Music Under the Star. Bring the whole family (and picnic blankets) to hang out in the new Capitol Mall Amphitheater while listening to a killer lineup of Texas artists. Concerts run from 6 PM to 9 PM on June 14, July 19 and August 9.

Austin’s favorite summer music tradition, Blues on the Green, is back at Zilker Park on June 11 and 12. This annual concert series is free to the public and includes two nights of performances by some of the biggest names in local music. Remember, music starts at 7 pm!

Fireworks over the downtown Austin skyline at night
Credit Gino Barasa.

Summer Festivals & Events

There’s no better way to celebrate the red, white and blue than in Texas’ Capital City. The Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks is Austin's largest Independence Day celebration, held at Auditorium Shores. The festive evening starts at 4 pm and features patriotic songs performed by the Austin Symphony, culminating in a spectacular grand finale fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake.

Or head out to the free Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival, held at the Hill Country Galleria lifestyle mall in Bee Cave. This family- and pup-friendly 4th of July celebration features live music on the outdoor Central Plaza, local art vendors, lip-smacking barbecue, fair rides and games, and fireworks.

The free Zilker Summer Musical has been a fan favorite for 60+ seasons. Bring the kiddos (and doggies, too!) to the Zilker Hillside Theatre to watch "Legally Blonde the Musical" and spread out on a blanket on the lawn. Shows are performed Thursdays through Sundays, from July 12–August 17. No reservations required.  

Man playing guitar and woman singing into a microphone on a stage backlit by a neon smiley face.
JaneLeo at Hot Summer Nights. Courtesy Red River Cultural District. 

Every Summer, the Red River Cultural District hosts Hot Summer Nights – three days (July 18-20) of free live music held at different venues throughout the area. Besides catching popular local acts, you’ll have the chance to sample scrumptious foods from local eateries.

Austin celebrates its unofficial mascot for the 19th year on September 7 (which also happens to be peak bat migrating season) on the Congress Avenue Bridge. Bat Fest has become the biggest bat-viewing party of the year. Expect tons of live music, local food and drink, more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, children's activities and a bat costume contest (of course!).

Aerial view of patrons enjoying the courtyard and live music at Meanwhile BrewingCourtesy of Meanwhile Brewing.

Where to See Live Music for Free

Stop in the Oak Garden at Güero’s Taco Bar Wednesday-Sunday (rain or shine) for the Texas Radio Live series presented by Sun Radio. Listen to Texas singers, songwriters and musicians while you chow down on homey Mexican dishes and tip a margarita or two.

The Little Longhorn Saloon has served as the center of Austin’s honky-tonk country music scene for more than four decades. At least 10 bands perform each week, and there’s never a cover charge. The Little Longhorn is also known for its six-days-a-week happy hour, with $2.50 draft Lone Star beers.

Catch a free weekday happy hour show at The Saxon Pub, a haven for singer-songwriters since 1990. Some of the biggest names in music have performed at the intimate Saxon, including Kris Kristofferson, who likened the experience to playing in his own living room.

Whether you’re winding down, riling up, or passing through, Meanwhile Brewing is the place to grab a craft beer and listen to live music. The sprawling 3.7 acre brewery located in South Austin features an expansive beer garden, three food trucks, a turf soccer field, children's playground and live music stage making it one of the hottest southside hangouts.

Other great venues for regular, free live music include: Elephant Room, Rustic Tap, Cheer Up Charlies, Scholz Garten, Maggie Mae's, Radio Coffee & Beer and more. Find a more complete list of music venues here.

For the latest music happenings in Austin, follow @MusicAustin on Instagram and Twitter!