Concerts and movies in the park are a summer tradition. This event is theater in the park, with all the pleasures of a summer evening spent outdoors, under the open skies. Come with chairs, or a blanket/sheet to relax on. Make a picnic go it if you like. For sure keep hydrated on these warm/hot summer evenings.This year’s offering of the Zilker Summer Musicals is Disney’s Newsies. A wonderful offering by a young cast,

I have been to the Zilker Hillside Theater many times. It usually takes place about mid July to mid August. I tend to sit toward the back so I can sit in my own folding chair. You can bring a blanket to sit on if you'd like. It is best when there is a breeze otherwise it can get a bit stuffy, hot and humid. The musical is fun and it is a family fun event as well. Bring your picnic dinner (fried chicken, chips, sandwiches, etc). Go with friends, family and Enjoy!

This was my first experience to see a show here and had made a donation which enabled me to enjoy some perks for the first performance of The Wizard of Oz. We get here and park for free in a grassy field. I see others making their short walk through the park and down the hill. I then got my first glimpse of the outdoor theater and stage. I was impressed where everyone sits on the grass hill. I walk to the bottom and get in line to receive a wristband for making a donation. This allows me to have chairs to sit on and free water, soft drinks, donuts, and a free boxed meal. There is a special restroom to use but it's only a single toilet on a trailer. Perhaps next year have a bigger trailer to have more toilets. Otherwise have to use normal port-o-potties on the other side. The problem with those is there is no light shining on them so it is very dark. There is some covered seating but was already taken due to everyone getting out from the sun.So after the wristband the next step is to claim a chair. We were guided to sit in front where we felt like we were on the stage. The stage is not raised where is us ground level and not sure why. After claiming chair I headed to get food and drinks. The boxed meal was provided by Newk's and turned out you could call before to order special meals like gluten free or veggie. I got a turkey sandwich which was good, and came with chips and brownie. I grabbed some water and noticed the donuts were provided by Krispy Kreme. The show was excellent and would recommend to anyone especially those with kids. It's free to attend and can bring your own food and drinks, blankets and low beach chairs. The like donations so please give!Don't complain about sound and lighting issues where you are outdoors and this theatre is quite old. The outstanding acting and singing by children to older performers make it up.After the show it's dark so watch out for rocks making your way back to your vehicle.

If you want to see Austin's people as-they-is, come to the hillside theatre in Zilker Park. Sometimes the shows are great, sometimes not, but it's free and always a rockin' good time. You'll have to engineer some early parking, and also stake out (literally) a place to sit, because people will encroach on your space all night long. Over the course of 50 years, I've seen many good shows there and plan on returning next season.

I went to see the summer musical, Hairspray, performed at the Hillside Theatre. It had been a number of years since I had attended a play here and I was surprised to see the number of changes that had been made. The stage, set, and costuming are much more professional than when I had last been. The actors and musicians were magnificent. The play began around 8:15pm; however, I would suggest getting there early. We arrived around 5:45pm and found a good spot; however, there were only two of us, if you have a large group, you'll want to get there much earlier. Many people got there much earlier, put down a blanket and went to do something else - ride the Zilker train, play Frisbee, etc. Admission to the play is free; however, parking cost $5 per vehicle. (The parking entrance is on the northbound MoPac service road just before you reach Barton Springs road.) We ate a picnic dinner while waiting. You can bring a cooler. If you have a low seat (less than 26 high), you can use it. They have chairs to rent for $5, but they run out. If you bring a regular size outdoor chair, they will ask you to put it away. Once the sun set, the temperature cooled off and felt pleasant. All in all, it was a great experience.