Austin Highlights: June 15 To June 18 – Food, Music, Arts & More

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The best free and fun events in Austin, June 15 – June 18, include waiting/ REX, DAC Pride: Every Act of Life, and more!

Austin turns up the energy long before the weekend hits, and this list rounds up the can’t-miss events keeping the city buzzing all week long. Explore what’s happening from June 8 to June 11, and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity!

Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.

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Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, June 15, 2026

“Last Call” Open House & Happy Hour

Bid a temporary farewell to the historic Paramount Theatre during this exclusive “Last Call” Open House and Extended Happy Hour.

Before the venue undergoes a massive 11-month restoration, take the chance to explore the theater’s majestic architecture and view the rare 1915 hand-painted fire curtain up close.

Enjoy throwback drink pricing, take home some commemorative merchandise, and help toast the future of this century-old cultural landmark.

Where: Monday, June 15, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
When: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
How Much: Free

Touch the Art Experience

Image credit: almostrealthings

This is the one art show where touching everything is not just allowed, it’s encouraged — that’s the whole point!

Almost Real Things’ 4th annual Touch the Art Experience transforms the gallery into a fully immersive, all-senses installation featuring work from 83 artists, including collaborating students from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Visit the exhibit to explore tactile installations, discover artwork for sale, and experience what it feels like when art truly includes everyone.

Where: ART Gallery at Canopy, 916 Springdale Rd, Bldg 2 #101, Austin, TX 78702
When: Monday, June 8 – July 5, 2026
How Much: Starts at $20

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Paramount Theatre presents Summer Classic Film Series: Jaws

Dive into the suspense of the iconic thriller Jaws as part of the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series. This special presentation takes place at the Bullock Museum IMAX Theatre, providing the perfect immersive environment to experience this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen.

Gather your friends for a thrilling movie night that captures the essence of classic summer entertainment.

Where: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
When: Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
How Much: Free

Ice Age in the Wild at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Wildflower Center is about to get prehistoric! Starting May 9, fifteen life-size, gigantic Ice Age mammals, including a 17,500-pound woolly mammoth, will take up residence throughout the gardens for a summer-long run.

Come face-to-face with a saber-toothed cat, a dire wolf, a woolly rhinoceros, and more as you wander the native plant gardens. New weekly Quest of the Week challenges keep every visit fresh, and a small general admission fee gets you through the door.

Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | runs through August 15
How Much: Included with general admission; free for members

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, June 17, 2026

DAC Pride: Every Act of Life

Celebrate the enduring legacy of playwright Terrence McNally by joining this special screening of the documentary Every Act of Life.

This compelling portrait explores five decades of artistic triumph, charting McNally’s pivotal role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights alongside a parade of legendary theatrical voices.

Where: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
When: Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
How Much: Free

Cycles of Resilience Austin Premiere

Step into a powerful journey through the local landscape with the Austin premiere of Cycles of Resilience: A Journey Through Austin’s Black History.

Directed by Ya’Ke Smith, this documentary captures the spirit of the Black History Bike Ride, blending insightful interviews with scholars and community leaders to honor the resilience and excellence of Austin’s Black history.

Where: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
When: AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752
How Much: $15

The Church in concert

Experience the legendary sound of the Australian rock icons, The Church, as they bring their atmospheric melodies to the stage.

Touring in support of their recent album, Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars, the band is ready to deliver an unforgettable evening of music at The Long Center.

Where: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 8:00 PM
When: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
How Much: Starts at $30

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, June 18, 2026

waiting / REX

Image credit: Ishida Dance Company

Prepare to be moved by the striking physicality and emotional depth of the ISHIDA Dance Company in their world premiere double bill, waiting / REX.

By reimagining Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus through a modern contemporary lens, the company crafts an immersive experience that probes the depths of identity, truth, and human repetition.

Where: Thursday, June 18 – 20, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 9:45 PM
When: Dell Fine Arts Center at St. Andrew’s, 5901 Southwest Pkwy Austin, TX 78735
How Much: Starts at $25

Summer Walker in concert

Image credit: Summer Walker

Catch the soulful and captivating voice of Summer Walker as she performs live in Austin to celebrate her latest album, Finally Over It.

Bring your friends for a night of emotive music and vibrant energy that highlights one of today’s most compelling R&B voices.

Where: Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 7:30 PM
When: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
How Much: Starts at $59

Seared

Image credit:; Austin Playhouse

Step directly into an intimate New York City restaurant kitchen environment where live cooking happens right on stage!

This sharp culinary comedy follows a temperamental chef whose brilliant new dish sparks a fierce battle between artistic passion and commercial profit.

Where: Thursday, June 18 – June 28, 2026
When: Austin Playhouse, 405 W 22nd St, Austin, TX 78705
How Much: $21

Already planning for the weekend? Browse our latest picks for Friday through Sunday in Austin — concerts, food festivals, date ideas, and more await!

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.