Before the school year begins, there is still time to enjoy an old Austin tradition with the family — pack a picnic and head over to Zilker Park for the annual outdoor summer musical! This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are the final performances of Disney’s Newsies presented by nonprofit organization, Zilker Theatre Productions. This year marks the 63rd year of this longstanding event where you can meet friends in the park, lay down on a blanket, and watch a big Broadway musical under the stars — for FREE. The show begins at 8:15 p.m. with no tickets or reservations required.
Photo credit: Taylor Smith
This year, the City of Austin, in coordination with Zilker Theater Productions, presents Disney’s Newsies as the summer musical! A perfect show for all ages, this staging of Disney’s Newsies includes a diverse cast of budding local talent, and is packed with high energy dancing and plenty of songs that will have your toes tapping.
Photo credit: Taylor Smith
Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this hit Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action.
Photo credit: Taylor Smith
What to Know Before You Go:
Where can I park? The Hillside Theater is located across from to Barton Springs Pool, and free parking is available in the Polo Field (the lot above the Hillside Theater). Click here for a map as well as bus info. Please note that parking in the pool area parking is reserved for cast & crew, those with a special parking pass. If you wish to avoid parking altogether, consider a taking a rideshare such as Uber or Lyft.
Where can I sit? Everyone is invited to bring their own blankets and low back folding chairs to sit on the grassy hillside. Blankets may be down as early as 6 p.m. Ground chairs are permitted on the lawn, but high-back chairs can only be used in ADA seating and at the top of the hillside. Note that there are some centrally located spots that are reserved for donors and cast members families. ADA accessibility allows for designated seating for audience members with special needs. Please contact Zilker Theatre Productions at [email protected] if you need any special assistance.
Photo credit: Taylor Smith
What can I bring? Pack a picnic and drinks, sunscreen if you get there really early, bug spray since this is outdoors, and a flashlight to use when exiting the show or finding the bathroom. Also, bring some cash to throw into the donation buckets during intermission or before the show! (The Zilker Summer Musical depends on donations to continue the tradition.) A variety of drinks and snacks as well as a limited number of chair rentals are available (proceeds benefiting the production). Please note that no glass containers, no smoking, and no pets are allowed.
What is the bathroom situation? The City of Austin recently built new bathrooms at the Hillside Theatre. No more porta-potties!
What if it rains? If the rain stops at Zilker Park by 6 p.m., they will try to dry the stage and go on with the show… if at all possible. For information on the status of an evening’s performance, check the Zilker Theatre Productions’ Facebook page.
Photo credit: Taylor Smith
How can I stay cool? We suggest arriving early to put down your blankets, then walk behind the theatre to take a swim in the cold waters of Barton Springs Pool. Note that on Thursdays the pool doesn’t open until 7 p.m. but it is open all day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (more info). Wear loose-fitting comfy clothes. This is not a dressy theatre experience. Bring along lots of water to stay hydrated!
More info: Visit www.zilker.org for plenty of info about the cast and to learn about opportunities to volunteer or support the community theatre organization. You can also follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates. New this year, the cast plans to share lots of behind-the-scenes footage on social media to give you plenty of sneak peeks.
Photo credit: Taylor Smith
