Long Center for the Performing Arts
Austin's premier performing arts venue, offering diverse shows from Broadway to local music with stunning city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & city lights
Long Center for the Performing Arts
Best Time
Live music & city lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Austin's premier performing arts venue, offering diverse shows from Broadway to local music with stunning city views.
"A great venue for arts performances with ample parking and one of the best night time views of Austin."
🎟️ Grab Tickets Early
Tickets for popular events like The Drop In are released Monday for Thursday shows. Check Insta for updates!
🪑 Seating is Stellar
All seats in Rollins Theatre offer great views; no need to pay extra for premium spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dell Hall
Main Auditorium
The heart of the Long Center, hosting major productions with impressive acoustics.

Rollins Theatre
Intimate Performance Space
A smaller, intimate venue offering excellent views and a cool atmosphere for diverse shows.

Outdoor Events & Views
Terrace & Grounds
Enjoy live music on the grass with stunning city lights as your backdrop. Bring blankets!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code: Austin Casual
Parking & Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Grab Tickets Early
Tickets for popular events like The Drop In are released Monday for Thursday shows. Check Insta for updates!
🪑 Seating is Stellar
All seats in Rollins Theatre offer great views; no need to pay extra for premium spots.
Where to sit at the long center?
💧 Refill Your Water Bottle
Bring an empty bottle to use the free water refill station. Stay hydrated!
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking can be expensive. Explore cheaper options further away or consider ride-shares.
How is the viewing at the Long Center?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Grab Tickets Early
Tickets for popular events like The Drop In are released Monday for Thursday shows. Check Insta for updates!
🪑 Seating is Stellar
All seats in Rollins Theatre offer great views; no need to pay extra for premium spots.
💧 Refill Your Water Bottle
Bring an empty bottle to use the free water refill station. Stay hydrated!
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking can be expensive. Explore cheaper options further away or consider ride-shares.
🎶 Check Event Schedule
From local artists to national tours, the Long Center has a diverse lineup.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Long Center for its diverse programming, from intimate theater to lively outdoor concerts. The stunning Austin skyline views and excellent seating in venues like Rollins Theatre are frequently highlighted. However, the high cost of on-site parking is a recurring point of dissatisfaction for many.
"The Drop In is great. Live music weekly on Thursdays. Tickets are released on Monday. They show their events on insta. The city lights were nice to take in. Entry is near riverside drive and 1st street. Parking isn’t close by unless you park at the long center. Street parking is somewhat far but it’s an easy walk. There are ride options parked outside after the event if you’d rather not walk. Seating is on the grass. People brought chairs and blankets. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at a water refill station."
Kelly Taliaferro
"More like a 4.5…
Nice! April 2025, never been here. Came to see Acro Cats! ❤️🐱
Rollins Theater is so intimate, with roomy seating and it’s nice and COOL (I run very 🥵!)…it looked so much bigger and with many more seats on the website when I chose seats and paid (a very easy procedure and I chose for my tickets to me mailed to me).
Seats are riser-style (but with nice chairs), so great views for all. No need to pay more…all seats are great; it’s very small (maybe we’re just in one section, walled off). If you wear 🤓, though, you’ll want them.
Outrageous parking (to me…$20), but I think it was available further away for half that, so just plan better than we did...but really the only reason for ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️…and it seems to be avoidable (though I can’t speak for a huge show or whatever else they do there).
Show was 7 pm on a Saturday and zero bad traffic (that certainly CAN happen, even on weekends) or crowds.
Reggae Fest was across the street…Jah! No resulting crowds.
(Photos show the delightful show more than they do the facility…but there were no bad seats in there.)"
E. M.
"LOVE coming here to enjoy all the shows they have to offer. This recent show (Journey to the West) was one of my favorites!"
Fernando
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Long Center is located at 1111 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704. It's easily accessible by car, ride-share, or public transport. Parking is available on-site, though it can be pricey. Some visitors find street parking a bit further away to be a more affordable option.
Yes, several Austin CapMetro bus routes stop near the Long Center, making it accessible without a car. Check the CapMetro website for specific routes and schedules.
The Long Center offers on-site parking, but reviews suggest it can be around $20 or more. Some visitors recommend parking further away for a lower cost or utilizing ride-sharing services.
Absolutely! Ride-share services often park outside after events, making it convenient for drop-offs and pick-ups.
The Long Center is committed to accessibility. They offer accessible seating, restrooms, and parking. It's always a good idea to contact the box office in advance to discuss specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Long Center website (thelongcenter.org), at the box office, or through authorized third-party sellers. For specific events like The Drop In, tickets are released weekly on Mondays.
