Under the Stars at Zilker

Read the story

Picture a warm summer evening in Austin, where thousands of people gather on a grassy hillside, spreading out blankets under the stars for a free musical. This beloved local tradition takes place at the Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater, located right next to the cool waters of Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park.

The Zilker Summer Musical has been an Austin staple since 1959, when it was originally created as a project of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Today, Zilker Theatre Productions presents these large-scale, free-admission musical spectaculars, drawing an audience of over 45,000 people every single year. The performance season runs from March through October, but it's the summer shows that spark a daily ritual.

To secure a prime spot on the lawn, theatergoers arrive early, laying down their blankets between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. while enjoying the anticipation of the show.

It’s a wonderful reminder that in Austin, some of the best cultural experiences don't cost a dime—just a blanket and a spot on the grass.

Updated June 2026