A Guide to Free Concerts in Austin
June 20, 2024
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Free concerts in Austin are abundant, and the Heywood concierge team is here to make sure you don’t miss any of them!
Austin is the live music capital of the world, but you don’t need a lot of money to enjoy it. There are tons of long-running, free concert series and music events in the city. Stay at the Heywood and we’ll help you find all the best options.
Here’s where to go to see free live music in Austin, TX — updated for 2024!
Free Week
photo courtesy of @mohawkaustin on Instagram
Free Week is the first free music event of the year, typically taking place during the first weekend of the first week of January. Centered around the Red River District — just a mile from the Heywood Hotel — Free Week showcases dozens of local and regional bands across over 10 venues. Some of our favorite venues include Mohawk, Barracuda, Empire Control Room, and Cheer Up Charlies. There’s no better way to kick off a new year than with free live music in Austin!
SXSW
SXSW is an annual tech, film, and music conference that draws hundreds of thousands of people into Austin every March. While you need a badge to attend most of the panels and screenings, locals know there are also plenty of free music events throughout the week. One of the best music events is the SXSW community concerts that take place at Lady Bird Lake. With the city skyline as the backdrop, these free public concerts are a great way to spend a spring evening in Austin.
Pecan Street Festival
The Pecan Street Festival takes over East Sixth Street twice a year, once in May and again in September. There are three stages of great local music of all genres from indie rock to hip hop to funk and more! The event also includes local arts and crafts vendors and is free and open to the public.
The Long Center Drop-In Series
In partnership with local radio station 93.3 Austin City Limits Radio, The Drop-In is a free outdoor concert series that takes place every Thursday from May 23rd – August 15th at Long Center. Inspired by Austin’s love of outdoor jams, you can spread out a blanket or prop up a lawn chair on the green space to enjoy the shows that happen on Long Center’s newly erected 3D-printed stage. You bring the energy, and they’ll provide the tunes!
Blues on the Green
Blues on the Green is one of Austin’s longest-running concert series. Sponsored by local radio station 93.3 Austin City Limits Radio, the free concerts are hosted in Zilker Park, and the dates vary. Family and dog-friendly, the series generally features Austin rock, pop and blues favorites and is an annual tradition for free live music in Austin.
Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Presented by Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO), this free concert series is for the classical music lovers. The ensemble concerts take place at the Hartman Concert Lawn at Long Center on Sunday evenings throughout spring and summer and are free to attend, pet-friendly, and open to all ages. Performances range from jazz and light classical to pops selections and film scores. You can find more information and a schedule here.
Hot Summer Nights
Hot Summer Nights brings free live music across the Red River District on the last weekend in July. It’s easy to catch tons of local bands at venues such as Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlies, and Empire Control Room & Garage. There’s a heavy emphasis on indie rock, but a variety of genres are represented at these free Austin summer concerts.
Music Under the Star
Returning after a seven-year hiatus, Music Under the Star is an outdoor concert series hosted by Bullock Museum, just a couple of miles away from the Heywood Hotel. The concerts occur monthly throughout the summer and take place on the new Capitol Mall Amphitheater in front of the museum. If you want to enjoy the sounds of Texas musicians, add Music Under the Star to your list of Austin summer concerts this year.