Sure, it's still hot, but you can enjoy these cool Austin events throughout the month of August.
Blues on the Green. August 7, 2013, south - Every other Wednesday from May 29 - August 7, 2013, meet up at Zilker Park to listen to live performances by regional blues artists. Austin's largest free concert series. Blues on the Green
Eat the Heat. August 15, 2013, multiple locations - A traveling cocktail party and food tasting that visits several of Austin's most popular bars while attendees enjoy specialty cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and live entertainment and finish with a silent auction and chef's showcase. Sponsored by the National Association of Catering and Events (NACE). Proceeds benefit a local Austin charity. Eat the Heat
Watch a short video of Eat the Heat 2012:
Lights. Camera. Help. August 15 - 17, 2013, north - Austin premiered the world's first film festival devoted entirely to cause-driven films. Nonprofit and grassroots organizations and activists get to screen their cause-related films. About 30 films are selected from entries by a panel of judges. Lights. Camera. Help
Back to School Parade. August 18, 2013, north - The Back to School parade celebrates education and the proceeds are used to purchase school supplies for needy families in town. Back to School Parade
Watch video footage of the 2010 Back to School Parade:
Austin Home and Garden Show. August 23 -25, 2013, downtown - Held every spring and fall, this event features hundreds of exhibits by builders, contractors, designers, decorators, and others to upgrade, improve, and decorate every aspect of the inside and outside of your home. Austin Home and Garden Show
Night of the Bat Fest. August 24, 2013, south - Enjoy live music on two stages, over 75 arts & crafts vendors, delicious food and drinks, children’s activities, a bat costume contest, and of course, up to 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats flying out from under the Congress Ave. bridge at dusk. Night of the Bat Fest
Le Garage Sale. August 24 - 25, 2013, central - Held twice a year, this is a chance to shop at multiple independent stores in one place. Everything from handbags and shoes to jewelry and home furnishings are offered by stores at or below cost. Le Garage Sale
Austin Ice Cream Festival. August 25, 2013, downtown - What's better in a central Texas summer than ice cream? An entry fee gets you ice cream to enjoy, and also games, live entertainment, and activities including a popsicle sculpture contest, ice cream eating contest, a homemade ice cream contest. Austin Ice Cream Festival
Watch a video tour of the Austin Ice Cream Festival:
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival. August 25, 2013, east - Embrace the heat with the nation's largest hot sauce festival and one of Austin's most popular events. The festival attracts up to 15,000 attendees and 350 entries each year. Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
View a video of the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival:
Italian Festival. August 25, 2013, central - Celebrate Italian culture with this festive event. Italian car show, arts and crafts, Italian food, portraits, mosaics, pizza and wine, and live music by Austin Lyric Opera and Mediterranean belly dancing. Kids' activities include face painting, balloons, and games. Italian Festival
Have a look at the luxury cars on display at the 2010 Italian Festival:
Out of Bounds Comedy Festival. August 27 - September 2, 2013, multiple locations - This week-long event features over 500 selected comedians from across the U.S. and around the world giving improv, sketch, and stand-up performances. Out of Bounds Comedy Festival
Zilker Relays. August 30, 2013, southwest - Relay teams of four run or walk a 10-mile course accompanied by live music and then return for food, drinks, and more music. Zilker Relays
Watch an interview with the Zilker Relays founder:
Austin Cactus & Succulent Society Fall Show & Sale. August 31 - September 1, 2013, southwest - A plant show and sale featuring cacti and succulents from the southwest U.S. and around the world. Also handmade pottery, raffles and auctions, and expert consulting and free literature. Austin Cactus & Succulent Society Fall Show & Sale
LEGO Kidsfest. August 31 - September 2, 2013, east - Build a LEGO racecar and test it on a ramp. Or design your own creation and add it to a custom map of the U.S. Watch live demonstrations and admire life-size displays.