Auditorium Shores / Butler Park

What to know

Auditorium Shores is a large, scenic outdoor area situated right on Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, with addresses listed at 800 and 900 W Riverside Dr. The park is highly regarded for its gorgeous, unobstructed views of the downtown Austin skyline, making it a beloved gathering spot for both locals and visitors alike. The park serves as a premier venue for massive community gatherings. Notably, SXSW utilizes the Auditorium Shores and Lady Bird Lake area to host its largest stage for free, public, and family-friendly community concerts, utilizing the iconic Austin skyline as a dramatic backdrop. Visitors can easily access this stage area by walking along the Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail or crossing the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge to reach the main entrance at Riverside Drive and South 1st Street. In addition to spring festivals, the park is the designated home of Austin's New Year celebrations. This tradition began in 2006 as First Night Austin and has been hosted at the iconic Auditorium Shores since 2010. Every December 31st, the public gathers here for free festivities, food trucks, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display over the lake. Beyond hosting large-scale events, the area—also known as Vic Mathias Shores—is a key recreational hub. The Auditorium Shores Trailhead is one of the most heavily used access points for the Butler Trail. A collaboration project addressed much-needed repairs and added essential public amenities to the trailhead, including new restrooms, water fountains, and native plants. The park's central location places it near other prominent local landmarks. It is nestled close to the Palmer Events Center on Barton Springs Road and the Butler Pitch & Putt, a nine-hole, par-3 golf course featuring real grass greens.

Visitor tips

• Admission to the park is free, though you may need to pay for nearby parking.
• Use the Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail or the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge to easily access event entrances near Riverside Drive and South 1st Street.
• Take advantage of the renovated trailhead amenities, which include public restrooms, water fountains, and native plant areas.

Nearby context

Auditorium Shores is situated in a vibrant cultural and recreational corridor along the south bank of Lady Bird Lake. Walking through the park, you will find yourself steps away from the iconic Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue, which honors the legendary Austin musician right by the water. Just up the hill sits the Long Center for the Performing Arts, framing the park's southern edge and anchoring the neighborhood's bustling arts scene alongside the nearby Palmer Events Center.