Nicknamed “Barking Springs,” the free area right beside Barton Springs Pool allows pets, snacks, and drinks. | Photo by ATXtoday
Locals love Austin for its endless options of things to do on any given day, but it can also be easy to rack up a big bill in Bat City.
Sometimes, you need to go back to the basics, and thankfully, Austin is oozing with free activities. Here are 25+ local ventures that won’t cost you a dime.
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.
Fleet Feet’s run clubs get you moving with a group of like-minded folks.
Catch a free show. Austin wouldn’t be Austin without musicians around every corner, just follow the music into a brewery, bar, or coffee shop with regular free performances.
Star Spangled Fest: Independence Eve | 7-11 p.m. | Dell Hall at The Long Center | $30+ | Kick off Independence Day with performances from Jack Ingram, Kelly Willis, Calder Allen, and Ellis Bullard.
“Waitress” | Thursday, July 3-Sunday, July 27 | Times vary | The Topfer | $25 | This Sara Bareilles musical will have you following a small-town waitress who is fighting for a chance at happiness.
Friday, July 4
Zilker Brewing Co. Summer Field Day | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Zilker Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Sign up to compete in three-legged races, balloon tosses, and craft brews.
Fourth of July Celebration | 12-8 p.m. | The ABGB | Cost of purchase | Celebrate America’s birthday with a watermelon eating contest, hot dogs, jello shots, food specials, and a bike ride.
Red, White & Blue Weekend | 7:15 p.m. | Dell Diamond, Round Rock | $23+ | Take me out to the ballgame and stay for the fireworks after the home team takes on the Space Cowboys.
Saturday, July 5
“Matilda” | 3:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $12 | Experience the magic of this super-powered little girl who is against the world on the big screen.
Austin managed to avoid any 100º days during June for the first time in six years. Both June 9 and June 19 hit 99º, but last year, there were 15 triple-digit days in June. (KXAN)
Holiday
The city of Austin issued a personal watercraft ban on Lake Austin that will go into effect today at sunset through Saturday, July 5 at sunrise. During that time, watercrafts like jet skis, wet bikes, and motorized surfboards will not be allowed.
Stat
6.1%. That’s how much rent is down compared to this time last year in ATX. That’s much lower than the nationwide decrease of 0.7% and the statewide drop of 2.6%. (KVUE)
Sports
A trio of Longhorn football players achieved mentions on the Walter Camp Preseason All-America list. Anthony Hill Jr. and Colin Simmons secured First Team honors, and Michael Taaffe earned a spot on the Second Team. (KXAN)
Ranked
Here’s the TLDR — Austin is the No. 8 best city in the US for STEM professionals. According to a study by Coworking Cafe, job growth for STEM fields in ATX grew by 42.2% per 1,000 jobs over the last five years. (Austin American-Statesman)
Outdoors
July is Park and Recreation Month, and Austin is celebrating. If you want to touch some grass, the city will host fitness classes, swim lessons, summer activities, and more.
Listen
Which SEC team will have the biggest uphill battle to make the playoffs? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the SEC with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
Elevate your summer experience with the perfect accessory line from Deep Eddy Vodka. Your summer survival kit should include one-of-a-kind Deep Eddy Vodka-branded items, like a Hawaiian button-down or a sporty pickleball paddle + bag. Snag them at the Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room now through the end of July.*
Older Adults
Your fifties + beyond is a great time to build wealth. Beyond basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 14 financial benefits seniors are entitled to (but often forget to claim).*
Shop
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Finance
Even “1883" couldn’t script a gold run like this: An ounce of gold is expected to cost $4,000 in 2026. Diversify your portfolio with a gold IRA — no pickaxe required.†*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I had coffee with a friend at La Dosis Coffee + Cocktails in Cedar Park last week, and I was really impressed with the Froot Loops latte. I wish it was around while I was working at Hill Country News (my first-ever internship), which is right down the street.
