Maybe this’ll sound sacrilegious, but this year’s Summer Events Calendar is a devilishly good one. That’s right, Chronicle reader: We’ve listed all kinds of summer events from musicals to burger competitions, all under our hot ol’ Texas sun, so you can secure a super sweet next four months. May, June, July, and August in Austin promises to be one hell of a summer!
A word to the wise, however: Budget cuts, weather forecasts, and acts of God – or Satan – may affect these dates, so make sure to double check the event details before attending.
MAY
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
May 14-25, Bass Concert Hall
See why 10 Tony Awards were showered on this stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 jukebox musical smash hit. The story of a French courtesan and her penniless poet lover stays the same, but the song catalog expands to include Sia and Katy Perry numbers. texasperformingarts.org/event/moulin-rouge-broadway-austin-2025.
The Drop-In
May 22 – August 14, Long Center Lawn
Summer, summer, summertime – dust off those lawn chairs and enjoy Friday eves at the Long Center. In alignment with recent years, the free Drop-In series’ stacked musical lineup spotlights Austin’s most exciting talent. Performers this year include Latin funk band Brownout, hip-hop duo Geto Gala, Nané feat. Quentin Arispe, alt-country trio Next of Kin, and tireless world music trio the Point. Each week’s performers are announced via Long Center’s socials the preceding Friday, with RSVPs then opening to the general public on Monday. thelongcenter.org/thedropin.
Austin Sketch Fest
May 22-25, ColdTowne Theater
Spend your Memorial Day weekend getting lotsa laughs with Austin’s stellar sketch scene including featured players like Andie Flores as well as out-of-town talents like NYC’s Business Casual. atxsketchfest.com.
Kerrville Folk Festival
May 22 – June 8, Quiet Valley Ranch
Since 1972, there’s only been one fest with the length (18 days!), the talent (Dale Watson! Fruition! Carsie Blanton!), and the craft-building (songwriting, guitar, and harmonica workshops all fest!) to bring everyone out into nature like Kerrville Folk Fest. kerrvillefolkfestival.org.
Paramount Summer Classic Film Series
May 22 – August 31, Paramount Theatre
Cinephiles are sure to feel Breathless about another summer of bangers at the historic Paramount Theatre – and we’re not just talking about the opening night 35mm presentation of Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave classic, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Hold on to your party hats: Other anniversary screenings on the lineup include Jaws and The Empire Strikes Back. austintheatre.org/events/2025-summer-classic-film-series.
Alyssa Edwards: Crowned Tour
May 23, Paramount Theatre
What the fuck is going on in here on this day? Well, it’s Alyssa Edwards telling the tale of how she went from small-town Texas to Drag Race royalty. Expect performances of all kinds peppered with her razor-sharp wit. austintheatre.org.
Austin Greek Festival
May 23-25, Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
It’ll all be Greek to you after attending this three-day fest featuring the best of Grecian culture in Austin. Fill yourself with delicacies like dolmades, dance to live bands like the Aegean Pulse, and shop local Greek vendors. austingreekfestival.com.
CapTex Triathlon
May 26, Downtown Austin
If a lazy Memorial Day spent grilling and boozing isn’t your speed, turn up the heat for Austin’s only Downtown triathlon. Rookies and seasoned athletes alike are welcome to progress from a swim in Lady Bird Lake, to a cycle down Congress Avenue, then finally a dash through Butler Park to the post-race party at Auditorium Shores. captextri.com.
American Football
May 28-29, Mohawk
It was 26 years ago when a band from Urbana, Illinois, recorded an album in four days – and then split shortly after the recording. But the self-titled album gained a cult following, and later became one of the era’s most influential emo records. The band didn’t release another LP until 2016. Now they’re here. Woo! mohawkaustin.com.
Mr./Ms./Mx/Elite Austin Pride Pageant 2025
May 28, Rain on 4th
Who will wear the Austin Pride crowns this year? Head to Austin’s unofficial gay district Fourth Street to witness 12 hopefuls compete for not only the Mr./Ms./Mx/Elite titles but also the $2,500 prize package. austinpride.org.
Hot Luck Fest
May 22-25, Mohawk
Founded by Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ, Mohawk owner James Moody, and Feast Portland’s Mike Thelin, Hot Luck Fest combines our city’s two biggest loves: food and music. Chefs from across the country descend on Austin to share their creations, while the Spits play Friday and White Denim play Sunday. Proceeds benefit food-industry worker support nonprofit Southern Smoke. hotluckfest.com.
ATX TV Festival
May 29 – June 1, Downtown Austin
This annual celebration of the small screen has nabbed some big names for its 14th festival, including Jon Hamm, Seth Meyers, Christine Baranski, Andor creator/EP Tony Gilroy and writer Beau Willimon, a The Leftovers reunion, and a sneak peek at the King of the Hill revival. God dang it, Bobby, that’s a good lineup! atxfestival.com.
