Just a block east of the Texas State Capitol, lush Waterloo Park welcomes families and entertainment-seekers to a refuge within the city center. Its 11 acres include walking trails, food trailers, an abundance of native plants, and a 5,000 person amphitheater that hosts frequent concerts and events.

The park serves as the northern entrance to Waterloo Greenway, a 1.5 mile green space that will stretch alongside Waller Creek from 15th Street to Lady Bird Lake when it’s complete in 2026. Find out what to expect at this revitalized downtown gathering place.

Aerial view of Waterloo Park including Waller Creek and the downtown skyline.
Waterloo Park. Courtesy of Waterloo Greenway Conservancy

History of Waterloo Park

First opened in 1975, Waterloo Park has been home to some of Austin’s favorite community-focused events. In 1978, it was the site of the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Street Dance fundraiser, headlined by Willie Nelson. The “Hotter Than July” Juneteenth celebration saw its first year at the park in 1982, raising funds for Huston-Tillotson University. 

Multiple festivals made their homes at Waterloo Park, at least for a little while. In 2011, the park was closed to the public for redevelopment. Progress was slow, tied to major setbacks on the adjacent Waller Creek Flood Control Tunnel. But after ten long years, the park finally reopened in August 2021, welcoming music and festivals back to the grounds. Today, the area hosts several annual festivals including the Austin Blues Festival, SXSW, Austin's annual Dia de Los Muertos Celebration and more.

What to Do at Waterloo Park

Waterloo Park was redesigned with an eye to sustainability and relaxation. Over 500 live oaks and native Texas plants were moved here to line the curved walkways and 1.5 miles of trails. Three sustainable rain gardens help to protect Waller Creek and prevent flooding. 

In the Family Pavilion area, you can enjoy food from two rotating local food trucks, and kids can play on the imaginative play areas like a Mega Grass Maze and Log Jam climbing structure. An elevated walkway lets you take in a higher view of the parkland. At the Winkler Family Wetland Terrace, you can overlook Waller Creek and a 150-year old heritage oak tree that was relocated to the site.

See yourself enjoying a picnic on the grass, wandering the trails, and getting away from it all—a block away from the state capitol.

Men and women practicing their warrior yoga poses on the shaded Waterloo Park lawn.Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. Credit Waterloo Greenway Conservancy

Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park

The most exciting part of the park is the 5,000 person Moody Amphitheater. This open-air venue features a large stage and 38,000 square feet of lawn seating. Chairs may also be set up by the venue for specific events. 

The site hosts both free entertainment and paid concerts under the stars. Check out the Moody Amphitheater events calendar and find a show you’d like to attend.

Admissions and Accessibility at Waterloo Park

Waterloo Park is open daily from 5:00am to 10:00pm. Entrance to the park is free of charge. The park features flat, paved walkways and is easily accessible by wheelchair. Moody Theater has ADA parking, accessible concert seating, and interpreters upon request. 

Ready to explore this Waterloo Park and all it offers? Visit the Waterloo Park website for upcoming community events and concerts. 

Headshot of Kate McDermott Blog AuthorContributed by Kate McDermott.
Kate McDermott is a local copywriter, content writer, and cocktail enthusiast. She writes about and for restaurants, hotels, event companies, and more from her home in Way South Austin.
Website: eatdrinkandwritecopy.com
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