Zilker Summer Musical ~ Austin, Texas

The Hill was most certainly alive in Austin's Zilker Park last Thursday night...and I imagine most every night of the Zilker Summer Musical's production of The Sound of Music. It is a fantastic musical - the talent is amazing - and word has gotten out about it!

Each summer, the residents of the Austin area are treated to a free musical in Zilker Park. At the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater (across from Barton Springs Pool), the Zilker Theatre Productions present the 54th annual Zilker Summer Musical....The Sound of Music.

Seating is first-come, first-serve on a blanket that you may lay out starting at 6 pm. I recommend that you get there as close as possible to that time, as the crowds are big. Bring your dinner and sit and relax - there is a gentle breeze, so it really isn't that hot waiting for the show to start (which is at 8:30 p.m.). Some lay their blankets down and head over to Barton Springs pool to kill time. Either way, in the last 3 years that we have gone, no one has ever touched our blankets.

There is a great snack bar with reasonable treats and cool drinks. And this year, there are port-a-potties as well as the potties at the pool.

As I said previously, this year's production is fantastic! The talent that we have in Austin is amazing, I really wish we had more than one summer musical to see! The show itself is free, however, would not be possible with out donations from generous patrons like you - they recommend $20 a blanket, a true bargain, as tickets to see this would be more than double.

It is a pretty long show, getting over around 11 pm. But oh so worth it. The Sound of Music runs Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings thru August 11 - make sure you go and see it - you won't regret it!

Texas Travel Facts for Zilker Summer Musical:

Location: 2301 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, Texas

Show time: 8:30 pm (blankets can start to be placed down at 6:00 pm)

Admission: Free (parking is $5)

Good to know: Chairs can be set up along the back of the hill; only blankets along the hillside; no pets; food & drink allowed; no glass containers