Austin Highlights: Apr 13 To Apr 16 – Food, Music, Arts & More

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The best free and fun events in Austin, April 13 – April 16, include Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Live, Mamma Mia!, 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 April 6 to April 9 and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity!

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Check out our recent updates to our guides: Bluebonnets in Austin, Things To Do with Teens in Austin, and Best Summer Camps in Austin.

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, April 13, 2026

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Live

Image credit: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Cheer with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Live in a 90-minute show packed with heart-pumping routines and unforgettable performances. Watch out for fan favorites like “Thunderstruck” along with brand-new solo and group numbers.

The event also includes a live Q&A session and behind-the-scenes stories shared by Senior Director Kelli Finglass, Head Choreographer Judy Trammell, and members of the team.

For the second year, select Round 2 auditions take place live on stage, allowing the audience and judges to help decide who moves on to the final round.

Where: Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live & 3TEN ACL Live), 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, April 13, 2026 | 7 pm
How Much: Not stated

Austin Lift-Off Film Festival

Dive into a curated lineup of standout short films as Lift-Off Global Network brings its festival to Austin. Watch award-winning work from some of the best emerging filmmakers of the past year.

Where: Violet Crown, 434 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, April 13 – 30, 2026
How Much: $15

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Mamma Mia!

Image credit: Austin Broadway

For more than 25 years, audiences around the world have embraced the vibrant characters, heartfelt story, and iconic music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show.

Watch as a mother, a daughter, and three possible fathers set the stage for a wedding journey filled with surprises in Mamma Mia!

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Tuesday, April 14 – 19, 2026
How Much: Starts at $48

Neil deGrasse Tyson: Science Under Siege

Award-winning astrophysicist and author Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson returns to the Long Center for Science Under Siege, an engaging discussion about the role of science in today’s world. During the talk, he explores the methods and tools he uses to promote a scientifically literate society.

The conversation also addresses the growing conflict around objective truth, particularly the rise of science denial across social media platforms.

Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $59

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Brad Williamsis – The Tall Tales Tour

Comedian Brad Williams is coming to Austin with his The Tall Tales Tour.

Williams blends sharp punchlines, personal storytelling, and undeniable stage charisma into performances that regularly sell out theaters around the world.

His career includes appearances on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and numerous hit comedy specials, along with a popular podcast run with fellow comic Adam Ray and guest spots on leading comedy podcasts that have introduced him to millions of listeners.

Where: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 7 pm
How Much: Starts at $60

DAC Nights: In Full Bloom

Celebrate spring creativity at DAC Nights: In Full Bloom. During this hands-on evening, you can design a colorful flowerpot and take part in a lively plant swap with fellow participants.

DAC staff will provide supplies and guidance for decorating your pot using techniques such as fabric wrapping, decoupage, and seasonal painting. Bring a plant to exchange with others and add something new to your home garden.

Where: Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 7 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Free

Fusebox Festival

Image credit: Fusebox

Explore bold, imaginative performances at the Fusebox Festival, a citywide celebration of live art returning for its 22nd anniversary.

Since its founding in 2005, the festival has brought together artists from Austin and around the world for performances that unfold in unexpected spaces across the city.

Events take place everywhere from intimate galleries, theaters, and clubs to large-scale installations in parks, under bridges, and throughout neighborhoods. This year’s lineup features new international artists alongside returning favorites from the festival’s history, along with special programming connected to the recent total solar eclipse.

Where: Various locations around Austin
When: Wednesday, April 15 – 19, 2026
How Much: Free

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, April 16, 2026

The VORTEX presents The Happiness Gym

Image credit: The VORTEX

Step into a unique theatrical experience with The Happiness Gym, a National New Play Rolling World Premiere conceived by playwright Ken Weitzman.

Inside this specially designed environment, you become part of the performance.

Through guided exercises and shared moments, the experience introduces scientifically informed activities meant to boost happiness through three core elements: good news, gratitude, and connection.

The result blends theater, participation, and reflection into a creative exploration of what it means to feel happier.

Where: The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd #2135, Austin, TX 78722
When: Thursday, April 16 – 19, 2026
How Much: Starts at $15

Mary Mooden Northen Theatre presents Little Women

Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story returns to the stage in a lively new adaptation by playwright Kate Hamill. This vibrant version of Little Women captures the humor, warmth, and emotional depth of the classic novel while bringing fresh perspective to the March sisters’ journey.

Directed by Emily Green, the production features guest artists Megan Richards and Victor Santos alongside a talented cast of St. Edward’s University students.

The performance celebrates sisterhood, individuality, and the courage required to follow your own path while finding your place in the world.

Where: Mary Moody Northen Theatre, 3001 S Congress Ave Building THAR, Austin, TX 78704
When: Thursday, April 16 – 26, 2026
How Much: Starts at $15

Katie Bender: Instructions for a Séance

Take part in an immersive theatrical experience with Instructions for a Séance, created and performed by writer and artist Katie Bender. During the performance, you are invited to help summon the spirit of legendary escape artist Harry Houdini.

Inspired by Houdini archives at the Ransom Center, this 70-minute production blends humor and reflection as it explores themes of motherhood, artistic ambition, and the desire to escape life’s constraints.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Thursday, April 16 – 19, 2026
How Much: Not stated

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.