Free and Cheap Things to Do in Austin This Weekend

You're in luck because budget-friendly Austin is the perfect place to discover some great fun without having to take out your wallet. This city is just packed with all sorts of quirky and budget-friendly things to see and do that show you can have a blast without overspending. From awesome live music outdoors to gorgeous views, street art, and those amazing food trucks that show up at every corner, there's something to suit every taste. So grab your sunglasses, charge your phone, and let's get exploring Austin without worrying about the damage to your wallet, because let's be honest, fun shouldn't have to cost an arm and a leg, right?

Touring the Texas state capitol is one of Austin's absolute must-do free activities. This incredible pink granite building is the tallest in the U.S. Capitol and gives free daily tours. Go inside, and you'll get to see those historic House and Senate chambers, a whole bunch of original artwork, and some seriously impressive late 1800s architecture. There are loads of displays with info about Texas' history in a super easy-to-understand way. Out front, you can stroll around the beautiful grounds, which have monuments, plenty of shady benches to sit on, and walking paths. The building itself is open to the public, so you don't need any tickets; turn up and explore.

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden is a freebie on the first Sunday of every month. This makes it one of the best free things to do in Austin. The garden itself is outdoors, and it's here that you'll find loads of stunning bronze and stone sculptures by the brilliant American artist Charles Umlauf. As you walk through the garden, you'll wind your way through the scenery, past a couple of koi ponds and some tiny bridges. There are all sorts of informative little plaques telling you about each sculpture, like who made it, what it means, all that sort of thing. The garden itself is located close to Zilker Park and Barton Springs, so you can easily combine the two for a fantastic day out.

The Tejano Walking Trail is a super easy self-guided route that takes you to loads of different sites across downtown Austin and gives you a real insight into the city's Hispanic heritage. The best bit? It's all completely free! The trail has loads of markers with loads of info about historic homes, cultural landmarks, and community centres. There are loads of cool stops on the way, including Republic Square, Brush Square, and historic churches. Each of these places has its own plaque telling the stories of the Tejano leaders and early Mexican-American settlers who made the area what it is today.

The Neill-Cochran House Museum is a gem, and you can get in for free on certain community days throughout the month. This historic home has been around since 1855 and is chock full of preserved rooms, antique furniture, and even rotating art exhibits. The signage explains all about the lives of the people who lived there: slaves, settlers, and immigrant families, which is a fascinating glimpse into the past. If you want to explore the property independently, you can do so, just by reading up on the exhibit panels.

The Mexic-Arte Museum is open every Sunday and gives you free access to exhibitions that are all about Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art. Located right in the heart of downtown, it's an easy stop on any walk. The museum is chock full of incredible murals, paintings, photos, and cultural installations that explore identity, immigration, social movements, and all sorts of other fascinating topics. Each artwork has its own little info panel explaining the background and artist, so you can really get a feel for what's going on. To top it all off, the museum is always hosting free workshops, lectures, and family events, so you never know what you might stumble across.

The Bullock Museum kicks off each month with free first-Sunday admission. So why not stop by and check out these awesome interactive exhibits about Texas history, Native cultures, the Spanish colonization of our great state, and its rapid growth. The place is packed with historical artifacts, some pretty cool multimedia exhibits, and immersive installations that'll transport you right back to another time. And if you happen to be visiting on a month that has an extra day in it, you might even get to catch one of the museum's rotating exhibits on science, culture, and innovation. Some days, the museum also runs free public programs, think talks, and whatnot.

If you're in the mood for a movie, some of the local Austin theaters host free film screenings all year round. You'll find some great outdoor movie nights at parks, libraries, and cultural centers, too. Some of our city's best libraries, like the Central Library, Republic Square, and community centers, regularly show classic films, documentaries, and some pretty eclectic independent movies. The screenings you can get to watch for free are often free seating, so just grab a blanket, bring your own chair, and you're set for a totally relaxing night under the stars. Here's the catch: you'll need to check out the city's event calendars to see what's on. But trust us, it's well worth it.

Ever wondered what it's like inside one of Austin’s most historic homes? The Texas Governor’s Mansion gives free guided tours so you can find out for yourself. This place is actually one of the oldest continually inhabited governors’ homes in the States, and it was built way back in 1856. The tours themselves will take you past all the formal rooms, antique furnishings, portraits, and historical artifacts that you'd expect. The guides are pretty knowledgeable, and they'll throw in all sorts of interesting facts. It is worth noting that you will need to book in advance, but once you've done that, the cost is zero.

Austin hosts loads of free music festivals all year round, like the annual Blues on the Green, Hot Summer Nights, and the Pecan Street Festival. These events are the perfect opportunity to see and hear some of Austin’s best local bands in action. Plus, you get all sorts of food and drink vendors on site, which is just the icing on the cake. The performances take place in public spaces all across the city; we're talking park stages, streets, and the occasional downtown venue. So grab a blanket, your friends and family, and get on down to one of these fantastic free music festivals.

South Congress Avenue has all the makings of a fantastic free day out. Why not start by window shopping? Or take in some of the vibrant street art that’s just everywhere you look. Plus, there are loads of quirky local shops and art galleries to explore; it’s the perfect place for people-watching, too. And just to really top it all off, some local musicians are often on hand to play a little music for your enjoyment. There are plenty of public benches and shaded spots to sit back and soak it all in. And with iconic landmarks like the beloved 'I Love You So Much' mural, which makes for a great free photo op, you have all sorts of great reasons to visit.

Keep your Austin getaway affordable — book your stay at Motel 6 Austin Midtown for budget-friendly comfort with convenient access to the city’s top free attractions.