Juno Birch: The Probed Tour
May 29, Parish
Here comes space-age super drag star Juno Birch to bring her sky-high blond bouffant and blue face to Bat City, ready to show us how the world looks through her pink sunglasses. parishaustin.com.
Big Ole Queer Market
May 31 – June 1, Palmer Events Center
Get your rainbow tote ready to handle treats, trinkets, and trifles from the over 100 local queer vendors lining PEC for this National Pride Month kickoff market. bigolequeermarket.com.
JUNE
Music Under the Star
Every Friday in June, Capitol Mall Amphitheater
Plans for your Friday nights in June are set with this outdoor concert series, where performances by Sentimental Family Band, San Gabriel, the Tiarras, and many more make our sweltering summer a little cooler. thestoryoftexas.com/muts.
Jump on It Week
June 1-8, Various locations
Founded by rapper/promoter NOOK Turner, this long-running “Black Culture 360 Experience” includes conferences, music performances, and community events like a basketball game and water park day throughout the first week of June. jumponitonline.com.
billy woods
June 6, 29th Street Ballroom
Now with new album Golliwog in hand, unique New York-based MC billy woods comes back to Austin not too long after performing several scorching sets during this year’s South by Southwest. resoundpresents.com/calendar.
Monster Jam
June 7-8, Moody Center
Watching monster trucks seemingly defy physics as they soar through the air for a fleeting moment may never grow old. Bring out the whole fam for a night (or two) of Monster Jam thrills courtesy of Grave Digger – still piloted by members of the Anderson Family – and other gargantuan vehicles. moodycenteratx.com/event/monster-jam-2025.
Clean Lady Bird Lake
June 7, Lady Bird Lake
Signups open three weeks in advance for this massive cleanup wherein volunteers scour the shoreline and beautify 10 areas around the lake on foot, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. keepaustinbeautiful.org.
ATX Trans Pride
June 7, Cheer Up Charlies
Real heads know this ol’ Bat City is nothing without the transgender kings, queens, and creators who make it gleam. Celebrate Austin’s incredible trans community at this splashy shindig featuring music, drag, vendors, and much more. atxtranspride.com.
The Little Gay Shop’s Pride Party
June 8, Distribution Hall
TLGS always brings the vibiest variety of vendors to their mega-markets, where you’ll never shop ’til you drop since there’ll be food, drink, crafts, and good company to keep your gay little spirit upright. thelittlegayshop.com.
The Wiggles: Bouncing Balls Tour
June 11, ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Get ready for fruit salad (yummy yummy!) and hot potatoes at the first Wiggles tour in over five years. Featuring original cast members, new Wiggle-y friends, and everyone’s favorite prehistoric pal Dorothy the Dinosaur. acllive.com.
Waitress
June 11 – July 13, Zach Theatre
Based on the hit movie, this Sara Bareilles-boosted musical tells the tale of a waitress skilled in pie-making and warming hearts as she navigates heartbreak in a small town. Good for ages 12 and up, so make this your preteen’s first musical experience! zachtheatre.org.
Fredericksburg Craft Beer Festival
June 13-14, Marktplatz
Rotary Club of Fredericksburg Foundation raises funds for its charitable efforts as well as Frontera Healthcare with a frothy fest in F-burg’s charming town square, promising games, music, and food along with the suds. fbgcraftbeerfestival.com.
Stay Black and Live Juneteenth Festival
June 14, Carver Museum and Freedom Plaza
Celebrate Juneteenth with performances by Taméca Jones, Chalie Boy, and more, plus free BBQ and a Black vendor market, at the George Washington Carver Museum. Saturday’s festival wraps a week’s worth of Freedom celebrations via a Free Your Mind symposium series. juneteenthatx.com/festival.
Austin Monthly’s Burger Bash
June 14, Central Machine Works
Start fasting now. For about 50 bucks, you can sample up to 20 of the most sought-after burgers in the city. The full lineup isn’t announced yet, but Austin Monthly has promised tastings of patties by buzzy smash burger experts NADC, the smokers at la Barbecue, and Jewboy, plus Gimme Burger, Bill’s Oyster, Loro, and Huckleberry, so far. Central Machine Works hosts live music, local vendors, and two-step teachers to round out the fun, which runs from noon to 4pm. austinmonthly.com/burgerbash2025.
Wu-Tang Clan
June 15, Moody Center
Legendary rap group responsible for seminal album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) – and hip-hop’s equivalent to Pink Floyd T-shirts – tours for the final time as a collective. Run the Jewels (El-P and Killer Mike) reunite to complete a lyricism-packed night. moodycenteratx.com/event/wu-tang-clan.
