Jump to: Free | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Kids | Adults
The best things to do in Austin this weekend, August 7 – August 9, include Kesha in Concert, Paddle for Puppies, and more!
I’ve rounded up the top events and activities happening across the city, from festivals and outdoor fun to live shows and family-friendly picks. Please scroll down for my picks or use the links above to skip to your favorite section!
Weather this Weekend – August 7 – August 9: Austin will stay hot and mostly dry throughout the weekend with daytime temperatures holding in the upper 90s and only minor afternoon cloud cover.
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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We only recommend experiences we truly believe in! Curious about how we choose our content? Here’s our process.
Check out our recent updates to our guides: Date Ideas in Austin, Things To Do with Teens in Austin, and Best Summer Camps in Austin.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in Austin this Weekend
Round Rock Summer Arts Fest
Explore a signature downtown arts festival showcasing hundreds of fine artists, fine craft creators, exhibitors, and live regional musicians.
Enjoy interactive arts experiences, artist demonstrations, theatrical performances, and a diverse selection of local foods and drinks.
Where: Downtown Round Rock, 221 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664
When: Friday – Sunday, August 7 – 9, 2026 | Opens at 9:00 AM
How Much: Free
Disney’s Newsies
Step into the true story of the historic 1899 Newsboys Strike as dynamic young performers take center stage in a bold, exhilarating musical about standing together and demanding a better tomorrow.
Where: McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026
How Much: Ticket price may vary – Buy Your Ticket Here!
Magnolia Musical Theatre presents The Addams Family
Embrace the delightful wackiness of everyone’s favorite spooky clan as Magnolia Musical Theatre presents its fourth annual free summer production at the Hill Country Galleria.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs out to the Central Lawn and Pavilion for a laugh-out-loud musical spectacle under the open sky.
Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Friday, August 7 – 15, 2026 | 8:00 PM
How Much: Free
Annual Zilker Summer Musical: Singin’ in the Rain
Experience a beloved summer tradition as Zilker Theatre Productions brings the timeless magic of Singin’ in the Rain to the hillside.
Pack your favorite picnic blankets and snacks, and join the crowd for an evening filled with dazzling choreography, stunning costumes, and unforgettable musical numbers under the stars.
Where: Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
When: Friday, August 7 – 15, 2026 | 8:15 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Free
East Austin Market
Spend a relaxing summer evening browsing local art, handmade goods, and unique products from small businesses during a family-friendly community gathering. Get ready to discover treasures crafted by talented neighborhood creators.
Where: Howard Post, 1900 E Howard Lane, Austin, TX 78660
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: Free
Family Day: Career Fair
Image Credit: Umlauf Sculpture Center & Museum
Jump into endless creative possibilities during an all-ages museum day designed to inspire young thinkers, makers, and dreamers to explore diverse paths for pursuing their artistic passions.
Wander the sculpture garden while engaging with interactive activities that spark imagination and future aspirations.
Where: Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
How Much: Free
Sunday Funday: Clay Magnets
Beat the summer heat with an indoor crafting session where children and families can sculpt custom clay magnets inspired by the historic trades of early Austin residents.
All supplies and helpful staff instructions provided on-site.
Where: The Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
How Much: Free
Things to Do in Austin this Friday | Weekend Kickoff Events
Weather on Friday: Mostly sunny and warm with moderate humidity levels, a high of 98°F, a low of 74°F, and an 8% chance of precipitation
A’lante Flamenco presents Roja
Image credit: A’lante Flamenco
Turn up the heat Spanish style for three sultry evenings of sizzling flamenco featuring dynamic dance performances and incredible live music.
Wear red to celebrate Spain’s World Cup victory, shout Ole, and enjoy the evening while sharing homemade sangria until it runs out or bringing your own beverages.
