Coming Jan. 9-10: Red River’s FREE WEEK
If it’s cold in the New Year, the bands are hot along Red River St. during this annual free showcase.
Photo by David Brendan Hall
No charge, ever. That’s Free Week. Starting in 2003 at the legendary Emo's, this multi-venue festival takes place just after New Year’s, featuring 100+ local bands across nearly 15 venues including Stubb's, Mohawk, Empire Control Room & Garage and Cheer Up Charlies. The Red River Cultural District funds the program to jumpstart the music scene during historically slow winter months while guaranteeing musicians and venue workers are paid.
Photo by David Brendan Hall
WHEN: January 9-10, 2026
WHAT: Free concerts and parties featuring emerging local bands
WHERE: Hosted by clubs along 7th Street
INFO: redriverculturaldistrict.org
From the website:
WHAT IS FREE WEEK?
Free Week is an admission-free winter music festival featuring local music performances across over a dozen venue spaces found in downtown Austin, Texas.
HOW DID FREE WEEK START?
To support the local music economy, Free Week started in 2003 at the legendary Emo’s original location at 6th and Red River Street as a way to keep the club’s lights on and staff working during the historically slower winter months.
Today, our Red River Cultural District team currently serves as a principal local organizer with its multi-venue downtown fest, although many venues across Austin regularly participate each winter.
HOW DOES FREE WEEK WORK?
All Free Week concerts organized by the Red River Cultural District are admission-free for attendees, although each is a paid performance opportunity!
Throughout the weekend, music lovers like yourself can also enjoy free concerts and parties each night, plus special promotions at our local restaurants & bars.
Our local nonprofit team works year-round alongside the network of venues and businesses found within the District to raise funds through corporate sponsors and individual donors.