The box office hours can vary depending on performance schedules. It's best to check the official Long Center website or call them directly for the most up-to-date information.
For many performances, tickets may be available at the box office on the day of the show, but for popular events, it's highly recommended to purchase them in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Long Center features two main venues: Dell Hall and Rollins Theatre. Dell Hall has continental seating (no center aisles), while Rollins Theatre offers intimate, riser-style seating with excellent views from all locations.
Group discounts may be available for certain performances. Contact the Long Center's group sales department or check their website for details on group bookings.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Long Center hosts a wide array of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, ballet, opera, comedy, and local artists. They also offer free community events like 'The Drop In' featuring live music.
Austin's vibe is generally casual. For most performances, smart casual attire like jeans and a nice top is acceptable. For more formal events like opera or ballet, consider dressing up slightly.
While specific concessions can vary by event, the Long Center often has bars and concessions available. For outdoor events like 'The Drop In,' attendees often bring their own blankets and chairs.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theaters. However, for outdoor events on the grounds, bringing an empty water bottle to refill at stations is allowed.
The Long Center offers beautiful views of the Austin skyline, especially from its outdoor areas. It's a popular spot for enjoying the city lights after a performance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography are typically prohibited during performances to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. Check the specific event's policy or signage upon arrival.
The grounds and terrace offer fantastic opportunities for photos with the Austin skyline in the background. The architecture of the building itself is also quite photogenic.
Yes, you can usually take photos in the lobby areas and on the grounds before and after the performance. Be mindful of other patrons and any posted restrictions.
The Keller Williams Circle Drive is a notable spot for photos, especially during the day. The overall ambiance of the venue provides a great backdrop for memorable shots.
For general enjoyment and pre/post-show photos, a smartphone or a standard digital camera is perfectly fine. Professional camera equipment with large lenses may be restricted during performances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For outdoor events like 'The Drop In,' families can spread out on the grass with blankets and chairs, offering a relaxed environment for kids to enjoy live music. Bringing an empty water bottle to refill is a practical tip for keeping everyone hydrated. While parking can be a concern, planning ahead with ride-shares or exploring further street parking can make the trip more manageable.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look out for community events and matinee performances, which can sometimes have lower ticket prices. When it comes to parking, explore street parking options further from the venue or utilize public transportation via CapMetro. Bringing your own water bottle to refill also saves on concession costs.
couples
Consider attending 'The Drop In' for a more casual evening, enjoying live music under the stars with the Austin skyline as a romantic backdrop. The venue's beautiful architecture and prime location also make it a picturesque spot for pre or post-show strolls and photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Venues: Dell Hall vs. Rollins Theatre
In contrast, the Rollins Theatre provides a more intimate setting. It's praised for its riser-style seating, which guarantees excellent sightlines from every seat, making it feel as though all attendees have a premium view. This smaller venue is ideal for more intimate performances, chamber music, and smaller theatrical productions where audience connection is key. Visitors often note how 'cool' and comfortable the Rollins Theatre is, even on warmer days.
When choosing tickets, consider the scale of the performance. For grand musicals or concerts, Dell Hall is the place to be. For a more personal and up-close experience, the Rollins Theatre is an excellent choice. Both venues are designed with acoustics and audience comfort in mind, ensuring a quality experience regardless of your choice.
Experiencing 'The Drop In' and Outdoor Events
'The Drop In' is a fantastic way to experience the Long Center without the formality of a ticketed theater performance. Tickets are typically released on Mondays for the following Thursday's show, so planning ahead is advised. The event also features a water refill station, encouraging visitors to bring empty water bottles to stay hydrated.
Beyond 'The Drop In,' the Long Center occasionally hosts other outdoor events and festivals. These gatherings leverage the venue's prime location along Riverside Drive and First Street, offering a unique blend of arts and the natural beauty of Austin. It's a testament to the Long Center's commitment to being a community hub, providing accessible arts experiences for everyone.
Navigating Parking and Transportation
However, there are alternatives. Visitors can often find street parking a bit further from the venue, which is typically more affordable. Many attendees also opt for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, which provide door-to-door service and can be a stress-free option, especially after a show when traffic can be heavy. Ride-share vehicles are often readily available outside the venue post-event.
For those who prefer public transportation, Austin's CapMetro bus system serves the area around the Long Center, offering a budget-friendly way to reach the venue. Planning your route in advance using the CapMetro app or website is recommended. Ultimately, a little planning can help you navigate the parking and transportation landscape smoothly and enjoy your experience at the Long Center.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit