Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this weekend

Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this weekend

Sit back, relax, and watch the Freedom Over Texas fireworks extravaganza from home on Saturday.Courtesy photo
Enjoy livestreamed performances by some of the most talented Black classical musicians this Friday.Photo courtesy of Austin Chamber Music Center
Party with Willie Nelson and other special guests during his virtual Fourth of July picnic.Photo by Shelley Neuman

Chances are you're spending the Fourth of July holiday weekend at home. Luckily, tons of virtual parties and livestream events are scheduled to keep you entertained. Check out the top five things to do in Austin this weekend.

Thursday, July 2

Tune into a High Noon Talk presented by the Bullock Texas State History Museum
In this casual lunchtime lecture, historian and author William Bush will discuss his book, Circuit Riders for Mental Health, which explores Texas' progress in public mental health services. After the livestream, the discussion will be available to watch on the Bullock Museum YouTube Channel. The book is also available for online purchase via the museum store.

Friday, July 3

Attend the Austin Chamber Music Festival Black Voices concert
Some of the most talented Black classical musicians take to the virtual stage during this Austin Chamber Music Festival event. The evening will feature such artists as Anyango Yarbo-Davenport, Derek Menchan, Ebonee Thomas, and Lecolion Washington. Attendees will also get the opportunity to chat with artists and other audience members during the livestream program. RSVP to receive the free concert streaming information.

Settle in for a parking lot screening at Georgetown Palace Theatre
Head to the parking lot of the Georgetown Palace Theatre for a summer movie screening. This week’s featured film is the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day. Chairs will be set up to observe social distancing practices, but guests can also bring their own seating. Movie admission is free, but donations are encouraged. A second screening of Independence Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 4.

Saturday, July 4

Celebrate with Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
Willie Nelson's traditional Fourth of July picnic is going virtual this year. The livestreamed festivities will kick off with a Prime Cuts episode with chef Scott Roberts of Salt Lick BBQ and will be followed by musical performances from Luck, Texas, featuring Asleep at the Wheel and Shakey Graves. The event concludes with film segment boasting performances by Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Ziggy Marley, and, of course, Willie Nelson. Tickets are available in advance or on the day of the event.

Watch the Freedom Over Texas fireworks show
View Houston's Fourth of July extravaganza Freedom Over Texas from home this year. The virtual celebration will be broadcast in its entirety with a statewide simulcast on Saturday, July 4, from 7-10 pm. Highlights include a patriotic tribute by the Houston Symphony and live performances by rappers Bun B and Trae Tha Truth, country star Pat Green, and several others throughout the evening.

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SXSW 2025

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Michelle Obama and John Fogerty add surprises to SXSW lineup

undefined Photo courtesy of Former First Lady Michelle Obama

The start of South by Southwest (SXSW) is nearly upon us, and organizers are still adding new speakers and music showcases to its already overflowing lineups of entertainment. Two major new developments at SXSW have unfolded in the last 24 hours: A Featured Session with former First Lady Michelle Obama and a musical performance by Credence Clearwater Revival singer-songwriter John Fogerty.

Classic rock icon John Fogerty will take the stage for a special music performance at Stubb's Barbecue on Tuesday, March 11. Among Fogerty's long list of accomplishments are his 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Credence Clearwater Revival, a Grammy win for his fifth solo album Blue Moon Swamp in 1997, and his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.

Prior to his music showcase on Tuesday, Fogerty will join Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello during a SXSW Keynote panel on Tuesday, March 12. The outspoken duo will discuss their music careers, the industry as a whole, and their respective creative inspirations, according to the event description.

Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, will be speak during a conference panel at the Austin Convention Center on Thursday, March 13, from 1-2pm.

Obama has written a New York Times Bestselling memoir and owns the media company Higher Ground with her husband, former President Barack Obama. She also leads the Obama Foundation and hosts The Michelle Obama Podcast.

"Michelle Obama has long been an inspiration to us at SXSW and to millions of people around the world," said SXSW president and chief programming officer Hugh Forrest in a press release. "Her belief that we lift each other up by sharing our stories with one another is a core part of the SXSW experience and a key catalyst in helping creative people achieve their goals. It is the ultimate honor and an incredible thrill to welcome Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson, to the 2025 event."

Robinson, a sports aficionado and former investment banking trader, is the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), and also hosts Higher Ground podcast Ways To Win. He was previously the vice president of Player Development and Minor League Operations for the NBA’s New York Knicks.

SXSW runs from March 7-15.

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