AUSTIN (KXAN) — A classic Austin summer tradition returns Friday night as the Zilker Hillside Theater kicks off its 65th annual summer musical.
Each year, it’s a different musical, this year, it’s Legally Blonde.
“I’ve been doing theater for six years and I’m in high school, and it’s just been really awesome to be a part of the tradition here that’s been going on for so long,” performer Kaitlyn Kenney said.
For anyone looking for summer events in Austin, this should be on your list of things to do in Austin. It’s a free musical production that runs Thursday through Sunday from now until August 17.
The show starts at 8:15 p.m., but you should show up early.
“I recommend showing up at least two hours early so that you can grab an awesome spot on the hillside. We see up to 1800 (people) a performance so it can get pretty packed out here. Bring a picnic blanket, bring lots of snacks, bring a fan and some water. We got lots of parking lots it’ll be a great time,” performer Araya Feeney said.
Transportation options
There are a number of ways to get there, including driving your own car, but parking can be a challenge.
The city hopes you’ll consider another option like walking or biking from the Ann and Roy Butler hike-and-bike trail or using the CapMetro route 30 bus. That route picks up and drops off right in front of Barton Springs with a pedestrian beacon to safely cross Barton Springs Road. There’s also a bike share rack near that location.
Public parking for the theater is first come, first served and is located on the south side of Barton Springs Road near the Moonlight Tower.
Of course, it will be a little toasty, but the perk of the Zilker Hillside Theater is that it’s a short walk to Barton Springs.
“If you get here extra early you can go swimming in Barton Springs Pool which is a cool 68 degrees to keep you nice and cool. Bring fans (and) bring lots of water. Once the sun goes down, it’s not too bad,” Feeney said.