FREE events in Austin

FREE weekly Open Mic Night hosted by Raul Ochoa. Music-focused: singers, songwriters, instrumentalists welcome. Sign up and perform!

A FREE volunteer trail restoration and maintenance event on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, hosted by The Trail Conservancy. FREE to participate, tools provided.

FREE admission every Tuesday at the Blanton, generously provided by the Moody Family FREE Day Endowment. Tickets valid 10am-5pm. Confirmed current as of 2026 directly from blantonmuseum.org (note: some older third-party sites incorrectly list Thursday — Tuesday is correct).

Thinkery offers FREE general admission every Tuesday from 3–7pm (community hours). Children's museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits. Reserve your spot online in advance to avoid waits. 3 hours of FREE validated parking in the McBee St Garage.

A FREE storytelling workshop for creatives at the Dougherty Arts Center, open to the public with RSVP.

FREE weekly run group — all fitness levels welcome! Meet at 6:45pm, run starts 7:05pm. Route details sent via RAW email list. Return to Mean Eyed Cat ~8-8:30pm for post-run food & drinks.

FREE weekly farmers market every Wednesday year-round. Summer hours: 9am–12pm. Fall/regular hours: 3–6pm. Local farmers, artisans, and producers selling vegetables, fruits, herbs, olive oils, specialty foods, and more.

A FREE artist talk at the Dougherty Arts Center featuring the artists behind current exhibitions "Somos Animales Poéticos," "On and On and On," and "Out of Place." FREE and open to the public.

The Contemporary Austin offers FREE admission every Thursday at both Laguna Gloria's sculpture park and the Jones Center downtown, plus the second Saturday of each month.

FREE weekly live music every Thursday evening at The Saxon Pub on South Lamar. One of Austin's beloved neighborhood music institutions. No cover charge.

2026 dates not yet confirmed by the city (based on the usual first-weekend-of-October schedule). Check roundrocktexas.gov before you go. Annual three-day celebration of creativity presented by City of Round Rock Arts and Culture. FREE admission. Live performances, food and drink, artisan vendors, chalk murals, interactive art and music, Oktoberfest, and more.

Every Friday night, Vista Brewing hosts Driftwood Nights — a FREE live outdoor songwriter series in the beautiful Hill Country. Enjoy local musicians performing original music in a relaxed outdoor setting. No cover. Family and dog friendly.

FREE live music Lounge Sessions at the iconic Hotel San José on South Congress Avenue. Casual outdoor setting, no cover. A beloved SoCo tradition.

The 21st Annual Leander Bluegrass & Folk Festival, presented by Leander Parks & Recreation. FREE admission (optional Fun Zone wristbands ~$15). Runs Fri Oct 2 and Sat Oct 3, roughly 6:00–9:30 pm each evening.

FREE live music every Friday evening on Lake Travis at Beachside Billy's and Volente Beach. Enjoy local musicians with views of the lake. Food and drinks available. No cover.

UT Austin's astronomy department hosts FREE weekly public star parties on the roof of RLM using a 16-inch telescope. Expect views of planets, binary stars, star clusters, and bright nebulae. FREE and open to the public, weather permitting. Check the UT Austin astronomy department site to confirm the night is on before heading over.

Wimberley Lions Market Days, one of Texas's largest outdoor markets, held the 1st Saturday of the month, 7am–3pm. Hundreds of vendors of antiques, crafts, and food. FREE admission (small parking fee).

FREE community kickoff event for National Night Out.

FREE weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Republic Square, presented by the Sustainable Food Center. Local farmers, ranchers, and food producers and artisans. FREE to attend.

A FREE volunteer park stewardship event restoring trails at the Spyglass Trailhead of Barton Creek Greenbelt, hosted by Austin Parks Foundation. FREE to participate.

A FREE community basketball and recreation event for families at Govalle Neighborhood Park, hosted by Austin Parks Foundation. FREE and open to the public.

FREE indoor Latinx art market featuring artists, musicians, writers, and craftspersons. Mini concerts, cultural presentations, art classes, and craft workshops. Poetry readings, history and culture presentations, art exhibits. Workshops are FREE (materials fee of $5 if required).

2026 dates not yet confirmed by the city (based on the usual first-weekend-of-October schedule). Check roundrocktexas.gov before you go. Annual three-day celebration of creativity presented by City of Round Rock Arts and Culture. FREE admission. Live performances, food and drink, artisan vendors, chalk murals, interactive art and music, Oktoberfest, and more.

FREE, family-friendly science programs every Saturday 10am–2pm. Drop-in, no registration required. Approximately 30-minute programs running throughout the window. Also includes FREE Science Storytime (drop-in for ages 4 and under). General admission to the center is always FREE. Summer hours June–August: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun Noon–5pm.

FREE admission retro-themed vintage/vendor market at The Highball.

The 21st Annual Leander Bluegrass & Folk Festival, presented by Leander Parks & Recreation. FREE admission (optional Fun Zone wristbands ~$15). Runs Fri Oct 2 and Sat Oct 3, roughly 6:00–9:30 pm each evening.

Event link: Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B FREE First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions with amazing artifacts and incredible histories.

2026 dates not yet confirmed by the city (based on the usual first-weekend-of-October schedule). Check roundrocktexas.gov before you go. Annual three-day celebration of creativity presented by City of Round Rock Arts and Culture. FREE admission. Live performances, food and drink, artisan vendors, chalk murals, interactive art and music, and more.

Year-round, producer-only farmers' market every Sunday 10am–2pm at the Mueller neighborhood. 60+ Texas vendors with local seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, baked goods, and specialty foods. FREE community composting, kids events, live music, and chef demos. FREE admission.

Mexic-Arte Museum waives admission every Sunday. FREE all day during regular Sunday hours. mexic-arte.org

Thinkery offers FREE general admission every Sunday from 3–7pm (community hours). Children's museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits. Reserve your spot online in advance to avoid waits. 3 hours of FREE validated parking in the McBee St Garage.

FREE weekly Open Mic Night hosted by Raul Ochoa. Music-focused: singers, songwriters, instrumentalists welcome. Sign up and perform!

FREE admission every Tuesday at the Blanton, generously provided by the Moody Family FREE Day Endowment. Tickets valid 10am-5pm. Confirmed current as of 2026 directly from blantonmuseum.org (note: some older third-party sites incorrectly list Thursday — Tuesday is correct).

Thinkery offers FREE general admission every Tuesday from 3–7pm (community hours). Children's museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits. Reserve your spot online in advance to avoid waits. 3 hours of FREE validated parking in the McBee St Garage.

FREE weekly farmers market every Wednesday year-round. Summer hours: 9am–12pm. Fall/regular hours: 3–6pm. Local farmers, artisans, and producers selling vegetables, fruits, herbs, olive oils, specialty foods, and more.

The Contemporary Austin offers FREE admission every Thursday at both Laguna Gloria's sculpture park and the Jones Center downtown, plus the second Saturday of each month.

FREE weekly live music every Thursday evening at The Saxon Pub on South Lamar. One of Austin's beloved neighborhood music institutions. No cover charge.

Every Friday night, Vista Brewing hosts Driftwood Nights — a FREE live outdoor songwriter series in the beautiful Hill Country. Enjoy local musicians performing original music in a relaxed outdoor setting. No cover. Family and dog friendly.

FREE live music Lounge Sessions at the iconic Hotel San José on South Congress Avenue. Casual outdoor setting, no cover. A beloved SoCo tradition.

FREE live music every Friday evening on Lake Travis at Beachside Billy's and Volente Beach. Enjoy local musicians with views of the lake. Food and drinks available. No cover.

UT Austin's astronomy department hosts FREE weekly public star parties on the roof of RLM using a 16-inch telescope. Expect views of planets, binary stars, star clusters, and bright nebulae. FREE and open to the public, weather permitting. Check the UT Austin astronomy department site to confirm the night is on before heading over.

FREE weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Republic Square, presented by the Sustainable Food Center. Local farmers, ranchers, and food producers and artisans. FREE to attend.

FREE community transcription event celebrating Texas Archives Month.

FREE monthly open-air market on the second Saturday of each month in Georgetown's historic downtown square ("Most Beautiful Square in Texas"). Artisan, craft, food truck, cottage food, and retail vendors, plus live music all day. FREE parking at 7th & Rock St., 8th & Forest St., 9th & Main St., and 5th & Main parking garage.

FREE, family-friendly science programs every Saturday 10am–2pm. Drop-in, no registration required. Approximately 30-minute programs running throughout the window. Also includes FREE Science Storytime (drop-in for ages 4 and under). General admission to the center is always FREE. Summer hours June–August: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun Noon–5pm.

FREE community parade down Center Street in downtown Kyle, celebrating the city's founding. Weather dependent. FREE and open to the public.

FREE annual public march and rally at the Texas State Capitol.

Year-round, producer-only farmers' market every Sunday 10am–2pm at the Mueller neighborhood. 60+ Texas vendors with local seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, seafood, baked goods, and specialty foods. FREE community composting, kids events, live music, and chef demos. FREE admission.

FREE family admission on the second Sunday of each month, 11 AM–4 PM. Explore the beautiful outdoor sculpture garden and indoor museum at no cost. umlaufsculpture.org

Mexic-Arte Museum waives admission every Sunday. FREE all day during regular Sunday hours. mexic-arte.org

Thinkery offers FREE general admission every Sunday from 3–7pm (community hours). Children's museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits. Reserve your spot online in advance to avoid waits. 3 hours of FREE validated parking in the McBee St Garage.

FREE admission all day for Columbus Day. Last visitor admitted at 4 PM. Also FREE year-round for UT ID holders, active duty military (+5 family), SNAP/WIC/MAP recipients, and kids under 12. Tuesdays are always half off.

FREE weekly Open Mic Night hosted by Raul Ochoa. Music-focused: singers, songwriters, instrumentalists welcome. Sign up and perform!

FREE admission every Tuesday at the Blanton, generously provided by the Moody Family FREE Day Endowment. Tickets valid 10am-5pm. Confirmed current as of 2026 directly from blantonmuseum.org (note: some older third-party sites incorrectly list Thursday — Tuesday is correct).

Thinkery offers FREE general admission every Tuesday from 3–7pm (community hours). Children's museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits. Reserve your spot online in advance to avoid waits. 3 hours of FREE validated parking in the McBee St Garage.

FREE weekly farmers market every Wednesday year-round. Summer hours: 9am–12pm. Fall/regular hours: 3–6pm. Local farmers, artisans, and producers selling vegetables, fruits, herbs, olive oils, specialty foods, and more.

A FREE opening reception for current gallery exhibitions at the Dougherty Arts Center. FREE and open to the public.

The Contemporary Austin offers FREE admission every Thursday at both Laguna Gloria's sculpture park and the Jones Center downtown, plus the second Saturday of each month.

FREE weekly live music every Thursday evening at The Saxon Pub on South Lamar. One of Austin's beloved neighborhood music institutions. No cover charge.

Every Friday night, Vista Brewing hosts Driftwood Nights — a FREE live outdoor songwriter series in the beautiful Hill Country. Enjoy local musicians performing original music in a relaxed outdoor setting. No cover. Family and dog friendly.

FREE live music Lounge Sessions at the iconic Hotel San José on South Congress Avenue. Casual outdoor setting, no cover. A beloved SoCo tradition.

FREE live music every Friday evening on Lake Travis at Beachside Billy's and Volente Beach. Enjoy local musicians with views of the lake. Food and drinks available. No cover.

FREE public orchestra concert at Centennial Plaza.

UT Austin's astronomy department hosts FREE weekly public star parties on the roof of RLM using a 16-inch telescope. Expect views of planets, binary stars, star clusters, and bright nebulae. FREE and open to the public, weather permitting. Check the UT Austin astronomy department site to confirm the night is on before heading over.

FREE weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Republic Square, presented by the Sustainable Food Center. Local farmers, ranchers, and food producers and artisans. FREE to attend.

FREE indoor Latinx art market featuring artists, musicians, writers, and craftspersons. Mini concerts, cultural presentations, art classes, and craft workshops. Poetry readings, history and culture presentations, art exhibits. Workshops are FREE (materials fee of $5 if required).

A FREE celebration marking 100 years of the Austin Public Library, hosted at the Austin History Center with exhibits and programming. FREE and open to the public.

FREE annual Shiba Inu dog parade and community meetup at Pease Park.

FREE, family-friendly science programs every Saturday 10am–2pm. Drop-in, no registration required. Approximately 30-minute programs running throughout the window. Also includes FREE Science Storytime (drop-in for ages 4 and under). General admission to the center is always FREE. Summer hours June–August: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun Noon–5pm.

The Environmental Science Institute at UT Austin hosts FREE monthly public science lectures called Hot Science Cool Talks. Topics range from climate and ecology to astronomy and human health. FREE and open to all ages. Check esi.utexas.edu for upcoming topics and dates.

FREE outdoor food festival at Republic Square showcasing local and national restaurants, eateries, cafes, and food trucks alongside live music. FREE to attend; food and drinks available for purchase. (Times approximate — confirm before attending.)

FREE admission every Tuesday at the Blanton, generously provided by the Moody Family FREE Day Endowment. Tickets valid 10am-5pm. Confirmed current as of 2026 directly from blantonmuseum.org (note: some older third-party sites incorrectly list Thursday — Tuesday is correct).

A FREE hands-on mask-making workshop at the Dougherty Arts Center. FREE, registration required.

The Contemporary Austin offers FREE admission every Thursday at both Laguna Gloria's sculpture park and the Jones Center downtown, plus the second Saturday of each month.

FREE weekly live music every Thursday evening at The Saxon Pub on South Lamar. One of Austin's beloved neighborhood music institutions. No cover charge.

Every Friday night, Vista Brewing hosts Driftwood Nights — a FREE live outdoor songwriter series in the beautiful Hill Country. Enjoy local musicians performing original music in a relaxed outdoor setting. No cover. Family and dog friendly.

FREE live music Lounge Sessions at the iconic Hotel San José on South Congress Avenue. Casual outdoor setting, no cover. A beloved SoCo tradition.

FREE live music every Friday evening on Lake Travis at Beachside Billy's and Volente Beach. Enjoy local musicians with views of the lake. Food and drinks available. No cover.

UT Austin's astronomy department hosts FREE weekly public star parties on the roof of RLM using a 16-inch telescope. Expect views of planets, binary stars, star clusters, and bright nebulae. FREE and open to the public, weather permitting. Check the UT Austin astronomy department site to confirm the night is on before heading over.

FREE weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Republic Square, presented by the Sustainable Food Center. Local farmers, ranchers, and food producers and artisans. FREE to attend.

FREE Halloween event in downtown Kyle with trick-or-treating, costume contests, vendor booths, and crafts. FREE and open to the public.

Elgin's 38th annual Hogeye Festival, held on the 4th Saturday of October, celebrating the town's sausage heritage with a parade, live music, food, and vendors in historic downtown Elgin. FREE admission. (Times approximate — confirm parade/stage schedule day-of.)

FREE admission gem and mineral festival at Shop LC headquarters.

The 43rd annual Viva la Vida Festival & Parade, Austin's largest Día de los Muertos celebration, featuring a parade down Congress Avenue, altars, music, and family activities, presented by Mexic-Arte Museum. FREE and open to the public.

The City of Buda's FREE family Halloween event at City Park, with trick-or-treating, games, and fall activities. FREE and open to the public.

A FREE Filipino-American community market featuring local vendors, food, and cultural programming, presented by Filipino Young Professionals of Austin (FYP ATX). FREE, family-friendly, with FREE parking.

FREE admission every fourth Sunday of the month at this UT campus museum. Explore fossils, Texas wildlife, meteorites, and a 33-foot pterosaur. Always FREE for kids; FREE general admission on this day.

Enjoy FREE museum admission all day on H-E-B FREE Fourth Sundays, held the fourth Sunday of every month! Event link

FREE admission every Tuesday at the Blanton, generously provided by the Moody Family FREE Day Endowment. Tickets valid 10am-5pm. Confirmed current as of 2026 directly from blantonmuseum.org (note: some older third-party sites incorrectly list Thursday — Tuesday is correct).

A FREE collage-making event at the Dougherty Arts Center as part of the Roots & Wings Festival. FREE, registration encouraged.

The Contemporary Austin offers FREE admission every Thursday at both Laguna Gloria's sculpture park and the Jones Center downtown, plus the second Saturday of each month.

FREE weekly live music every Thursday evening at The Saxon Pub on South Lamar. One of Austin's beloved neighborhood music institutions. No cover charge.

FREE community Halloween trunk-or-treat event at Metz Park.

FREE family Halloween event on Main Street in downtown Round Rock with trick-or-treating at local businesses, costumes, and festivities. Admission is FREE and open to the public.

Every Friday night, Vista Brewing hosts Driftwood Nights — a FREE live outdoor songwriter series in the beautiful Hill Country. Enjoy local musicians performing original music in a relaxed outdoor setting. No cover. Family and dog friendly.

FREE live music Lounge Sessions at the iconic Hotel San José on South Congress Avenue. Casual outdoor setting, no cover. A beloved SoCo tradition.

FREE live music every Friday evening on Lake Travis at Beachside Billy's and Volente Beach. Enjoy local musicians with views of the lake. Food and drinks available. No cover.

UT Austin's astronomy department hosts FREE weekly public star parties on the roof of RLM using a 16-inch telescope. Expect views of planets, binary stars, star clusters, and bright nebulae. FREE and open to the public, weather permitting. Check the UT Austin astronomy department site to confirm the night is on before heading over.

FREE weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Republic Square, presented by the Sustainable Food Center. Local farmers, ranchers, and food producers and artisans. FREE to attend.

The City of Cedar Park's FREE trick-or-treat event at City Hall, with candy stations, games, and family fun. FREE and open to the public.

Event link: Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B FREE First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions with amazing artifacts and incredible histories.

FREE community market celebrating PEAS's 15th anniversary at Bowie High School.

FREE community Dia de los Muertos celebration at Moody Amphitheater (distinct from the MACC's Dia de los Muertos event).

FREE admission every Tuesday at the Blanton, generously provided by the Moody Family FREE Day Endowment. Tickets valid 10am-5pm. Confirmed current as of 2026 directly from blantonmuseum.org (note: some older third-party sites incorrectly list Thursday — Tuesday is correct).

The Contemporary Austin offers FREE admission every Thursday at both Laguna Gloria's sculpture park and the Jones Center downtown, plus the second Saturday of each month.

FREE weekly live music every Thursday evening at The Saxon Pub on South Lamar. One of Austin's beloved neighborhood music institutions. No cover charge.

Every Friday night, Vista Brewing hosts Driftwood Nights — a FREE live outdoor songwriter series in the beautiful Hill Country. Enjoy local musicians performing original music in a relaxed outdoor setting. No cover. Family and dog friendly.

FREE live music Lounge Sessions at the iconic Hotel San José on South Congress Avenue. Casual outdoor setting, no cover. A beloved SoCo tradition.

FREE live music every Friday evening on Lake Travis at Beachside Billy's and Volente Beach. Enjoy local musicians with views of the lake. Food and drinks available. No cover.

UT Austin's astronomy department hosts FREE weekly public star parties on the roof of RLM using a 16-inch telescope. Expect views of planets, binary stars, star clusters, and bright nebulae. FREE and open to the public, weather permitting. Check the UT Austin astronomy department site to confirm the night is on before heading over.

FREE weekly farmers market every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Republic Square, presented by the Sustainable Food Center. Local farmers, ranchers, and food producers and artisans. FREE to attend.