Free Things to Do in Austin

Austin’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird” — and the city delivers an enormous amount of free weird (and wonderful) experiences. Free live music on every corner, 1.5 million bats emerging from a bridge at sunset, and swimming holes that look like they belong in a magazine.

Congress Avenue Bats (Free)

The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats — the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every evening from March through October, the bats emerge in a massive cloud at sunset, spiraling into the sky to feed on insects. Stand on the bridge, the hike-and-bike trail below, or from the TGI Friday’s patio (yes, seriously) for the best views. Completely free.