Zilker Hillside Theater

What to know

The Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater, widely known as the Zilker Hillside Theater, is a historic outdoor amphitheater located at 2206 William Barton Drive in Austin's iconic Zilker Park. Situated right next to Barton Springs Pool, this scenic venue is managed by the Dougherty Arts Center as part of the City of Austin's Department of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. It is celebrated for bringing accessible, high-quality performing arts to the local community. The theater's most famous offering is the Zilker Summer Musical, which has been a cherished Austin tradition since 1959. Originally created as a project of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, this annual event is now produced by Zilker Theatre Productions. The non-profit organization mounts large-scale Broadway musicals here, drawing an impressive audience of over 45,000 people annually. Beyond the summer musical, which typically plays Thursday through Sunday in July and August, the theater's broader performance season runs from March through October. During these months, the outdoor stage hosts a diverse lineup that includes jazz concerts, Shakespearean plays, and family-friendly films. To support these diverse performances, the city-run facility features a large stage with ample lighting capability, two large indoor dressing rooms, backstage restrooms, storage, optional mobile stage flats, and dedicated backstage loading and build areas. Attending a show on the hillside is a uniquely Austin experience. All performances and events at the theater are free and open to the public, though donations are highly appreciated. The venue operates on an open-seating basis on the grassy lawn. To secure a prime viewing spot, visitors are encouraged to arrive early and lay down blankets or low-back ground chairs, which is permitted starting at 6:00 PM. High-back chairs are restricted to the top of the hill and designated ADA seating areas to ensure everyone enjoys an unobstructed view under the open sky.

Visitor tips

• Arrive between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to lay down a blanket and reserve your spot on the lawn.
• Bring low-back ground chairs for the lawn, as high-back chairs are only allowed in ADA seating or at the very top of the hill.
• Check the schedule for the Zilker Summer Musical, which runs Thursday through Sunday during July and August.
• Enjoy the performances for free, but consider bringing some cash to make an appreciated donation.

Nearby context

Located in the sprawling green expanse of Zilker Park, the Zilker Hillside Theater sits in one of Austin's most active recreational hubs. Right next door, you will find the refreshing waters of Barton Springs Pool, making it easy to pair an afternoon swim with an evening of open-air theater. This neighborhood perfectly captures Austin's outdoor-loving, artistic spirit, where nature and community culture seamlessly blend together.