Where: Flamencura Music & Dance, 8910 Research Blvd., Suite D3 Austin, TX 78758
When: Friday – Sunday, August 7 – 9, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: $35
Bike Story Night
Celebrate bike life and outdoor adventures during an exciting evening hosted in a brand new south Austin location under a sprawling oak tree.
Enjoy featured storytellers sharing personal tales with projector photos, open wild card sign-ups, community plugs, and tasty bites from Granny’s Tacos alongside drinks from Switchback Coffee & Beer.
Chairs are limited in the extended outdoor space, so bringing your own lawn chair or blanket is strongly encouraged.
Where: Switchback Coffee & Beer, 220 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, #Suite 110 Austin, TX 78748
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM
How Much: Donation $10 and up
Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
Discover the iconic music of 90s hip-hop reimagined through a multi-sensory live string performance inside an awe-inspiring historic venue.
Listen to incredible classical renditions of medleys from legendary artists like Outkast, the Fugees, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G. glowing beneath a gentle canopy of candlelight.
Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
How Much: Starts at $35
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of modern rock anthems brought to life by a live string ensemble in a breathtaking sacred space.
Let captivating instrumental arrangements of global hits like Clocks, Radioactive, Viva la Vida, and Believer wash over you amidst an intimate sea of flickering candles.
Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $35
Midnight
Step into a lavish 1950s suite at New York’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel for a fast-moving screwball comedy full of escalating chaos, high-stakes meetings, and mistaken identities.
Follow a desperate Hollywood director, a self-taught Bronx playwright hiding in a bar cabinet, and a revolving door of eccentric characters as they race against a midnight deadline in a love letter to artistic ambition and classic farce.
Where: The Stage Austin, 6134 E Hwy 290 Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, August 7 – 16, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Free – $25
MODERN: A 2-day Vietnamese American Festival
Explore the contemporary Vietnamese American experience through a vibrant two-day cultural festival combining high-energy music performances, a stunning intergenerational fashion show, and a special album release celebration.
There will be local and out-of-town designer showcases, panels, zines, a red carpet photo booth, and local AANHPI vendors and drinks at the cultural arts center.
Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
When: Friday – Saturday, August 7 – 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: $50
Sound Unseen Austin Film + Music Festival
Celebrate the sixth annual gathering of music-driven cinema with an extensive lineup of documentaries, narrative features, music videos, and short films exploring the vibrant cultures behind sound.
Engage with filmmakers during special Q&A sessions, red carpet events, and live musical presentations kicking off with an anniversary screening of Shut Up & Sing.
Where: AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $18
Simple Plan in concert
Sing along to massive pop-punk anthems as Simple Plan stops in Austin for their massive twenty-fifth anniversary tour, delivering a setlist filled with fan favorites like I’m Just a Kid and Welcome to My Life.
Where: Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $77
Georgetown Palace Theatre presents 42nd Street
Experience the dazzling glitz of Broadway’s golden age through a classic musical following an ambitious young chorus girl from Pennsylvania who gets her shot at stardom when the leading lady is sidelined.
The timeless score is packed with legendary show tunes like We’re In the Money and Lullaby of Broadway.
Where: Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Friday, August 7 – 30, 2026
How Much: Not stated
Sally & Tom
Dive into the messy, hilarious rehearsals of a scrappy theater company tackling the complex relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings in Pulitzer Prize-winning Suzan-Lori Parks’ brilliant play.
Making its regional premiere at Zach Theater, Sally & Tom flips historical mythmaking on its head by sliding seamlessly between present-day backstage tensions and the past.
Where: ZACH North, 14010 US-183 Suite 540, Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: Friday, August 7 – 23, 2026
How Much: Starts at $12
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Prepare for a sizzling summer experience as The City Theatre Company transforms Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedy into a high-energy musical reimagining.
You will find yourself immersed in a world where fairies harmonize, lovers belt out chart-topping anthems, and backstage rivalries collide with onstage romance to create the ultimate theatrical mash-up.