Central Texas Juneteenth
June 19, East Austin
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on the first day of 1863, the news didn’t reach Texas until two and a half years later, when Union troops arrived in Galveston to let enslaved people know they were free. Nonprofit Greater East Austin Youth Association commemorates the occasion each year with a parade weaving through the Eastside and culminating in a family-friendly festival in Rosewood Neighborhood Park offering live music, vendors, children’s activities, food, and lots of fun. juneteenthcentraltexas.com.
Black Auteur Film Festival
June 21, AFS Cinema
Founded by Black filmmakers to spotlight the work of their peers, the Black Auteur Film Festival returns – but at a new venue – for a short film showcase, networking mixer, pitch contest, and raffle where all festival attendees can win up to $3,000 in prizes, including free movie tickets and filmmaking workshops. austinfilm.org/screening/black-auteur-film-festival.
The Majestic Ball: Mythological Mayhem
June 21, Paramount Theatre
Ballroom returns to the Paramount with legendary faces flocking to its hallowed halls. Expect performances from Austin’s own Diamond Dior Davenport and special guest Kennedy Davenport (Drag Race 7, All Stars 3), as well as a ball hosted by Mother Natalie Lepore. austintheatre.org.
Austin Asian American Film Festival
June 25-29, AFS Cinema
All films featured during this fest come from Asian or Asian American creators, from debut directors to old-hand pros. New films crossing the genre spectrum showcase at this nonprofit fest, plus Q&As with the artists involved as well as special surprises. aaafilmfest.org.
Austin Chamber Music Festival
June 27 – August 9, Bates Recital Hall
The Austin Chamber Music Center once again presents a summerlong celebration of intimate ensemble works. This year’s lineup includes the Yamazalde Trio (featuring ACMC Artistic Director Sandy Yamamoto), the Miró Quartet, the Poiesis Quartet, Michelle Schumann, Gil Shaham, Akira Eguchi, the Kodak Quartet, and a family-friendly performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. austinchambermusic.org/festival.
Austin African American Book Festival
June 28, Carver Library & Museum
Totally free and with activities for all ages, the fest offers a full day of thought-provoking discussions, author connections, and celebration of Black culture and literature. www.aaabookfest.org.
JULY
Star Spangled Fest
July 3-4, Vic Mathias Shores
Reckless Kelly & Friends fuel the first night of back-to-back 4th of July festivities, while Independence Day sees more local musicians, a taco eating contest, and – big finish – Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual concert and fireworks display. www.starspangledfest.com.
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
July 4, Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Ninety-two-year-old progressive cowboy and patron saint of Austin Willie Nelson keeps his annual tradition (since 1973) alive and definitely kickin’ with musical friends like Bob Dylan, the Avett Brothers, and others taking the Circuit of the Americas stage. And since we’re ostensibly celebrating America’s anniversary, there will of course be fireworks to spark whatever patriotism might still be lingering in your soul. He might have a few more scratches, but Trigger, and the man behind the guitar for that matter, still sound like a tumbleweed rolling free. In so many ways, Willie is keeping our hopes alive. willienelson.com.
JoJo Siwa Live
July 11, Emo’s
Nothing’s off the table for this “confident and gleefully unrestrained” artist who grew up on TV with Dance Moms and recently faced off with Mickey Rourke on Celebrity Big Brother. emosaustin.com.
Bring It On: The Musical
July 11 – August 16, Zilker Hillside Theater
Pom-poms at the ready, everybody, because Zilker Theatre Productions is bringing the screen-to-stage adaptation of this cheerleading classic as their summer musical. Adapted with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda as well as an original story by Avenue Q’s Jeff Whitty, this high-flying story of betrayal, friendship, and ponytails hits the Hillside with local Austin artists Ella Harber and Yassie Kiara bringing to life the two leads. You’ll laugh; you’ll cry; you’ll be named captain of the cheer squad! zilker.org/bringiton2025.
“Cuídate (Take Care)”
July 12 – August 30, Ivester Contemporary
Curated by assistant gallery director Savannah Diaz, this will be Ivester’s first-ever open call group show. Works displayed will center on “rituals and self-soothing practices” that recharge us in our cacophonous and connected world. ivestercontemporary.com.
MLS All-Star Game
July 22-23, Q2 Stadium
For the first time, Austin hosts Major League Soccer’s all-star game. The exhibition features an inter-league format as MLS’s best faces top talent from Mexico’s first division, Liga MX, for a fourth time. Festivities begin on July 22 with the All-Star Skills Challenge pitting players in fun drills such as a crossbar challenge and passing challenge. Lionel Messi, one of the greatest athletes ever, will probably make his first local appearance in some capacity barring injury. Some other footballers you may see: Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, Diego Luna, James Rodriguez, Austin FC’s own Brandon Vázquez, and Alexis Vega. www.mlssoccer.com/allstar/2025.
