Home Summer Events 2024

Hoo-wee! Does anything feel better than a dip in the pool during a hot Texas summer? While some among us may be privileged to own private watering holes, most of us get to enjoy the great Austin PARD’s work at the 44 public aquatic facilities to choose from this summer. You’ve got regional, neighborhood, and community pools; a wading pool; splash pads; and the crown jewel: Barton Springs. Check austintexas.gov/pools-splashpads for up-to-date info on which pools are open, what their entry fee is, and whether you have what it takes to be a public pool lifeguard. Now, outta the way if you don’t wanna get wet: I’m gonna do a cannonball! – James Scott

Hurrah! It’s the only good thing about summer – sorry to summer-enjoyers – come back once more. Austin Public Library’s summer reading program runs from June 1 until Aug. 10 and challenges readers of all ages to get 20 minutes of reading done a day. They’ve also got activity badges you can earn – fun biz like using APL’s seed library, making a DIY nature journal, attending any of APL’s free events. Finish 10 reading hours and three activity badges to earn prizes like a free book (kids 0-17) or a camping mug (adults). But isn’t the real reward the great books you read along the way? – James Scott

As the dog days of summer descend, the music industry shuts down. Enter Hot Summer Nights, the Red River Cultural District’s annual music festival that forgoes cover charges in order to keep clubs open and musicians paid. This year, the event promises free performances by Alexalone, Gummy Fang, Norman Ba$e, Porcelain, MsGold, Borzoi, and more, throughout our Downtown music epicenter. Make special note of the Chronicle’s Thursday party at Empire, featuring Moody Bank$, Daniel Fears, David Shabani, and DJ Kay Cali. After all, getting sweaty is a small price to pay to #DefendRedRiver. – Carys Anderson

Long for the days of the original Nintendo or Genesis or Game Boy? Join a gathering of like-minded folks for guests, live music, vendors, cosplay, tournaments, and more retro-gaming enjoyment.

This family-friendly fan event promises face time with parody songsmith “Weird Al” Yankovic, martial artist Bolo Yeung (Enter the Dragon), and voice actors from Avatar: The Last Airbender and X-Men ’97, plus cosplay galore.

Don’t miss this live performance of humanity and the animal kingdom’s podcast, where host Scott Aukerman interviews world-class improvisers playing zany characters.

The troupe performs traditional folk dances for Guelaguetza Oaxaqueña, a festival celebrating the alliance between indigenous groups in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Summer Stock Austin takes us “Under the Sea” for an enchanting and breathtaking musical journey with Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder, and the gang.

Theatregoers will feel the earth move as one of Austin’s foremost theatre companies closes its 2023-24 season with this Tony Award-winning musical that follows King’s early career and includes classics such as “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Natural Woman.”

A purr-fect way to spend the weekend if you like the sound of “a festival where the worlds of cats and pop collide” with art, workshops, catios, cattoos, and more.

Powerhouse singer/songwriter/saw player concludes the free summer music series at the amphitheatre, warmed up by Americana toe-tappers from the South Austin Moonlighters.

First, you load up on swag, goodies, and more at the annual Austin Pride festival, and second, you cheer and clap for the flamboy- ant floats from local queer- and ally-run orgs in the Pride Parade. Perfect day!

From ladders to chairs to cages, watch Liv Morgan, Jey Uso, and other WWE superstars throw each other around the squared circle, with a side of theatrics.

You probably know Schwartz as Jean-Ralphio on Parks and Recreation or as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog, but he’s also one of the world’s preeminent improvisers. With help from his pals, prepare for ad-libbed antics.

Austin’s oldest and queerest film festival returns every year with the best in movies made for and by the LGBTQ community – and beyond!

Some say it’s the best eight seconds in sports. For three days, the Moody Center will fill with dirt as PBR (Professional Bull Riders) brings the Austin Gamblers to compete in the PBR Camping World Team Series.

The “Le” lets you know it’s classy, and the “Garage” lets you know there will be deals: fashion-conscious shoppers will find bottom-dollar offers from dozens of brands and boutiques.