Each year, more than 60,000 people take full advantage of the outdoor performances put on at Zilker Park, located less than a mile from Lamar Union. The beloved Austin greenspace plays host to the Zilker Hillside Theatre, a not-for-profit organization that organizes the annual Zilker Summer Musical. It runs every weekend from July to August, and this year the show on deck is Hairspray.

Like all of the musicals produced by the Zilker Hillside Theatre, this musical pays homage to Broadway by pulling out al the stops. From the sets to the cast, every aspect of the show is professional and polished, making for a fun night out with your family or friends. You can "pay what you wish" for your spot at the Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater in Zilker Park, so you won't have to break the bank on this outing, either. Round up the troops this weekend and take them to the park this weekend for a fun, colorful show interlaced with soulful tunes and poignant plotlines.

Hairspray
Zilker Hillside Theatre's Summer Musicals
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 479-9491
zilker.org/hairspray
www.austintexas.org/listings/Zilker-Hillside-Theatre

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr hannibal1107

This Fourth of July, Austin celebrates its independence with a performance from the Austin Symphony. Vic Mathias Shores along Lady Bird Lake (which used to be called Auditorium Shores) transforms into the orchestra's playground at 8:30 p.m. on July 4, and everyone is welcome to enjoy it.

Unfolding just about a mile from Lamar Union, the performance typically attracts about 100,000 guests, so make sure your group's red, white, and blue attire is on par with the rest of the crowd. Claim a spot on the grass and enjoy the orchestra's patriotic tunes as the sun begins to dip below the city skyline. When the sun has completed its descent at 9:30 p.m., stick around for an awe-inspiring fireworks display right along the lake. If these patriotic events aren't enough to bring you to Vic Mathias Shores this Saturday, then perhaps the food, drink, and arts and crafts that serve as the prelude to the symphony—booths open at 4 p.m.

July 4th Symphony and Fireworks
Vic Mathias Shores (formerly Auditorium Shores)
8:30 p.m. July 4
800 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-9015
www.512area.com/texas/austin/events/223036/symphony-july-4th.htm
freefuninaustin.com/2015/06/dont-miss-free-events-in-austin-this-july-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr cgundersen2020

Many have heard about the Keep Austin Weird Fest, and most know two things: it’s some kind of a festival in Austin, and, well, it’s weird. If you’ve been curious about it but have never gone, let this be your year!

Only about one mile away from Lamar Union, you have a chance to experience this unique celebration that only the people and spirit of Austin can deliver. The main attraction is the 5k, billed as “the slowest race on the planet.” All participants wear costumes and join in different activities at “Fun Spots” along the way. A new addition is the Side Show, which will feature wacky events like Big Toe Wrestling and a Smelly Chamber (one can only imagine what that entails!). Live bands perform throughout the day, and whoever wins the costume contest gets a year of free ice cream from Amy’s Ice Cream! Don’t miss this crazy event in your own backyard.

Keep Austin Weird Fest
1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Long Center
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
keepaustinweirdfest.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr ozz13x