Austin Summer 2017: Festivals, Events, and Fun Things to Do

Posted by Brad Pauly on Friday, July 7th, 2017 at 9:33am.

atx sign in austin texas

Summer is here again, and all the great things we love about summers in Austin are back too! Austin is well known for being a city packed full of endless activities to do each day and while the summer sun might be strong it doesn't stop Austinites from heading out for a fun day.

In fact, you don't have to only stay cool by going to pools to beat the heat. There are many other fun activities that involve delicious food, live music, and enjoying some of Austin's most beautiful sights. Most of them are completely free so it's perfect for those who are on a budget or those who are simply looking to enjoy a fun and memorable event with others outdoors. Here's some of the best things to do in Austin this summer to make this time of the year memorable!

Trailer Food Tuesdays

For all the food truck lovers: There will be monthly gatherings on Tuesdays each month in June, July, and August for a variety of food trucks at the Long Center. Sample a diverse range of food, from savory to sweet to give your tastebuds an amazing treat. This family-friendly event also has games and live music so it's perfect fun for the entire family!

  • Where: The Long Center for Performing Arts
  • When: June 27, July 25, August 15 2017
  • More info: Trailer Food Tuesdays

Bullock Museum Music Under the Star 2017

Every July, the Bullock Texas State History Museum holds it's annual Music Under the Star summer concerts in the Lone Star Plaza. The event features different musical acts throughout the month, with VIP perks available for purchase. It's another family-friendly, free event for local Austinites that gives everyone a chance to enjoy some delightful music as you witness the beauty of the stars above. There's also food and drink vendors, but it's recommended that you bring your own chair or blanket to sit on to enjoy the show.

  • Where: Bullock Texas History Museum
  • When: July 7, July 14, and July 21, 2017
  • More info: Music Under the Star

Austin 4th of July Symphony and Fireworks 2017

Every year on the 4th of July, you'll get to see one of the best fireworks shows in Texas. The Austin Fourth of July Symphony and Fireworks show is Central Texas' largest fireworks event and is accompanied by the sounds of the talented Austin Symphony Orchestra. Viewers can head to Auditorium Shores to find a spot with family and friends, and grab dinner from the many food and drink vendors that will also be there. Arts and crafts vendors will also be there at this completely free live event. 

While July 4th has come and gone, there is still plenty of time to plan out your schedule for next year to enjoy a beautiful sky with a multitude of beautiful lights!

Blues on the Green 2017

This is the largest outdoor concert series to happen every summer and is hosted by one of Austin's local radio stations KGSR. Local bands perform in Zilker Park once a week per month, and local food and drink vendors show up so food and drinks are available for concert goers. If you're looking for a free family-friendly concert, Blues on the Green is a great choice. Make sure to bring blankets and chairs to sit on while you enjoy a fun outdoors musical experience.

  • Where: Zilker Park
  • When: July 12, August 2, 2017
  • More info: Blues on the Green

Austin Ice Cream Festival

The Austin Ice Cream Festival is a chance to eat your favorite dessert -- if your favorite dessert happens to be ice cream. It's a family-friendly event held at the Fiesta Gardens by Festival Beach where you can try local to national flavors of ice cream. The options are nearly endless and provide an amazing opportunity to tantalize your tastebuds with a multitude of unique and flavorful flavors! There's also live music, ice cream eating contests, and fun activities for kids to participate in. Don't forget to bring your appetite.

Bat Fest ATX 2017

This is a fun festival celebrating the Mexican free-tailed bats that call Austin home. There will be three stages, one for food and drink vendors, one for live music from local and national bands, and one for kids' events. Everyone will be able to watch the bats emerge from under Congress bridge at dusk, which is something you should definitely see at least once if you live in Austin. This is a great event for the whole family and kids are encouraged to dress up in costume for the bat costume contest.

Out of Bounds Comedy Festival 2017

Austin's largest and longest running comedy festival with the most diverse comedy acts. Every year, the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival (OOB) showcases live improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy acts. It began as a small festival to showcase Austin's local comedy scene and has now become a 7 day festival with over 500 performers from all over the world, 130 shows, and 10 different venues. There will be workshops, meet and greets, and improv jams, plus specials celebrity guests often show up and perform or speak. Previous guests include Kevin McDonald, Maria Bamford, and writers and performers from Saturday Night Live and Key and Peele. This is a great event for anyone looking to see a comedy show and support the local entertainment scene.

 

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