A decade ago, city leaders shut down Waterloo Park to begin construction on a mile-long flood tunnel beneath lower Waller Creek. Now the 11-acre space has reopened as a stunning open-air theater.
The park aims to be an authentic community gathering place with year-round concerts and cultural events. 38,000 square feet of the Great Lawn features Latitude 36 Bermuda grass that is designed to endure heavy traffic from community events at the onsite Moody Amphitheater. You’ll be glad you read this!
What to See
Whether you’re an avid parkgoer or just looking for a quick place to relax and unwind, there are endless ways to enjoy the new Waterloo Park. The 11-acre space features food trailers, walking trails, a 5,000-capacity amphitheater, and more.
This outdoor space aims to bring the community together through music, exercise, and more. Count on industry powerhouses like Live Nation Entertainment and Austin-based C3 Presents to host up to 35 ticketed shows a year at the Moody Amphitheater.
History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Bob Bullock Texas State Museum, which chronicles the people and events that have shaped Texas. This popular museum offers free parking to all visitors on weekends. Book a Smartpass to save money on parking fees.
Things to Do
With the reopening of Waterloo Park after a ten-year closure for construction, it’s now possible to experience the full beauty of this urban green space. WGI provided Civil Engineering design and permitting services for this project, which offers an array of exceptional spaces to re-discover nature in the heart of downtown Austin.
The park features hill country patches with native plants and oaks, wetland spaces to create places for relaxation and play, wide yards designed for gathering and active sports, curved pathways, 1.5 miles of trails, and three sustainable rain gardens.
Whether you’re an outdoor music lover, a fitness fanatic, or a family seeking a green retreat in the city, there’s something for everyone at Waterloo Park. Make sure to check out the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for a glimpse into the people and events that have shaped our state. Learn more about Austin here.
Events
With a 5,000-capacity Moody Amphitheater, 11 acres of revitalized green space, and welcoming gathering spaces, Waterloo Park is a catch-your-breath haven in the heart of downtown Austin. Enjoy year-round concerts, cultural events, community festivals, and more!
The redesigned park features over 500 live oaks and native Texas plants that line the curved walkways and 1.5 miles of trails. In addition, it has four green roofs, three sustainable rain gardens, and a cistern that collects groundwater to supply irrigation throughout the site.
The Amphitheater hosts ticketed concerts managed by C3 Presents and Live Nation. The park will also host a variety of free performances and family-friendly activities, underscoring its commitment to making the space inclusive for all.
Eat & Drink
The festival features a curated menu of Austin’s best food and drinks, with limited Bring Your Own Picnic Basket tickets available online. If you’d rather skip the line to buy food on-site, you can also purchase a ticket to reserve a picnic table and enjoy unlimited access to all three food areas.
After a decade-long chrysalis, Waterloo Park is once again open to the public with a dazzling new look and a 5,000-person outdoor performing arts venue. The reopening of the historic downtown city green space is part of the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s vision of a connected urban park system along Waller Creek.
From the park’s reopening this summer, visitors will be able to consume alcohol in designated areas throughout the site, including Lebermann Plaza and the new food truck and deck area, as well as at concerts at Moody Amphitheater. A conditional use permit was approved by the Planning Commission.
Stay
Austin is an outdoor city built around green spaces. From paddleboarding at Zilker Park to hiking Pease Park trails to catching a show at Waterloo Park, there’s something for everyone.
Get lost in 11 acres of revitalized green space that’s home to a stunning Hill Country garden, a 5,000-capacity amphitheater, and more. This ADA-accessible outdoor haven opened in August 2021 and is sure to capture your heart.
Located in downtown Austin, Waterloo Park is your one-stop destination for authentically Austin experiences. During peak hours, the park is bustling with joggers and dog walkers. Parking options include two hours of free parking at the Capitol Visitors parking garage (1201 San Jacinto Blvd) and State Garage F on East 13th Street. You can also purchase parking on event days at the Moody Amphitheater box office. Next blog post.
Driving directions from Wise Coatings Austin to Waterloo Park
Driving directions from Waterloo Park to Museum of the Weird
