Weekend Event Guide

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

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 courtesy of Full Out Creative

Enjoy Shrek the Musical at Bass Concert Hall on July 21.

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.

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Hot Headlines

Famous Austin tower sells for $522M in this week's hottest headlines

Rendering courtesy of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

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Editor's note: This week's top Austin news includes many exciting restaurant openings and holiday happenings aplenty. Plus, the famous "sailboat building" gets a new owner. Get the details on our hottest headlines of the week below. And for the best things to do in Austin this weekend, go here.

1. Austin's famous 'sail tower' sells for $522 million. An iconic piece of Austin’s skyline is getting a new owner. Cousins Properties announced it is acquiring the tower that's shaped like a sail in downtown Austin for more than $521.8 million. The property is leased to Google and was developed in 2022.

2. 8 openings in a month lead Austin's restaurant and bar news. Here's a rundown of eight exciting restaurants that have opened in the last month.

3. Former Food Network host debuts Round Rock bar with fancy comfort food. Former Food Network host John Green is heading to the Austin suburb with a new concept dedicated to "elevated bar fare." It's opening January 11, 2025.

Odds Bar & Bistro Round Rock French Toast Odds Bar & Bistro will serve very upscale "bar food." Photo courtesy of Odds Bar & Bistro

4. These 9 Austin restaurants will be open for Christmas Eve or Day 2024. If your ideal Christmas doesn't involve a whole lot of cooking, cleaning, or hosting, there are several Austin restaurants that are happy to do the work for you. In fact, not only are many restaurants staying open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but they're offering special menus and events, too.

5. Where to see the most dazzling Christmas lights in Austin and beyond. The magical holiday season is in full swing, and that means beautiful holiday lights displays. Here's a list of the best holiday light events and attractions happening in Austin and nearby.

google tower restaurant opening christmas lights christmas dining top stories