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July Curated: Austin’s Top Events This Month

Take your pick of many engaging museum activities, music and theatre performances, and more exciting events to add to your calendar this July

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)

July is sizzling with fun events in Austin! Choose from many special theatre performances, special events at local museums, free live music concerts, and more. Here’s our list of top events to add to your calendar.


Star Spangled Fest & H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks

Vic Mathias Shores
July 3 & 4

The H-E-B Austin Symphony’s July 4th Concert and Fireworks celebration is back as part of the two-day Star Spangled Fest. This year, Vic Mathias Shores will light up the sky with fireworks over the Austin skyline. Planned, produced and performed by the Austin Symphony, the event will feature a concert at 8:45 p.m. and “mile-high” fireworks that are free and open to the public — with VIP ticket options for premium seating. The celebration kicks off at 8 p.m.

Fourth of July fireworks at Vic Mathias Shores. (Photo courtesy of Star-Spangled Fest)
Fourth of July fireworks at Vic Mathias Shores. (Photo courtesy of Star-Spangled Fest)

Legally Blonde The Musical

Zilker Hillside Theater
July 12-August 17

Zilker Theatre Productions celebrates its 65th annual Zilker Summer Musical with Legally Blonde The Musical, showcasing the journey of fashion icon Elle Woods, a spirited sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law to win back her ex-boyfriend and ultimately discovers her true potential in the process. The show, filled with catchy songs and energetic dance numbers, runs Thursdays through Sundays from July 12 to August 17 at Zilker Hillside Theater. As always, productions are free to attend with donations strongly encouraged to keep the tradition alive.

Zilker Park Hillside Theatre - summer show
Zilker Hillside crowd (photo by Taylor Smith)

Second Saturdays: Dancing About Art

The Blanton Museum of Art
July 13

This summer, The Blanton is “Dancing about Art” every Second Saturday with live music and dance-themed art experiences. The July event features their “Swing Edition” with live music, an art talk, dance lessons, and more.

Visitors at Second Saturdays at the Blanton (photo courtesy of The Blanton Museum of Art)

Bob Bullock Birthday Bash

Bullock Museum
July 14

Celebrate the Museum’s namesake, Bob Bullock, with crafts, games, and free exhibit admission from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Bring the kids to explore three floors of exhibits that showcase Texas history. Enjoy a live music performance, crafts, games, and activities geared towards families from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bullock Texas State History Museum
Bullock State History Museum

The Drop-In Summer Concert Series

Long Center
Every Thursday

ACL Radio & The Long Center have teamed up to bring Austin audiences a free weekly concert series on the Long Center lawn all summer long. The event features a diverse lineup of well-known and emerging artists in the heart of downtown. More info.

Drop In Summer Concert Series (Photo by Brynn Osborn)
Drop In Summer Concert Series (Photo by Brynn Osborn)

Hot Summer Nights

Red River Cultural District
July 18 – 20

Hot Summer Nights features a weekend of free concerts at various iconic venues in the Red River Cultural District, supporting local artists financially through sponsors and donors and boosting local businesses during the slower summer months. This festival has grown into a major event, attracting locals and visitors to enjoy performances from 100+ local artists at 20+ music venues, restaurants, and bars along the mile-long downtown entertainment district.

Austin Summer Date Night Ideas – Hot Summer Nights
Hot Summer Nights (Photo by Renee Dominguez courtesy of Red River Cultural District)

Solstice Soundscapes

UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
July 21

The Solstice Soundscapes program offers an outdoor restorative experience from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., seamlessly blending movement and relaxation with the soothing elements of nature. Guided by somatic therapist Crystal Peña and music therapist Andrea Cortez, you’ll embark on a journey of listening to the body and the elements of nature.


Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

ZACH Theatre
July 21-Sept. 8

You know all the Carole King hits, but did you know she’s also the songwriter behind many beloved tunes, from “The Loco-Motion” to “Up on the Roof”? Hear the story of her life and illustrious career as told by her timeless songs in this Tony Award-winning musical — a great addition to the performing arts experiences in Austin this summer.


Shrek the Musical

Bass Concert Hall
July 21

The performing arts phenomenon that kicked off back in 2001 with a movie about a grumpy green ogre back continues to flex its grip on our collective pop culture conscience this summer with Shrek the Musical. Cheer on Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and their fairy tale pals as they try to vanquish the vindictive Lord Farquaad in this hilarious musical that will keep you laughing all the way back to the swamp.

Magic awaits at "Shrek the Musical." (Photo by Cody York Photography)
Magic awaits at “Shrek the Musical.” (Photo by Cody York Photography)

Much More to Explore this July in Austin

Of course, there are far more than ten amazing events to enjoy this month, and you can browse our online events calendar for even more ideas on things to see and do this July in Austin. Also, be sure to check out: