From $10 movie tickets to overpriced concerts, nightlife in Austin gets expensive — and when summer starts and late-night cram sessions end, it’s even harder to limit spending. Avoid breaking the bank while still having fun with these free events happening each day this week.
Monday, June 1
What: West Coast Swing dance lessons
Where: The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar Blvd.
Time: 8 p.m.
GoDance, an Austin-based dance instruction company, offers beginner through advanced-level classes in more than 30 types of dances. Every Monday this month, the group will hold a free introductory class for West Coast Swing dancing, a “cool, smooth and slotted swing dance.”
For more information, click here.
Tuesday, June 2
What: Stereoscapes
Where: Spider House, 2908 Fruth St.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Every Tuesday, join the audience at Spider House for a variety of live music such as jazz, world and honky tonk. This week, the music featured is Austin bluegrass and Americana with a performance by crooner Brian Kremer. If you enter their contest on Do512, you could win a $25 bar tab.
For more information, click here.
Wednesday, June 3
What: Blues on the Green
Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.
Time: 8 p.m.
Austin’s largest free concert series, Blues on the Green, has hosted local artists at Zilker Park for 25 years. Each year, concert-goers return with folding chairs, blankets and dogs on leashes to enjoy live music and food from local vendors. The first band, The Antone’s All-Star Revue, comes on at 8 p.m. and Jimmie Vaughn and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band is set to perform with a special guest at 8:55 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Thursday, June 4
Movies in the Park presents “The NeverEnding Story”
Where: Dick Nichols District Park, 8011 Beckett Rd.
Time: 8:30 p.m.
The Movies in the Park outdoor movie series occurs throughout the summer in different parks around the city. The Austin Parks Foundation co-sponsors the event and encourages attendees to bring a picnic, kids and pets to the showing of the 1984 German fantasy drama “The NeverEnding Story.”
For more information, click here.
Friday, June 5
What: Austin Civic Orchestra performs '80s songs
Where: Zilker Hillside theater, 2201 Barton Springs Rd.
Time: 8 p.m.
The Austin Civic Orchestra will perform hits from the 1980s, including classics from Journey, Michael Jackson and Van Halen, as well as selections from “Back to the Future,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “E.T.” The orchestra will be back Saturday at the same time for those who can’t make it to the Friday show.
For more information, click here.
Saturday, June 6
What: Sure Thing comedy show
Where: Austin Java, 1206 Parkway (off Lamar Boulevard)
Time: Doors open 7:30 p.m.
Every Saturday night, a lineup of several Austin-based comedians perform in the back room of Austin Java. Past comedians include Funniest Person in Austin-winners, out of town guests and performers seen on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman.
For more information, click here.
Sunday, June 7
What: Concerts in the Park, Brass
Where: Hartman Concert Park at the Long Center of Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Time: 7:30 p.m
Each week, a different section of the Austin Symphony Orchestra will play a free outdoor show. Older couples, young families and college students come together to enjoy performances of various jazz, classical and pop songs as well as selections from popular film scores.
Tess Cagle | Daily Texan Staff
For more information, click here.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed an event that, in fact, is not free. That listing has since been deleted.
