That's Hot

The local band scene heats up in downtown Austin with free shows during Hot Summer Nights

Mama Duke plays Hot Summer Nights in Austin at Cheer Up Charlie's

Catch some heat this July during Hot Summer Nights, a free concert series that makes sure bands get paid. (Pictured: Mama Duke performing a Hot Summer Nights show in 2022.)

Photo courtesy of the Red River Cultural District

Not sure anyone wants to hear about hot summer yet, but Hot Summer Nights will make it all worth it with the return of free festivals across the Red River Cultural District (RRCD) from July 20-23. The multi-genre festival offers something for everyone at 11 venues in the area, all within walking distance.

This is the sixth year for the decentralized festival, which the RRCD mirrors in the winter for Free Week. Hot Summer Nights was the originator, as the nonprofit’s first official district-wide event, which was planned to keep the gigs flowing during less busy months.

“Block out your calendars on July 20 through 23 as we all reunite for a summer celebration that not only offers festival-goers free access to some of Austin’s best bands and most popular venues, but also helps provide greater support for local venue workers and musicians,” said interim executive director Nicole Klepadlo.

Shows are booked courtesy of the RRCD in cooperation with each venue, meaning the performers get paid by corporate sponsorships and individual donations. Visitors can add to that pool by making a donation to keep the fun going.

Both an industry boon and a fun chance to get to know local bands from Austin and Central Texas, this festival keeps the Red River pocket of Austin at its best. Proceeds this year will go back to the RRCD for ongoing programs in “creative, service, hospitality, and production” sectors. The nonprofit has distributed $250,000 via more than 3,000 grants, and has paid for 300 gigs so far.

Participating venues from south to north, about half a mile apart, are:

Flamingo Cantina
Mala Vida
Swan Dive
Chess Club
Empire Control Room & Garage
Elysium
The 13th Floor
Valhalla
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Cheer Up Charlies
Mohawk

So far, this announcement only includes dates and venues; Participating artists and more updates will come in May. The festival is still looking for corporate sponsors. (Email nicole@redriverculturaldistrict.org.)

More information about Hot Summer Nights is available at redriverculturaldistrict.org.

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Hot Headlines

Hill County winery's world ranking leads Austin's top stories this week

Photo courtesy of William Chris Vineyards

William Chris Vineyards has done it again.

Editor's note: Austin had a big week for food and wine, especially when it comes to external recognition. A vineyard took global honors, a Cedar Park eatery put a new twist on noodles, and Austin college students got their thinking caps on. Here's a rundown of the week's most-read stories. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? They're right here.

1. Hill Country winery makes prestigious World's Best Vineyards list for 2024.One of Texas' best vineyards has much more than the Lone Star State under its spell. William Chris Vineyards, located in Hye, has been named the No. 63 best on the planet.

2. New Cedar Park eatery lets you make your own instant noodles in 60 flavors. Austin's first-ever self-serve Korean ramyun joint, K-Ramyun, is now open in Cedar Park. The store works like a cafeteria with boiling stations.

K-Ramyun Cedar Park interior At K-Ramyun you can choose from over 60 noodle flavors and 20 toppings to build your own bowl. Photo from K-Ramyun via Yelp

3. Austin has the second best culinary school in the country for 2025.The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin was No. 2 of 131 on education review platform Niche's 2025 "Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America" list.

4. Austin pickleball club reopens with Bill's Oyster spin-off food truck. Pickleball players at Other Racquet Social Club were placed on a forced rest this summer as the sports venue dealt with city permitting complications, but it'll be back in action November 1.

5. Austin declared America's best college town for 2025.Austin's top-quality universities, thriving economy, and vibrant culture have earned the city a stellar new reputation as the No. 1 best college town in America for 2025.

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