Zilker Park is hands down one of my favorite places in Austin, especially in the summer when there are so many free and fun things offered there. Shakespeare in the Park and Hillside Theatre are at the top of my list.
Photo from austinshakespeare.org
Starting May 5, on Thursdays through Sundays at 8p, Shakespeare in the Park will perform a contemporary version of the comedy Love’s Labour’s Lost, set in the 1960s beach culture. Shows are free and run until May 29th, so you have all month to enjoy this outdoor theatre with friends and family. Admission is free. If you’re at a loss for Mother’s Day plans, there will be a special 2p performance May 8 in place of the evening show. The series is presented by Austin Shakespeare.
Pack along a picnic, spend some time swimming in Barton Springs pool and bring a few blankets and get ready for a night (or nights!) of fun at the beautiful Zilker Park.
And for the planners out there: mark down in your calendars that Footloose will be playing July 8 – August 13th this year for the 53rd annual Hillside Theatre musical. Admission is free, with parking for $3 per car. The shows begin at dusk, Thursdays through Sundays.
There are concessions stands and donations taking at the shows, so bring along some cash for snacks and to support a wonderful theatre tradition in Austin!
ATX Guest Pass 
I want to go to both of these performances! What awesome ideas. Now I just have to convince the spousal unit. I wonder if we can have wine with our picnic or if they don’t let you bring alcohol on site?
I am super sad I’ll be missing them this year — you can definitely bring wine, food, pretty much anything except for high-backed lawn chairs.