Zilker Loop Returns to Transport Visitors to Popular Park Locations

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the free Zilker Loop returns to serve the public on weekends and holidays. This seasonal service transports visitors from the less congested Stratford Parking Lot to popular areas in the park including Zilker Botanical Garden, Barton Springs Pool, and now Zilker Hillside Theater! 

When you take the Zilker Loop, the first two hours of parking fees in the Stratford Lot can be waived using a code in the Park ATX App. You can pay and renew parking charges using the app as well. Weekend and holiday parking at Zilker Park costs $3 per hour at this time.

The Zilker Loop runs every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. starting Saturday, May 23, 2026, and continuing through Monday, September 7, 2026. The Zilker Loop will run on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day. To reduce traffic and stress and to serve the Zilker Summer Musical attendees, Zilker Loop operations will extend until the end of show beginning July 10, through August 16, 2026.

The route includes four stops: (1) Stratford Lot, (2) Barton Springs Pool, (3) Beverly S. Sheffield (Zilker) Hillside Theater and the Violet Crown Trail Head and (4) Zilker Botanical Gardens. The vehicle will loop around picking up passengers and dropping them at designated stops about every 20 minutes or so. No pets or coolers are allowed on the vehicle.

For additional Zilker Loop details, visit AustinTexas.gov/Zilker.

###