Summer Concerts and Movies to Light Up Your Nights

As summer approaches in Texas, with its promise of scorching 100-degree days, Austinites yearn for the refreshing sanctuary of air-conditioned movie theaters and late-night live music. Luckily, Austin has a range of summer concerts and movie series to beat the heat and revel in the city’s cultural scene. Here are some of the best local concert and movie series to anticipate this summer.

Movies

The Paramount Summer Classic Film Series

There’s no better way to escape the heat than going to the cinema, specifically the Paramount Theatre for their summer film series. This year is the 50th anniversary of the film series and they’re going big with special guests, themed events, collectible series merch, and more. From timeless gems like Casablanca and Star Wars: A New Hope to beloved cult classics like Pink Flamingos, cinephiles are in for a treat. Don’t miss their special events like the Robert Rodriguez Star Ceremony and insightful Q&A sessions with industry luminaries like John Waters. For the full schedule and ticket purchases, visit their website.

Violet Crown “Kidflix” Summer Movie Series

Looking for affordable family entertainment this summer? Enjoy daily morning screenings of family-friendly movies priced at $1 per ticket at Violet Crown Cinema. Running from June 7 to August 15 at 10 a.m., catch beloved films like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Lego Movie, Paddington 2, and many others. Check out the schedule and reserve your seats here.

Austin Parks Foundation’s Movies in the Park

Grab a picnic basket, bring a blanket, and unwind with your loved ones with a movie screening under the stars. Austin Parks Foundation hosts movie nights in local parks throughout the city, offering free outdoor entertainment for all Austinites. Click here to learn more and see the schedule.

Mozart’s Movies on the Lake

For those who prefer a lakeside ambiance, Mozart’s Movies on the Lake provides the perfect setting to enjoy free movies alfresco with friends and family. Every other Thursday at 8 p.m., Mozart’s Coffee Roasters showcases beloved movie classics on a massive 25,000 square inches screen right by the water. Plus, guests can rent paddle boards and catch the film from the ultimate vantage point.

Alamo Drafthouse Kids Camp

Alamo Drafthouse presents a series of beloved family films at their “Kids Camp” series with tickets priced at $5 for all ages. Experience a fresh lineup each week from recent animated hits to cherished classics. Secure your tickets ahead of time through their website.

Music

The Drop-In Series

ACL Radio and The Long Center present The Drop-In, a series of free community concerts set against the downtown skyline and showcasing the venue’s innovative 3D-printed performance pavilion. Join fellow music enthusiasts for a summer of connection, catching your favorite Austin artists and discovering new reasons to adore the vibrant city. Stay updated on the lineup details by visiting their website.

Blues on the Green

The much-anticipated summer music extravaganza, ACL Radio’s Blues on the Green, is making a triumphant return to Zilker Park on July 11 and 12. Round up your loved ones, both human and furry (on leashes), for an evening of music and community against the picturesque backdrop of the city skyline. Stay in the loop with all the latest updates on their website.

Rock the Park

The Rock the Park concert series, curated by KUTX and their Sunday-evening kids’ show Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, invites the public to enjoy free concerts, held monthly from March to June. Experience local talent showcased at Mueller Park with food trucks nearby and ample space for picnics.

Cosmic Summer Concert Series

Experience a leisurely evening at Cosmic Coffee South with their summer concert series presented by Lalo Tequila, Still Austin, US Foods, and Vacancy Brewing. Indulge in summer cocktails and their onsite food trucks while enjoying the captivating performances of talented local artists. The series kicks off on Wednesday, May 1, offering free family-friendly outdoor shows with different artists every other Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Stay tuned for updates on their Instagram.

Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park

The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park offers free ensemble concerts by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, performing music ranging from jazz to light classical to film scores, starting April 28-June 16. Settle down on the Hartman Concert Lawn with a picnic and let the melodies serenade you into the evening.