Summer is winding down, and most public schools start up again in mid-August around Austin. This is the perfect time to get those final summer bucket list items done and enjoy all that this season has to offer.
Head to the pools and splash pads while they’re still open, take advantage of the sunlight before the days get too short, and kick off the back-to-school season!
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August Events in Austin
Zilker Summer Musical: July 12-August 17, Thursday-Sunday
Every July and August, Zilker Theatre Productions puts on a free musical in Zilker Park! 2024’s play is Legally Blonde, The Musical.
Blanton Art Museum Summer Storytime: Tuesdays until August 13
Every Tuesday during the summer, join the Blanton gallery teachers for Summer Storytime. They’ll share a picture book and connect it to artwork from the Blanton collection. (Every Tuesday is free entry. )
Little Ola’s Kids Eat Free: Every Tuesday in August
Get to Little Ola’s every Tuesday in August for a free kids’ menu sandwich with the purchase of a large biscuit.
BookPeople Tiny Tails Petting Zoo: August 15
I love BookPeople and Tiny Tails Petting Zoo, so this monthly event is the best! Take your little ones to the second floor at 10:30 am to have a storytime and hold some small animals.
The Drop-in at the Long Center: Every Thursday through August 15
The Long Center’s free summer concert series is still going on through August 15! Check out each week’s lineup and RSVP on their website.
Strawbitty Yops Concert at Thinkery: August 16
This family-friendly concert closes off summer with a bang at 10:30 am on August 16. Included with general admission. Stick around after the concert for a “music petting zoo” where the Strawbitty Yops will let kids learn more about their instruments.
Austin Train Show: August 24-25
Experience more than 25,000 square feet of model trains at the Palmer Event Center during the Austin Train Show.
Free Fourth Sunday at Texas Science and Natural History Museum: August 25
From 1 to 5 p.m. visit the Texas Science and Natural History Museum on the UT campus for free. Dinosaurs, animals, fossils, meteorites and more.
Gambler Days: August 23-25
Watch the most talented professional bull riders in this 3-day competition! The Austin Gamblers will be competing against other top teams in this tournament.
UT Football Season Kickoff: August 31
It’s finally football season again! The University of Texas Longhorns start their season on August 31. If you can’t get tickets to the game, here are great spots around town to watch football with your kids.
The Pitch Watch Party
You can watch the game and celebrate college football season at The Pitch from 1-5 on August 31. There will be a mechanical bull, Vevo the Longhorn Meet & Greet, free face painting, ice cream truck, live music, halftime show by the Austin High Drumline, and a UT ticket giveaway.
Swimming and splash pads
Head to public swimming pools this month before they close for the season! Check the hours for your favorite pool and water parks for the month. Many are open just on weekends once school starts and some close completely.
Most splash pads are open through Labor Day or until October! Perfect for the August heat.
Back to School Events
Fast Friends Back to School Family Fun Day: August 11
This family-friendly brewery is hosting a family day with face painting, Beer Buddy painting, a new claw game with free plays, and of course their playground with a brand new shade sail.
Brentwood Social House Back to School Tea Party: August 13
Kids ages 6 to 12 can have a fun tea party before school starts at Brentwood Social House. Reserve your spot for $25 per person.
Back to School Bash: August 17
From 10 am to 1 pm on August 17, celebrate the beginning of the school year at Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center. There will be school supplies and backpacks (while supplies last), free haircuts, games, crafts, music and more.
Hope you find some fun things to do in August with your kids! See what to do in July and September in Austin.