What areas of the park system are currently open?

Symphony Square, Waterloo Park, the Moody Amphitheater, and the section from Lady Bird Lake to 4th Street are open. Additionally, Phase 2 (known as The Confluence) is open to the public.

What kind of activities and events can I experience here?

The park system hosts live music, festivals, and public art, building on a legacy of hosting iconic Austin events since 1978. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of community programs, including wellness classes, children's activities, nature walks, concerts, and art installations.

Yes, many events and programs hosted at the Waterloo Greenway are free for the public to enjoy.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Waterloo Greenway in Austin

Q: What is the Waterloo Greenway?

Waterloo Greenway is a 1.5-mile park system in Austin that is being developed through a public-private partnership between the City of Austin and the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Once fully completed, it will feature 35 acres of connected green space stretching from 15th Street to Lady Bird Lake.

Waterloo Greenway

Waterloo Greenway is a vibrant 1.5-mile park system in downtown Austin. Connecting nature and community along Waller Creek, it features lush trails, the Moody Amphitheater, and diverse, free year-round programming.

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What to know

Waterloo Greenway is a 1.5-mile park system being developed through a public-private partnership between the City of Austin and the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Once fully completed, it will encompass 35 acres of connected green space meandering from 15th Street all the way to Lady Bird Lake along downtown's eastern edge. Waterloo Park has been a hub for authentic Austin events since 1978, hosting legendary local gatherings like Spamarama, Pachanga, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Mess with Texas, and the Ice Cream Festival. Today, the greenway builds upon this legacy of live music, festivals, and public art. Phase 1 is fully open, welcoming visitors to Symphony Square, Waterloo Park, and the state-of-the-art Moody Amphitheater. In 2024 alone, Waterloo Park welcomed over 200,000 visitors, hosted 30 concerts at the amphitheater, and offered 175 free community programs. The park system expanded significantly with Phase 2, known as "The Confluence," which celebrated its grand opening on May 6, 2026. Covering 13 acres along Waller Creek from 4th Street to Lady Bird Lake, this phase involved extensive creek bank stabilization and the planting of over 200,000 new plants and 1,600 new trees. It is currently seeking a Gold certification under the SITES Rating System for sustainable land development. As part of this phase, the Hartman Bridge on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail opened on January 27, 2025. Looking ahead, the greenway continues to grow under the leadership of Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, who became the CEO of the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy on April 1, 2025. Future developments include construction at Sir Swante Palm Park, which is estimated to begin in 2027.

Visitor tips

Check the event calendar for one of the 175 free annual community programs, including wellness classes and nature walks.
Enjoy the park in any season, as it remains open and beautifully landscaped year-round.
Cross the newly opened Hartman Bridge on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for great views.

Nearby context

Located just steps away from the bustling nightlife and historic venues of Dirty 6th Street, the Waterloo Greenway offers a refreshing natural contrast to Austin's dense urban core. Walking south along the greenway's Waller Creek trails provides a seamless transition from the high-energy entertainment district to the serene shores of Lady Bird Lake, making it an ideal nature corridor for downtown explorers.

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