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20+ free events to attend this spring in Austin parks

In collaboration with local nonprofits, Austin Parks Foundation will host a series of events like workout classes, outdoor films, and educational playdates.

March 3, 2025 • 
Morgan O’Neal
An aerial view of an outdoor movie screening hosted by the Austin Parks Foundation at sunset. A large inflatable screen displays the event name, "Movies in the Park," as hundreds of attendees sit on blankets and folding chairs scattered across a grassy field. The crowd enjoys the warm evening, surrounded by trees and a few distant lights. The sky transitions from golden hues to deep purple as dusk settles over the park.

Austin Parks Foundation and Rocket Cinema will screen “The Wild Robot” at Gus Garcia District Park on Thursday, March 20.

Photo by HLK Fotos

Austin Parks Foundation wants to see you In the Park this spring.

The nonprofit organization’s In the Park series brings Austinites together in neighborhood parks through five programs focused on fitness, play, art, film, and basketball. Get outside, meet new friends, and learn something new at these 20+ free events happening now through May.

Fitness in the Park

Want to fill your schedule with fitness classes? Good Fight Fitness will coach full-body workouts at Dove Springs District Park, which also boasts a playground and swimming pool, plus baseball, basketball, and tennis courts. The donation-based classes will begin at 6 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday from Monday, March 3 to Wednesday, May 28.

Playdates in the Park

Creative Action, a local nonprofit established in 1997, will host playtime sessions for families to enjoy storytelling, arts + crafts, and music while mingling with other kiddos and parents. Special guests from BookSpring, Texas Book Festival, Austin Public Library, and Bright Littles will join some events.

Note: bilingual events will be marked with an asterisk.*

A vibrant community gathering at a park pavilion, where a woman in colorful, patterned attire leads a dance with an expressive pose and a joyful smile. Children and adults, some with face paint and musical instruments, engage with the performance, clapping and cheering. Picnic tables with arts and crafts supplies are in the background, along with attendees enjoying the sunny outdoor setting.

Shake up your weekly routine by adding Playdates in the Park to your calendar.

Photo by HLK Fotos

Playdates in the Park will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on:

  • Thursday, March 6 at Rosewood Neighborhood Park - Lampkin Pavilion
  • Saturday, March 29 at Brownie Neighborhood Park*
  • Saturday, April 12 at Bartholomew District Park
  • Wednesday, April 16 at Patterson Neighborhood Park
  • Wednesday, May 7 at Brentwood Neighborhood Park
  • Saturday, May 17 at St. Johns Park*

Art in the Park

Get your creativity flowing at a workshop by Painting Pandas, a nonprofit focused on art education. Each session will offer a hands-on activity inspired by nature that is suitable for Austinites of all ages.

Tap into your artistic abilities from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on:

  • Saturday, March 8 at Roy G Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park Plaza
  • Wednesday, March 26 at Garrison District Park
  • Saturday, April 5 at Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park*
  • Wednesday, April 23 at Trailhead Park
  • Saturday, May 3 at Balcones Neighborhood Park
  • Wednesday, May 21 at Bartholomew District Park

Movies in the Park

Take part in a local tradition that’s been around for over a decade by watching an outdoor film in one of Austin’s green spaces. The first 100 bags of Austin-based Cornucopia Popcorn are free, but you can also bring your own food, blankets, and chairs. Make plans to see “The Wild Robot” at dusk on Thursday, March 20 at Gus Garcia District Park, and stay tuned for more Movies in the Park programming.

A lively outdoor gathering where families and friends relax on blankets in a grassy field. In the foreground, two children excitedly hold up colorful balloon creations, their expressions full of wonder and joy. A woman sitting beside them smiles warmly. The background is filled with a diverse crowd of people lounging, chatting, and watching an event, creating a vibrant and communal atmosphere.

Local vendors will be available at some Movies in the Park events.

Photo by HLK Fotos

Hoops in the Park

Young athletes of all skill levels are invited to come play basketball and learn the importance of teamwork with Make a Difference Sports. The events are open to first through fifth graders and will include outdoor play, skill development, and lessons in sportsmanship.

Make plans to bring your child to one of these events, which take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.:

  • Saturday, March 15 at Walnut Creek Metro Park
  • Saturday, April 12 at Dove Springs District Park*
  • Saturday, May 10 at Davis/White Northeast Neighborhood Park*

Learn more about Austin Park Foundation’s In the Park series.