Hot Summer Nights returns to Austin with 140+ artists and zero cover charge from July 24–26

This is the kind of festival I wish more cities did. From July 24 through July 26, over 140 artists are playing across Red River venues- no tickets required, just show up and soak it in. For travelers, it’s an unbeatable way to get a crash course in Austin’s music scene without blowing your budget. You’ve got legendary spots like Mohawk and Stubb’s in the mix, plus newer names and underground weirdness. It’s gritty, sweaty, and absolutely Austin.

If you’ve never built a bar crawl around live music in this town, this is your sign.