Austin Nights: Top 5 Cheap, Fun Things To Do
Looking for ways to have a great time in Austin after dark without emptying your wallet? That’s completely doable! So, Austin, with its awesome live music scene and outdoorsy atmosphere, has fun things to offer even if you are watching your spending, like your regular local favorite spot. Forget pricey dinners and fancy shows; there are a ton of ways to experience the heart of Texas without a hefty price tag.
1. Zilker Park’s Evening Vibes
Zilker Park, that huge green space in the center of Austin, turns into this seriously chill hangout as the sun goes down. That open space is not only a beautiful spot during the day but so it morphs into this pretty cool place in the evening, exploring outdoors is something else entirely! The park is, in a way, always open and always free. Pack yourself a picnic, grab a blanket, and settle in for an evening under the stars. There is something almost magical about being there. It might be a really fun thing to do if you go with some friends. Maybe you all just feel like having some meaningful conversations. The vibe there is actually very relaxing and communal, which is very unusual. You should probably experience it once.
There’s often free entertainment happening too, like your impromptu drum circles or even stargazing groups. Bring a frisbee, play some music, and completely soak in the good times. The best part is that you are surrounded by other happy people who want the same thing that you do which is an awesome night outside without blowing all of your money! Plus, let’s be real, who doesn’t love stargazing? So, just lying there and looking up at the stars in Zilker is actually pretty great.
2. South Congress (SoCo) People-Watching
South Congress Avenue, which they also call SoCo, is this pretty quirky street that gets seriously lively once night comes around. Walking down the street and taking in all the crazy stuff you can see there is absolutely free and that actually makes it fun, quirky spots you won’t find everywhere! People like your street performers, the vintage shops that are glowing, and the general bustle of folks make for like, some first rate entertainment.
You can, for example, swing by the famous “I love you so much” mural for your ideal picture op and just soak in the weird, artistic energy of SoCo. Pop into some stores for window shopping – you don’t even need to buy anything! – and be on the lookout for the many food trucks usually parked along the street if you actually do feel hungry later and on a budget, it might suit you! SoCo is completely the pulse of Austin, and experiencing it by night, totally costs nothing, just like walking through any other city.
3. Free (or Cheap) Movie Nights
Austin has like, an undying love affair with films, and there are a whole lot of spots that screen movies outdoors when the climate allows. Some of your bars and restaurants actually host these free movie nights, which is nice since it means you could potentially watch a cool flick in a super unique atmosphere. To find something going on near you and that appeals to your sensibilities, check your local listings. The Alamo Drafthouse even does periodic free screenings at the various parks around town, which are fun community events and give that feeling of that movie watching community everyone loves to be a part of!
Even if you happen to skip a totally free event, many of the smaller theaters and spots show classic movies for super low prices. This might be the case in a more artsy community affordable activities are usually in higher demand!. Therefore, ditch the usual expensive cinema for your totally chill, cheaper movie night.
4. Stroll along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Your Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail circles Lady Bird Lake, and it gives you these gorgeous views of the Austin skyline, very gorgeous, very worth it to admire. Even though it’s ideal for daytime workouts, this trail is amazing at night as well. You can get moving and go for like, a relaxing walk, or you could even rent a scooter (scooters are pretty cheap if you’re trying to do that sort of thing.) As you move down the trail, you get all those glowing city lights cheap trails and even sometimes the sound of live music drifting over from the establishments nearby. You and your wallet can appreciate the exercise, the fresh air, and the beauty of Austin by night with no stress involved.
Do not forget to check out the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk so you can watch the bats emerge. Each night, literally millions of bats come streaming out from under the bridge and take to the sky in this totally epic, not to be missed display, absolutely spectacular to witness. Watching them is actually quite free and there’s usually an excited crowd that likes watching them too!
5. Explore the HOPE Outdoor Gallery (Graffiti Park)
For your experience, there’s HOPE Outdoor Gallery (aka Graffiti Park). So, the gallery actually had to move, so make certain that you look for what its most current location is. However, that outdoor art space is totally awesome. It gives local artists a spot where they can create pretty neat, colorful, and expressive murals and art. This is your space to explore this unique, ever changing artwork, it has lots of very excellent and free photograph opportunities art for free.
The park really looks nice with city lights, and there’s almost always different art being created, so you’ll have some very neat, colorful, picture ops every single time you visit. Do be aware that this can be a gritty place (I mean, it’s graffiti art, right?). The city views alone make this spot an interesting way to experience your Austin artistic style without breaking the bank!