Hot Summer Nights
July 24-26, Red River Cultural District
When the nights barely get below 80 degrees, it’s hard to want to hit a packed club. The Red River Cultural District inspires sluggish music lovers the best way they know how: by offering up the music for free. Clubs all over Downtown will have stacked local lineups, all free of charge – but you still have to tip your bartenders! redriverculturaldistrict.org.
Classic Game Fest
July 25-27, Palmer Events Center
The summer is made for video games, and this homegrown festival reminds you that the old stuff still holds up. Live music, special guests, costume contests, and vendors galore cater to the bleeps-and-bloops crowd. classicgamefest.com.
AUGUST
Jesus Christ Superstar
August 2-10, McCullough Theatre
He is risen – and by He, we mean Impact Art’s Summer Stock 2025 production of the Gospel-inspired rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. Will this be biblically accurate? No! But that’s the fun of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s concept-album-turned-Broadway-sensation. Wouldn’t you just love to watch hot Judas sing to his BFF, aka the son of God? Everyone can get in on the saintly serenades, as the Aug. 3 show will feature ASL interpreters as well as audio-described performances, and Aug. 5 will have a sensory-friendly performance. impactarts.org/jesuschristsuperstar.
The Wizard of Oz
August 12 – September 21, The Topfer
No need for a tornado to hit town – you just gotta buy a ticket to be transported to Oz. Zach Theatre bills this as an “immersive” Zach360 production of the iconic, Depression-era musical about a girl named Dorothy and a yellow brick road that leads to adventure. zachtheatre.org.
Pop Cats Austin 2025
August 16-17, Palmer Events Center
Fur will fly at the ultimate feline fest open to both cats and their people, offering opportunities to show your cattitude with kitty cosplay, explore interactive exhibits and craft stations, and purr-use all the cool kitty stuff for sale. popcats.co/cat-convention-pop-cats/austin2025.
PBR Gambler Days
August 22-24, Moody Center
Your local bull-riding squad hosts the rest of the PBR teams to compete in a three-day smorgasbord of hooting, hollering, bucking, and horn-dodging. Here’s to hoping the home team goes the full eight seconds without meeting the business end of the bull. Spoiler: Both sides of the bull are the business end. austingamblers.com.
Austin Pride: Silence = Death
August 23, Fiesta Gardens & South Congress Avenue
2025’s been a tough year for the LGBTQ crew, especially in Texas’ crimson conservative vortex around our capital blueberry. So Austin Pride resolves that this year’s parade and festival will have the city’s queers “take to the streets – not just to celebrate, but to demand, to resist, and to fight for our future.” But don’t sweat out your sparkles, girl: There’ll still be parties, performances, and pallin’ around with your fellow queer Austinites. Just remember to wear sunscreen, okay? austinpride.org/pride-2025.
Austin Area Train Show
August 23-24, Palmer Events Center
More than 25,000 square feet of model railroading: Need we say more? Even though this city seems to have a cursed relationship to efficiently built railways, at least you can check out tiny trains for only $8 as an adult or for free as a kid. austintrainshow.org.
Ballet Austin Free Day of Dance
August 24, Ballet Austin’s Butler Dance Education Center
Boost your mood and get a joyful workout at no cost as Ballet Austin invites one and all to experience its many offerings, from classical ballet to hip-hop to Bollywood cardio. balletaustin.org.
Ethel Cain
August 26, Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
Ethel Cain’s Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour, set to accompany her upcoming LP, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, is kicking off this August. Spanning 46 cities, it’ll be the indie singer-songwriter’s biggest tour yet. In partnership with the Ally Coalition, $1 from every sold ticket will be donated to organizations supporting the trans community. www.daughtersofcain.com/tour.
PRISM 38: aGLIFF’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival
August 27-31, multiple cinemas
Austin’s premier queer cinema event brings LGBTQIA+ filmmakers to the front. Enjoy up-and-coming creators, short film stars, celebrated classics, and tons of social mixers where you and the artists can mingle. agliff.org.
Deaf Austin Theatre’s A Strange Loop
August 29 – September 14, TBD
Founded on the idea of ensuring deaf inclusion on the stage and in the crowd, Deaf Austin Theatre brings a “blisteringly funny” musical tale of Usher, a young artist who grapples with identity and sexuality. The promo materials sell it the best, calling it a “big, Black and queer-ass Great American Musical for all.” deafaustintheatre.org.
World Oddities Expo
August 30, Palmer Events Center
The World Oddities Expo is on the road again, ready to make Austin even weirder. Along with the expected bones and taxidermy, they’ll have live entertainment as well as tattoo and art vendors influenced by all things peculiar and macabre. worldodditiesexpo.com/austin-tx.
This article appears in May 16 • 2025.