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October 2023 by Mae Reed
The best spot in town for free musicals concerts and more. A wonderful way to spend the evening. Bring snacks, chairs, and enjoy.
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August 2023 by Taylor Paul
We took our kids to our first Zilker Hillside Theatre show on a Thursday evening. It was the last weekend of the summer show, and although we arrived nearly an hour early, it was already packed! There is lots of free parking, however, be prepared to walk a good distance to the stage. The show is free, but they do accept donations, and also sell snacks, drinks and rent out chairs for the show. Although we came during the summer, the sun wasn't shining directly on the hill, so it was pleasant to sit and wait for it to start (although very hot, we worked up a sweat!). The actual show was amazing! The actors were great and the talent is outstanding. Sometimes the orchestra was louder than the singing, which made it a bit hard to hear. Be sure to get there really early for good seats! People started putting blankets down 2 hours before showtime. Although we weren't far from the stage, we were sort of behind the stage lights pole, and we couldn't see the actors at times. Also be prepared for people coming straight from the river, meaning many people were only in swimsuits and nothing else. Overall it was a great experience and we can't wait for the next show!
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August 2023 by April Ard
The events they have here are fabulous. Arrive early to snag a good spot on the hillside. Blankets are fine, but chairs are more comfortable. Just an overall lovely spot to soak up Austin.
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August 2023 by Jqiatx
Excellent non-profit that brings theater to the public for free. A long long time ago I worked on broadway. This is not broadway. But this is EXCELLENT regional theater. And it’s free. Come support the growing Austin Fine Arts scene. Come to be a part of the community. Come to have a good night on your own, with friends, with kids, with a date… you get the idea. But come. And support this amazing Austin institution.
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July 2023 by Leah Staines
We came for Matilda show on a Sunday evening. Parking was not an issue and we had a short two minute walk to the hillside theater. It was very organized and they were plenty of seats still open. They had chairs available to rent. It was July, so it was pretty warm, even after the sun went down, but there was a slight breeze and they even handed out fans to help cool us off. We brought a picnic, however, there was a concession stand with snacks available for purchase. There are some drums playing in the background; I believe either a practice or a different show going on somewhere in the park. Overall, it was a great show and we had a great experience.
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July 2023 by David Lyons
We saw Maltilda, the Musical. It's intermission, and it has been great! Two more weekends to catch this wonderful show.
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July 2023 by Michael Lau
They put on a great production for the community. Went to see Matilda and my family loved it. Go 20 mins earlier for parking and bring water as the temps outside get pretty hot. Also they permit low rise chairs or you can rent them by donation. Returning the chairs were really easy after the show. Highly recommended.
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July 2023 by Elizabeth Illing
So even though I wasn't early and say in the back I still had a wonderful view heard everything perfectly. Parking is wide and far but if you use your GPS you can cut through the wooded area off the path and get there faster. So only suggestion is parking wise maybe arrive early but view wise you'll be fine from any spot. Left a little early so didn't have to sit in lines to leave.
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July 2023 by Lindsey Love
Phenomenal shows every summer! Blows away the idea that you get what you pay for. High quality local theater production for free! You will be sitting on a grassy hillside, so make sure you bring a blanket to lay on or a short camping chair (one where the people behind you can still see). Don't be that person that pops out a Godzilla size chair and sits on the front row. Nobody likes that person.
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July 2023 by Sherry E.
Such a great cast and ensemble! Always a professional production. I'm blown away by the local talent! Please donate if you can. Best theater in town. I've seen the Little Mermaid, Mama Mia and Matilda- All spectacular!
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July 2023 by Cami Quezada Viancos
We went to see Matilda eith my daughter. It was awesome. If you like musical theater this is a place to go every summer. Bring your blanket, snacks and plenty of water
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September 2022 by Kelly
You MUST take advantage of the free summer musical at this uniquely Austin venue! Actors are always great. Quality of shows is fantastic. What a great way to spend time outdoors, take part in cultural events and celebrate cool things to do in Austin!
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August 2022 by Paul Delacruz
Zilker Hillside Theater is a local Austin tradition where you can enjoy a free theatrical performance by a cast of young future professionals on the backend of Summertime. This is a special place and completely family friendly where my wife and I go to every year. The performance was Newsies.It is situated at the bottom of a hill where the audience can either sit on blankets or low beach chairs. Recommended to bring your own drinks and food, but you may find a food truck parked there. A new improvement is the addition of new restrooms instead using port-o-potties. The performances are at night so when the daily temperatures may be extreme but it cools down at night especially when the sun sets below the tree line.The productions are top notch as if seeing a broadway musical. They put so much time and effort to put on a great show from the set design, costumes, acting, and music. We love it every year.You can also make a day by first swimming at the Barton Springs Pool and then cool off by watching a great performance.
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August 2022 by Deanne Croan
Great little amphitheater at Zilker Park. They put on a different shiow each summer and no matter what the show is, it's always a great, fun experience.
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August 2022 by Brian Mitchell
Family friendly fun.Great location in Zilker and new amenities make it even better. The bathrooms were clean. Parking was easy and just a short walk away!
