For 59 years, it’s been an Austin summer tradition to pack a picnic, settle onto a blanket on the hillside and watch a musical under the stars in Zilker Park. This year, families are in for such a fantastic experience as Zilker Theatre Productions presents The Wizard of Oz at the Zilker Hillside Theater through August 12 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free (with donations appreciated to help support future productions). 

For a little extra fun for the kids, you can bring them down to the stage at 7 p.m. each Saturday for “Munchkin Madness” where they’ll get to have a dance party with the cast.

Do512 Family is a very proud sponsor of this year’s production. We loved every moment of seeing Dorothy, the Wicked Witch, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and cast sing and dance to such beloved songs. And we can’t get enough of that adorable pup, Toto.

It really is a blast to hang with friends and family while watching a this show under the stars. Your kids are going to love it! But before you go, we’ve got some tips for you:

—> What to Know Before You Go:

Where can I park?
Beverly S. Sheffield 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 is reserved for cast & crew, those with a special parking pass. If you wish to avoid parking altogether, Ride Austin has a special drop-off spot near the Zilker Hillside Theater. You can use their RoundUp option to support ZTP.

Where can I sit?
Everyone is invited to bring their own blankets and folding chairs to sit on the grassy hillside. Blankets may be down as early as 6 p.m. Full-height lawn chairs are only allowed behind the low rock wall approximately 3/4 up the hill and along the walls at the top of The Hillside as they block the view of other patrons. 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 512-479-9491 if you need any special assistance.

What can I bring?
Pack a picnic basket and/or cooler. A variety of drinks and snacks as well as chair rentals (for $5 per chair) are available at the Wells Fargo Hillside Market (proceeds benefiting the production). Don’t forget your bug repellant. Also, you might wish to bring a flashlight to use when exiting the show.

• No glass containers are allowed.
• No smoking is permitted in the seating area.
• No pets are allowed.

What is the bathroom situation?
There are port-a-potties on site as well as the restroom by Barton Springs Pool (although take note that those facilities operate on pool hours.)

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, call the Zilker Theatre Productions Hotline at 512-479-9491.

Where to get more info?
For much more information, please visit www.zilker.org. You can also follow the production on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and some behind-the-scenes photos.