Discover the 10 best free experiences in Austin

Austin's vibrant live music and cultural scene has led to a surge in popularity, making it one of the most frequented cities in the United States.

This rapid growth, coupled with a population influx during the pandemic, has caused prices to rise throughout the Texas capital. However, despite Austin's increasing costs, you can still enjoy your visit without overspending.

There are numerous enjoyable activities that highlight the city's charm without costing a penny. Here are our top ten free things to experience in Austin.

1. Witness the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk

Austin is renowned for its colony of Mexican Free-Tailed bats that roost beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. In fact, it boasts the title of the largest urban bat colony worldwide!

If you're in Austin from late March to early fall, you can witness the ascent of 1.5 million bats into the evening sky at sunset each night. Their flight begins gradually, building into a stunning wave that sweeps over Lady Bird Lake. This breathtaking spectacle can last up to 45 minutes, so be sure to arrive early for a good viewing spot.

Planning tip: The bats head east as they leave the bridge, so consider this when selecting your viewing location on Congress Avenue Bridge or the grassy knoll at the Statesman Bat Observation Center (next to the bridge). If both areas become too crowded, look for an off-path spot on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail. For a unique perspective, bring your kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or water bike to Austin and enjoy watching the bats take flight from the water.

2. Embark on a complimentary historic walking tour

Discover more about Austin's fascinating history with a free guided or self-guided tour of the Texas State Capitol. Marvel at the stunning architecture and explore key areas such as the Senate Chamber, Supreme Court Courtroom, and more.

If the Capitol isn’t quite your style, look into Preservation Austin, which offers 12 different self-guided historic tours throughout the city. These tours lead you through vibrant neighborhoods like South Congress, highlight the landmarks of East Austin Barrio, and provide insights into historic homes and sites in Downtown Austin. Some even feature a GPS bike route for those who prefer cycling.

Preservation Austin has also created narrated audio-visual tours available through the Otocast App, including the “Tejano Trail” and “African American Austin” tours that showcase the city’s diverse communities and their influence on Austin, while the “Iconic Music Venues” tour explores Austin’s rich musical heritage.

Continue your exploration in these top neighborhoods of Austin

3. Discover Zilker Park

Spending time in a park might not sound thrilling, but trust us – the 358-acre Zilker Park is a must-visit in Austin. Lose yourself in nature as you stroll along the Hike-and-Bike Trail, play some disc golf or sand volleyball, and then relax with a picnic while enjoying a view of downtown. You can even rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to float on Lady Bird Lake from the park’s shore.

Zilker Park is also home to several of Austin’s iconic attractions, many of which are free to explore. The Austin Nature & Science Center offers hands-on nature exhibits and educational programs for the entire family at no cost. The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum has reasonable entrance fees, with free admission for children under 12, active military, and veterans.

The Zilker Botanical Garden hosts free admission days throughout the year, and individuals receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can access the gardens for free at any time.

Many of Austin’s top festivals and events take place in Zilker Park. Join the fun for summer music and theatrical performances at the Zilker Hillside Theater, or attend festivals like the Trail of Lights with its free admission nights, and the completely free ABC Kite Fest.

As if all that free fun wasn’t enough, Zilker Park also features the Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre swimming oasis fed by natural springs with a comfortable average temperature of 68°F. From November until spring break, entry to the pool is free of charge.

4. Enjoy free live music

People travel from around the globe to experience live music in Austin, and you can catch many bands without paying a cover fee. Venues like the Elephant Room, Maggie Mae’s, Rustic Tap, Cheer Up Charlies, and The Little Longhorn Saloon regularly host free live shows.

The Saxon Pub hosts free happy hour shows on weekdays, while the Texas Radio Live series by Sun Radio is a weekly event featuring Texas musicians, taking place every Wednesday in the oak-shaded garden at Güero’s Taco Bar.

If you’re in Austin during the first weekend of January, don’t miss the Free Week festival in the Red River Cultural District, showcasing around 100 bands. In the summer, the district also hosts Hot Summer Nights, a free live music series featuring local talent.

Summer is an excellent time for live music, especially in Austin’s parks. The Drop-In Summer Concert Series at Hartman Concert Lawn and Austin Symphony Concerts in the Park are both free annual events.

