Living in the Live Music Capital of the World is pretty fantastic. But sometimes, fellow parents, don’t you feel like we might be missing out on some of the action? Researching shows, getting a sitter, and staying out late enough to enjoy it all certainly factors in when you’re raising little kids. But springtime offers even the most exhausted moms and dads plenty of ways to soak up the live music vibes and feel connected to this awesome aspect of Austin. Below you’ll find not one but FIVE different FREE live music series in which you can totally bring the kids along.
Five Free, Family-Friendly Live Music Series in Austin this Spring:
1. Unplugged at the Grove @ Shady Grove Restaurant
Thursdays, 8 p.m.
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of KGSR’s Unplugged at the Grove where you can enjoy live music at the iconic restaurant on Barton Springs Road. This series will be going strong throughout the summer. There’s no cover charge, and while you are there, you can enjoy beer specials and great food, too. Upcoming performers include Harvest Theieves, Alejandro Escovedo, Ray Wylie Hubbard and more. Click here for full line-up and details.
2. Texas Radio Live @ Guero’s Taco Bar
Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m.
Each week Sun Radio presents the latest and the greatest Texas singers, songwriters and musicians. Texas Radio Live broadcasts live from Guero’s Oak Garden on www.SunRadio.com. While admission is free, this is also a weekly fundraiser (donations accepted) to help support the Sun Radio Mission & the Larry Monroe Scholarship Fund. Upcoming performers include Don Leady & His Rockin’ Revue, Reckless Kelly, Ruby Dee & the Snakehandlers, Two Hoots and a Holler, and more. Click here to view the line-up.
3. Saturday Night Concert Series @ Hill Country Galleria
Saturdays, 7 p.m.
Enjoy Saturday nights outdoors with live music, free kids activities and great shopping. Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the grassy lawn during the show. Browse the vendors, order to-go food & have it delivered to your spot on the grassy lawn, and enjoy free kids activities like face painting or balloon twisters. For those who arrive early, you can get a free SWAG bag filled with fun items and discounts from the Hill Country Galleria merchants & sponsors. Sun Radio 1001.1FM will be on-site to emcee the event and introduce you to the band. Performers include Warren Hood, Guy Forsyth, Two Tons of Steel, and more. Click here for complete info and line-up.
4. Live Music Series @ The Midway Food Park
Every Friday & Saturday 6-8:30 p.m.
In our opinion, The Midway has it all. Lots of great food trucks, BYOB, playscape, plenty of room for kids to run around and easy parking. But to make things even better, you can hear live music on Friday & Saturday nights (weather permitting) for free! Click here to keep up with the lineup.
5. Live Music @ Central Market North Lamar
Thursdays – Sundays, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Central Market hosts live music events throughout the year. You can grab dinner in the cafe and sit outdoors while the kids play on the playscape. Take note that from Friday, April 15 — Sunday, April 24 the Texas Community Music Festival will take place at Central Market North Lamar with over 70 bands on this year’s schedule. All performances are free and family-friendly. Genres include classical/symphonic, lots of jazz, swing, and Dixieland, world music, bluegrass, Americana, blues, funk, soul, r&b, even polka. Click here to view the schedule & lineup.
Dinner and a concert sounds like just the thing this spring! Gather your friends and make a plan for family night out where you and the kids can feel the beat as you eat.
Have fun out there!
