This weekend in Austin delivers a stacked lineup across every category. Hot Summer Nights takes over the Red River Cultural District with four days of free live music across 20 venues. Faye Webster brings her sold-out tour to Moody Center on Sunday. The ATX Music Video Film Fest lights up East Austin on Saturday. & Juliet runs at Bass Concert Hall all weekend. Rock of Ages opens in Lakeway. The 5th Street Vintage Market returns to the Austin Visitor Center Saturday morning. The Addams Family runs free under the stars in Bee Cave. And Lake Travis is at peak summer perfection for the best outdoor adventure in the city. Here is everything worth doing from Thursday through Sunday.
Quick Answer — Best Things to Do in Austin This Weekend July 17 to 19
This weekend in Austin is headlined by Lake Travis Zipline Adventures for the best outdoor experience of the weekend, Hot Summer Nights free live music festival at the Red River Cultural District Thursday through Saturday, Faye Webster at Moody Center on Sunday, the ATX Music Video Film Fest at Cabana Club on Saturday, & Juliet the musical at Bass Concert Hall Friday through Sunday, Rock of Ages at TexARTS in Lakeway Friday through August, Infected Mushroom at Concourse Project on Saturday, Local and Live free music at the Austin Visitor Center on Friday, the 5th Street Vintage Market Saturday morning (free), The Addams Family free outdoor musical at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave Friday and Saturday, the Zilker Summer Musical Singin’ in the Rain at Zilker Hillside Theater all weekend (free), and Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee on Thursday. Here is the complete breakdown.
#1 Best Thing to Do in Austin This Weekend — Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the single best thing to do in Austin this weekend. Mid-July on Lake Travis is peak summer, with warm water, long days, and the kind of Hill Country views from 22 stories up that make every other weekend plan feel secondary.
Your group boards a boat that takes everyone across Lake Travis to Zip Island, a private island in the middle of the lake about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Three hours on five world-class ziplines through the Texas Hill Country follow, including the Double Barrel Shotgun, which sends two people side by side over 2,800 feet of cable at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above Lake Travis. After the tour your ticket includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island. Jump off the dock into Lake Travis. Relax in hammocks. Enjoy the best private lake view in Texas before heading back to Austin for an evening of live music and festivals.
The Details
- 5-Line Zipline Tour: $138/person, includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island
- Double Barrel Single-Line Tour: $88/person
- Duration: 3 hours for the full tour plus full-day lakefront access after
- Location: About 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin on Lake Travis
- Best For: Groups, couples, families, all experience levels
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Pro Tip: Afternoon slots on Lake Travis fill up fast. Book your tour now at laketraviszipline.com before the weekend sells out.
Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures before your spot sells out.
Thursday, July 16 — Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee
Kick off the weekend early Thursday evening. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin and Lake Austin Calm host Movies on the Lake every Thursday at 8:30 PM. A massive screen is set up right on the water. Watch for free from the deck or rent a paddleboard, donut boat, or two-person lounge float and watch from the lake itself. Live music plays before the film and a pop-up bar runs throughout the evening with frozen cocktails, beer, wine, and hard seltzers.
The Details
- When: Thursday July 16, live music before 8:30 PM, film at 8:30 PM
- Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin TX 78703
- Cost: Free deck seating with RSVP, paddleboard rentals $20, two-person lounge float $30, donut boat $150
- Water Rentals: lakeaustincalm.com
Pro Tip: Water rentals sell out every week. Book now at lakeaustincalm.com.
Thursday through Saturday — Hot Summer Nights at the Red River Cultural District (FREE)
Each summer, 20 venues throughout the Red River Cultural District host four days of free live music alongside local food and vendors. Local acts like Golden Dawn Arkestra, Emily Wolfe, Moving Panoramas, Ringo Deathstarr, and more take over stages throughout the district to celebrate summer in the Live Music Capital of the World.
Hot Summer Nights is one of the most genuinely Austin events of the entire summer calendar. Twenty venues. Four days. Every genre of Austin music represented simultaneously in a six-block stretch of the best live music corridor in the country. Free entry across the board. This is exactly what makes Austin worth visiting in July.
