Local Life

Austin Summer Bucket List: 5 Local Picks to Try Before Fall

The TRIBEZA team shares the local spots and traditions we’re making time for this season

By Tribeza Staff
June 16, 2025

(Photo by Justin Wallace)

Summer in Austin always feels like it flies by, so we’re making a point to soak it in while it lasts. From poolside movie nights and lakeside boat rides to outdoor concerts and classic Austin traditions, here’s what we’re hoping to cross off our summer bucket lists.

Dancers at The Drop-In at Long Center (photo by Brynn Osborne) — The Drop-In at Long Center. (Photo by Brynn Osborne)

Outdoor Concerts at the Long Center

Selected by: Heidi Okla, Editor-in-Chief

Spending summer evenings on the Long Center lawn is one of my favorite Austin traditions. I love showing up with a picnic and my favorite people for the free concerts—whether it’s the energy of the Drop-In Series on Thursdays or the relaxing vibe of the Austin Symphony’s Hartman Foundation Concerts on Sundays. The view, the music, and the community always make for a magical night.

Deep Eddy Pool and Pool Burger

Selected by: Krissy LittleStar Hearn, Publisher

I’m looking forward to spending time with my family at Deep Eddy Pool, the oldest swimming pool in Texas. The shallow wading area is perfect for my two little ones to splash around safely while my husband and I relax nearby, and the spring-fed water keeps all of us cool, even on the hottest days. After swimming, we’ll head up the hill to Pool Burger, a retro-style spot known for its juicy burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and tropical vibes. A few scoops of ice cream make the perfect end to a laid-back Austin summer day.

"Matilda the Musical," a past Zilker Theatre Productions musical (photo by Taylor Smith) — “Matilda the Musical,” a past Zilker Theatre Productions summer show. (Photo by Taylor Smith)

See Zilker Theatre Productions’ Summer Musical

Selected by: Cassie Butterfield, Senior Digital Editor

I saw the Zilker Summer Musical for the first time last year and immediately got why it’s such a beloved Austin tradition. There’s nothing like watching a high-energy show outdoors under the stars in the middle of summer. This year’s production is “Bring It On: The Musical,” and as someone who’s seen the movie more times than I can count, I’m fully here for the cheer rivalries and all the drama. The show runs July 11 through August 16 at Zilker Hillside Theater, with performances every Thursday through Sunday at 8:15 p.m. It’s free to attend, with donations encouraged.

Processed with VSCO with au5 preset — Moviegoers gather for a screening during the Float Films series at the Austin Motel pool on South Congress Avenue. (Photo by Alison Marlborough)

Float Films at Austin Motel & Jeni’s Ice Cream

Selected by: Ashley Sauls, Account Executive

It’s no secret that SoCo is my go-to, and this summer I’m excited to catch a Float Films pool screening at the Austin Motel. There’s something so right about grabbing Jeni’s ice cream beforehand, then floating in the pool as the sun sets and the movie starts. It’s the kind of summer night that feels easy, fun, and totally Austin.

Austin Summer Lake Activities — (Photo courtesy of Retro Boat Rentals)

Retro Boat Rentals ATX

Selected by: Lily O’Neill, Associate Editor

You don’t always have to rely on that one friend with a boat to cruise down Lady Bird Lake this summer. When I want to embrace the golden days of the old Town Lake, I can always rent a colorful, vintage fiberglass boat from Retro Boat Rentals. Even without a captain’s license, I can man the waters on old-school boats that once skimmed the glassy reflection in the ‘50s and ‘60s. They’ve been retrofitted with eclectic motors for a quiet and smooth ride, while visiting the Congress Bridge bats at sunset or celebrating a date night. For an extra dose of nostalgia, I like to throw on a headscarf to pretend I’m in a scene from a black-and-white movie where the protagonists are zooming down the road in a classic convertible.