Where: Genesis Creative Collective, 1507 Wilshire Blvd Unit #1, Austin, TX 78722
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026 | 8:00 PM; Sunday: 3:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $20
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Enchanted Edition)
Rediscover the magic of a timeless fairy tale in this vibrant production inspired by the beloved 1997 musical starring Brandy and Whitney Houston.
This enchanted journey celebrates courage and hope, following Cinderella as she realizes she holds the power to shape her own destiny rather than waiting for life to happen to her.
Come be reminded that dreams are only the beginning, and that once a wish is granted, it is up to us to turn that possibility into reality.
Where: McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026
How Much: $26.40
TexARTS presents Rock of Ages
Dust off your leather jacket and prepare for a blast from the past with the ultimate ’80s rock ‘n’ roll love story. Rock of Ages delivers a high-octane mix of big hair, bigger dreams, and the iconic anthems that defined a generation.
It is outrageous, hilarious, and the perfect dose of nostalgia for anyone who loves a powerful ballad.
Where: TexARTS Theater and Academy, 1110 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $45
Summer Stock
Dive into a summer of spectacular musical theater with Summer Stock Austin’s latest repertory season.
For over two decades, this program has brought professional-caliber productions to the stage, and this year is no exception. With multiple performances scheduled throughout late July and August, there are plenty of opportunities to catch these incredible shows.
Special accommodations, including ASL interpreted, audio-described, and sensory-friendly performances, ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of live theater.
Where: McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $28.80
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend | Top Picks Saturday
Weather on Saturday: Abundant sunshine and clear conditions through the evening, a high of 97°F, a low of 73°F, and a 2% chance of precipitation.
Brisketfest ’26
Indulge in Austin’s smokiest festival dedicated to mouthwatering Texas barbecue, legendary brisket trucks, pop-up artist markets, custom tattoos, and nostalgic 2000s emo and pop-punk covers.
Expect offerings from acclaimed barbecue joints like KG BBQ and Stack City, rock out to live music all afternoon, then keep the party going at the official late-night afterparty.
Where: The Far Out Lounge & Stage, 8504 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 11:45 PM
How Much: $10 early bird, $15 at the door, $45 VIP
Gustavo Class Simplis
Step into the galleries for a vibrant afternoon of movement as the Summer Dance Series returns with an immersive tango edition featuring expert lessons and live music from Hora Once.
Master the basic steps during dedicated instruction times and take to the floor for an unforgettable social dance experience surrounded by stunning art.
Where: Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
How Much: $20
POP Cats Austin
Image credit: POP Cats
Immerse yourself in a creative feline-inspired wonderland featuring interactive art environments, a Punk Cats cattoo parlor, wand-making, and an all-new vinyl toy painting workshop.
You can also shop unique products from specialized artists and makers while supporting on-site rescue organizations to help give back to cats in need.
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday – Sunday, August 8 – 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How Much: $10
ReleasEPalooza
Celebrate the musical milestones of six emerging artists releasing their debut EPs after a year of dedicated songwriting under the mentorship of local studio veterans.
Listen to an eclectic mix of live pop, rock, R&B, soul, funk, metal, and psychedelic instrumentals with a Middle Eastern flair during an uplifting community showcase.
Where: Regal Rooms, 1204 Regal Row, Austin, TX 78748
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: $20 in advance | $25 at the door
Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Sleuth out a cunning criminal hidden right among the tables while feasting on a multi-course plated dinner featuring options like pesto-sage chicken, meatballs with garlic mashed potatoes, or vegetarian tortellini.
Watch out, because you just might find yourself named as a prime suspect in a hilarious interactive crime investigation.
Where: Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown, 810 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: $69.99
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend | Sunday Funday
Weather on Sunday: Mostly sunny, hot, and slightly more humid as evening approaches, a high of 98°F, a low of 72°F, and a 2% chance of precipitation.
Austin Pets Alive presents Paddle for Puppies
Image credit: Paddle for Puppies
Join fellow dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts on the water for a beloved annual morning tradition raising critical funds for Austin Pets Alive!’s lifesaving Parvo Puppy Program.
Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard to journey down Lady Bird Lake while supporting intensive medical care for animals in need.
Where: Rowing Dock, 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 6:45 AM – 10:00 AM
How Much: Starts at $45
Kesha in concert
Image credit: Kesha
Reclaim your voice, joy, and freedom as Kesha brings her tour stage-side to perform massive pop anthems and fan-favorite hits under the open sky.
Where: Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $24
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend with Kids – Family Friendly Events
Round Rock Summer Arts Fest
Explore a signature downtown arts festival showcasing hundreds of fine artists, fine craft creators, exhibitors, and live regional musicians.
Enjoy interactive arts experiences, artist demonstrations, theatrical performances, and a diverse selection of local foods and drinks.
Where: Downtown Round Rock, 221 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664
When: Friday – Sunday, August 7 – 9, 2026 | Opens at 9:00 AM
How Much: Free
Disney’s Newsies
Step into the true story of the historic 1899 Newsboys Strike as dynamic young performers take center stage in a bold, exhilarating musical about standing together and demanding a better tomorrow.
Where: McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026
How Much: Ticket price may vary – Buy Your Ticket Here!
Magnolia Musical Theatre presents The Addams Family
Embrace the delightful wackiness of everyone’s favorite spooky clan as Magnolia Musical Theatre presents its fourth annual free summer production at the Hill Country Galleria.
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs out to the Central Lawn and Pavilion for a laugh-out-loud musical spectacle under the open sky.
Where: Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Friday, August 7 – 15, 2026 | 8:00 PM
How Much: Free
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Enchanted Edition)
Rediscover the magic of a timeless fairy tale in this vibrant production inspired by the beloved 1997 musical starring Brandy and Whitney Houston.
This enchanted journey celebrates courage and hope, following Cinderella as she realizes she holds the power to shape her own destiny rather than waiting for life to happen to her.
Come be reminded that dreams are only the beginning, and that once a wish is granted, it is up to us to turn that possibility into reality.
Where: McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026
How Much: $26.40
Summer Stock
Dive into a summer of spectacular musical theater with Summer Stock Austin’s latest repertory season.
For over two decades, this program has brought professional-caliber productions to the stage, and this year is no exception. With multiple performances scheduled throughout late July and August, there are plenty of opportunities to catch these incredible shows.
Special accommodations, including ASL interpreted, audio-described, and sensory-friendly performances, ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of live theater.
Where: McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $28.80
TexARTS presents Rock of Ages
Dust off your leather jacket and prepare for a blast from the past with the ultimate ‘80s rock-n-roll love story. Rock of Ages delivers a high-octane mix of big hair, bigger dreams, and the iconic anthems that defined a generation.
It is outrageous, hilarious, and the perfect dose of nostalgia for anyone who loves a powerful ballad.
Where: TexARTS Theater and Academy, 1110 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $45
Annual Zilker Summer Musical: Singin’ in the Rain
Experience a beloved summer tradition as Zilker Theatre Productions brings the timeless magic of Singin’ in the Rain to the hillside.
Pack your favorite picnic blankets and snacks, and join the crowd for an evening filled with dazzling choreography, stunning costumes, and unforgettable musical numbers under the stars.
Where: Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
When: Friday, August 7 – 15, 2026 | 8:15 PM – 11:00 PM
How Much: Free
Brisketfest ’26
Indulge in Austin’s smokiest festival dedicated to mouthwatering Texas barbecue, legendary brisket trucks, pop-up artist markets, custom tattoos, and nostalgic 2000s emo and pop-punk covers.
Expect offerings from acclaimed barbecue joints like KG BBQ and Stack City while rocking out to live music all afternoon before keeping the party going at the official late-night afterparty.
