The start of summer in Austin this year has been brutal. The much needed rain has been relentless, bringing what is now turned into flooding, and also bringing humidity the likes that I don’t remember ever experiencing in the ATX. It’s made enjoying the outstanding music scene a little challenging so far.
Word Cup Watch Parties
The first big watch party at Auditorium Shores for the opening match against Paraguay was packed. So much so the bars on Rainy Sts weren’t all that busy for the game. After the 4-1 victory, Rainey and the rest of downtown was a big old party. The US had a disappoint end to their Word Cup run,
The Austin Music Scene
The Drop-In at the Long Center
KUTX has launched an outstanding free weekly music series at the Long Center that features two new artists every week, with next week’s lineup being announced on Friday after the previous week’s performance.
True Texas Tunes at H-E-B has free local-music programming at the Lake Austin and South Congress stores, including a special summer run at Lake Austin from June through August.
Big Name Acts Coming to Austin this Summer
- Bryan Adams with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo — Moody Center, July 28.
- NE-YO and Akon — Moody Center, August 11.
- Ella Langley — Moody Center, August 13.
- Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire — Moody Center, August 14.
Outdoor shows and classic Austin summer events
- Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band — Moody Amphitheater, July 23.
- TOTO — Germania Insurance Amphitheater, August 8.
- Muse — Germania Insurance Amphitheater, August 15.
- Jack Johnson — Germania Insurance Amphitheater, August 29.
Hot Summer Nights — July 16–18
This is the best true summer festival option downtown: a free, three-night, multi-venue music and arts festival throughout the Red River Cultural District. Participating spots include Mohawk, Stubb’s, Swan Dive, Flamingo Cantina, Elysium, The 13th Floor, and Moody Amphitheater, among others.
The Front Festival — August 27–30
More indie and community-focused, with independent music, film, art, DJs, pool events, and a dedicated music showcase at Swan Dive on August 28. It highlights Texas women and LGBTQ+ artists, though everyone is welcome. The lineup is expected in July.
