If you had reservations about donating a kidney to get ACL passes, don’t fret! There are plenty of great activities to enjoy during both ACL weekends at a cheaper price. Here are five events that you can hit up outside of Zilker.
The German-Texas Heritage Society’s Oktoberfest
Get your taste of Germany at the German-Texas Heritage Society’s Oktoberfest. The party provides family fun with live music, games, German food courtesy of caterers at Frank Sausages and, of course, beer. Not only is this an alternative to ACL, it’s a cheaper and more easily accessible beer festival for Austinites than Fredericksburg’s annual Oktoberfest .
When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: The German Free School
Admission: Adults $7, children 12 and under free
Why: Beer
Free Karaoke at Ego’s
Instead of listening to a weekend’s worth of ACL artists, you can take to the stage yourself and sing your favorite tunes at Ego’s, one of Austin’s best karaoke bars. Hit up this Austin gem early to reserve your spot at the mic and sing your heart out before a heckle-free crowd. While waiting to sing, check out the pool tables and pinball to keep up the fun.
When: Weeknights, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Ego’s Bar
Admission: Adults 21+, karaoke free, menu prices vary
Why: The sweet, sweet sound of drunk people who can’t sing
Austin Uptown Dance Free Dance Classes
Start your journey to become the next Beyonce with Austin Uptown Dance’s free dance classes for beginners in two step, swing and salsa. This event will be a great way to pick up a new skill and meet new people while having relaxed, healthy fun.
When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Austin Uptown Dance
Admission: All ages free
Why: Never be too afraid to ask someone to dance ever again
Ditch the Fest Fest 2017
Skip ACL with Ditch the Fest Fest, an event which will fulfill your need for live music at a lower price. Local Austin artists such as Eyelid Kid, Lola Tried and The Human Circuit will feature at the fest’s three different stages. You can also take an hour break from the music with Ditch the Fest Fest’s comedy hour. Bring a shirt for a free screen print by Raw Paw.
When: Saturday, Oct. 14 Sunday, Oct. 15, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Spider House Cafe and Ballroom
Admission: Adults 18+ — $5
Why: Relatively, it’s the cheapest place in the world
Anon(ymous)
“Anon(ymous),” a new play by UT’s College of Fine Arts, is a modernized adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey.” Its focus is Anon, a refugee who arrives in the United States and meets friends and foes on his journey to reunite with his family. If you’re feeling in the mood to watch a story that deals with relatable themes, or eager to support your fellow Longhorn thespians, check out this production.
When: Friday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 8, 2:00 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 15, 2:00 p.m.
Where: The Oscar G. Brockett Theatre
Admission: College students — $15, UT faculty and staff — $21, full price — $26
Why: It’s a political version of “The Odyssey”!