A Beloved Austin Music Tradition
Founded in 2003 at the legendary Emo’s located near the intersection of 6th and Red River Street, Free Week was created to keep clubs’ lights on and staff working during the slower winter months. What began as a one-venue, one-day event has grown over two decades into a citywide celebration, inspiring venues nationwide to participate in wintertime music festivities.
Locally, the Red River Cultural District serves as the principal organizer, producing the admission-free downtown festival, although many Austin venues also participate each winter. Thanks to Free Week, thousands of residents and hundreds of local bands come together each January to support, uplift, and preserve Austin’s music economy.
Free Week generally takes place over the first weekend of the first week of the year. Free Week 2027 dates coming soon!
FREE WEEK 2026 RECAP
FREE WEEK 2026 IMPACT REPORT
We couldn’t have done it without you! Check out our Free Week 2026 Impact Report.
PARTICIPATING VENUES:
Performances take place across the district’s live music venues and focus on performances by local and regional talent.
2026 participating venues included:
- Chess Club
- Elysium
- Flamingo Cantina
- Feels So Good
- Kingdom
- Marlow
- Pelon’s Tex Mex
- The 13th Floor
- The Side Bar
- Stubb’s
- Swan Dive
- Valhalla
MUSIC LINE-UP:
Free week 2026 featured over 100 performances from local and regional artists offering PAID gigs at venues across the Red River Cultural District.
PARTNERED PARTIES:
We are so grateful for all our Festival Partners! New and exciting partnerships are in the works for Free Week 2027. Check back soon!
EATS AND DRINKS:
Stay tuned for 2027’s list of specials and discounts from participating businesses!
HOTEL PARTNER:
Free Week 2027 Hotel Partner – featuring special discounted rates – coming soon!
FREE WEEK 2027 SCHEDULE:
Free Week 2027 schedule coming soon!
FESTIVAL MAP:
Free Week 2027 Festival Map coming soon!
SPONSOR LOVE:
Free Week is not possible without the help of our amazing community sponsors.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors:
101X, Airbnb, Amy’s Ice Creams, BeatBox, BMI, The Austin Chronicle, City of Austin, Dos Equis, Downtown Austin Alliance, KUTX 98.9, Marshall, MXD Drinks Co., Red River Rising, See Tickets, Showlist Austin, SXSW 2026, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Waterloo, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Yerba Madre
VENUE ACCESIBILITY
RRCD is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, including persons with disabilities and individuals with specific needs. Should you require advance accommodations to access the venues hosting RRCD’s Free Week, please contact our venue partners directly. During the festival, all venue partners will accommodate needs at the door.
- Chess Club: bookingchessclub@gmail.com / Instagram Direct Message
- Barbarella: Instagram Direct Message @barbarella_atx
- Elysium: ElysiumAustin@aol.com
- Flamingo Cantina: Angela Tharp / angeal@flamingocantina.com
- Kingdom Night Club: visit their FAQ page.
- Mohawk: booking@mohawk.com
- Stubb’s: ryan@stubbsaustin.com
- Swan Dive: booking@swandiveaustin.com / Instagram Direct Message
- The 13th Floor: the13thflooratx@gmail.com
- The Creek & The Cave: help@creekandcave.com
- Valhalla: Instagram Direct Message @valhalltavern
The Red River Cultural District is a creative community providing authentic Austin experiences through diverse local music, art & food for every fan & guest.
PARTNERS
Interested in PARTNERING with us with Hot Summer Nights? VISIT HERE
PERFORMERS
Are you a MUSICIAN, ARTIST, or DJ looking to get involved in Hot Summer Nights? Share you information HERE
SPONSORSHIPS
Deadline to be a Hot Summer Nights sponsor is around the corner, don’t miss out – contact us to get involved and contribute to one of Austin’s must attend Summer festivals!
Copyright 2026, The Red River Cultural District. All rights reserved. PRIVACY POLICY