Planning tip: Throughout the year, there are numerous live music events—stay updated by checking Eventbrite and following Visit Austin’s Instagram page.

5. Enjoy Mexican and Latin American art at the Mexic-Arte Museum on Sundays

The Mexic-Arte Museum offers an insightful glimpse into the vibrant Mexican and Latine culture that enriches Texas. Established in 1984 to share Mexican art and culture, the museum has evolved to include cultural programs and showcase works by emerging Latine artists from the US, Mexico, and Latin America.

With a collection of over 5,000 pieces and rotating exhibitions year-round, each visit to this museum offers a unique experience.

Best of all, admission to the Mexic-Arte Museum is free on Sundays. Additionally, active-duty military members and up to five family members enjoy free entry any day from Armed Services Day through Labor Day.

6. Experience a different perspective of Austin from Mt. Bonnell

Discover a fresh view of Austin by hiking up Mt. Bonnell. Nestled in Covert Park, this peak soars 781 feet above the city. Best of all, it’s free to visit, with complimentary parking available.

Get ready to stretch because you'll need to conquer 102 steps to reach the summit. Once there, enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Austin and the Colorado River. A deck and pavilion at the top offer a perfect spot to relax before heading back down.

This spot is a favorite for photos and romantic evenings (how about a sunset picnic?), so be prepared to wait your turn. The stunning view will be worth it.

7. Embark on a self-guided mural tour

Explore Austin's vibrant, quirky, and colorful murals on a self-guided tour by foot, bike, or car. Don’t miss favorites like the Greetings from Austin mural in South Austin, the I Love You So Much mural at Jo’s Coffee, and the We Rise mural in East Austin. There are countless other artworks around the city, including a tribute to Tejana singer Selena and the beloved frog, Jeremiah the Innocent.

Planning tip: To discover the best murals in Austin, download the Austin Street Art Walk tour from GPSMyCity, check out the Downtown Mural Bike Tour from the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, or use the Murals of East Austin map provided by Creative Austin.

8. Spend time at the Barton Creek Greenbelt

You don't need to leave Austin for an incredible outdoor experience. The Barton Creek Greenbelt stretches 7.25 miles through South Austin, offering fantastic opportunities for rock climbing, swimming, and kayaking, along with 12 miles of trails for hiking, running, and cycling.

There are several access points to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and your choice will depend on your activities. Popular swimming spots include Campbell’s Hole and Gus Fruh, the latter featuring a natural rock wall affectionately known as the Urban Assault. Explore trails that lead to waterfalls like Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls, surrounded by lush forests, stunning rock formations, and inviting swimming holes.

9. Explore the Blanton Museum of Art on Thursdays

The Blanton Museum of Art boasts the largest public art collection in Central Texas, featuring over 21,000 pieces that emphasize modern and contemporary art from America and Latin America, as well as works from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods, along with prints and drawings.

The museum's changing exhibitions highlight some of the most innovative artists today, addressing significant themes relevant to Texas and the global community. Additionally, the Blanton is home to the Austin building, designed by Ellsworth Kelly, which showcases striking colored glass windows—a must-see photo opportunity.

Every Tuesday, entry to the Blanton Museum of Art is complimentary for all guests. Additionally, holders of a University of Texas ID, children under 12, and K-12 teachers with valid identification can visit for free any day. From Armed Services Day through Labor Day, active-duty military members and up to five family members can also enjoy free admission.

10. Visit the Cathedral of Junk

Embodying the city’s motto of “Keep Austin Weird,” the Cathedral of Junk is a true spectacle. Vince Hannemann didn’t set out to create a tourist attraction; he began constructing his whimsical clubhouse from discarded items in 1988 purely for enjoyment. Today, it houses over 60 tons of eclectic treasures, including vintage TVs, kitchen gadgets, ladders, cables, bicycle parts, old clocks, toys, tools, and even toilets.

While some areas of this 'cathedral' are wheelchair accessible, there are also stairs leading to the second and third floors. It’s a captivating labyrinth that Hannemann continues to expand to this day.

Planning tip: To explore the Cathedral of Junk, be sure to call ahead (512-299-7413) to schedule an appointment with Vince Hannemann, as it’s situated on his private property. This personal art installation is best enjoyed as it is, so while you might be tempted to contribute a piece of junk, it's advisable to just take in the artistry and snap plenty of photos.

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