10 Things to Do in Austin in the Summer

Summer 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

6. Mozart’s Movies on the Lake

mozart’s-movies-on-the-lake

3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, USA

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.

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

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.

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

8. Cine Foltante Dive-In Movie Series at Arriba Abajo

cine-foltante-dive-in-movie-series-at-arriba-abajo

506 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA

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!

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.

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

willie-nelson’s-fourth-of-july-picnic

9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617, USA

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.

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

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