Published April 30, 2026
Summer is here in the Texas Hill Country, bringing long days, warm nights, and plenty of ways to get outside and explore.
From Austin’s live music and festivals to the laid-back lake days around Lake Travis and Lakeway, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season. We’ve rounded up the best happenings around town (and just down the road) to help you make the most of it—so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.
Ongoing & Weekly Favorites
Paramount Summer Classic Film Series
May 22 – September 7 | The Paramount Theatre & Stateside at the Paramount
Now in its 52nd year, this beloved Austin institution returns with over 100 classic films, rare 35mm presentations, and special anniversary screenings. This year carries extra meaning: mid-June, the historic Paramount will close for its first major renovation in more than five decades — a $55 million restoration that will modernize the 110-year-old venue while honoring its storied past. Catch the opening weekend (featuring a Casablanca and Maltese Falcon double bill, plus a Spy Kids 25th anniversary celebration with a live performance by Robert Rodriguez's Family Spy Band) before the theatre temporarily goes dark. Programming continues at the Stateside at the Paramount and other venues throughout the summer.
The Drop-In Summer Concert Series
Every Thursday, May 22 – August 14 | Long Center Lawn | Free
Now in its sixth year, KUTX 98.9 and the Long Center's beloved free weekly concert series is back on the lawn every Thursday evening all summer long. With its one-of-a-kind 3D-printed stage and stunning views of the Austin skyline, The Drop-In spotlights local favorites and rising talent across a range of genres. The lineup is announced each Friday — follow along and drop in when the mood strikes.
Driftwood Nights
Every Friday | 6 PM – 8 PM | Vista Brewing, Driftwood
Head out to Vista Brewing's stunning 21-acre Hill Country ranch every Friday evening for Driftwood Nights — a weekly songwriter series featuring some of the finest Texas musicians paired with Vista's Friday Steak Night special: rotating cuts grilled over a wood fire, served with fresh seasonal sides. With a treehouse-style playscape for kids, dogs welcome, and 16 house-crafted beers on tap, this is the perfect weekend kickoff for the whole family.
Watching the Bats
Late March through early fall | Congress Avenue Bridge
Beginning in late March and lasting through early fall, Austin's famous bat flights are best viewed around sunset from the Congress Avenue Bridge. The spectacle typically begins between 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. and can last up to 45 minutes as more than 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge for their nightly flight. Arrive early to secure a good spot — and don't forget to look up!
Marquee Events
ATX Television Festival
May 28 - June 1 | Downtown Austin
The ATX Television Festival celebrates the past, present, and future of TV with premieres, fan favorites, panel discussions, and Q&As with top creators and cast members. Structured like a traditional film festival, it's a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone who loves the evolving world of television.
Blues on the Green
June 9 & 10 | Zilker Park | Free
Austin's longest-running free concert series returns to Zilker Park for two nights of live music under the summer sky. Hosted by Waterloo Media, this family- and pet-friendly tradition brings together an eclectic lineup of local Austin musicians spanning blues, country, rock, Latin, and more. Music starts at 7 p.m. each evening — bring your blanket, grab your favorite lawn chair, and settle in for a classic Austin night out.
Blanton All Day: Summer Dance Series
June 14, July 12, August 9 | Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum's popular monthly full-day event series returns with a special summer dance theme. Each month highlights a different style — kicking off in June with tango, followed by swing in July and two-step in August — complete with dance lessons, live music, curator-led art talks, family craft activities, and a Moody Patio picnic atmosphere. Members get in free; general admission is $20 for adults and $10 for youth 6–17. A wonderful way to spend a day exploring art and movement.
Star Spangled Fest
July 4 | Vic Mathias Shores / Auditorium Shores | Free
Austin's largest Independence Day celebration takes on extra significance this year as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. Spread along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, Star Spangled Fest features an afternoon of live music starting at 5 p.m., local food vendors, games, and lawn activities — all building to the centerpiece: the Austin Symphony Orchestra's annual July 4th Concert at 8:30 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the lake at 9:30 p.m. Free general admission; VIP Shoreline Access tickets available for those wanting a prime viewing spot.
Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic
July 4 | Germania Insurance Amphitheater
A Texas tradition since 1973, Willie Nelson's legendary Fourth of July Picnic returns to Austin with one of its strongest lineups in years. Joining Willie Nelson & Family for a full day of live music are Billy Strings, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson, Margo Price, Rodney Crowell, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Lily Meola — more than eight hours of live performances, local food and drinks, and a fireworks display to close the night.
Hot Summer Nights
July 16 – 18 | Red River Cultural District | Free
Austin's beloved free three-day music and arts festival returns to the Red River Cultural District for its ninth edition. With more than 150 local musicians performing across 15+ venues — including Stubb's, Mohawk, Empire Control Room, and more — Hot Summer Nights draws upwards of 20,000 attendees each year. In addition to live music, the weekend features a local vendor market, yoga, community panels, and late-night eats. No wristbands required — just show up.
Lakeway July 4th Parade & Celebration
July 4 | Lakeway Drive (Live Oak Golf Course to Activity Center) | Free
For 50 years, the Lakeway community has gathered for its beloved Fourth of July Parade — a charming, family-friendly procession down Lakeway Drive beginning at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Hot Dog Reception at the Activity Center. Cap the day with an evening fireworks spectacular over Lake Travis at Volente Beach Resort, where waterpark fun, live music starting at 7 p.m., and a lakeside fireworks show (around 8:30–9 p.m.) make for an unforgettable Independence Day right in the neighborhood.
Mermaid Day
May 31 | 1-3PM | Lakeway Swim Center, 3103 Lakeway Blvd
Join us for fun activities and to meet real mermaids!
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Whether your summer is packed with live music, lake days, or slow evenings at home, this season is all about enjoying where you are—and imagining where you want to be next. If that next chapter includes a move in Austin or the surrounding Hill Country, Moreland is here to help you find the place that fits it.
