Weekend Watch: Summer music and a Lavender festival

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The skies are opening up, and rain chances are far away. There’s plenty to do outside, from concerts to festivals, and more.

Weekend Forecast

Rain chances are taking a back seat this weekend after a few days of showers midweek. Temperatures are heading back up into the upper 90s and even low triple digits in some spots. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks from the heat and the sun every once and a while to stay safe.

Bands in Bloom

The second weekend of Bands in Bloom kicks off with alt-rock band KONGOS making a pitstop in Austin, Texas. Kicking off at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at the Zilker Botanical Gardens, this free event (with RSVP) is the perfect way to start the weekend.

The event is a yearly tradition where bands stop by to perform for the entire family. Capacity is limited, but registration is required as guests without RSVPs may be turned away. According to their website, guests are welcome to bring a picnic, lawn chairs, and/or a blanket to relax, sun protection, and a water bottle. Parking is free at 2300 Stratford Drive, across from the Botanical Gates of Paradise entrance. For more information or to register for the event, visit their website.

Midsummer Festival

It’s time to celebrate Swedish American Heritage in Austin as the 4th annual Midsummer Festival takes place once again. Happening at Old Bakery & Emporium on 1006 Congress Ave from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, the event will have a ton to do, including some Swedish treats, a flower crown making station, live music, and so much more. The event is free for the entire family to attend. For more information, be sure to visit their website.

Hartman Foundation Concert

For 23 years, the Austin Symphony Orchestra has been performing each summer for free for families, and this year continues the tradition. The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park take place each Sunday with performances that you can attend for free. The entire family, including your pets, is welcome to attend the Hartman Concert Lawn at the Long Center, located at 701 W. Riverside Drive. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with the Brass Ensemble performing on June 8. You are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket, insect repellent, and beverages. For more information, be sure to visit their website to find out when the next concert will be held.

Blanco Lavender Festival

It’s the 20th Annual Blanco Lavender Festival, and it’s the biggest one yet. Taking place from June 6-8, the festival will have plenty to do, including live music in Bindseil Park, food samples, beer and wine from Central Texas, and the ability to visit Texas’s first commercial Lavender Farm. This is a free event for the entire family (minus the pets) and will take place on the grounds of the Historic Old Blanc County Courthouse. For more information on the festival, be sure to visit their website.

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