140+ local artists perform for free during Hot Summer Nights

A free festival? Music to our ears. Hot Summer Nights is back Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 20, featuring admission-free live music performances at myriad venues near Red River Street.

An Austin tradition since 2017, Hot Summer Nights is produced by local nonprofit the Red River Cultural District with the goal of bringing Austinites together to support venues during historically slower summer months.

The annual event is perfect for those looking to dip their toes into Austin’s vibrant music scene or for seasoned supporters to vibe to their favorite acts under the roofs of some of the city’s most cherished venues.

Photo courtesy Foxtales

Shows start around 7-8 p.m. each night. Here’s where you can see them:

• The 13th Floor
• Cheer Up Charlies
• Chess Club
• The Creek and The Cave
• Elysium
• Empire Control Room & Garage
• Flamingo Cantina
• Liberty Lunch
• Mohawk Austin
• Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
• Swan Dive
• Valhalla
• Vaquero Taquero
• Waterloo Park

So, who’s going to be on the stage? More than 140 local musicians will perform over three days, including Foxtales , The Tiarras, Daniel Fears, Moody Bank$, Street Peach, and many, many more. See the full schedule to map out your experience.

Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III

But wait — you’ll need some fuel to keep dancing for three nights in a row. That’s where the festival’s food and beverage lineup comes in, featuring deals at nearby bars + restaurants to keep bellies full while fists bump.

Finally, the fun extends beyond live music. From themed parties to yoga sessions and vendor markets, the Hot Summer Nights schedule is packed with unique happenings at no cost. Whether you want to swap vinyls or learn something new at a nature workshop , there’s something for everyone at this district-wide extravaganza.