ATX Summer Survival Guide
By the time June rolls around, we’re all sweaty, cranky, and looking for some relief wherever we can find it. Fear not, brave Austinites—we can survive this wretched heat if we keep ourselves entertained and consume plenty of delicious icy treats at regular intervals. Check out our foolproof tactics for beating the heat:
Entertaining Summer Events in Austin
Since 1959, Austin crowds have flocked to the Zilker Hillside Theater to enjoy performances under the stars. This year’s show is All Shook Up, is a twist on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night set in 1950’s middle America and featuring all of Elvis’s greatest hits. The show runs Thursday through Sunday nights, July 6 – August 18.
Austin’s largest free concert series is back in Zilker Park for another summer. The music starts at 8, but bring a picnic and get there earlier to snag a good spot for your blanket.
It’s loud. It’s proud. Expect lots of people and lots of fun, with the Austin Symphony Orchestra playing all your favorite patriotic classics starting at 8:30 and the “mile-high” fireworks display launching over the waters of Lady Bird (aka Town) Lake at 9:30. Yes, the crowds are a pain, but it’s totally worth it.
Come out to the lawn of the Long Center to watch movies on a huge inflatable screen. The event is free and outside food is allowed, but be warned that coolers and outside alcoholic drinks are prohibited (they do have them there for purchase from local food trucks).
Best Ice Cream Spots in Austin
For more than 30 years, Amy’s has been keeping Austin cool with unique flavors, tasty crush-ins and entertaining shenanigans (we once saw two of their famous Scoops play catch with a ball of ice cream across 6th Street. For. Real.) Hit up any of the 12 locations and you’ll instantly feel cooler.
The mango is classic, but new flavors like dragon’s blood and iced tea keep things interesting. If you haven’t had water ice, it’s an icy treat that combines the flavor of a slushy with the texture of ice cream. Find Jim Jim’s in their original location on 6th Street, or at the cart by Deep Eddy Pool, as well as at farmer’s markets and events.
Claiming to be “the coolest event in Austin,” the Austin Ice Cream Festival gives you the real scoop on the city’s frosty treat scene. This year’s event is coming up on June 23rd. We say plan to hit the nighttime event and splurge on the Zip Fast Freeze passes for early entry and access to the premium bathrooms.
