Austin Highlights: August 17 To August 20

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The best free and fun events in Austin, August 17 – August 20, include Chicago and Styx in Concert, The Gravity of Kindness Film Premiere, 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 August 17 to August 20, 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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Check out our recent updates to our guides: Date Ideas in Austin, Things To Do with Teens in Austin, and Things To Do this Summer in Austin.

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, August 17, 2026

Amster Maker Studio — Walk-In Pottery Painting & Craft Bar

Choose from simple DIY projects or try your hand at walk-in pottery painting, with all basic tools and materials provided for project-based creating. Friendly staff are ready to help first-timers get started during a low-pressure afternoon of making, connecting, and trying something new.

Where: Inspired Minds Art Center, 121 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
When: Monday, August 17, 2026 – September 30, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
How Much: $45

Shakespeare But One Of Us Is Drunk: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Gather around for a wildly unpredictable night of comedy, live music, magic, and inebriation presented by The Vortex. Watch a talented troupe perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream with one actor randomly selected to do five shots backstage beforehand.

Audience members even hold the power to influence the chaos, bribe the Emcee, or get crowned VIP King and Queen for the evening during this limited two-week run.

Where: The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd #2135, Austin, TX 78722
When: Monday, August 17 – 22, 2026 | 8:00 PM
How Much: $25

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Santana and The Doobie Brothers in concert

Prepare for an incredible night of legendary music as two iconic forces in rock join together for the highly anticipated Oneness Tour.

Santana will grace the stage with music from his 2025 album, Sentient, while The Doobie Brothers bring tracks from their latest release, Walk This Road, for a powerful evening of classic rhythm and blues.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $66

Dive-in Movies

Kick off your summer evenings with a splash at this poolside film series, featuring Grease. Lounge by the water and complete the night by grabbing some fresh popcorn, candy, and other classic theater snacks available for purchase as you settle in to enjoy the show at twilight.

Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
How Much: $25

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Come From Away

Experience the uplifting, Tony Award-winning musical that chronicles the true story of a small Newfoundland town that embraced 7,000 stranded airline passengers in the days following 9/11.

This spirited production features an infectious Celtic folk and bluegrass-inspired score that highlights the very best of humanity, inviting you to be part of a communal celebration that is as warm as the townspeople themselves.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, August 19 – September 27, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $28

The Gravity of Kindness Film Premiere

Discover a deeply human short film that explores the profound impact of unexpected acts of kindness through the lives of real Austinites and individuals across the country.

Narrated by Hall-of-Fame NASA astronaut Joe Tanner, the story follows paths that intersect in surprising ways, challenging assumptions and revealing the comfort found in choosing to show up for one another.

Stay after the screening for a live panel and Q&A session featuring the director, foundation founder, and individuals featured in the film to gain deeper insight into these transformative experiences.

Where: AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 6:05 PM
How Much: $35 for GA | $100 for VIP

Chicago and Styx in concert

Image credit: Chicago

Join a night of classic rock greatness as Chicago and Styx hit the stage for a co-headlining tour that spans decades of musical history.

Chicago promises a setlist drawing from over 20 career albums, including their most recent work, while Styx brings hits supported by their 2025 album, Circling from Above.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $52

Sally & Tom

Image credit: Zach Theatre

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: Wednesday, August 19 – 23, 2026
How Much: Starts at $12

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, August 20, 2026

Candlelight: Tribute to ABBA & More

Image credit: Fever

Step into a magical, multi-sensory environment as the gentle glow of countless candles illuminates St David’s Episcopal Church for an enchanting evening of music.

This tribute concert celebrates the iconic sounds of ABBA and Queen, featuring beloved hits like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Where: St David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
How Much: Starts at $35.50

Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson

Surround yourself with the warm, flickering light of candles for a special tribute performance honoring the musical legacy of Michael Jackson.

From the upbeat energy of Billie Jean and Thriller to the emotional resonance of Man in the Mirror and Heal the World, this multi-sensory experience reimagines classic pop anthems in an intimate church setting.

Where: St David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 8:45 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $35.50

Red Light Lit Austin Open Mic

Image credit: Red Light Lit

Unleash your creative spirit at this vibrant open mic event dedicated to exploring themes of love, sensuality, gender, and relationships within a supportive artistic space.

Whether you wish to perform a poem, story, song, or dance, you are invited to take the stage, and you even have the option to be accompanied by a live musician for a unique, improvised score.

Come share your voice, connect with a talented community, and enjoy an evening fueled by authentic expression.

Where: 29th Street Ballroom, 2906 Fruth St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
How Much: Free

Put Your Story In A Book: A Free Community Writing Program

Explore the power of storytelling, shared reflection, and cultural preservation by joining a monthly community writing project at The Torch Center. Participate through writing prompts and mentorship designed to help residents capture personal histories, neighborhood transformations, and family memories.

Where: The Torch Center, 6406 N IH35 Frontage Road, Suite 1807, Austin, TX 78752
When: Thursdays, August 20 – 27, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
How Much: Free

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