Red River Cultural District Return of Free Week Music Festival
What is Red River Cultural District?
The Red River Cultural District (RRCD) is a worldwide cultural tourism destination for authentic live music, food and drink experiences in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas. The District is managed by the Red River Merchants’ Association, a coalition of over forty local small businesses in the District – including not only live music venues, food, hospitality, lodgings, lifestyle & entertainment businesses, but also the Austin Symphony Orchestra, First Baptist Church, German-Texan Heritage Society & Waterloo Greenway.
Music Festival
Local nonprofit organizers at the Red River Cultural District are excited to announce the highly anticipated return of Free Week, the local nonprofit’s annual admission-free winter music festival, beginning January 5 through January 7. Every festival concert remains free to attend with no RSVP required.
Free Week 2023 plans to kick off the new year with three jam-packed nights of free in-person concerts for both local residents and travelers alike. Starting Thursday, January 5 through Saturday, January 7, the downtown Austin area will once again transform into the festival footprint for a multi-venue music celebration hosting performances from over 100 local music acts.
The Venues
The current lineup of local music venues set to participate in Free Week 2023:
Cheer Up Charlies
Chess Club
Elysium
Empire Control Room & Garage
Flamingo Cantina
Mala Vida
Mohawk
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Swan Dive
The 13th Floor
Valhalla
Vaquero Taquero
Restaurants and Bar Join the Fun
This year the local festival organizers have also tapped some of the most popular restaurants and bars across the District to offer festival-goers a special selection of discount-priced menu items and promotions. For example, Hoboken Pie will kick off the 2023 festivities by offering patrons $2 pizza slices, available only on Thursday, January 5.
Some of the specials
Central District Brewing – Kayaker’s Kolsch for $4 (21+ only)
Hoboken Pie – Pizza slices of your choosing for $2 (only available on Thursday, January 5)
Marinara Miracles – Meatball Heros for $10 (15%+ discount)
Pelon’s Tex-Mex – 2 tacos and 1 Mexican beer for $12 (21+ only)
Shawarma Point – Complimentary side with purchase of an entrée
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q – Discounted 20% off pricing on all food orders
Vaquero Taquero – 2 tacos and 1 beer for $10 (21+ only)
Wanderlust Wine – Complimentary jello shot with $5 minimum bar tab (21+ only)
Stay tuned for the full lineup of music performances that will be released next week. In the meantime, follow along on social media, including Facebook at @redriverculturaldistrict, Instagram at @redriverculturaldistrict, and Twitter at @defendredriver for future RRCD news and events.
