10 Things to Do in Austin in the Summer
Jacob Hernandez
June 16, 2025Summer in Austin is heating up, and with it comes a long list of unforgettable things to do in Austin in the summer. Whether you’re diving into Barton Springs, paddleboarding across Lady Bird Lake, or having a shaded picnic at Zilker Park, this city knows how to keep things cool and exciting.
Beyond the classics, this year’s Austin summer bucket list includes fresh experiences popping up every week—from outdoor movie nights and poolside parties to Broadway karaoke pop-ups and sunset yoga sessions downtown. These summer activities offer something for every vibe—whether you’re chasing adventure or just looking to unwind.
If you’re wondering what to do in Austin when it’s hot, or searching for fun places to visit near Austin in summer, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your calendar. So, get ready to explore, discover, and make the most of the season with these handpicked highlights.
Austin Summer Bucket List: 10 Things to Do
Swim Club, a historic pool turned social club in downtown Austin, is bringing the vibes this summer with their Swim Club Sessions.
Every Friday and Saturday, visitors will be able to sip on refreshing cocktails, swim in a beautifully restored iconic pool, and snack by the pool on tasty bites while jamming out to talented local Austin DJs that will be bringing the beats to create the perfect set list for a great night.
With the social club’s iconic drinks and delicious food, this event is the perfect way to have some summer fun with friends and is a must for the Austin social scene. Dive into some tunes, swim, and have some fun at Swim Club Sessions this summer.
- $20–30
- 650 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
- Website +1 512-404-6921 Menu
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (kitchen); 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (bar) Monday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (kitchen); 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (bar) Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (kitchen); 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM (bar) Happy Hours: No
Came here to celebrate a friend's bachelorette! This was a wonderful option to spend some quality time together and enjoy delicious food by the pool. When we went, it was a bit chilly and rainy but we enjoyed regardless of this. It's also a beautiful spot for photos! Highly recommend if you are looking for something to on on your trip to Austin!
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
If you are a Broadway fan and love to sing your heart out, this next experience is calling your name. From June 6th to August 3rd, a new pop-up Broadway Sing-Along Bar will be making its debut in Austin.
This new experience will allow guests to sing their hearts out and immerse themselves in a true Broadway experience with multiple photo opportunities and themed cocktails to enjoy.
Guests will be able to make a 90-minute reservation that includes a cocktail or a 2-hour reservation that includes a cocktail and a Broadway Drag Show only on select days.
Warm up your vocal cords, gather your friends, and prepare to defy gravity at Austin’s newest Broadway experience that will leave you changed for good
- $19.72 Themed Cocktails Broadway-Inspired Drinks
- 702 Shady Ln, Austin, TX 78702, United States
- Website Menu
- Wednesday to Saturday: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Why go to any old bar when you can go straight to Broadway? The Broadway Sing-Along Bar is a limited time pop-up that combines the best of cocktails and karaoke, specifically featuring show tunes from your favorite theatrical performances. It's here in Austin only until early August, so don't miss your chance to be a headliner! Taking over Wanderlust Wine temporarily, there's easy street parking all around. The food is provided by Wholly Cow Burgers, so if you're hungry, expect a basic selection of patties and fries. There's at least a Beyond burger for us vegans. The drinks are fun and thematic, leaning on the sweet and fruity side with many spritzers and sparkling wine combos. Go with friends, don't take yourself too seriously, and you'll have a great time!
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
Sticking to the topic of bars, this spot on 6th Street not only has delicious drinks but will bring lively summer vibes all throughout the summer.
Daydreamer in Austin is a cocktail and champagne bar located on East 6th Street that has specialty drinks and cocktails, along with charcuterie-style snacks.
This summer, Daydreamer will be having weekend and some weekday summer events that include food vendors, music, and a Father’s Day Jort Contest sponsored by I Dream of Weenie.
Some of the vendors include Zee’s Weiner System, Bluebonnet Oysters, and a vendor market on one of the event days. These events are perfect for friends, families, and pets during the day and for adults looking for a great time at night.
- $10 – $25 Food Trucks Charcuterie-Style
- 1708 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
- Website Menu
- Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Happy Hours: No
Chill place to grab a drink, you can also get pizza from All Day pizza. Tried their Zero proof mock tails, taste was amazing and unique. Prices were slightly higher range, but worth the taste.