The Details
- When: Thursday July 16 through Saturday July 18, 2026
- Where: Red River Cultural District, Austin TX
- Cost: Free across all venues
- Best For: Music lovers of every genre, anyone who wants the most authentically Austin weekend experience
Pro Tip: The Red River Cultural District runs from about 7 PM until late. Combine it with Movies on the Lake on Thursday evening, finish the film, and head straight to Red River for the late shows.
Friday, July 17 — Local and Live at the Austin Visitor Center (FREE)
Stop by the Austin Visitor Center in downtown Austin for local live music every third Friday of the month through July. Shows take place from 11 AM to 1:30 PM with free bites and drinks. Shop local goods and enjoy incredible live music during the Local and Live series. This is the final installment of the summer series, making it worth prioritizing before the weekend gets fully underway.
The Details
- When: Friday July 17, 11 AM to 1:30 PM
- Where: Austin Visitor Center, 103 E 5th St, Austin TX 78701
- Cost: Free
- Best For: A perfect free Friday midday activity downtown before the weekend kicks into gear
Friday through Sunday — & Juliet at Bass Concert Hall
Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo. Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love, her way. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems including Since U Been Gone, Roar, Baby One More Time, Larger Than Life, and That’s the Way It Is.
& Juliet at Bass Concert Hall is the most joyful and energetic indoor theater experience in Austin this weekend. The combination of the Schitt’s Creek writer’s wit, the iconic pop anthem soundtrack, and the genuine emotional punch of the story makes it work for adults and teens alike. Shows run Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sunday at 1 PM and 6:30 PM.
The Details
- When: Friday July 17 through Sunday July 19, multiple showtimes
- Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin TX 78712
- Cost: From $35
- Best For: Musical theater lovers, couples, families with older teens
Friday through August — Rock of Ages at TexARTS — Lakeway
Get ready to rock out with an ultimate 80s love story packed with big hair, huge dreams, and legendary anthems. This musical is a nostalgic and hilarious journey that brings the electric energy of rock-and-roll to the stage. Whether you grew up in the era or just love a great rock ballad, you will want to grab your tickets for this vibrant and boisterous production. TexARTS in Lakeway is about 25 minutes from downtown Austin and is one of the best professional theater companies in the Austin area.
The Details
- When: Opens Friday July 17, runs through August 2, 2026
- Where: TexARTS Theater and Academy, 1110 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway TX 78734
- Cost: From $52.50
- Best For: 80s music lovers, theater fans, couples, a fun suburban Austin evening option
Saturday, July 18 — Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Saturday afternoon is the move this weekend. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the best outdoor experience of the entire summer. Book an afternoon tour, spend the rest of the day on the private lakefront, and be back in Austin in time for the final night of Hot Summer Nights across the Red River Cultural District. Afternoon slots are available at laketraviszipline.com.
Saturday, July 18 — ATX Music Video Film Fest at Cabana Club
Prepare for one of Austin’s most electric summer nights at the ATX Music Video Film Fest, a high-energy fusion of visual art and live performance. Held at the Cabana Club on East Seventh Street, this festival bridges the gap between the screen and the stage, showcasing a selection of music videos from Austin’s most promising rising talent. The evening is packed with excitement including live performances from nominated artists, insightful Q&A panels with filmmakers, and an award ceremony honoring visionary creators.
This is one of the most uniquely Austin events on this entire weekend’s calendar, combining a film festival and a live music show into a single evening that celebrates local Austin creative talent across two art forms simultaneously.
The Details
- When: Saturday July 18, 7 PM to 2 AM
- Where: Cabana Club, 5012 E Seventh St, Austin TX 78702
- Cost: $15
- Best For: Music fans, film lovers, anyone who wants the most uniquely Austin Saturday evening of the weekend
Saturday, July 18 — Infected Mushroom at Concourse Project
Infected Mushroom, the legendary Israeli psychedelic trance and electronic duo, performs at Concourse Project on Saturday July 18. Concourse Project is one of Austin’s best indoor and outdoor electronic music venues and Infected Mushroom is one of the longest-running and most beloved acts in the international psychedelic trance scene. For electronic music fans this is the biggest Saturday night show of the weekend.