Where: The Far Out Lounge & Stage, 8504 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 11:45 PM
How Much: $10 early bird, $15 doors, $45 VIP
POP Cats Austin
Immerse yourself in a creative feline-inspired wonderland featuring interactive art environments, a Punk Cats cattoo parlor, wand-making, and an all-new vinyl toy painting workshop.
You can also shop unique products from specialized artists and makers while supporting on-site rescue organizations to help give back to cats in need.
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday – Sunday, August 8 – 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How Much: $10
East Austin Market
Spend a relaxing summer evening browsing local art, handmade goods, and unique products from small businesses during a family-friendly community gathering. Get ready to discovertreasures crafted by talented neighborhood creators.
Where: Howard Post, 1900 E Howard Lane, Austin, TX 78660
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: Free
Family Day: Career Fair
Jump into endless creative possibilities during an all-ages museum day designed to inspire young thinkers, makers, and dreamers to explore diverse paths for pursuing their artistic passions.
Wander the sculpture garden while engaging with interactive activities that spark imagination and future aspirations.
Where: Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
How Much: Free
Sunday Funday: Clay Magnets
Beat the summer heat with an indoor crafting session where children and families can sculpt custom clay magnets inspired by the historic trades of early Austin residents.
All supplies and helpful staff instructions provided on-site.
Where: The Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
How Much: Free
Austin Pets Alive presents Paddle for Puppies
Join fellow dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts on the water for a beloved annual morning tradition raising critical funds for Austin Pets Alive!’s lifesaving Parvo Puppy Program.
Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard to journey down Lady Bird Lake while supporting intensive medical care for animals in need.
Where: Rowing Dock, 2418 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 6:45 AM – 10:00 AM
How Much: Starts at $45
Things to Do in Austin this Weekend for Adults
A’lante Flamenco presents Roja
Turn up the heat Spanish style for three sultry evenings of sizzling flamenco featuring dynamic dance performances and incredible live music.
Wear red to celebrate Spain’s World Cup victory, shout Ole, and enjoy the evening while sharing homemade sangria until it runs out or bringing your own beverages.
Where: Flamencura Music & Dance, 8910 Research Blvd., Suite D3 Austin, TX 78758
When: Friday – Sunday, August 7 – 9, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: $35
Bike Story Night
Celebrate bike life and outdoor adventures during an exciting evening hosted in a brand new south Austin location under a sprawling oak tree.
Enjoy featured storytellers sharing personal tales with projector photos, open wild card sign-ups, community plugs, and tasty bites from Granny’s Tacos alongside drinks from Switchback Coffee & Beer.
Chairs are limited in the extended outdoor space, so bringing your own lawn chair or blanket is strongly encouraged.
Where: Switchback Coffee & Beer, 220 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, #Suite 110 Austin, TX 78748
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM
How Much: Donation $10 and up
Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
Discover the iconic music of 90s hip-hop reimagined through a multi-sensory live string performance inside an awe-inspiring historic venue.
Listen to incredible classical renditions of medleys from legendary artists like Outkast, the Fugees, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G. glowing beneath a gentle canopy of candlelight.
Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
How Much: Starts at $35
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of modern rock anthems brought to life by a live string ensemble in a breathtaking sacred space.
Let captivating instrumental arrangements of global hits like Clocks, Radioactive, Viva la Vida, and Believer wash over you amidst an intimate sea of flickering candles.
Where: St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $35
Midnight
Step into a lavish 1950s suite at New York’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel for a fast-moving screwball comedy full of escalating chaos, high-stakes meetings, and mistaken identities.
Follow a desperate Hollywood director, a self-taught Bronx playwright hiding in a bar cabinet, and a revolving door of eccentric characters as they race against a midnight deadline in a love letter to artistic ambition and classic farce.
Where: The Stage Austin, 6134 E Hwy 290 Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, August 7 – 16, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Free – $25
MODERN: A 2-day Vietnamese American Festival
Explore the contemporary Vietnamese American experience through a vibrant two-day cultural festival combining high-energy music performances, a stunning intergenerational fashion show, and a special album release celebration.
