• July 2016
• >
• Happenings

Kristy’s Top Ten: July 2016

July’s to-do list from 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas.

1. Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic

July 4, 11a.m.
Austin360 Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
circuitoftheamericas.com/willie

Let your patriotic flag fly and get ready for some firecrackin’ fun this Fourth of July with a spirited live performance from Willie Nelson and his legion of country-music superstars. The 83-year-old native of Abbott, Texas, is bringing his legendary picnic party back to COTA’s Austin360 Amphitheater. With accompanying performances by Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Shakey Graves, Leon Russell and Billie Joe Shaver, the impressive prowess of this year’s music lineup is poised to give the jaw-dropping fireworks finale a run for its money.
Tickets start at $35.  

 

2. Sunset Sweat Session With Mod Fitness

July 6, 6 to 7 p.m.
W Wet Deck, 200 Lavaca St.
whotelaustin.com/sunsetsweat

Put on your yoga pants, toss your mat in the car and rally your girlfriends for a sun-soaked, sweat-filled workout on the W Austin Hotel’s Wet Deck. Mod Fitness has partnered with the downtown high-rise hotel to bring you an hour-long barre workout session by the rooftop pool. Fulfill your weekly isometric leg-work quota, then cool off with a swim or wade up to the poolside bar for a crisp and refreshing cocktail. Unlike many mainstream gyms, post-workout loitering is encouraged.
The event is complimentary for Mod Fitness members and $20 for non-members.

 

3. Trailer Food Tuesdays at The Long Center

July 19, 5 to 9 p.m.
The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
trailerfoodtuesdays.com

Finding a place to eat the whole family will enjoy can be tough. Test your palate and expand your casual-dining repertoire at Trailer Food Tuesdays, a monthly event that brings together at least 15 Austin food trucks, making this the easiest dinner you’ll have to put together all summer. Listen to live music and ponder the tricky decision of which food truck to approach first.
Admission is free.

 

4. 101X Summer Cinema Series

July 13 and 27, dusk or 8:30 p.m.
Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd.
101x.com/summer-cinema-2016

It’s almost impossible to keep up with all the free summer movies in town this summer, but remember this: Wednesday nights mean 101X hosts its Summer Cinema Series at Central Market. During the month of July, shows include Napoleon Dynamite July 13 and The Goonies July 27. Dust off those folding chairs, bust out those nunchuck skills you’ve been dying to show everyone, don’t forget to vote for Pedro and let the kids get lost in an armchair adventure looking for buried treasure.
Admission is free.

 

5. Float Fest

July 16 and 17
Cool River Ranch, 601 Dupuy Ranch Road, Martindale, Texas
floatfest.net

Camp all night, float all morning and arrive at Cool River Ranch just in time to listen to some great live music. Now in its third year, Float Fest is quickly becoming one of our favorite outdoor summer festivals. This year’s lineup promises to keep the momentum going with a diverse bill that includes the musical genius of Chromeo, Rick Ross, Santigold, Big Gigantic, Future Islands, Bleachers, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Slim Thug and many more.
Ticket prices vary.

 

6. Summer Skills Workshop

July 10, 10 a.m. to noon
Hotel San Jose, 1316 S. Congress Ave.
sanjosehotel.com/lounge

Has your arts-and-crafts Pinterest board been getting a little full? For those on the hunt to make their creative dreams a reality, a morning jaunt to Hotel San Jose is in order. Every second Sunday of the month from June through September, the boutique hotel on South Congress Avenue will host a Summer Skills Workshop Series in the courtyard. This month, take part in a two-hour, hands-on lesson in the art of chain-stitch embroidery. Guided by garment designer Kathie Sever, each student will get to practice machine and freehand stitching, transferring their designs directly onto their garment of choice. Who knows? You could end up starting your own Etsy shop!
Tickets are $150. 

 

7. Grease Sing-along

July 9, 7 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
tickets.austintheatre.org/single/eventdetail.aspx?p=1565

Grab your girlfriends and add some spice to your summer night. Dress up in your best pink jacket and poodle skirt, curl your hair and start practicing your hand jive. Then drive over (iconic 1948 Ford Deluxe car optional) to the Paramount Theatre for an auto-matic, system-matic, hydro-matic sing-along experience with your favorite ’50s gang. Be careful though, as you may have the song “Summer Nights” stuck in your head for at least a week!
Tickets are $15.

 

8. Hard Luck Art Market

July 3, 17 and 31; 2 to 7 p.m
Hard Luck Lounge, 3526 E. Seventh St.
facebook.com/hardluckartmarket

If you’re looking for a place that carries cacti right alongside vintage clothing, there’s only one place to go this summer. Add some mystery to your weekend shopping trip with a visit to the vendor market at the Hard Luck Lounge. Every other Sunday, Austin-based vendors set up in the courtyard to display their handcrafted and curated wares, carrying everything from vintage clothes to beautiful original paintings and photographs. With you thirst for shopping satisfied, summon a beer from the lounge to savor and soak in some afternoon rays.
Admission is free. 

 

9. Shrek: the Musical at Zilker Hillside Theater

Thursday through Sunday starting July 8, 8:15 p.m.
Zilker Hillside Theater, 2201 Barton Springs Road
zilker.org/shrek-the-musical

The annual Zilker Summer Musical is back for its 58th year, and this time, the featured musical is {Shrek}! The grassy outdoor venue at Zilker Park is perfect for an evening under the stars, and once the sun goes down, the weather is much more bearable. Don’t forget to bring a blanket, a loaded picnic basket, a cooler (no glass), bug spray and anything else you might need for a pleasant evening out. It’s important to note that no pets are allowed, so make sure you leave Spot at home. Are you worried about impending rain? Call the hotline at 512.479.9491 for performance updates.
Admission is free. Parking is $5 per car.

 

10. Free Concerts in the Park

July 10, 17, 24 and 31; 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Hartman Concert Park at The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
austinsymphony.org/events/austin-symphony-hartman-foundation-concerts-in-the-park/

We can’t think of a better way to savor a Sunday evening than sprawling out on a picnic blanket on the lawn of The Long Center for a free concert. For four Sundays in July, the Austin Symphony Orchestra, in coordination with the Hartman Foundation, will host a series of free performances for the public. These weekly concerts are one of Austin’s true summer treasures, allowing listeners to simultaneously soak in harmonious musical tunes and stunning sunset views of the city skyline. Each week features a different ensemble of the Austin Symphony Orchestra playing an array of everything from jazz to light classical music, as well as pop selections and film scores.
Admission is free.

 

 Photo by Julian Bajsel.

---