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Blues on the Green Invites Austin Fans to Zilker Park for Free Summertime Shows

This cherished live music experience returns to the park July 18 & 19

Blues on the Green

Blankets spread all across the grass, a lively crowd of excited music lovers dancing and singing to the band, and multiple amazing local artists that will rock your socks off. Get ready for this unique Austin experience, because it’s back July 18 and 19, 2023!

Summer in Austin doesn’t quite seem official until it’s kicked off at Blues on the Green in Zilker Park. This widely popular live music event, 30+ years running, began at the Arboretum as a means to attract customers to their shops during the weekdays when sales were slow. Myra Spector, a local musician, attended the show for many years at the Arboretum.

“It was like a big picnic, a big party. It was very relaxed, a great way to enjoy an early evening out. People brought their kids — it was an all-inclusive show.” She recalls that many of the regular acts from the Continental Club or Saxon Pub would be a part of the lineup, putting on a spectacular show. “They weren’t just small acts, either. They had big names like Gary Clark Jr. and Jimmie Vaughan.”

The event became so popular that it quickly outgrew the intimate space at the Arboretum and moved to Waterloo Park. It eventually made its home in Zilker Park to accommodate the now expected 50,000 attendees.

Blues on the Green draws in crowds to Zilker Park.

An annual community celebration

The experience features food and drink vendors as well as sponsor booths, giving it that authentic Austin festival feel, without all of the cost and hassle of a ticketed event. Blues on the Green is free to attend. This is attractive to music lovers of all demographics, keeping the attendance growing each year.

According to Andy Langer, ACL Radio, “This is a true community event. Generations of attendees who have been to every show are now bringing their kids and grandkids.” This year features an eclectic mix of bands of varying genres. “It started as a blues based event but has evolved to include funk, soul, alternative and singer/songwriter acts to reflect the diversity of the city,” says Langer.

With talent that includes bands such as Wild Child, Devon Gillfillian, The Bros Fresh, and Phillip Phillips, there is a little something for all musical tastes.

Expect top-notch musical performances at Blues on the Green.

It’s no wonder the Austin community has taken such a following to Blues on the Green. The artists that perform in Zilker Park continue to shine on the stage, carrying on the torch that was lit so many years ago, and ushering in new talent that will forge the way for generations to come.

Tips for attending Blues on the Green:

What better way to have the Austin experience than to listen to live music in our cherished city park? Arrive early to pick your spot, bring a blanket to sit on, do not forget your sunscreen, and please stay hydrated! There are also many food and drink vendors onsite. If at all possible, ride a bike or take public transportation to avoid high volumes of traffic or fighting for a parking space. For more tips, check out their FAQs.

Most of all, go to have a good time. Relax, take in the fun atmosphere and enjoy the amazing talent that Austin has to offer.