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!
In This Post
August Events in Austin
Check the full calendar of events for more ideas!
Zilker Summer Musical: July 10-August 15, Thursday-Sunday
Every July and August, Zilker Theatre Productions puts on a FREE musical in Zilker Park! 2026’s play is Singin’ in the Rain.
Cedar Park Rodeo: August 7-8
The Cedar Park Rodeo is at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park featuring two evenings of professional rodeo events. Bare back riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, girls barrel racing, girls breakaway roping, team roping, and the fan favorites mutton busting and frisbee dogs!
Umlauf Family Day: August 9
UMLAUF’s monthly Family Day is back on August 9 with a Career Fair edition. Come meet working artists, watch live demos, make something with Rosebud Workshops, hunt for sculptures, and settle in for storytime. Free and open to all.
Blanton Art Museum Summer Storytime: Tuesdays until August 12
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. )
The Drop-in at the Long Center: Every Thursday through August 13
The Long Center’s free summer concert series is still going on through August 13! Check out each week’s lineup and RSVP on their website.
Austin Train Show: August 29-30
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 23
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 21-23
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.
Swimming and splash pads
Head to public swimming pools this month before they close for the season! Here are some of the best spots to check out:
- Free public pools
- Rock’N River water park in Round Rock: Full guide here
- Deep Eddy Pool
- Best water parks and fun pools
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. See the best splash pads here.
Back to School Events
Back to School Bash at Virginia Brown Rec Center: August 1
From 12 pm to 2:30 pm on August 1, 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.
Angel’s Ice House Back 2 School Bash: August 8
Angel’s in Spicewood is throwing a back to school party from 5 to 8 pm on August 8. Free facepainting, free balloon artist, live music, basketball arcade truck, and free frozen lemonade coupons for school supply donations.
What’s the weather like in Austin in August?
If you want to experience true Austin summer weather, August is the month for it! August is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures often hitting 100 degrees or more. Lows are typically in the mid-70s. Rain chances are generally low.
Hope you find some fun things to do in August with your kids! See what to do in July and September in Austin.