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
Steering away from the party and bar scene, this summer experience is more for those looking to relieve some stress and wind down for the day. YTX Yoga will be hosting its Summer Sunset Series at Republic Square Park in downtown Austin.
This experience will feature live music or a DJ during the session and will also include a refreshing cold plunge to relax in.
The most exciting part of the event has to be the incredible views of the city, along with an amazing sunset to witness as you find your inner peace.
If you are looking for a more relaxed way to spend your summer evenings and a chance to connect with the city and other yoga-enthusiats this event is the perfect way to do so.
- Free
- 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
- Website +1 512-381-1147
- Tuesday: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (June 3 – August 5, 2025). Happy Hours: No
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
After a long day of summer adventures, there’s no better way to wind down than listening to live music on the lawn.
Every Thursday until August 14th, The Long Center for the Performing Arts will host its Drop-In concert series.
This event is free for all its guests and features a diverse lineup of artists spanning multiple musical genres.
Attendees can RSVP for a closer spot on the lawn every Monday at 10 am or just simply show up, pull up a chair, and vibe out with friends.
Guests will have the opportunity to discover and support new artists as they perform live under an open sky.
Soak in the sounds, get to know some new artists, and enjoy a beautiful Austin sunset with vibrant music on the lawn at the Long Center.
- $0 – $25
- 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, United States
- Website +1 512-474-5664
-
- Mentioned on
- Austin Events Calendar: June & July 2025
- Every Thursday (May 23 – August 15, 2025, excluding July 4) Gates open at 7:00 PM; Shows start at 8:00 PM Happy Hours: No
Nice place for a movie preview or theater. Parking can be found nearby but may be costly.
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
Located on Lake Austin, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters has been an Austin staple with its incredible views of the lake and its amazing coffee and pastry selection.
This summer, Mozart’s will be showcasing several movies featuring their float-in theater experience on the lake.
Guests have the option to watch the movie for free on the deck or rent a donut, paddle, or lounge boat and float out on the lake to get the full float-in experience.
This event will take place every Thursday this June and will feature some iconic movies like Top Gun: Maverick, High School Musical 2, and more.
This event is ideal for anyone seeking to spend quality time with their loved ones in a stunning lake setting.
- $2 – $25
- 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, USA
- Website
- Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Happy Hours: No
Everything about this place is amazing. The food display, the live music, the atmosphere, and the scenery by the river is 11/10 amazing. Being able to connect with a friend that came in town and meet new people was incredible. Looking forward to the future visits with new adventures and experiences that are to come from this coffee shop. Highly recommend going if you have been thinking about it and not sure or looking to go back, worth the trip.
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
7. Rancho Moonrise

Check-in: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Check-out: 11:00 AM. Pool Hours: Day passes available; hours may vary
Rancho Moonrise is an event barn and ranch located in Austin that hosts cozy getaways, music and wellness events, and is also available to book for weddings and private events.
This summer, they will be hosting several events and have their pool open for guests to make reservations to swim throughout the week.
Some of the featured events include free themed pool day events for adults and children, a paella dinner party with golden hour views, and their 4th of July Honky Tonk Festival.
The festival will include live music from several artists, delicious food from NADC Burger, two-stepping, and a pool for relaxation. Whether you are looking to relax or celebrate, Rancho Moonrise has an event for everyone this summer.
- $0 – $25
- Check-in: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Check-out: 11:00 AM. Pool Hours: Day passes available; hours may vary
- Website Menu
This place is amazing! We attended a charity event at Rancho Moonrise and had the chance to tour the entire property—including the adorable tent houses! I loved the pool area and all the thoughtfully designed common spaces with cozy seating. The owners were so kind and welcoming. I definitely recommend checking this space out for your next event or weekend getaway.
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
The Thompson Hotel is bringing cinema to their fabulous pool with the Cine Foltante (Floating Cinema) Dive-In Movie Series. This event takes place on select Thursdays and will feature themed movies for each month of summer.
For June, the theme is a Summer of Love, and the hotel will be showing Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia! While in July, the hotel is celebrating Shark Week and will be showing Jaws and Shark Tales.
