Outdoors

• Go to the park. Austin has 512 parks, which make up 11% of the city’s land. Whether you want to swim, fish, picnic, or hike, you don’t need to spend any green at the emerald jewels in Austin’s crown.
• Take a dip. Every day is a pool day in ATX — swim for free at one of the city’s many pools.
• Hunt for murals. Austin’s art scene is vibrant and you can experience it at no cost thanks to the many masterpieces on the streets.
• See the bats. Can you really consider yourself an Austinite if you haven’t? Pick a hot, dry evening around sunset for the best show.

Active

• Take a hike. Lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trail — there are plenty of stellar views, waterscapes, and native flowers to see.
• Play a sport. Try something new or show off your athleticism at the city’s free courts.
• Join a run club. From viral run clubs to walking clubs geared towards women, these groups help you spark friendships while spiking your step count.
• Shred a skate park. Grab your wheels of choice and test your skills on a concrete playground.

Arts

• Visit a museum. Several ATX museums are admission-free or have weekly free days.
• See a musical or play. With 80 theatre companies in the community, it isn’t difficult to find a free performance.
• Listen to live music. Austin wouldn’t be Austin without musicians in every corner. Just follow the music into a brewery, bar, or coffee shop with regular free performances.

• Art From the Streets: 40 Community Artists | Now-Sunday, Sept. 29 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Austin Central Library | Free | Peruse and purchase works of art made by Austin’s unhoused community.
• Open Mic Tuesdays | Tuesday, July 30 | 7-10 p.m. | Cabana Club | Free | Splash in the pool while singers, songwriters, and comedians show off their skills.

• Live on the Lawn: Not Past 11 | Wednesday, July 31 | 7-9 p.m. | Garey House at Garey Park, Georgetown | $5 | This week’s music series will spotlight Not Past 11 — a local band that performs funk, jazz, and rock — and food trucks including Elsie’s Eggrolls + Scoops.
• “Lilo & Stitch” | Wednesday, July 31 | 8 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Free | Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to watch a young girl befriend an extraterrestrial in Hawaii.

• The Lockhearts | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 7 p.m. | The ABGB | Free | Catch this sister duo and country band live at this beloved venue.
• Nai Palm | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 7-11:59 p.m. | Parish | $35 | The Australian musician — and lead singer in jazz + funk band Hiatus Kaiyote — takes the stage solo.

• Capital Metro will no longer shift to an all-electric bus fleet, citing logistical issues like range problems, lack of reliability, and mechanical shortcomings. The plan’s termination comes four years after Austin voters approved a tax increase to fund Project Connect, which aimed to create a fully electric transit system. (KUT)

• Chinese all-you-can-eat restaurant Liuyishou Hot Pot is coming to Tech Ridge at 12815 N. I-35. Its yet-to-be-announced opening date is scheduled for sometime in 2024, and it will neighbor Austin’s first location of Fresh International Market. (Eater Austin)

• Heads up, frequent flyers: American Airlines will cancel five more nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Affected routes include year-round service to Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Orlando, as well as seasonal service to Palm Springs and Reno. The airline has cut more than 20 routes since November. (KXAN)

• Masa-based Twinkies? Fantastic, I’ll take 14 of them. New cafe Mercado Sin Nombre, 408 N. Pleasant Valley Rd., serves these up alongside Mexican coffee drinks and kolaches. It’s currently only operating on select days, but owner Julian Maltby plans to host a grand opening soon. (Community Impact)

• $50,000. That’s the amount of new funds in Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar’s pocket, thanks to a grant from the National Trust of Historic Preservation and America Express. The east Austin establishment will use the money for various upgrades and to support its long-term growth.

• Drink Up Week has come to a close, and we’d love your feedback. Did you participate in the week celebrating Austin’s drink scene? Let us know the tea + any feedback you have for next year.

• The 2024 Summer Olympics are happening now in Paris, France. Keep up with Team USA and some of our favorite local athletes via KVUE. Simone Biles and the US women’s gymnastics team will compete today at 11:15 p.m. CT.

• The MLB trade deadline is today, and the Rangers are expected to make some last-minute trades. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Rangers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
  

• 2024’s “it card” is here. Not only does it offer a $200 bonus, but also unlimited 1.5% cash back and 0% intro APR until 2025. (Annual fee? We don’t know her.)*

• Ditch the men’s dress pants — the Dealmaker Pant is the ultimate pant for work or play, with an impeccable fit and feel. Save 15% with code READ15.*

What’s so special about Sahara Lounge?

• It’s owned by two musicians: Eileen Bristol and her son, Topaz McGarrigle, who’s the lead singer in Austin-based band Golden Dawn Arkestra.
• Its Sahara Slants cocktail is made with the Ghanaian spirit akpeteshie.
• Recurring events on its robust calendar include Ladies Night and Body Rock ATX.
• The bar boasts free billiards tables, an outdoor patio, and a food trailer outside.