There are so many cool (and free!) things to do in Austin, TX, from visiting historical sites to trying some of the best craft beer in the world to filling your phone’s camera with photos of the things that make Austin weird.
Unlike Dallas, a more traditional city, Austin is pretty hipster.
There are plenty of free things to do in Austin, TX, that don’t cost a dime but still take advantage of its history and uniqueness.
Here are the 15 best free things to do in Austin, TX:
Listen to Live Music
Here’s something you’ve definitely heard before: Austin has been the world’s live music capital since 1991, and that’s even the city’s official motto!
Unlike her traditional western sister, Fort Worth, Austin is much more ‘millennial cowgirl,’ so you’ll find a wide range of music here, not just your stereotypical yeehah.
The best places to find free live music in Austin
6th Street, The Warehouse District, Downtown, Central East Austin, South Congress, and The Red River District are known for live music. These are some of my favorite places to watch live music for free in Austin.
Take in the Cityscape at Lady Bird Lake
Even if nature isn’t your thing, the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail is a must-see for the views alone. If you do like hiking, biking, kayaking, or paddleboarding, the scenic views of downtown Austin will make these things extra special.
Live Music at Waterloo Records
Waterloo Records is a locally loved record store that often has free live music and performances. Besides the in-store performances, you’ll find music from local artists, plus cool gifts and fun souvenirs.
Visit the Texas State Capitol
Did you know that the largest US State Capital building is in Texas (insert ‘everything is bigger in Texas joke’)?
Watch for elegant details, giant brass door hinges, ornate handrails, and the chandeliers in the House of Representatives Chamber with light bulbs that spell Texas.
The Capitol Grounds
The Capitol Grounds are 22 green acres growing in the heart of Austin, with plenty of monuments and historic buildings.
Monday- Friday: guided tours are available from 9:30 AM to 4 PM in the evening, with the last tour departing at 3:30.
Saturday-Sunday: guided tours are available from 12:30-4 PM, with the last tour departing at 3:30.
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Did you know that Austin was once known as ”The Waterloo?”
In honor of Stephen F. Austin, known as the ”Father of Texas,” the town was named Austin in 1839.
Take a Free Tour of the Texas State Capital
Take a free, self-guided historic walking tour from Preservation Austin and explore black landmark sites, The Capitol, some of the city’s most iconic music venues, architecture, and more!
Check out the Street Art & Murals
Being a hip, forward-thinking city with a liberal lean, Austin is known for street art and murals.
While the art scene isn’t as large as you’d find in the Dallas Arts District neighborhood, the murals here are worth checking out!
Walking around downtown or the 6th Street area is like strolling through an urban art gallery.
Most Famous Murals in Austin TX
- Greetings from Austin (South 1st St and Annie St)
- Willie Nelson and Janice Joplin murals (407 E Seventh St)
- Spaceman with Floating Pizza (1209 Red River St)
- Love from Austin (1912 S Congress Ave)
- Butter Half (2000 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd)
You may not think ‘Texas’ when you think ‘street art,’ but don’t skip this one- mural browsing is one of the most famous free things to do in Austin, TX.
The Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is synonymous with Austin.
This isn’t the hot, rugged landscape of Palo Duro Canyon (Texas’s mini Grand Canyon), this is Hill Country.
Over 12 miles of scenic hill country trails lead to limestone quarries and multiple swimming holes. Gus Fruh is a swimming spot best known for its limestone rock wall, a favorite of climbers.
Also, look for the Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls areas.
See the Most Famous Bridge in Austin
This is the iconic Austin landmark that extends over Lady Bird Lake.
Hidden underneath the bridge is the home of the largest bat colony in North America (from May to about October). Walking over the Congress Avenue Bridge will give you the best views of the bat colony.
Don’t want to walk across the bridge? You can pay for parking at the American-Statesman, which has a free observation area.
Blanton Museum of Art (Free Admission Thursdays)
Another fun but free thing to do in Austin is the Blanton Museum of Art. The museum charges admission on most days, but is free every Thursday.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
At the intersection of art, nature, and sculpture is the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. Stroll through the wooded trails that lead through artworks by Charles Umlauf at the UMLAUF.
Take a Stroll down SoCo
South Congress is known for its eclectic second-hand stores and locally crafted boutiques.
A walk down SoCo will take you through local food, live music (always, live music), and themed bars. Don’t expect the quaint farmer’s markets and shopping that are in Waco, but instead, modern and eclectic shops and boutiques.
Here are a few places to shop in SoCo,
but don’t forget to leave enough space for your heart to pull you through random doors!
Food
- Aba If you’re obsessed with Mediterranean food like I am, this place is essential. The atmosphere is also super cute, with many plants and natural light.
- Lucky Robot for sushi (yes, they have plant-based options!)
Shopping
Music
- Ego’s (good drink prices and better karaoke)
Zilker Park
Zilker Park has 350 acres of trails and hiking and is home to the blooming Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs Pool (both require advance reservations).
This is where Austin’s Holiday Trail of Lights is hosted and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
While those events do cost money, exploring Zilker Park is one of the most iconic free things you can do in Austin, TX.
