Austin is packed with fun and adventurous outings this August. Chill out with the family, catch an inspiring concert and then buckle up for the first day of school along with the opening day kick-off of the Longhorn’s football season.
August Events
Aug. 1: Two Barnes & Noble stores in Austin host “Frozen Friday,” a sing-along with other fun activities that play off of Disney’s hit movie “Frozen.” Kids will get a chance to meet Olaf, the friendly snowman. They encourage kids to dress as a favorite character. It is part of a nationwide promotion.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 10000 Research Blvd., Suite 158; And Barnes & Noble Sunset Valley Village, 5601 Brodie Lane, Suite 300.
Aug. 2: The Austin Parks Foundation and Austin Watershed Protection Department will train and discuss restoration plans for riverbank areas. The class will walk along the creek and discuss ways to improve key areas. Bring water, gloves and appropriate outdoor attire.
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Dottie Jordan Park, 2803 Loyola Lane
Aug. 7: Get your Thursday on with Unplugged at The Grove. Now in its 21st season, this Austin tradition gathers some great bands for free concerts every Thursday evening. August’s line up includes Emily Bell, Crooks, Band of Heathens and Dale Watson.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Road
Aug. 8-10: Take advantage of this Texas-only holiday. Enjoy paying no state sales tax on clothing, shoes, backpacks and other school supplies under $100.
When: All day each day
Where: Anywhere in Texas
Aug. 9: Ice cream tastes great almost everyday, but this is its big moment in Austin. The Austin Ice Cream Festival is a family-friendly event with games, contests, live music and more scoops of ice cream than you can count. It’s $10 to get in, but that includes some free ice cream.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Fiesta Gardens, 2100 Jesse E. Segovia Street
Aug. 15-17: Find new ways to beautify your home at the Austin Fall Home and Garden Show. And catch an appearance by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters.” Tickets are $8.50.
When: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 16, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17.
Where: Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Aug. 18: If you haven’t researched Austin mayoral candidates yet, this is a great opportunity to hear them. The Austin Chamber of Commerce hosts a candidate forum. It costs $55 to $65.
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto
Aug. 23: Go batty with the Austin Bat Festival’s celebration of the millon or so Mexican Free Tail Bats that call the underside of the Congress Street Bridge home for part of the year. They take off all at once shortly after sunset. But on this night, they’ll emerge to find the bridge packed with people enjoying drinks, snacks, kids activities and live music. Entry is $10.
When: 4 p.m.
Where: 100 S. Congress Ave.
Aug. 24: Test your tolerance for the chili at the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival. This growing event also offers music and fun for those who don’t like spicy food. And it raises money for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Bergman
Aug. 24: A new MetroRapid bus line starts its 15-mile route with frequent stops on Burnet in North Austin and along South Lamar.
When: The 803 route will run everyday — 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. every 10-12 minutes during rush hour, and every 15-20 minutes otherwise. Saturday service will run from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. every 20-30 minutes, and Sunday pickups start at 7 a.m. and end at 10 p.m., with stops every 20-30 minutes.
Aug. 24: The Bliss Bridal Bash Show will feature vendors to spruce up any wedding plans. It’s $5-$8 to get in.
When: 1-5 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road.
August 25: It’s the first day of school for Austin Independent School District students.
August 30: The University of Texas Longhorns football team kicks off its opening game versus North Texas.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, 405 E. 23rd St.