AUSTIN, Texas — The Bullock Museum is rolling out an inaugural series that will cure your summertime blues over this oppressive heat.

Cool Summer Nights is a series of three free evening events that celebrate culture, community and Texas history.

Each night event includes:

  • Activated exhibits with living history participants
  • Themed lounge provided by Premiere Events
  • Cash bar with specialty themed cocktail
  • Small bites for purchase by Delicious in our Story of Texas Café (vegetarian options available)
  • Complimentary sparkling water from Waterloo Sparkling Water
  • Complimentary coffee and cold brew samples by Addison Coffee Roasters
  • Souvenirs for purchase in the Museum gift shop
  • Photo booth by MYEVENTSTHEBOMB
  • Records spun by DJ from Breakaway Records
  • Complimentary parking in the Museum's garage

"Rodeo!" 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 22

The first event is “Rodeo!” in celebration of "Rodeo! The Exhibition" currently on display. The museum says its lobby will become a dance floor complete with lessons for the untrained. Guests can also try their hand at leathercraft or create the perfect spice blend to make chili.

The event will include:

“Art” 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 13

“Art" night will highlight the range of visual arts found in Texas in conjunction with the exhibition, "Comanche Motion: The Art of Eric Tippeconnic." Guests can watch artists create paintings inspired by the museum's galleries or try out a variety of visual arts techniques for themselves.

You’ll be able to:

  • Watch visual artists from Atelier Dojo create spontaneous pieces of art inspired by the Museum's gallery spaces
  • Take part in a silhouette portraiture activity with Cindi Rose
  • Create your own art inspired by the work of Eric Tippeconnic with CRAFT
  • Watch a weaving demonstration and learn basic stich instruction with DRÉA PETERS Insta Design Group
  • Try your hand at blind contour drawing

“Music" 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10

The final Cool Summer Nights is inspired by Austin music culture and the museum's exhibition celebrating the history of Austin City Limits. Guests can pick up a ukulele and experiment, experience contemporary opera or try their hand at songwriting.

At the last event:

  • View two evening performances of opera in a contemporary style by One Ounce Opera
  • Enjoy hands-on activities with ukuleles and impromptu performances presented by Groundwork Music
  • Create black bean sound shakers and paint an Ausitn skyline with CRAFT
  • Take part in a guided song writing activity with Badgerdog
  • Experience d/Rastra, an audio/visual performance incorporating a hacked CRT television, glitchy soundscapes and dynamic lighting design by Kyle Evans