They don’t call Austin “The Live Music Capital of the World” for nothing. As the temperatures get hotter and the days get longer, Austinites flock to favorite live music destinations to enjoy some summer jams. The best part, Austin loves music so much, there’s no shortage of free shows to take in. If you’re looking for an Austin free, live music schedule, scroll through our favorite free summer concerts below.
Free Concerts in Austin this Summer
KGSR Blues on the Green
KGSR and Blues on the Green are Austin institutions. One Wednesday of every month in the summer, Zilker Park is overrun by Austinites of all stripes – it doesn’t matter if you’re a family, a college kid or a senior, you’ll find community and a good time at Blues on the Green. Bring a blanket, your pet and a picnic basket to listen to some great music under the Texas stars.
| May 24 | Jamestown Revival with Walker Lukens |
| June 14 | TBD |
| July 12 | TBD |
| August 2 | TBD |
For the most up to date information and latest announcements check here.
Unplugged at the Grove
Unplugged at the Shady Grove is another great concert series put on by KGSR. It’s considerably more intimate than Blues on the Green, but still welcomes all comers. Take in a few specialty drinks under the shady pecan grove and revel in just how Austiny you’re being.
| May 18 | James McMurtry |
| May 25 | Dale Watson |
| June 1 | Bee Caves |
| June 8 | Bob Schneider |
| June 15 | Sarah Jaffe |
| June 22 | Ray Prim |
| June 29 | Darden Smith |
| July 6 | Shane Smith & the Saints |
| July 13 | Jackie Venson |
| July 20 | TBD |
| July 27 | Nakia & the Blue Grifters |
| August 3 | Flatland Cavalry |
| August 10 | TBD |
| August 17 | Rhett Miller |
| August 24 | Charley Crockett |
| August 31 | TBD |
| September 7 | TBD |
| September 14 | Jimmy LaFave |
For new announcements and details check here.
Austin Symphony Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park”
If rock and blues aren’t your taste, then you may like the Austin Symphony’s free weekly concert series at the Long Center. The performances are only an hour, but feature beautiful views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline. It’s the perfect opportunity for some refined Austin live music on a summer evening.
| June 4 | Strings |
| June 11 | Woodwinds |
| June 18 | Brass |
| June 25 | Big Band |
| July 9 | Strings |
| July 16 | Woodwinds |
| July 23 | Big Band |
| July 30 | Brass |
| August 6 | Strings |
| August 13 | Woodwinds |
| August 20 | Brass |
| August 27 | Big Band |
You can find more details on the Austin Symphony website.
Concert Series at The Galleria
The Galleria puts on a great show with vendors, the ability to order to-go food that can be delivered to your spot on the grassy lawn and lots of free kids activities like face painting or balloon twisters. Check the Hill Country Galleria website periodically for updates on their Saturday Night Concert Series.
| May 13 | Jomo & the Possum Posse |
| May 20 | Two Tons of Steel |
| May 27 | Sour Bridges |
| June 3 | The Fabulous Chevelles |
| September 2 | TBD |
| September 9 | TBD |
| September 16 | TBD |
| September 23 | TBD |
| September 30 | TBD |
| October 7 | TBD |
| October 14 | TBD |
| October 21 | TBD |
| October 28 | TBD |
| November 11 | TBD |
For the most up to date information on announcements check here.
Music on the Square Summer Concerts
If it is not too far from you, venture to the Courthouse Square in Georgetown to listen to some live music. Pick up dinner at one of the Downtown restaurants or bring your own picnic. All concerts are from 6:30pm-8:30pm on Friday nights.
| June 17 | Blue Vibe Band |
| June 24 | Woundloose Band |
| July 1 | Square Tones Band |
| July 8 | Bluegrass Showmen |
| July 15 | Wilson String Family Band |
| July 22 | Bob & Johnny |
| July 29 | Jimi Lee |
| August 5 | Mike Hamilton |
| August 12 | Detentions Acoustic |
| August 19 | Adan Davila |
| August 26 | Roland Waits |
Click here for more details.
Live Music at The Oasis
The Oasis has two live music venues on site, the Starlight Terrace and Beau’s Backyard. Every weekened they host local Austin bands of all types of genres. Grab some food, a tasty drink and listen to live music at The Sunset Capital of Texas. Every Sunday they also have free salsa lessons!
