Our 12 Event Picks for June & July
Words by Savannah Whitmer
Wepa Cumbia Roots Festival
June 9, 2-11:30pm
The traditional Colombian Cumbia dance meets a new celebration of heritage with the second-annual Wepa Festival. This block party will feature a lineup of Colombian and Latin American musicians in Kenny Dorham’s Backyard of Diverse Arts, including Grammy-winning artist Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto! Tickets are $20.
1106 E 11th St. | wepafestival.com
Bubblepalooza All Summer Long Kickoff
June 9, 9am-1pm
The Long Center kicks off a summer full of community events with Bubblepalooza, a celebration of the arts and entertainment center’s 10th anniversary. Enjoy music, games, food trucks, and plenty of bubbles with a fantastic view of the city from the H-E-B Terrace. Come back throughout the summer for Trailer Food Tuesdays, weekly dance lessons, and movie nights on the lawn. All events are free.
701 W Riverside Dr. | thelongcenter.org
Wellness Wednesdays
Starting June 13, 9am-5pm
Need a Hump Day pick-me-up? Soma Vida offers a mid-week mental refresher every Wednesday this summer. Bring a friend or coworker along to enjoy a complimentary coffee, productivity workshop, flow yoga, and lunch social. This event is free and open to the public.
2324 E Cesar Chavez St. | somavida.net
Juneteenth Celebration
June 16, 12-4pm
Commemorate this historic day of emancipation at George Washington Carver Museum! The Freedom Day celebration includes performances, a marketplace, arts and crafts, and activities for the whole family. The event is free and open to the public.
1165 Angelina St. | austintexas.gov
An Evening of Led Zeppelin
June 16, 7pm
Come and Take It Live gets the lead out with tributes to Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin. The lineup includes performances by Jelly Ellington, Josh Ross of Black Heart Saints, and special guests Cole Gramling and Curtis Lee. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door with a surcharge for minors.
2015 E Riverside Dr. | comeandtakeitproductions.com
International Day of Yoga
June 21, start times vary
If you’ve been meaning to pick up a healthy habit, the International Day of Yoga is the perfect time to start. Clear your mind with a tranquil Yin class or try out an early morning Vinyasa at Bikram Yoga East Austin. The studio offers a two week intro pass for just $40.
3801 Berkman Dr. #B | bikramyogaeastaustin.com
Austin Ice Cream Festival 
June 23, 10am-3pm & 6-10pm
This is the summer’s coolest event! Get a sweet respite from the heat at the Fiesta Gardens 12th Annual Ice Cream Festival, where you can sample all sorts of frozen treats as you enjoy live music and ice cream eating competitions. Head back to the park after dark for a second round of fun with cocktails and savory food truck eats.
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. | austinicecreamfestival.com
Bastrop Patriotic Festival
June 29-30, 10am-10pm
For the first time in 28 years of July 4th fun, the Bastrop Patriotic Festival will be expanded into two days of activities and entertainment at Fisherman’s Park. Dress in red, white and blue for an evening 5K run and a street dance on Friday, and head back on Saturday for a petting zoo, sand volleyball, and water games. Free and open to the public.
1200 Willow St. | bastropchamber.com
Austin Justice Coalition Meeting
June 5 & July 3, 6:30pm
If you’re looking for a way to get involved in the community this summer, try out a public meeting with the Austin Justice Coalition. General body meetings, held on the first Tuesdays of the month at the Carver Branch of the Austin Public Library, address local social justice issues and community triumphs. Meetings are free and open to the public.
1161 Angelina St. | austinjustice.org
H-E-B Austin Symphony Concert & Fireworks 
July 4, 8:30pm
Everything really is bigger in Texas! This 4th of July celebration is the largest in the state, with thousands of Texans decked out in red, white, and blue every year. Grab a picnic blanket and find the perfect spot on Vic Mathias Shores for the best view of the Austin skyline and the Independence Day show! The Austin Symphony performs at 8:30, and the night ends with a bang with the state’s best fireworks at 9:30.
900 W Riverside Dr. | austinsymphony.org
Snail Mail
July 5, 7pm
Barracuda hosts teenage Indie rocker Lindsey Jordan and her band Snail Mail. The Baltimore-based guitarist and former opener for Girlpool will play past hits as well as songs from her upcoming EP Lush. General admission tickets are $14.94.
611 E 7th St. | barracudaaustin.com
ArmadilloCon
August 3-5, 7-11pm
ArmadilloCon 2018 is an out-of-this-world treat for science fiction enthusiasts! This science fiction and fantasy convention is the largest of its kind in Texas and open to all readers and writers. Enjoy a renowned art show, writer’s workshop, and guest speakers like Deji Bryce Olukotun, author of Nigerians in Space. Tickets are $25-$45.
4140 Governors Row | armadillocon.org
