Austin Highlights: July 20 To July 23 – Food, Music, Arts & More

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The best free and fun events in Austin, July 20 – July 23, include Summer Stock at McCullough Theatre, Grupo Frontera in Concert, 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 July 20 to July 23, and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity!

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Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, July 20, 2026

Impact Arts Season Sneak Peek

Be part of an electric kickoff to the 22nd season of Summer Stock Austin! This one-night-only showcase brings together talented alumni and current company members for a high-energy journey through nearly 20 musicals.

Expect a special spotlight on Disney’s Newsies and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, alongside a thrilling preview of stories yet to come.

Where: McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Monday, July 20, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
How Much: $28.80

Tango at the Chateau

Master the elegance and rhythm of the tango in a welcoming, social atmosphere. You do not need a partner or any prior dance experience to join this course, which is designed to help you build confidence, improve your posture, and develop a deeper connection to the music.

Come meet new people and treat yourself to a weekly hour dedicated to growth and movement while supporting the mission of the Austin Woman’s Club.

Where: Chateau Bellevue, 708 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 7870
When: Monday, July 20 – August 10, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 8:25 pm
How Much: $30 for drop-in

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, July 21, 2026

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, July 21 – August 18, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
How Much: $25

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, July 21, 2026 | runs through August 15
How Much: Included with general admission; free for members

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Sip & Sculpt Pottery Workshop

Image credit: Pottery with a Purpose

Find your flow and get creative at this feel-good pottery night at Spokesman. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned crafter, this workshop is designed to help you unplug and unwind in a fun, social environment.

Grab a coffee, meet new friends, and enjoy the satisfaction of building something unique by hand to take home.

Where: Spokesman, 440 E. St. Elmo, Bldg. A-2, Austin, TX 78745
When: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
How Much: $70

Grupo Frontera in concert

Image credit: Grupo Frontera

Experience the magnetic energy of Grupo Frontera live at the Moody Center as they take the stage to share hits from their celebrated album, Lo Que Me Falta Por Llorar.

Known for their massive impact on the modern music scene, the group promises an evening packed with passion and signature sound.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 8:00 PM
How Much: Starts at $45

Zach Theater presents Annie

Rediscover the heart-warming tale of a young orphan searching for family in this high-energy, contemporary production of a beloved classic.

Featuring iconic anthems like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” this show reminds every member of the audience that sunshine is still just a day away.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, July 8 – August 2, 2026
How Much: Not stated

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, July 23, 2026

Summer Stock

Image credit: Impact Arts

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: Thursday, July 23 – August 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $28.80

TexARTS presents Rock of Ages

Image credit: TexARTS

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: Thursday, July 23 – August 9, 2026
How Much: Starts at $45

Ice Ages in July

Escape the summer heat and step into a cooler climate at the museum with a series of pop-up activities dedicated to the fascinating world of the Pleistocene.

Join in for interactive story times about ancient creatures, meet a professional paleontologist to examine authentic mammoth and mastodon teeth, or tap into your own prehistoric creativity at the art studio.

Where: Texas Science and Natural History Museum, 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712
When: Thursday, July 23 – July 30, 2026 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
How Much: Starts at $6

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