The Details
- When: Saturday July 18
- Where: Concourse Project, Austin TX
- Best For: Electronic music and psychedelic trance fans
Saturday, July 18 — 5th Street Vintage Market at Austin Visitor Center (FREE)
Discover hidden treasures and enjoy a perfect Saturday morning at the 5th Street Vintage Market. Peruse unique vintage finds and statement jewelry while soaking up the vibrant downtown energy to the beat of a live DJ. Grab a fresh coffee or matcha from 5th and Brew, support your favorite local vendors, and experience the best of Austin’s creative shopping scene.
The Details
- When: Saturday July 18, 10 AM to 3 PM
- Where: Austin Visitor Center, 103 E 5th St, Austin TX 78701
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Vintage shoppers, a relaxed free Saturday activity before the evening events
Saturday, July 18 — Three Counties One Cause Benefit Concert
The July 2025 floods devastated communities across Central Texas. While Kerr County became the face of the disaster, families in Travis, Burnet, and Williamson Counties also suffered tragic losses, widespread property damage, and the difficult challenge of rebuilding their lives. Three Counties, One Cause brings communities together for an evening of live music, food, fellowship, and hope while raising funds to support ongoing recovery efforts across the region. Hosted by Travis County Recovery Alliance, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, and Ark of Highland Lakes with lead sponsor H-E-B.
The Details
- When: Saturday July 18, 6 PM to 11 PM
- Best For: Anyone who wants to support Central Texas flood recovery while enjoying live music
Friday and Saturday — The Addams Family Free Outdoor Musical at Hill Country Galleria (FREE)
Get ready to snap along to the kooky, spooky, and altogether ooky fun of The Addams Family under the stars in Bee Cave. This summer production invites everyone to enjoy a laugh-out-loud musical spectacle that celebrates the wackiness inherent in every family. The Hill Country Galleria provides a beautiful open-air setting for this free outdoor production running Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 PM.
The Details
- When: Friday July 17 and Saturday July 18, 8 PM
- Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave TX 78738
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Families, fans of musical theater, a free and genuinely fun suburban Austin evening
Thursday through Sunday — Zilker Summer Musical: Singin’ in the Rain (FREE)
The Zilker Summer Musical continues its 2026 run of Singin’ in the Rain at Zilker Hillside Theater through August 15. Performances run Thursday through Sunday at 8:15 PM. Pack a blanket, bring a picnic, arrive early to claim your spot on the hillside, and enjoy one of Austin’s most beloved summer traditions completely free under the Texas night sky.
The Details
- When: Thursday July 16 through Sunday July 19, 8:15 PM nightly
- Where: Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin TX 78746
- Cost: Free, donations welcome
- Best For: Families, date nights, anyone who wants a magical free outdoor Austin evening
Sunday, July 19 — Faye Webster at Moody Center
Faye Webster brings her sold-out Underdressed at the Symphony Tour to Moody Center on Sunday July 19. Faye Webster is one of the most critically acclaimed indie pop and indie folk artists of her generation. Her live shows are intimate and warm in a way that feels genuinely surprising for a Moody Center-scale production. This is one of the most anticipated concerts in Austin this summer and the Sunday evening timing makes it the perfect close to the weekend.
The Details
- When: Sunday July 19, 2026
- Where: Moody Center ATX, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin TX 78712
- Tickets: Available at all major ticketing platforms and moodycenteratx.com
- Best For: Indie pop and indie folk fans, a genuinely beautiful Sunday evening concert
All Weekend — The Austin Essentials
Barton Springs Pool stays at 68 degrees year round. July heat makes a midday swim the most essential Austin activity of the weekend. Entry is under $10 and free before 8 AM.
The Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony emerges at sunset every evening through October. Completely free and always one of the best Austin moments of any weekend. Check batrefuge.org for nightly emergence times.
Sisters Sno Shack at 8012 Mesa Dr is the best snow cone stop in Austin. Open Saturday noon to 8 PM and Sunday 1 to 6 PM. A post-lake shaved ice stop is mandatory in July.
The Paramount Summer Classic Film Series continues through September 7 at the historic Paramount Theatre. Check austintheatre.org for this weekend’s films and showtimes.
The Drop-In Summer Concert Series continues at the Long Center every Thursday through August 13, free on the Long Center lawn.
The Perfect Austin Weekend — July 17 to 19
Here is how to put the full weekend together.
