Free summer music in Austin: Blues on the Green, symphony in the park and more

Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American-Statesman
·2 min read
Music fans react to Mobley at a Blues on the Green concert in 2021. The popular free music series will return for two dates in July.
Music fans react to Mobley at a Blues on the Green concert in 2021. The popular free music series will return for two dates in July.
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Blues on the Green at Zilker Park

Austin's favorite free summer music event will return to Austin's Zilker Park for just two shows this year. ACL Radio will take over Austin's city center park for concerts on July 18 and 19. Lineups for the shows are yet to be announced. Follow ACL Radio's social media platforms or check acl-radio.com/blues-on-the-green for up-to-date information.

Hillside Summer Concert Series at Pan Am Park

Tejano legend Ruben Ramos performs with his band The Mexican Revolution at the Pan Am Hillside Concert Series in 2019. The series traditionally takes place every Tuesday in July.
Tejano legend Ruben Ramos performs with his band The Mexican Revolution at the Pan Am Hillside Concert Series in 2019. The series traditionally takes place every Tuesday in July.

The longest-running outdoor concert series in the city is programmed by the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center’s community advisory board. For over 60 years, they have been presenting family-friendly gatherings that highlight the neighborhood’s Tejano heritage in the amphitheater at Pan Am Park. Concerts traditionally take place every Tuesday in July. More info: facebook.com/A.B.CantuPanAmericanCommunityAdvisoryBoard

Hot Summer Nights in the Red River Cultural District

Mélat performs during Hot Summer Nights in the Red River Cultural District on Aug. 27, 2021, at Cheer Up Charlies.
Mélat performs during Hot Summer Nights in the Red River Cultural District on Aug. 27, 2021, at Cheer Up Charlies.

This year's event is scheduled for July 20-23. We don't have a lineup yet, but does that really matter? Like the RRCD’s January event, Free Week, local music discovery is the objective for this weekend bash. Clubs in the district will throw open their doors for no-cover shows creating the perfect opportunity for Austin music lovers to wander around and find their new favorite bands. More info: redriverculturaldistrict.org/hot-summer-nights

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Austin Symphony Orchestra Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park

Children play at the Long Center during an Austin Symphony Orchestra concert in the park. The symphony presents small group performances most Sundays during the summer.
Children play at the Long Center during an Austin Symphony Orchestra concert in the park. The symphony presents small group performances most Sundays during the summer.

The symphony hosts small ensemble performances on the Long Center lawn from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Sunday evening through August 20. Patrons are invited to pack picnics and bring their own beverages. Upcoming concerts include a wind ensemble on June 25 and a string quartet on July 8. Check the symphony's social media accounts before you go, performances are occasionally canceled due to weather conditions including excessive heat. More info: Austinsymphony.org

The Drop-In at the Long Center

David Ramirez plays the free Drop-In series at the Long Center in 2022. The venue, which has the best skyline view in the city, presents free music on the lawn each Thursday.
David Ramirez plays the free Drop-In series at the Long Center in 2022. The venue, which has the best skyline view in the city, presents free music on the lawn each Thursday.

The Long Center partners with ACL Radio to feature a diverse lineup of popular and emerging Austin artists. Concerts take place on the Long Center lawn on Thursday nights through August. Each week’s lineup is announced on Friday and fans can RSVP on Monday. This year’s roster includes Annabelle Chairlegs, Urban Heat, El Combo Obscuro, Chief Cleopatra and more. More info: thelongcenter.org.

More: 11 family-friendly water parks in Central Texas to check out this summer

Pecan Street Festival

Antonio Nunez dances with puppets at Pecan Street Festival in 2019. In addition to art and street revelry, the long-running festival features free live music on three stages.
Antonio Nunez dances with puppets at Pecan Street Festival in 2019. In addition to art and street revelry, the long-running festival features free live music on three stages.

The long-running event takes over the historic stretch of East Sixth Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 for two days of arts, music and street revelry on Sept. 16-17. Alongside hundreds of booths from local and national artisans and makers, the festival hosts three stages featuring free performances from local and regional musicians. More info: pecanstreetfestival.org

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Classical to Tejano: 7 ways to see free summer concerts in Austin