Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater
The Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater, also known as "Zilker Hillside Theater," is committed to creating accessible opportunities for all members of the community to engage and collaborate in the performing arts. Performances and events are always free and open to the public. The performance season runs March through October. The Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater is managed by the Dougherty Arts Center and is part of the City of Austin's Department of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME).
Upcoming Events
Kung Fu Cowgirl presents Kung Fu Cowgirl: Ride Between Worlds
Thursday, September 3 – Saturday, September 6, 2026, 8-10 p.m.
Wednesday, September 9 - Thursday, September 10, 2026, 8-10 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13, 2026, 8-10 p.m.
Information Link: Kung Fu Cowgirl
Contact Email: business@kungfucowgirl.com
Kung Fu Cowgirl: The Musical follows the story of a young woman from Kung Fu Village with cowgirl ambitions. The show is kung-fu fast, as dramatic as a spaghetti Western, and full of laughs for children and adults alike. This fall, audiences from Austin and beyond can expect to enjoy infectious original music with Western twang and Eastern ripples, as funk, jazz, rap, and Broadway collide in an unforgettable showdown of roundhouse kicks, lasso whips, and even a Chinese-versus-Texas barbecue battle royale.
Join us under the Texas stars at Beverly Sheffield Hillside Theater and witness the spectacle of Kung Fu Cowgirl as our heroine joins the town’s Rodeo Games to reclaim her mother’s treasure, partners with the charming but roguish Cowboy Cody, and faces off against the dangerous teahouse empress, Madam Babel. You’ll leave the show yearning to roundhouse-kick, two-step quick, and chomp on barbecue on a stick!
Kung Fu Cowgirl is part of the Artist Access Program, through the City of Austin’s Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department and the Beverly Sheffield Hillside Theater.
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact 512-974-3917 or Relay Texas 7-1-1. For more information or to request a language interpreter, please call Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000.
A’lante Flamenco presents Flamenco Under the Stars
Friday, September 18 – Saturday, September 19, 2026
8-10 p.m.
Join A'lante Flamenco for Flamenco Under the Stars: two free shows in Zilker Park on September 18 & 19!
A’lante Flamenco bridges the distance between Palestine, Cadiz, and Veracruz by combining fiery Spanish flamenco music and dance with son jarocho by guests Los Fandangueros de Austin and Arabic grooves from Sari Andoni and Josh Peters.
Bring a picnic, a blanket, and plenty of friends to enjoy the passionate music and dance of Austin's premier flamenco company. Student dancers from Flamencura will open the show at 8pm!
A’lante Flamenco is part of the Artist Access Program, through the City of Austin’s Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department and the Beverly Sheffield Hillside Theater.
Questions? email info@flamencura.org
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact 512-974-3917 or Relay Texas 7-1-1. For more information or to request a language interpreter, please call Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. Requests for interpretation services should be made at least five days prior to the meeting or event you plan to attend.
Rentals
During the months of March, September and October, organizations may request to rent the Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater for their public performance or special event. The outdoor venue’s large stage, ample lighting capability, amenities, and location (next to Barton Springs Pool) make it the perfect spot for your next dance recital, symphony or cultural event. The facility includes:
- 2 large indoor dressing rooms
- Back stage restrooms and storage.
- Optional mobile stage flats
- Backstage loading and build areas
- 2027 Rental Requests and Inquiries
Applications for 2027 rentals will open at 10:00am on Friday, May 1, 2026.
- Download the 2027 ZHT Rental Packet (PDF, 1.78mb) to your device. Please read the Facility User Guide at the beginning of the document to understand the policies and expectations of our space.
- Complete the document, save to your device, and email it as an attachment to ZHTInfo@austintexas.gov.
- Applications will be considered in the order they are received.
- A completed application does not guarantee or confirm a reservation.
- Any applications sent prior to May 1 will be considered at a later date.
2027 Rental Requests will be accepted until March 1, 2027.
To set up a time to tour the facility, email James Byers or call 512-974-4020.
FAQ
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater
Q. Are animals allowed?
A. Animals are prohibited on the hillside during performances of Zilker Theatre Production's Summer Musical. (Service animals are exempt from this policy). Any non-service animal, leashed or unleashed that is on the hillside premise during the hours of 6pm-11pm, Thursday- Sunday will be asked to leave.
Q. Can I save a spot by putting a blanket down really early?
A. The City of Austin strongly discourages leaving blankets unattended on the hillside at any time, especially prior to 6pm. Doing so damages the turf, as well as the root structure of our beautiful heritage trees. In addition, the City of Austin is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items left unattended.
Q. What kind of chairs can I bring to watch the show?
A. Chairs under 28” are allowed in the main seating area. Taller chairs are allowed at the top of The Hill and in our ADA seating area.
Q. Can I bring alcohol to the park?
A. Alcohol is not allowed and will not be consumed, distributed or tolerated at the Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater. You are more than welcome to bring non alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the show, but please be aware that glass and styrofoam are prohibited in Zilker Park.
Q. Is the theater wheel chair accessible?
A. Accessible parking is located directly behind the theater in the parking lot. Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater is wheel chair accessible. Accessible seating is located at the front of the stage. If you require access to this seating space, please see one of COA staff members, and we will ensure your needs are addressed.
Q. I lost my wallet and can’t find it. Do you have a lost and found?
A. We do not keep valuables on site and all lost items are turned into the main office located on 200. South Lamar, the following business day. The phone number is 512-974-6700.
Staff
Guiniviere Webb Culture & Arts Education Manager 512-974-4019
Lucy Miller-Downing Culture & Arts Program Supervisor 512-974-4045
James Byers Theater & Event Coordinator 512-974-4020
Jefferson Lykins Theater & Event Specialist 512-974-4002