It’s August. And, sadly, that means summer vacation is almost over. It seems that we can’t wait until summer gets here. Then, with the blink of an eye it’s time for kids to go back to school while parents begin daily routines. But, wait, there’s still a few weeks left to squeeze in some summertime fun. With the Austin area’s unique vibe, food diversity, parks, and family-friendly events, you can make the most of the little time that’s left. To save you precious research time we put together a list of amazingly fun things to do. Whether you go to one, two, or all eight events, we know you’ll have a great time.
Zilker Park Summer Musical, August. 1-4; August 8-11 and August 15-17
This year musical fans can take a water adventure “under the sea” when the cast of Zilker Theatre Productions performs Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Pack a snack and choose your spot on the Zilker Hillside Theatre lawn for this family-friendly free event. Even though most kids have seen this beloved tale more than once, they’ll fall in love with this live version. The show starts at 8:15 p.m.
Leander Dive-In Movie Night, August 3
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is this month’s feature presentation during Leander’s Dive-in Movie Night. Hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department Dive-in Movie Night takes place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Robin Bledsoe Park pool. Admission is $2 per person. The movie starts at dusk. This animated 2019 movie is rated PG.
Trailer Food Tuesdays, August 7
You’ll have a blast exploring Austin’s food truck scene. The best part is that they are all located in one place. Trying new and different foods couldn’t get much easier. Live music and a ton of summer fun too. The Long Center for the Performing Arts hosts this now annual event. Held on the Long Center’s Terrace it runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Started in 2010 Trailer Food Tuesdays continues to grow every year. Fifteen food trucks and live music provided by the Superfonics, Bidi Bidi Banda, and DJ Shani. Food and beverages are available for purchase. A variety of parking options are also available. Leashed pets are welcome.
Bullock Museum’s Cool Summer Nights, August 9
Mark your calendar and plan to join the Museum for its last program of the season. The evening’s theme is space and draws inspiration from the Museum’s Cowboys in Space exhibition. Explore in-depth the history of science fiction westerns in popular culture. The event takes places from 6 to 9 p.m. While at the Museum don’t forget to delve into all the many special exhibits specifically tailored for space night. During Cool Summer Nights the museum is open for three evenings in June, July and August. Admission is free.
Music on the Square, August 9, 16, 23 and 30
If you haven’t made it out to Georgetown this summer there’s still time. The city’s famous town square comes alive every Friday evening during its annual Summer Concert Series. It takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free and family-friendly, the event’s hometown feel is sure to please. August’s lineup has something for everyone including bluegrass, an Elvis tribute and a popular cover band with dueling pianos ending the series. It lasts till the end of the month and the perfect remedy to cure your back to school blues.
Gillespie County Fair, August 22-25
For 131 years the Gillespie Country Fair has been serving up old fashioned country filled fun and lasting memories. Known as the oldest continuous running state fair in Texas, the fair is everything you would expect and more. Ideally located in the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg the fair offers four big days of unending events including a carnival and midway, delicious food, a hometown parade, daily livestock judging and agricultural exhibits. Other events include arts and crafts, a washer pitching tournament, antique tractor shows, live music, and much more. Admission prices vary.
Bat Fest 2019, August 24
Two million Mexican free-tailed bats can’t be wrong. These habitants living under the Congress Street Bridge already know Austin is a great place to live. The proof is in the numbers. Embracing its bat population, the city of Austin pays homage to its nocturnal residents during this annual celebration. It kicks-off at 4 p.m. and runs until 11:55 p.m. In addition to the bat flight it features two live music stages, arts and crafts, food and drinks, kid’s activities and a bat costume contest. To keep you in the know we provided you with a guide for the best viewing opportunities. Get your spot on the bridge around dusk. Then, wait and be awed. Tickets are available online. Children 8 and under are free with an adult paid admission.
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, August 25
Let the competition begin. This popular food festival dishes up some of the finest hot sauces in the Lone Star state. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fiesta Gardens. Competition is fierce as sauce-makers vie for attendee votes to be crowned king of the hot sauce. In its 29th year the festival features a wide range of hot sauce samplings along with tastings from local restaurants, sauces for sale, cookbooks, pepper plants, and live music. Admission is free. However, the festival is a major fundraiser for the Central Texas Food Bank. Donations gladly accepted.
Visit Travisso in Leander today
Travisso offers state-of-the-art floor plans from award-winning premier builders. Choose homes ranging in size from 1,900 to over 5,000 square feet with prices starting in the 300s. And, there’s much more including resort style amenities, over 10 miles of proposed walking and biking trails, and a future 58 acre on-site regional park perfect for your active lifestyle. Visit us in Leander today and explore our new model homes and neighborhoods. For additional information call us at 512-243-8583.
