The heart of summer has arrived, and Austin welcomes it with a smile, plenty of water and fun family events every weekend. It kicks off with Independence Day celebrations and fireworks, buy you’ll find plenty more to do throughout the month.
Take the family on a mini road trip to Dripping Springs to taste some of the region’s best tomatoes or pack up a picnic and watch a movie in the park. It may be toasty during the day, but these warm summer nights are part of the bliss of being in Austin.
This month, we’ve highlighted a few summer series that you can check out this month or next. So pull up your calendar and schedule some fun for the whole family.
Here’s what’s shaking this July.
July 4
Happy 240th Birthday, America! It’s Independence Day, so there will be barbeques, parades, parties and, of course, fireworks. Austin’s biggest show returns to Auditorium Shores downtown this year. The booms and colorful displays of the fireworks above Lady Bird Lake will be preceded by the Austin Symphony’s annual patriotic music performance.
When: Music at 8:30 p.m.; Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Where: 600 W. Riverside Dr.
More information
If downtown isn’t your thing, consider the Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Celebration where you’ll find tasty barbecue, music, shopping and a fireworks display after sunset.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: 2700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
More information
July 9
You say tomato, I say tomato. Say it however you like at the Dripping Springs Fifth Annual Tomato Roundup. You’ll find live music, games and, of course, a whole lot of tomatoes. Tomato growers from across the area — both farmers and gardeners — to compete for the best crop of the year.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The Triangle, Hwy 290 & RR 12 in Dripping Springs
More information
July 13
If your family loves a funny movie and being outside, swing on down to Central Market for the 101x Summer Cinema Series. It started in June. But July has two dates to check out. The first, July 13, is a showing of “Napoleon Dynamite.” Then, on July 27, they’ll be screening the family classic “The Goonies.” The movies are in the outdoor space next to the grocery store and its restaurant. So you can pop in for snacks, beers and other goodies. Don’t forget the folding chairs or a blanket.
When: Movies start at dusk — or about 8:30 p.m.
Where: Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd.
More information
July 17
Sit back and enjoy the sounds of the Austin Symphony as they show off their best string ensembles. This is part of a summer-long series where you can catch different symphony groups play outside in front of the Long Center. Pack the waters, snacks and chairs, and let the music move you.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Long Center, 701 Riverside Dr.
More information
July 23
Science is essentially the key to our future. It’s the foundation of many huge innovations. And one of them is beer. And the Texas Museum of Science and Technology is inviting folks in to hear about the science of beer. Then, try your hand at making a root beer float with dry ice!
When: 4-6 p.m.
Where: Texas Museum of Science and Technology, 1220 Toro Grande Dr. in Cedar Park
More information
July 23-24
Those who value natural health, inner-healing and psychics will enjoy the Body Mind Spirit Expo. The traveling exposition will be in Austin with a variety of featured speakers and authors. The gathering also has a lot of on site vendors to round out the day.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
More information