| May 13 | Top Choice |
| May 18 | The Instigators |
| May 19 | Memphis Train |
| May 20 | Mighty Pelicans |
| May 25 | Marc Eric and The Scene |
| May 26 | LC Rocks, Sinatra Band |
| May 27 | Natural Causes, Touch of Class |
| June 1 | Mighty Pelicans Band |
| June 2 | Rotel and The Hot Tomatoes, Shakedown |
| June 3 | Funky Brass Factory, Plush |
| June 8 | Marc Eric and The Scene |
| June 9 | Lix Box, Suede |
| June 10 | Blender Band, Psychic Cowboys |
| June 15 | Sinatra Swing Band |
| June 16 | Memphis Train, Undiskovered Band |
| June 17 | Austin Party Band, BBY – High Road |
| June 22 | Marc Eric and The Scene |
| June 23 | Dysfunshun Junkshun, Lucas Johnson |
| June 24 | Funky Brass Factory, Rocket Brothers |
| June 29 | Candy Coburn |
| June 30 | LC Rocks, Two Tons of Steel – Sun Radio |
| July 1 | Psychic Cowboys, Top Choice |
| July 6 | Marc Eric and The Scene |
| July 7 | Suede, Sun Radio presents TBA |
| July 8 | Natural Causes, Uptown Drive |
| July 13 | Candy Coburn |
| July 14 | Code Blue, Rotel and The Hot Tomatoes |
| July 15 | King George, Trick Shot |
| July 20 | Marc Eric and The Scene |
| July 21 | Memphis Train, Soul Twist |
| July 22 | Austin Party Band, Dysfunkshun Junkshun |
| July 27 | Mighty Pelicans |
| July 28 | The Eggmen, Undiskovered Band |
| July 29 | Havin’s Band, Hot Sauce ATX |
For venue details, showtimes, and updates check out The Oasis calendar.
Free Music at Gruene Hall
Gruene Hall is a Texas legend that’s name dropped in many a lone star ballad and is a happening honky tonk nearly every night of the week. During the summer, they host free music concerts that range all over the musical spectrum, from country to R&B to cajun/folk.
| May 13 | Bo Phillips Band |
| May 15 | Adam Johnson Band |
| May 16 | Josh Grider with Zack Walther & Geoffrey Hill |
| May 17 | Jonathan Byrd with Johnny Waken & Special Guest Corin Raymond |
| May 20 | Murali Coryell |
| May 22 | Slim Bawb |
| May 23 | Tres Womack with Matt Mathis & Slim Bawb |
| May 24 | The Georges |
| May 25 | Aaron Einhouse Band |
| May 27 | Flat Top Jones |
| May 28 | Chris Berardo & The Desberardos |
| May 29 | Houston Marchman, Max Rios & The Waysiders |
| May 30 | Tom Gilliam & The Kosmic Messengers |
| May 31 | The Georges |
| June 1 | Chubby Knuckle Choir |
| June 3 | Bill Hearne Trio |
| June 4 | The Peterson Brothers, Bill Kirchen |
| June 10 | Harvest Thieves |
| June 11 | Bret Graham |
| June 11 | Whitney Rose |
| June 14 | The Georges |
| June 15 | Garrett Lebeau |
| June 17 | Charlie and The Regrets |
| June 18 | South Austin Moonlighters |
| June 22 | Warren Hood Band |
| June 24 | Flat Top Jones |
| June 25 | Slim Bawb, Danny Brooks |
| June 28 | The Georges |
| July 1 | Zac Wilkerson |
| July 2 | The Peterson Brothers |
| July 4 | Guy Forsyth |
| July 9 | Bret Graham |
| July 12 | The Georges |
| July 13 | Garrett Lebeau |
| July 16 | Landry & Company |
| July 22 | Birdlegg & The Eastside Kings |
| July 23 | Robyn Ludwick |
| July 26 | The Georges |
| July 29 | Flat Top Jones |
| July 30 | Slim Bawb, Mike Zito Band |
For more showtimes and details, check out their website here.
Sound & Cinema
Do512 and Alamo Drafthouse present Sound & Cinema, six summer nights of live bands paired with classic Hollywood movies. The event is family-friendly, visitors can feast on Food Truck favorites, as well as cocktails, craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages that are for sale on site.
| June 21 | TBD |
| June 28 | TBD |
| July 19 | TBD |
| July 26 | TBD |
Looking for more details and announcements? Check here.
The Wine Down
The Wine Down is a music series that is anchored towards driving people downtown to the 2nd Street District to experience lively nights of shopping, eating, and strolling the 2nd Street corridor. Each month, a different resaurant provides food samples and happy hour specials, while KUTX D.J.s entertain the crowd with great music.
| May 31 | Charlie Faye & The Fayettes |
| June 28 | Superfonicos |
| July 26 | Scott H. Biram |
| August 30 | Mobley |
| September 27 | Austin Music Foundation Presents Magna Carda + Tomar & The FCs |
Check here for any updates and more details.
Live Entertainment at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse
Steiner Ranch Steakhouse’s massive patio with sweeping views of Lake Travis is a picturesque setting for a live performance. It makes sense that they break out the guitars and amplifiers on the weekends for live music by local musicians. It is hard to beat the setting, the sounds or the steaks.
| May 13 | Newsboyz |
| May 19 | Third Language |
| May 20 | Hotcakes |
| May 26 | Jumpstart |
| May 27 | Sophisticates |
For the most up to date information, details, and newest shows announced click here.
KUTX Live
If you’re looking for a good time, it’s hard to beat KUTX Live. At Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que, college radio, beer and barbecue is a combination that anyone can get behind. Mueller is a new addition to KUTX Live and is a kid-friendly act with food trucks, fun and live music on the lake.
Check out the KUTX Live website for information on locations and events.
Music Under the Star
For three Friday nights in July, the Bullock Texas State History Museum curates a music series lineup featuring popular Texas artists. Bring the whole family, camp chairs, blankets while beer, soda, and food items are available for purchase at the concert.
2017 lineup to be announced soon! Check here for updates.
Map of Austin’s Summer Concerts
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