Austin reaches over 90 degrees during the summer months. Though, Austinites know how to beat the heat with music, water activity, and energetic festivals all season long.
The good thing about the city is that it’s never short of creative ways to make fun. Coffee shops turn into spots for movie-watching, natural underwater springs turn into public pools, and outdoor venues take their opportunity to provide locals with free community events to showcase passion for the city’s culture.
Read Lirica’s guide to summer in Austin with this curated list of ongoing activity and monthly summer events. Though this guide outlines some of our summer favorites, there is even more to do in Austin!
Visit Barton Springs Pool
“Austin – Zilker Metropolitan Park: Barton Springs Pool” by wallyg is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Barton Springs Pool is famous in Austin. Located in Zilker Park, locals flood into this natural swimming pool all year round, though popularity spikes during summer months. What makes this pool different is that it is fed by four underground water springs, providing naturally filtered water that stays at a perfect 68-74 degrees year-round.
Barton Springs Pool is surrounded by trees, grassy areas to lay down towels, and lifeguards there to keep visitors and the protected environment safe.
Kayak or Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake
Lady Bird Lake maintains year-round attraction and provides a fun way to cool off during sweaty summer months. You can rent a kayak or paddle board at a few locations along the water. You’ll get a beautiful view of downtown while getting a bit of a workout and experiencing the social scene on the water.
While the water is navigable and flat, Lady Bird Lake prohibits swimming due to its water quality. Stick to kayaks and paddle boards here!
Get the Best BBQ and Ice Cream
Summer means barbecue season in Austin, Texas. Known for our slow cooked brisket, flavor fusions, and tomato-vinegar accompaniment to a focused dry rub, Austin is one of the best cities in the US for BBQ. Some of the most famous include Franklin Barbecue, Micklethwait, and Terry Black’s.
Afterwards, stroll downtown and cool off at one of Austin’s most beloved ice cream shops, Amy’s Ice Creams, which has been around for over 40 years. Also check out Gati Cafe, located in East Austin, and Lick Honest Ice Creams near Zilker Park.
Day Drink at Austin’s Outdoor Patios
Austin’s downtown and eastside is sprawling with cute bungalows, funky outdoor patios, and breweries, making it a hub for day-drinking and food truck hopping.
Some of the most popular patios include De Nada Cantina, known for their bright pink buckets of frozen margaritas, Cosmic Saltillo, known for their vibrant plant-covered rooftop, and Holiday on 7th, an elevated cocktail bar with a cute farmhouse-style patio (this spot is right across from Lirica!)
Breweries and beer gardens are big in Austin too. Check out Central Machine Works, a huge brewery with a patio and live music. Radio Coffee & Beer and Austin Beerworks are also worth the visit.
June Events
Blues on the Green
Blues on the Green is an Austin classic, having filled Zilker Park with a diverse range of musicians and thousands of Austinites since 1990. This event is completely free, allows visitors to bring blankets and outside food, and is located in one of Austin’s largest outdoor parks.
Central Texas Juneteenth Parade
Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery, is celebrated with a parade, food trucks, dancing, and games during Central Texas’s Juneteenth Parade & Festival. Meet at East 12th Street and head towards Rosewood Park (formerly Emancipation Park) for a day of entertainment and remembrance.
Paramount Summer Classic Film Series
This annual tradition starts after Memorial Day and occurs throughout the entire summer until Labor Day. The historic Paramount Theater in downtown Austin will feature over 100 iconic films in its century old venue. For an affordable price, you can have a ticket to a series of themed screenings and performances.
July Events
Star Spangled Fest
Set at Auditorium Shores, this annual Austin event celebrates America with music, local food and drink vendors, live performances by local artists and the Austin Symphony, and fireworks over Lady Bird Lake. Star Spangled Fest is free and open to the public to bring lawn chairs and blankets while enjoying the community and celebration Austin has to offer.
Hot Summer Nights
Austin is well known for its vibrant music scene, and although the summer heat gets to the upper 90s, there is no shortage of outdoor and indoor live music to catch. Aptly named, Hot Summer Nights is a three-day weekend live music festival hosted each July in the Red River Cultural District.
It is one of the biggest music events of the year and supports local Austin artists, food and drink vendors, and craft businesses. Not to mention attending is free!
Mozart’s Movies On The Lake
Watch a movie lakeside at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, set on the opposite side of the water from Zilker Park. Movie nights happen once a week all of summer. Sit on a paddleboard, water tube, boat, or on the deck while watching classics anywhere from Pitch Perfect, to Shrek, to Dirty Dancing.
August Events
Austin Action Film Festival and Market
If music weren’t Austin’s mainstay, filmmaking would be. The Austin Action Fest is an entertainment experience with stunt performances, stunt training, film showcases, and distribution opportunities. This event is made both for filmmakers looking to network or for action movie fans.
Austin Pride
Austin’s annual Pride Festival and Parade happens at Fiesta Gardens with energetic live music performances, dancing, shopping, and eating. Featuring a parade down Congress Avenue, Austinites can also witness the “Rainbow Corridor” (4th street) in downtown thrive with positive, lively crowds and drag performances.
Stay Weird Austin Festival
The Stay Weird Austin Festival is relatively new to the festival scene. Its mission is to preserve Austin’s tradition of “staying weird” with local history, culture, and music. This event will feature a lineup of music, food, and drink from local artists and vendors.
Stay Entertained all Summer Long at Lirica Apartments
Lirica is a brand-new apartment community in East Austin with a plethora of amenities curated to a creative, active, and professional lifestyle. With a resort-style pool, Hi Fi communal lounge, rooftop terrace, yard games, and two-story fitness center, there is no shortage of opportunity in our apartment homes. Take a look around and explore a connected living experience in Austin!
