Zilker Hillside Theater

We took our kids to our first Zilker Hillside Theatre show on a Thursday evening. It was the last weekend of the summer show, and although we arrived nearly an hour early, it was already packed! There is lots of free parking, however, be prepared to walk a good distance to the stage. The show is free, but they do accept donations, and also sell snacks, drinks and rent out chairs for the show. Although we came during the summer, the sun wasn't shining directly on the hill, so it was pleasant to sit and wait for it to start (although very hot, we worked up a sweat!). The actual show was amazing! The actors were great and the talent is outstanding. Sometimes the orchestra was louder than the singing, which made it a bit hard to hear. Be sure to get there really early for good seats! People started putting blankets down 2 hours before showtime. Although we weren't far from the stage, we were sort of behind the stage lights pole, and we couldn't see the actors at times. Also be prepared for people coming straight from the river, meaning many people were only in swimsuits and nothing else. Overall it was a great experience and we can't wait for the next show!

Such a great cast and ensemble! Always a professional production. I'm blown away by the local talent! Please donate if you can. Best theater in town. I've seen the Little Mermaid, Mama Mia and Matilda- All spectacular!

Excellent non-profit that brings theater to the public for free. A long long time ago I worked on broadway. This is not broadway. But this is EXCELLENT regional theater. And it’s free. Come support the growing Austin Fine Arts scene. Come to be a part of the community. Come to have a good night on your own, with friends, with kids, with a date… you get the idea. But come. And support this amazing Austin institution.

Fabulous shows! I highly recommend & support the free productions put on here. Come early, bring a picnic & if you bring tall chairs, be courteous & sit in the back. There's nothing ruder than sitting your kids in the grass with an amazing view while people squeeze in late & setup their large, bulky chairs in front of your small children.

Spend a day at Barton Springs and top it off with one of the best shows in town. I was amazed at the high level of production, the superb talent of the actors and especially the costumes. The shows are free and fill up very quickly. So - come early (3-4 hours before the show starts) bring a blanket (or chairs) and grab a spot. You can then go swim in Barton Springs, take a short hike and return to watch the show. Don't forget your wallet. During intermission the actors walk around with buckets to collect donations. You'll have do much fun, you'd want to tip them well. Ah.. And pack a picnic to set yourself up for the best dinner and a show.