The Best Thing About Austin Summers: Zilker Summer Musical!
This summer, the Zilker Hillside Theater continues its beloved tradition of bringing joy and entertainment to the heart of Austin. The annual free outdoor summer musical is my favorite thing about an Austin summer! This year’s musical is Bring It On! It’s pom-poms, petty drama, and power moves—where cheer comps are cutthroat and high school beef is just as intense as the crushes.
Location
Dates, Times, Admission
The Zilker Summer Musical is FREE for all every year! No tickets necessary! This year, the show will run July 11 – August 16, 2025 (Thursdays-Sundays only) and begins around 8:15 p.m. I highly recommend showing up early to get a good spot on the lawn!
Parking
Free parking is available, but spaces can fill up quickly, so consider carpooling or using public transportation.
All public parking is on the south side of Barton Springs Road near the moonlight tower area. All event parkers will be directed to park in the designated field area. It is just over 300 yard walk from the parking area to the top of the hillside theatre. Pack a flashlight to aid in your walk back to your vehicle at the end of the show.
On-site parking is first-come, first-served, and is very limited in the summer months, especially on weekends.
My biggest tip with parking is to drop everyone in your party off close to the stage/seating area with all your stuff, then the driver go park the car. It’s much easier for the rest of your party to get dropped off closer with the stuff so they can find a good spot and get set up, that way you’re not lugging all your stuff from the car to the theater. You will have to lug it all back to the car when the show is over, but at least you don’t have to lug it in the beginning!
What To Bring
- Low lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on (let me just say that if you’re over 40, you’re going to want the low chairs!!!)
- bug spray
- waters & snacks
- cash for donations
- a neck fan or some sort of fan to help keep you cool
- There is a restroom nearby, but we have had issues with there not bring soap in the past. Some hand sanitizer would be a good idea too!
- games for the kids to play while you wait for the show to begin
About the Zilker Summer Musical
Every year, the Zilker Summer Musical offers high-quality, live performances in a relaxed outdoor setting, completely free of charge. It’s a tradition that has delighted Austin residents and visitors alike for over 60 years, making it one of the longest-running free outdoor theatre productions in the country. Set against the lush backdrop of Zilker Park, attendees can enjoy the balmy summer evenings with a picnic as they watch top-notch theatrical productions.
Bring It On! – The Story
Bring It On: The Musical blends high-energy cheer routines with sharp wit and heart, following cheer captain Campbell as she’s redistricted to a rival school and must team up with a fierce dance crew to chase glory at Nationals.
Why You Should See It
- Entertainment for Everyone: Whether you’re a fan of the movie, a lover of musical theater, or looking for a fun family outing, Bring It On has something to offer everyone.
- Stunning Performances: The Zilker Summer Musical is known for its high-quality productions, featuring talented local actors, singers, and dancers who bring Broadway-level performances to the outdoor stage.
- Perfect Outdoor Venue: The Hillside Theater provides a unique viewing experience where you can sit under the stars on a blanket or lawn chair, making it an ideal setting for summer entertainment.
- Community Spirit: Attending this event is a great way to engage with the Austin community and support local arts, all while enjoying a free, professional production.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
The shows have varied through the years, some being more kid-friendly than others. We have seen Shrek the Musical, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Matilda, and Legally Blonde. All of these were great for kids! Legally Blonde was better for older kids, but we saw plenty of kids there still. The musical always starts at dusk as well, which can be a late start in the summer. This might affect little kids’ bed times. We usually keep out kids up late if it’s a show we know they will love. Or we will leave at intermission if they seem to be getting too tired.
Don’t Forget To Donate!
Remember, events like this depend on community support. Please consider donating if you can to help keep this wonderful tradition alive for future summers.
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