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Things to Do in Austin in June: Esther's Follies Ranked

  • Writer: Kaitlyn Cole
    Kaitlyn Cole
  • 4 days ago
  • 5 min read

June in Austin... the month when the city turns into a sizzling skillet of sweaty armpits, live music, and questionable decisions. If you're googling "things to do in Austin in June," congratulations—you're already smarter than half the tourists wearing cowboy boots in 104° heat. Now put down that sad listicle with 900 farmers markets and let us give it to you straight (but not sober).


This ain't your mama's travel guide. We're Esther's Follies—Austin's long-reigning monarch of magic, satire, and unfiltered fun—and we're about to show you the real deal of what to do in Austin in June. Spoiler alert: it includes laughing so hard you snort margarita up your nose. Let's get into it.





1. Esther's Follies: The ONLY Thing to Do in Austin in June That Guarantees a Belly Laugh


If you only do one thing in Austin this June, make it Esther's Follies. Why? Because no other show in Texas makes you laugh, cry, question your government, and believe in magic all in the same 90 minutes.


We’re not being biased. We’re being correct.

  • Political satire so sharp it'll make your uncle's Facebook page explode

  • Mind-melting magic tricks that would make Harry Potter pee his robes

  • Musical numbers you didn’t know you needed (like a country ballad about Governor Greg Abbott’s hair spray budget)


Pro Tips:

  • Show up early and grab a margarita next door. You’ll need the liquid courage.

  • Sit near the front if you want to risk becoming part of the act.

  • Prepare your jaw muscles. Laugh cramps are real.


Where: 525 E 6th St When: Every weekend in June Tickets: Right here, baby.





2. ACL Live Shows: Because Nothing Says "Austin in June" Like Dancing in Denim Swamp Pants


"Things to do in Austin in June" usually include sweating next to a guy named Chad who thinks he discovered Willie Nelson. But if you can handle the heat, check out the ACL Live calendar and catch acts ranging from indie rock gods to country queens.


Highlights this June:

  • Toadies (yes, they still exist)

  • Shakey Graves (Austin's floppy-haired folk prince)

  • A tribute band that may or may not be better than the real thing


Raunch Level: Moderate Pro Tip: Don’t wear leather. We beg you.



3. Barton Springs: Your Only Chance to Experience Hypothermia in Texas


"Things to do in Austin in June" must include the city’s natural fridge: Barton Springs Pool. It’s a spring-fed oasis with a temperature so cold it could resurrect your ex’s feelings.


It’s also where half the city goes to cool down, so yes, you’ll be swimming in a soup of hipsters, paddleboard yogis, and stoned Labradors.


What to Bring:

  • Sunscreen

  • A floatie shaped like something stupid (we recommend a giant taco)

  • Existential dread to wash away in the springs


Raunch Level: Low, unless you're wearing a thong. In which case, godspeed.





4. Y'all Means All: Austin Pride and Queer Events


We know Pride Month is August in Austin, but June still slaps with queer magic. Look for events at Cheer Up Charlies, Oilcan Harry's, and the rainbow-soaked Drag Queen Bingo Brunch at Hotel Vegas.


Bonus: The drag queens here will read you harder than your therapist and do it in heels.


Pro Tip: Tip well or get hexed.


Raunch Level: YES.



5. Alamo Drafthouse: Air Conditioning + Booze + Cult Films = Salvation


When June in Austin melts your brain, retreat to Alamo Drafthouse for a combo of cold beer and hot takes on classic cinema.


Events to Watch For:

  • Quote-alongs (yell along to your faves like a degenerate choir)

  • Terror Tuesdays (for horror nerds and first dates you want to scare off)

  • Bottomless brunch and Bloody Marys (amen)


Raunch Level: Surprisingly high during Rocky Horror screenings



6. Free Weekends at the Blanton Museum (Art, But Make It Sexy)


Want to feel cultured without giving up your beer budget? Hit up the Blanton Museum during their free admission days.


June in Austin means you need indoor activities and nothing says classy chaos like staring at a naked sculpture while hungover.


Raunch Level: Implied Pro Tip: Play “find the nipple” in the Renaissance wing.





7. Trailer Food Tuesdays: Eat Your Way Through a Parking Lot


Austin’s food trucks are basically the city’s version of a tasting menu curated by stoners. Trailer Food Tuesdays is your chance to try brisket egg rolls, vegan hot dogs, and frozen horchata lattes all in one parking lot.


June in Austin = Sweat + Spice = Regret


Pro Tip: Don’t trust any food that uses the phrase "reimagined."


Raunch Level: Gastrointestinal



8. Bat Watching at Congress Bridge: Nature's Most Goth Sunset


Every night around sundown, 1.5 million bats take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. It’s dark, mysterious, and smells vaguely like a frat house in summer.


Why It Slaps:

  • Nature being metal AF

  • Everyone cheers like they’re watching Taylor Swift take the stage


Pro Tip: Stand upwind. For real.


Raunch Level: Winged and wild



9. ATX Television Festival: Binge Watch IRL


Happening in early June, the ATX TV Festival is where you can meet the people who write your favorite characters and pretend to be smart while networking.


Events Include:

  • Script readings

  • Panels with showrunners

  • Parties with people who probably have an HBO password


Pro Tip: Wear your coolest ironic tee. Netflix interns judge.


Raunch Level: Mild, unless you drink during panels (which you should).





10. Donn’s Depot: Dance, Drink, Dodge Divorcees


This honky tonk piano bar Donn’s Depot is where the young go to feel old and the old go to feel young. You might witness a 70-year-old two-step wizard out-dance a TikTok influencer. It’s glorious.


Pro Tip: Ask for a whiskey coke and stay for the piano man who’s seen too much.


Raunch Level: Boot-scootin’ sexy



TL;DR: What Are the Best Things to Do in Austin in June?


  • Laugh until you snort at Esther’s Follies

  • Sweat with strangers at ACL Live

  • Dip your parts in Barton Springs

  • Praise the queens all month long

  • Binge watch like it's your job

  • Eat your weight in trailer food


June in Austin isn’t for the faint of heart, the weak of bladder, or the chronically underhydrated. But it is for those brave enough to embrace the weird, laugh at the absurd, and party like a bat outta Congress Bridge.


And when in doubt? Esther’s Follies. Every damn time.


Ready to book the best night of your June in Austin? Grab your tickets to Esther's Follies and get ready to lose your mind, your filter, and maybe your voice.


See you on Sixth. Don’t forget your glitter.



 
 
 
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