Thursday Evening: Drop-In Summer Concert Series at the Long Center lawn (free). Then Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee on Lake Austin at 8:30 PM. Book your paddleboard at lakeaustincalm.com. Then Hot Summer Nights at the Red River Cultural District for late shows.
Friday: Local and Live at the Austin Visitor Center from 11 AM to 1:30 PM (free). Then Barton Springs Pool for a midday swim. Evening: Hot Summer Nights at the Red River Cultural District (free). Then & Juliet at Bass Concert Hall at 8 PM, or The Addams Family free outdoor musical at Hill Country Galleria at 8 PM.
Saturday: 5th Street Vintage Market at the Austin Visitor Center (free, 10 AM to 3 PM). Then Lake Travis Zipline Adventures in the afternoon. Book your afternoon tour now at laketraviszipline.com. Then Sisters Sno Shack post-lake and Congress Avenue Bridge bats at sunset. Evening: Three Counties One Cause benefit concert from 6 PM. Then ATX Music Video Film Fest at Cabana Club at 7 PM or Infected Mushroom at Concourse Project. Final night of Hot Summer Nights across the Red River Cultural District.
Sunday: Zilker Summer Musical Singin’ in the Rain matinee. Barton Springs Pool in the afternoon. Then Faye Webster at Moody Center to close out the weekend perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions — Things to Do in Austin This Weekend
What is happening in Austin this weekend July 17 to 19 2026?
This weekend in Austin features Hot Summer Nights free live music at the Red River Cultural District Thursday through Saturday, Faye Webster at Moody Center on Sunday, the ATX Music Video Film Fest at Cabana Club on Saturday, & Juliet the musical at Bass Concert Hall all weekend, Rock of Ages opening at TexARTS in Lakeway, Infected Mushroom at Concourse Project on Saturday, Local and Live free music at the Austin Visitor Center on Friday, the 5th Street Vintage Market on Saturday (free), The Addams Family free outdoor musical at Hill Country Galleria Friday and Saturday, the Zilker Summer Musical Singin’ in the Rain all weekend (free), and Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee on Thursday. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the best outdoor activity of the weekend.
What is the best thing to do in Austin this weekend?
The best thing to do in Austin this weekend is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. You board a boat to a private island on Lake Travis about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin and spend three hours on five world-class ziplines including the Double Barrel Shotgun at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above the lake. After the tour your group gets full-day access to the private lakefront property. Tickets start at $88 per person. Afternoon slots are available now at laketraviszipline.com.
What is Hot Summer Nights in Austin?
Hot Summer Nights is a free four-day live music festival at the Red River Cultural District in Austin running Thursday July 16 through Saturday July 18. Each summer, 20 venues throughout the district host days of free live music alongside local food and vendors celebrating the Live Music Capital of the World. All shows are free across all venues.
What is the ATX Music Video Film Fest?
The ATX Music Video Film Fest is a high-energy fusion of visual art and live performance held at the Cabana Club at 5012 E Seventh St in Austin on Saturday July 18 from 7 PM to 2 AM. The festival showcases music videos from Austin’s most promising rising talent alongside live performances from nominated artists, Q&A panels with filmmakers, and an award ceremony. Tickets are $15.
What is Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee?
Movies on the Lake is a community movie night hosted every Thursday on Lake Austin by Mozart’s Coffee Roasters and Lake Austin Calm at 8:30 PM. Deck seating is free with an RSVP. You can also watch from the water by renting a paddleboard for $20, a two-person lounge float for $30, or a donut boat for $150. Book water rentals now at lakeaustincalm.com before they sell out.
Make the Most of Your Austin Weekend
This is a genuinely great Austin summer weekend. Free live music across 20 venues at Hot Summer Nights. A sold-out Faye Webster show Sunday night. A hilarious new musical at Bass Concert Hall. The most unique film and music festival in Austin on Saturday night. And the best outdoor adventure in the city waiting for you on Lake Travis this weekend.
Lock in your outdoor adventure now. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures at laketraviszipline.com and secure your afternoon slot before the weekend sells out. Then RSVP for Movies on the Lake at lakeaustincalm.com for Thursday night.
For more Austin inspiration check out our guides to the Best Things to Do in Austin TX, the Best Summer Activities in Austin with Families, and Best Things to Do on Lake Travis.