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The Best Free Events in Austin This Week

Five free ways to enjoy music, art and more around town

The Contemporary Austin Jones Center
The Contemporary Austin’s Jones Center is offering free admission from July 23 to July 27. (Photo by Rebekah Flake)

The best things in life are free, and this week in Austin proves it. From live music and contemporary art to outdoor theater and even a free scoop of ice cream, the city is full of ways to have fun without spending a dime. Gather some friends and head to the Red River Cultural District, where more than 100 musicians will take the stage for Hot Summer Nights, a no-cover music festival in the heart of downtown and a perfect chance to discover rising local talent. Or take a quieter moment to explore the stunning exhibitions at the Jones Center. For something more active, try a free outdoor workout class at the Long Center — and when you’re ready to cool off, swing by Zeds’ brand-new Westlake shop for a complimentary scoop of ice cream.

Installation view, HOST: Tenant of Culture, The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center
Installation view, HOST: Tenant of Culture, The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center on Congress Avenue, 2025. Artwork © Tenant of Culture. Artworks commissioned by The Contemporary Austin. Courtesy the artist; Soft Opening, London; and Galerie Fons Welters, Amsterdam. Image courtesy The Contemporary Austin. Photograph by Alex Boeschenstein.

Free week at The Contemporary Austin Jones Center

Jones Center – 700 Congress Ave.
July 23–27

The Jones Center is offering free admission this week, giving visitors a chance to catch three powerful exhibitions before they close on August 3. On view are “Sweet Solitude” by Jiab Prachakul, “Flags of Our Mothers” by Raven Halfmoon, and “Tenant of Culture” by Hendrickje Schimmel.

The Ghost Wolves perform at The 13th Floor during Hot Summer Nights 2024 in Austin, Texas.
The Ghost Wolves perform at The 13th Floor during Hot Summer Nights 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jay Ybarra)

Hot Summer Nights

Red River Cultural District – Red River Street between 6th and 12th streets
July 24–26

Hot Summer Nights takes over the Red River Cultural District July 24–26 with a weekend of free concerts across iconic venues. This year’s festival also features a night market, community talks, and live-streamed DJ sets. Check out the full schedule here.

Audience waiting for the big summer musical at the Zilker Hillside Theatre.
Audience waiting for the big summer musical at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. (Photo by Heidi Okla)

Zilker Summer Musical

Zilker Hillside Theater – 2206 William Barton Drive
Thursday-Sunday through Aug. 16

Zilker Theatre Productions is back for its 66th annual summer production at the Hillside Theater, and this year’s show is “Bring It On: The Musical.” Catch it Thursdays through Sundays through Aug. 16. Admission is free with donations encouraged.

Ice cream cone and scoop of ice cream in a bowl. (Photo courtesy of Zeds)
Enjoy free ice cream at Zeds Westlake on July 25. (Photo courtesy of Zeds)

Free ice cream at Zeds Real Fruit Ice Cream

Zed’s Westlake – 3736 Bee Caves Rd Suite 8
July 25 at 5–10 p.m.

Zeds, the New Zealand–style ice cream shop, is serving up its signature vanilla ice cream blended with fresh fruit for free this Friday at its new Westlake location. From 5 to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy a complimentary scoop with one topping as part of the grand opening celebration.

Community workout at the Long Center. (Photo courtesy of Long Center)
Free community workout at the Long Center. (Photo courtesy of Long Center)

Relay x Long Center Community Workout

Long Center – 701 W Riverside Drive
July 26 at 9 a.m.

A free, all-levels, 75-minute group workout led by local trainers, featuring a yoga warmup, cardio, core and strength segments. Includes post-workout cold plunges, tacos, wellness activations and giveaways. Bring a mat and water. RSVP here.

More events in Austin to explore

Check out our top event picks for July and browse our online events calendar for even more ideas on what to see and do in Austin this summer.