Starting July 8 and going thru August 13, the hills on Zilker Park will come alive with the Broadway hit, Shrek.  Each Thursday through Sunday evenings the show begins at approximately at 8:15 p.m.  and it is absolutely free to the public.

8 Tips to the Zilker Summer Musical

Zilker Summer Musical: Is there a cost to attend?

Zilker Summer Musical productions are FREE and open to the public. Zilker Theatre Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and can only provide this annual entertainment through
contributions. So during intermission, you will be asked to donate what you can to support these shows.

Zilker Summer Musical: What time does it start and end?

The show starts around 8:15 p.m. with intermission around 10 p.m., and the show typically ends around 11:20 p.m. This, of course, could vary slightly each night. Also, take into consideration that it takes a while for all of the cars to exit the parking lot. So plan on a late night.

Zilker Summer Musical: Where is the Zilker Hillside Theatre, and where can I park? 

Beverly S. Sheffield Theater is located across from the Barton Springs Pool. The parking entrance is located at 2201 Barton Springs Road within Zilker Park, with much of the parking in a dirt field. The City of Austin charges $5 per car for parking and there is limited handicapped parking in the lower parking lot closer to Barton Springs Pool.

Zilker Summer Musical: Where can I sit?

Everyone is invited to bring their own blankets and folding chairs to sit on the grassy hillside and watch the show. Blankets may not be put down before 6pm and plastic tarps are not allowed. Full-height lawn chairs are only allowed along the walls at the top of the hillside, as they block the view of other patrons. Low-height, low-backed “beach chairs” and blankets are allowed in the section behind the lighting poles on the second level. Also note that there are some centrally located spots that are reserved for donors and cast members’ families.

ADA accessibility allows for designated seating for audience members with special needs. The first level (stage level) will be available for these patrons. Please contact Zilker Theatre Productions at (512) 479-9491 if you need any special assistance.

Zilker Summer Musical: What can I bring?

Pack a picnic basket and/or cooler. A variety of drinks and snacks (including cotton candy and donuts) can also be purchased from the theater’s concession stand (proceeds benefiting the production). Don’t forget your bug repellant. And if you have any hand-held fans, you might wish to bring those, too, or anything that helps you stay cool in the warm summer temperatures.

– No glass containers are allowed.

– No smoking is permitted in the seating area.

– No pets are allowed.

Zilker Summer Musical: What is the bathroom situation?

There are port-a-potties on-site as well as the restroom by Barton Springs Pool (although that building operates on pool hours.) There is also an air-conditioned bathroom for the actors that patrons can use for the night if they provide a $25 donation.

Zilker Summer Musical: Is this good for kids?

Obviously, this is totally up to parents to decide if this is a good fit for their children. There are plenty of kids of all ages on the hillside. The beauty of a free, outdoor show is that you can certainly leave early if it’s not working out—or you can plan ahead to leave early if you know that they cannot stay up late enough for the show’s end.

Zilker Summer Musical: What if it rains?

For information on the status of an evening’s performance, call the Zilker Theatre Productions Hotline at (512) 479-9491. You can also check their Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.

Where to get more info?

For more information, visit the Zilker Theatre Productions website.

Zilker Hillside Theatre
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 479-9491