Free Concerts in Austin

May 11, 2023 | by Heywood Hotel
Austin Music, Heywood Picks

Free concerts in Austin are abundant and the Heywood concierge team is here to make sure you don’t miss any of them!

Austin is the live music capital of the world, but you don’t need a lot of money to enjoy it. There are tons of long-running, free concert series and music events in Austin. Stay at the Heywood and we’ll help you find all the best options. Please enjoy this list of free concerts in Austin, updated for 2023!

Free Week

photo courtesy of @mohawkaustin on Instagram

Free Week is the first free music event of the year, typically taking place the first week of January. Centered around the Red River District — just a mile from the Heywood Hotel — Free Week showcases upwards of 200 local bands across 20 venues. Some of our favorite venues include Mohawk, Barracuda, Empire Control Room and Cheer Up Charlies. There’s no better way to kick off a new year than a whole week of free live music in Austin!

Pecan Street Festival

photo courtesy of @pecanstreetfest on Facebook

The Pecan Street Festival takes over East Sixth Street twice a year, once in May and again in September. There are three stages of great local music of all genres from indie rock to hip hop to funk and more! The event also includes local arts and crafts vendors and is free and open to the public.

The Drop-In

Heywood Hotel Boutique Hotel Austin Live Music In Austin Long Center Drop In Free Concert

Image from Long Center

Sponsored by local radio station 93.3 Austin City Limits Radio, The Drop-In is providing free concerts every Thursday from May 25th – August 10th at Long Center. Inspired by Austin’s love of outdoor jams, enjoy the shows at Long Center’s newly erected 3D printed stage. You bring the energy and they’ll provide the tunes!

Blues on the Green

photo courtesy of @kgsrblues on Facebook

Blues on the Green is one of Austin’s longest-running concert series and is sponsored by local radio station 93.3 Austin City Limits Radio. The free concerts are hosted once a month in Zilker Park. Family and dog-friendly, the series generally features Austin rock, pop and blues favorites and is an annual tradition for free live music in Austin.

Concerts in the Park with the Austin Symphony

free concerts in austin concerts in the park

photo courtesy of @longcenter on Instagram

Pack your picnic dinner and enjoy unique ensembles from the Austin Symphony on the Long Center Lawn! Concerts in the Park takes place Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm during the summer, starting in early June and running through the end of August. This free concert is open to the public.

Hot Summer Nights

photo courtesy of @mohawkaustin on Facebook

Hot Summer Nights brings free live music across the Red River district the last weekend in July. It’s easy to catch tons of local bands at venues such as Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlies, and Empire Control Room & Garage. There’s a heavy emphasis on indie rock, but a variety of genres are represented at these free Austin concerts.

We love our free concerts in Austin and we’d love to help you have your best visit possible! Book a room at the Heywood and we’ll arm you with all our insider tips for any Austin events!