AUSTIN, Texas —
This weekend, Austinites will be able to enjoy free performances as the Red River Cultural District puts on its annual "Free Week" festival.
The event – which has been around for more than two decades – is a celebration of Austin's status as the "Live Music Capital of the World," with nearly 20 downtown music venues, restaurants and bars hosting free concerts.
Organizers say it shines a spotlight on local artists and local venues and is meant to give people a free taste of both – and leave them wanting more.
The Red River Cultural District stretches from Fourth Street to 15th Street, and there are about 12 different venues along the corridor. Free Week shows people what each venue has to offer.
Nicole Klepadlo, interim executive director of the Red River Cultural District, said it's crucial for people to keep discovering and supporting new music.
"Music is the foundation of Austin, so that's a great way to give back to our music community, a great way for the community to learn new music, check out new bands, check out new genres and really a way to support our independent live music venues," Klepadlo said.
It also introduces them to new local artists for free, like Me Nd Adam.
"Playing at Free Week, it's really important to us. And we're hoping to give back to a community that helped raise us and supported us in our growing career," Adam Walker said.
The band members are from Austin and say they're happy to support their local community.
"We're both born and raised here in Austin and, essentially, Free Week continues to support the music community that's been here for a long time but also faces the pressure of a new growing city," Vince Winik said.
While there's no cost to get into Free Week shows, music fans are encouraged to support the local music scene by buying bands' merchandise and ordering food and drinks from the venues.
More than 60 local musicians will take part in Free Week with shows at about a dozen different venues both Friday and Saturday. See the full lineup.