June & July Calendar
Our Favorite 9 Events
for June & July
Words by Samantha Lauron
Bricks & Blocks Bonanza
June 9, 6-9pm
Make it a family affair at Thinkery’s after-hours event. The 3rd Annual Bricks & Blocks Bonanza is an opportunity to explore building and engineering skills with the kids, using all types of fun building blocks at expert-led stations. The event also includes free bites and treats from Hat Creek Burger Company and Lick Honest Ice Creams, as well as refreshments (including the adult kind) available for purchase.
1830 Simond Ave. | thinkeryaustin.org
Austin Bug (Eating) Festival
June 10, 4-8pm
You read that right! in.gredients will be hosting the 10th Annual Austin Bug (Eating) Festival where adventurous eaters and curious minds can taste cooked insects and other insect products. For those who aren’t ready to take a bite out of bugs, there will also be plenty of opportunities to learn about the benefits of insects from local chefs, nonprofits and businesses.
2610 Manor Rd. | in.gredients.com
Solstice Festival
June 15-17
Spend the longest day of the year enjoying bright sunshine, tunes and art installations at Solstice Festival. In its fourth year, Solstice Festival aims to bring together music and art in celebration of the summer solstice. The festivities kick off on Thursday at various venues, followed by the main event at Pan Am Park on Saturday with a lineup of bands.
2100 E. 3rd St. | solsticeatx.com
Central Texas Juneteenth Parade & Celebration
June 17
In honor of Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, head over to Rosewood Park. The day starts with a 2K run/walk followed by a parade down E. MLK Blvd. Finish out the festivities at the park where there will be performances, entertainment and plenty of food vendors.
2300 Rosewood Ave. | juneteenthcentraltexas.com
African American Book Festival
June 24, 9:30am-4pm
The African American Book Festival began as a way to promote literature in the African American community. Now in its 11th year, the event gathers writers, readers and authors together to promote dialogue, collaboration and activism. Past keynote speakers have included Sharon G. Flake, Terry McMillan and Leonard Pitts. The event is free and open to the public, so make your way to Carver Museum for a day of literary discussion and thinking.
1165 Angelina St. | aabookfest.com
July 4th Concert and Fireworks
July 4, 4-10pm
Celebrate Independence Day with an Austin favorite – the HEB & Austin Symphony’s July 4th Concert & Fireworks at Vic Mathias Shores (formally Auditorium Shores). The whole family can enjoy food and local arts & craft vendors throughout the evening, followed by the symphony performance and then finish the night by watching fireworks light up the sky over Lady Bird Lake.
600 W. Riverside Dr. | roadwayevents.com
New Media Art and Sound Summit
July 14-16
Expand your mind and learn about new forms of art at NMASS. New Media Art and Sound Summit curates the work of diverse artists with a new approach to sound-organization and features sound art, audio-visual installations and workshops. The event is presented by Church of the Friendly Ghost, an organization dedicated to creative music, sounds and new media art.
979 Springdale Rd. | friendlyghost.org
Science of Self
July 22-23, start times vary
Bikram Yoga East Austin is hosting yoga and meridians workshops with Rose Erin Vaughn of Body Aware NYC. Each workshop will focus on a different body part from hips to organs and the heart. Sign up for Body Aware today as spots go fast. Workshop prices start at $70.
3801 Berkman Dr. #B | bikramyogaeastaustin.com
Austin Ice Cream Festival
August 12, 11am-7pm
Nothing pairs better with summer weather than a big scoop of ice cream! A family-fun event, the Austin Ice Cream Festival is back for its 11th year and includes games, contests, live entertainment and plenty of frozen dessert from both national and local brands. Put on the sunscreen and prepare for a sugar rush before heading over to Fiesta Gardens for this sweet celebration.
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. | austinicecreamfestival.com
