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
VENUE LINE-UP:
Now presenting the iconic Red River venues joining forces for THREE nights of FREE live music this January:
- Barbarella (Thursday Only)
- Cheer Up Charlies (Friday and Saturday)
- Chess Club
- Elysium
- Flamingo Cantina
- Kingdom
- Mohawk
- Stubb’s
- Swan Dive
- The 13th Floor
Different stages. Different sounds. Same mission: KEEP AUSTIN MUSIC ALIVE!!!
RSVP HERE!
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.
2027 Music Line-up Coming Soon!
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:
Our friends at Hyatt House Downtown Austin are rolling out the welcome mat with a special $99/night hotel rate for our Free Week fans! Book now through December 23rd, 2026 for a vacation or staycation on Red River! Available dates for the discounted rate are Monday Jan. 4th through Wednesday, Jan. 13th, 2027. See ya at the show!
———–> BOOK NOW.
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 for Free Week? VISIT HERE
PERFORMERS
Are you a MUSICIAN, ARTIST, or DJ looking to get involved in Free Week? Share your information HERE
SPONSORSHIPS
Deadline to be a Free Week sponsor is around the corner, don’t miss out – contact us to get involved and contribute to one of Austin’s must attend festivals!
Copyright 2026, The Red River Cultural District. All rights reserved. PRIVACY POLICY