Peacocks at Mayfield Park
This state isn’t exactly known for its nature. But Austin does famously have peacocks within its perimeters.
How did peacocks get to Austin?
Mayfield Park was originally farmland owned by the Mayfield family. In 1935, friends gifted the family a pair of peafowls for Christmas. Most of the peacocks at the park are descendants of the original group kept by the family.
Mayfield Park includes cute little cottage gardens with swaying palm trees, Koi ponds, and beautiful free-roaming peacocks.
Where to look for peacocks at Mayfield Park
The birds are most active before noon and in the evening.
- Look carefully at the trees
- Check the rooftops
- Look for them lounging in the gardens
Notes
Please drive carefully; the Mayfield peafowl roams around leisurely outside the park.
Peacocks have a reputation for becoming aggressive when food Is involved-it’s not advised to feed them or try to pet them.
Pro tip: The mosquitoes at Mayfield are no joke.
Sunset at Mount Bonnell
At 781 feet, Mount Bonnell is one of the highest points in Austin.
The peak is named after George Bonnell, who served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the Texas Republic.
Mount Bonnell overlooks downtown Austin and is an excellent spot for picture taking, and most people will make the journey in about half an hour round trip.
Bats!
Of all the items on this ‘free things to do in Austin’ list, this one is my absolute favorite!
A renovation in 1980 unintentionally transformed the Congress Avenue Bridge into an active bat cave, which attracted a seasonal Mexican bat colony.
Austin’s bat population has earned its own annual celebration- Bat Fest. Every summer, Austin’s Bat Fest decorates the Congress Avenue Bridge with bat-themed vendors, food, a costume contest, and millions of bats surrounding it at sunset. If crowds aren’t your thing, consider a tour.
When to see bats in Austin
- March-early fall
- The bats are most active and most visible around sunset. After the sun sets, thousands of bats pour out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge and fly over Lady Bird Lake
- It takes about 30-45 minutes for all of the bats to exit the bridge for the night
Where to see bats in Austin
- Anywhere along the Congress Avenue bridge
- The sidewalk area underneath the bridge
- The Statesmen Bat Observation Center, adjacent to the bridge
- There are a ton of spots along the Butler Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
- Rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak and watch the bats from the lake
Tejano Walking Trail
Join the Tejano Walking Trail on the 3rd Saturday of each month for a self-guided tour of more than twenty significant Hispanic sites in the East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighborhoods.
You can also take the tour on your own; just download it here.
Where to Stay for Cheap in Austin Texas
Firehouse Hostel. The Firehouse Hostel has the best location on this list for nightlife, right in downtown Austin, walking distance from 6th Street. The hostel charmingly renovated historic fire station with exposed brick walls and vintage decor.
Hyatt Place Austin Cedar Park. This fantastic, cheap, yet clean hotel is a good choice if you’re attending a concert at the nearby H-E-B center.
La Quinta Austin NW/Lakeline. This hotel is another affordable option near the H-E-B center that sometimes has better rates than the Hyatt.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go for free in Austin?
From beautiful Zilker Park to South Congress Avenue’s vibrant scene, there are many places to go in Austin for free. Other ideas include visiting the Texas State Capitol’s grounds and the iconic Umlauf Sculpture Garden or the Blanton Museum of Art, which has free entry on select days.
How to park for free in downtown Austin?
There are 3 ways to park for free in Downtown Austin:
- Street parking. Finding a good spot is rare, but it happens.
- Meters. Use the meters to park for free in downtown Austin after the enforcement hours. The Parking meters in downtown are enforced Monday – Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday – Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. All metered parking is free on Sundays.
- Garages with free allowances. For quick ins and outs, park for free in garages or lots with a time limit. Try the Capitol Vistors Garage or the Austin Central Libary Parking Garage.
What are the best free things to do in Austin TX, at night?
Austin, TX, is a happenin’ place at night. The music scene comes alive, with live performances spilling out on the streets. Between
Take a stroll along the iconic South Congress Avenue, watch the bat colony emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset, or hit the bars on 6th Street. There are endless free things to do in Austin at night.
What are the best free things to do in Austin, TX, indoors?
There are plenty of free things to do in Austin indoors! If you’re visiting on one of those hot summer days in Texas, you’ll probably need to stay inside or die. Live music is a must-do in Austin, and there are plenty of places to catch shows indoors, like Guero’s or ABGB. You can also visit the Blanton Museum of Art on its free admission days or take a complimentary guided tour of the iconic Texas State Capitol for a look at the state’s history.
What are the best free things to do in Austin, TX, outdoors?
Austin has so many free things to do outdoors that aren’t lame.
Appreciate the beauty of Zilker Park, where you can cross the famous Barton Springs Pool off your bucket list, or Lady Bird Lake, where you can hike or bike with badass views of Austin. Other free things to do in Austin outdoors include:
- Taking pics at the quirky, Austin-esque Cathedral of Junk
- Shopping and eating on SoCo
- Picnicking on the Texas State Capitol grounds
Those are my top picks for free things to do in Austin outdoors.
