Weekend Watch: Free movies, music and classic gaming
AUSTIN (KXAN) - The summer isn't over yet; there is plenty to do this weekend across Central Texas, including a Ninja Nerf War, a free summer music festival, and a way to adopt a (fake) duck. Plus, classic gaming returns to Austin.
Weekend Forecast
The weekend may bring a few showers after a long week of heat. While we will still stay safely away from triple digits, temperatures will remain warmer with a 30% chance of showers on Saturday and a drop in rain chances on Sunday to 20%.
Hot Summer Nights
An annual tradition, the music and arts festival takes place in the Red River Cultural District in downtown Austin. The very first Hot Summer Nights festival kicked off in 2017 as a way to not only highlight musicians and artists but to help support local venues during the slower summer months. Each venue along Red River will host bands each evening starting on Thursday, July 24, through Saturday, July 26. Local restaurants are getting in on the action as well with tacos, pizza, BBQ, and more. The list of performers can be found on their website along with times and venue names. The best part is, it's free!
Ninja Nerf War
It's time to do battle! Break out the Nerf guns and your best armor as a friendly war takes place at The Jungle Movement Academy on Friday, July 25. It's something every kid has ever wanted. From capture the flag to one-on-ones and so much more. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m., and you are free to bring your own Nerf gun and ammo or use the provided materials if you don't have your own. Tickets for the event are $40, and anyone ages 6 and up is invited to attend. Be sure to visit their website for tickets and more information.
Classic Gaming Fest 2025
Break out the N64 controller as we go back in time to win! The Classic Gaming Fest is back, kicking off Friday, July 25, and running through Sunday, July 27. Over 200 vendors, free play arcades, retro game tournaments, panels, special guests, and more. Plus, be sure to wear your favorite cosplay as there will be a costume contest. There will also be a massive vendor hall with retro games and more. Kids 10 and under get in free. The entire event will be at the Palmer Events Center, and if you want more information or tickets to the event, be sure to visit their website.
Austin Duck Derby 2025
Get ready for a "quacking" good time and all for a brighter future as Austin says no to drugs. It's the Austin Duck Derby on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Castle Garden Event Center in Round Rock. It's a family fun day with plenty to do, including duck races, delicious food, plenty of live music, and an important message on drug prevention and support community initiatives. You can adopt a duck for just $10 to help support a local youth program that helps prevent drug use. For more information on how you can help or donate, be sure to visit their website.
Y2K Summer Movie Nights
It's movie night in San Marcos as a free screening of TWICE, the concert film, will be taking place at the Red Bus Food Park for free. It's part of the Y2K Summer Movie Night, where each week a classic movie is shown. This week, there will be planned raffles, themed drinks, photo-ops, vendors, and, of course, plenty to eat. Everyone in the family is invited to be part of this. If you miss the event, be sure to visit the movie night screening of Legally Blonde on August 2. The movie kicks off at 8 p.m., so arrive early. For more information, be sure to visit their website.