Guests will be able to watch the movie while swimming or relax in a daybed on the rooftop with a drink in hand and stunning city views. This event is perfect for friends and family and is a great way to cool off and enjoy the summer!
- $37.75 – $86 Mexican street food Tacos, nachos, elotes, and more
- 506 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Website
- Event starts at 8:00 PM; movie begins at sundown Happy Hours: Yes, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Just arrived and wanted to find a good place for lunch. This place did not disappoint. Amazing rooftop restaurant and great food. Had a margarita, chips and tacos. All were really good!
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
Celebrating Pride Month in Austin is getting bigger this summer with the Pride Picnic at Pease Park on June 28th.
Open to everyone, this fun and inclusive event will feature 30-plus LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations hosted at the event and will include several workshops, interactive activities, engaging art installations, and more for all ages to enjoy.
Along with the fun activities, the event will also have food vendors like Mariachi Food Truck, Garbos Food Truck, and SnoRide, but guests are more than welcome to bring their own lunch to the picnic.
Whether you are attending with family, friends, or just yourself, bring your blanket, pack a lunch, or try one of the food vendors, and celebrate Pride in the heart of the park with the Austin community.
- $0 Tex-Mex Snow cones Coffee Juice and smoothies Mocktails
- 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703, United States
- Website
- 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 28, 2025 Happy Hours: No
Really cute wooden playground with a super nice splash pad area. Also has restrooms, a walking trail, and food trucks.
What a lovely upgrade they've made to the park!!! The sky meet is especially wonderful, and my kids also liked the mega chess board
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
10. Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic

Are you looking to celebrate the 4th of July with several country music legends? Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic will be making its return to Circuit of the Americas, and this year’s lineup might just be the best yet.
Stars like Bob Dylan, The Mavericks, The Avett Brothers, and Willie Nelson himself will be performing at the event this year.
This American tradition is shaping up to be one of the best ways to celebrate Independence Day. Eventgoers can expect great music, tasty food, delicious drinks, and beautiful fireworks at the event.
Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster, and a VIP package is available for purchase as well. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this Texas-sized celebration.
- $
- 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617, USA
- Website
-
- Mentioned on
- Austin Events Calendar: June & July 2025
- Gates open at 2:00 PM; event concludes at approximately 10:00 PM
Went for the Willie Nelson 4th of July concert. The park is clean and well organized. Paid for premium parking, which was well worth it.
Amenities
- Parking Available
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Outdoor Seating
- Dogs Allowed
- Private Dining
- Non-smoking restaurant
- TVs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Reservations
- Table Service
- BYOB
- Vegan Options
- Wine and Beer
- Full Bar
- Serves Alcohol
- Gift Cards Available
- Accepts Credit Cards
Conclusion
Austin’s top summer activities offer something truly special, each with its own charm and unforgettable energy. From historic pools and peaceful parks to buzzing rooftop bars and live music venues, the list of things to do in Austin in the summer is as diverse as the city itself.
Whether you’re crossing items off your Austin summer bucket list, belting your heart out at Broadway karaoke, or watching a movie on Lake Austin under the stars, these experiences help locals and visitors alike explore the heart of the city in fresh, exciting ways.
From sunset yoga and family-friendly festivals to spontaneous picnics and river tubing, things to do in Austin when it’s hot aren’t just about staying cool—they’re about embracing the spirit of summer. And if you’re up for a day trip, there are also incredible places to visit near Austin in summer, adding more adventure to your warm-weather plans.
The summer months—June, July, and August—bring a steady stream of outdoor events, pop-ups, and cultural celebrations that reflect Austin’s creative spirit. Whether it’s food truck fests, open-air concerts, or movie nights by the water, there’s always something new to experience.
So whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifelong resident, step out, soak up the sun, and explore the best of what Austin has to offer this season. Summer’s calling—answer it deep in the heart of Texas.

Jacob Hernandez is a rising senior at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Public Relations. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Jacob has always had a passion for discovering the best local eats in the cities he calls home.When he’s not on the hunt for the next great food spot, Jacob loves spending time with friends and family, giving back to his community, and diving into his love for music

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