There will be local and out-of-town designer showcases, panels, zines, a red carpet photo booth, and local AANHPI vendors and drinks at the cultural arts center.
Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
When: Friday – Saturday, August 7 – 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: $50
Sound Unseen Austin Film + Music Festival
Celebrate the sixth annual gathering of music-driven cinema with an extensive lineup of documentaries, narrative features, music videos, and short films exploring the vibrant cultures behind sound.
Engage with filmmakers during special Q&A sessions, red carpet events, and live musical presentations kicking off with an anniversary screening of Shut Up & Sing.
Where: AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $18
Simple Plan in concert
Sing along to massive pop-punk anthems as Simple Plan stops in Austin for their massive twenty-fifth anniversary tour, delivering a setlist filled with fan favorites like I’m Just a Kid and Welcome to My Life.
Where: Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $77
Georgetown Palace Theatre presents 42nd Street
Experience the dazzling glitz of Broadway’s golden age through a classic musical following an ambitious young chorus girl from Pennsylvania who gets her shot at stardom when the leading lady is sidelined.
The timeless score is packed with legendary show tunes like We’re In the Money and Lullaby of Broadway.
Where: Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Friday, August 7 – 30, 2026
How Much: Not stated
Sally & Tom
Dive into the messy, hilarious rehearsals of a scrappy theater company tackling the complex relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings in Pulitzer Prize-winning Suzan-Lori Parks’ brilliant play.
Making its regional premiere at Zach Theater, Sally & Tom flips historical mythmaking on its head by sliding seamlessly between present-day backstage tensions and the past.
Where: ZACH North, 14010 US-183 Suite 540, Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: Friday, August 7 – 23, 2026
How Much: Starts at $12
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Prepare for a sizzling summer experience as The City Theatre Company transforms Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedy into a high-energy musical reimagining.
You will find yourself immersed in a world where fairies harmonize, lovers belt out chart-topping anthems, and backstage rivalries collide with onstage romance to create the ultimate theatrical mash-up.
Where: Genesis Creative Collective, 1507 Wilshire Blvd Unit #1, Austin, TX 78722
When: Friday, August 7 – 9, 2026 | 8:00 PM; Sunday: 3:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $20
Gustavo Class Simplis
Step into the galleries for a vibrant afternoon of movement as the Summer Dance Series returns with an immersive tango edition featuring expert lessons and live music from Hora Once.
Master the basic steps during dedicated instruction times and take to the floor for an unforgettable social dance experience surrounded by stunning art.
Where: Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
How Much: $20
ReleasEPalooza
Celebrate the musical milestones of six emerging artists releasing their debut EPs after a year of dedicated songwriting under the mentorship of local studio veterans.
Listen to an eclectic mix of live pop, rock, R&B, soul, funk, metal, and psychedelic instrumentals with a Middle Eastern flair during an uplifting community showcase.
Where: Regal Rooms, 1204 Regal Row, Austin, TX 78748
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: $20 in advance | $25 at the door
Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Sleuth out a cunning criminal hidden right among the tables while feasting on a multi-course plated dinner featuring options like pesto-sage chicken, meatballs with garlic mashed potatoes, or vegetarian tortellini.
Watch out, because you just might find yourself named as a prime suspect in a hilarious interactive crime investigation.
Where: Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown, 810 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: $69.99
Kesha in concert
Reclaim your voice, joy, and freedom as Kesha brings her tour stage-side to perform massive pop anthems and fan-favorite hits under the open sky.
Where: Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $24
Looking for more local fun? Check out our master guide to Things to do in Austin this weekend!
- Things to do in Austin this Weekend | August 7 – August 9 - August 3, 2026
- Austin Highlights: August 3 to August 6 – Food, Music, Arts & More - August 2, 2026
- Things to do in Austin this Weekend | July 31 – August 2 - July 30, 2026
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