Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 6 things to do in Austin this Fourth of July weekend

Fireworks, family-friendly fun, and festivities are on the agenda as America’s birthday approaches. Celebrate the season at Star Spangled Fest or cool off with a poolside hang at Austin Proper’s Sunset Session. Check out the top seven things to do this Fourth of July weekend. For a complete list of events, click over to our calendar.

Photo courtesy of Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic

Austin legend Willie Nelson hosts another year of his epic 4th of July Picnic.

Thursday, July 2

The Eleanor presents Shipwreck’d Pirate Pop-Up Bar
Craft cocktail bar The Eleanor transforms into a swashbuckling shindig for the summer. This immersive pirate-themed pop-up bar features a menu of specialty drinks, hidden treasures, and menu offerings that any land lover would enjoy. Reservations and walk-ins are welcome. Shipwreck’d is open through August 30.

Friday, July 3

Summer on Music Lane presents Adam Johnson
Hotel Magdalena welcomes guests to their patio for an afternoon of live music. Austin-based featured artist Adam Johnson will take the stage for a two-hour show. Visitors can relax on the patio, enjoy beverages and bites from the hotel’s on-site restaurant, and relax into the weekend with poolside sounds. Admission is free and open to the public.

Austin Proper presents Sunset Sessions
Cool down and groove to chill tunes at the Austin Proper this Friday and Saturday. The Sunset Sessions series continues at the pool deck and features live DJ sets, craft cocktails, and menu offerings from La Piscina. This weekend will showcase sounds spun by local DJ Mattriquez. Admission is free. Check availability and learn more on Eventbrite.

Saturday, July 4

Star Spangled Fest
Vic Mathias Shores and The Long Center host another year of Fourth of July festivities ahead of its highly-anticipated fireworks show on the city’s lakefront. Fest highlights include live music performances, DJ sets, lawn games, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and the 48th Annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert main event. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for a comfortable festival experience. Admission is free and open to the public.

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks
Austin music legend Willie Nelson performs live in celebration of Independence Day at Germania Insurance Amphitheater. The evening lineup also includes shows by Sherly Crow, Lukas Nelson, Billy Strings, Wilco, Stephen Wilson Jr., Lily Meola, and others. Various ticket options are available now. Get more details on Ticketmaster.

Haute Spot presents Bob Schneider in concert
Local music star Bob Schneider performs live at Haute Spot. Schneider returns for another special concert during the Fourth of July weekend and will perform a selection of songs from across his 20-album discography. He will be joined by opening acts Fastest Land Animal and Ronnie Bowen. Find seating options on Etix.

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Music Notes

Proun to play album release show, plus more Austin music picks

Photo by Andrew Kenty

Proun to play album release show at 29th St. Ballroom

July has arrived! As you contemplate how you want to ring in America’s semiquincentennial, take a look at the many great local shows set to happen in the first part of the month.

Co-Lab’s Birthday Bash at Hotel Vegas – Thursday, July 2
Co-Lab, an artist-run creative development nonprofit, is turning 18, and it's throwing itself a birthday bash (and benefit) at Hotel Vegas this Thursday, July 2. J’Cuuzi, Mugger, Water Damage, Bruce, and more will perform. Tickets are $30.

Proun at 29th St. Ballroom – Friday, July 3
Emo folk rockers Proun recently put out their excellent debut album, Maybe Luck, and this Friday, July 3, they’ll fully celebrate its arrival with a release party at 29th St. Ballroom. Hemlock, Woodcutter(s), and Amelia’s Best Friend will open up the show. Tickets are $15.

Topaz at Hotel Vegas – Friday, July 3
Topaz (of Golden Dawn Arkestra) can be seen this Friday, July 3, at Hotel Vegas, where he’ll be ringing in the release of a new single. Openers for the evening include S.L. Houser, Brendan Bond, Blush Fantasy. Cover will be $12 at the door.

Hawk Dog at the Mohawk – Saturday, July 4
The Mohawk will put on its fourth annual Hawk Dawg this Saturday, July 4. Apart from the chance to compete in a hot dog eating contest, attendees will also see performances from Almost Heaven and Eddie Angel, along with a Cut Copy DJ set. Tickets are $26.

Wet Hot Howdy Summer at 29th St. Ballroom – Thursday, July 9
French Film, Cloud Companion, Semiwestern, and Sad Cell will take the stage at 29th St. Ballroom on Thursday, July 9, as a part of Wet Hot Howdy Summer, a series that the venue is hosting throughout July. Tickets for the show are $17.50.

Billy Glitter at Hole In The Wall – Thursday, July 9
Rock act Billy Glitter will bring their hiatus to an end with a new single, “When It Walks,” and a show at Hole In The Wall on Thursday, July 9. Things will get underway with Slomo Drags and Haight Ashbury Medical Clinic. Tickets are $12.76.

Mad Whit at the 13th Floor – Saturday, July 11
Mad Whit (of Sailor Poon) will celebrate the release of a new single, “Glass Head,” at the 13th Floor on Saturday, July 11. Flags and Large Brush Collection will kick off the show. Tickets are $12.26.

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