Live music, local celebrations, and lots of free ice cream are the best ways to spend your next few summer nights and days. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, go to our calendar.

Thursday, July 18

Moody Center presents Missy Elliott in concert
Hip hop legend Missy Elliott performs live in concert at Moody Center. The “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On” artist has released six studio albums, including The Cookbook in 2005. Elliott will be joined by fellow superstar guests Busta Rhymes, Timbaland, and Ciara. Get more information on Ticketmaster.

Red River Cultural District presents Hot Summer Nights
Live music performances by more than 100 local musicians and bands take place across Austin’s Red River Cultural District. Highlights of the three-day event include exclusive parties, family-friendly activations, daytime programming, nature walks, a vendor market, and a vinyl swap. Participating venues include iconic institutions such as Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlie’s, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, Empire Control Room & Garage, and more. Full schedule details are on the festival website. CultureMap's top 11 picks for who to see are right here.

Cine Las Americas presents CineClub México: Alucarda
We Luv Video hosts this month’s featured film in the Cine Las Americas' monthly CineClub México series. Visitors will watch Alucarda, a horror film by Juan López Moctezum about a 19th-century convent girl with a sinister presence. This screening will be presented in Spanish with English subtitles. Lead actress Tina Romero will join guests in conversation following the screening. Entry is free.

Friday, July 19

Moody Center presents Peso Pluma in concert
Latin music singer Peso Pluma brings his Exodo world tour to the Moody Center for one night only. The Mexican artist best known for songs such as “La Bebe” and “Lady Gaga” comes to Austin in support of his 2023 album, Génesis. Get more details on Ticketmaster.

Saturday, July 20

  

Photo by Derek Blanks with crowdMGMT

Missy Elliott will bring her first-ever headlining tour to Moody Center on July 18.

Museum of Ice Cream's National Ice Cream Day Extravaganza
Celebrate everyone’s favorite cold confection with the Museum of Ice Cream and Blue Bell Creameries at Music Lane. Guests can enjoy free vanilla and chocolate ice cream cups while supplies last, giveaway prizes, and discount specials at participating local merchants. Programming is scheduled through July 21. All extravaganza activations are free and open to the public.

Sunday, July 21

Texas Performing Arts presents Shrek the Musical
The beloved and blockbuster movie about an ogre and his unlikely hero's journey comes to life on stage at Bass Concert Hall. This production is adapted from the hit DreamWorks animated film and features favorite characters like the wisecracking Donkey and the fiery princess Fiona in a story that is suitable for all ages. A limited number of tickets are still available.