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
Check the full calendar of events for more ideas!
Zilker Summer Musical: July 11-August 16, Thursday-Sunday
Every July and August, Zilker Theatre Productions puts on a FREE musical in Zilker Park! 2025’s play is Bring It On: The Musical.
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. )
BookPeople Tiny Tails Petting Zoo: August 21
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 14
The Long Center’s free summer concert series is still going on through August 14! Check out each week’s lineup and RSVP on their website.
Austin Train Show: August 23-24
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 24
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 22-24
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
Consider contributing to local teachers’ wishlists!
Brentwood Social House Back to School Tea Party: August 6
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 at Virginia Brown Rec Center: August 9
From 11 am to 3 pm on August 9, 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.
Nameless Saloon Back to School Bash: August 9
Nameless Saloon in Leander is hosting a back-to-school celebration with free backpacks and haircuts for kids, face painting, temporary tattoos, Kona Ice, food trucks and live music from 2-7.
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.