4 Best Performing Arts Venues in Austin, Texas

Housed in a restored downtown vaudeville house and movie palace on Congress Avenue, this gorgeous 1915 theater is a go-to favorite for local performance arts lovers of all shapes and sizes. Every year, the Paramount's calendar of events ranges widely, from live stand-up comedy specials and short film festival series to touring author Q&As and podcast tapings. The cool respite of their annual Summer Classic Film Series is beloved by all ages. It's also an important flagship venue for annual fests like SXSW and the Moontower Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.

Designed quite literally to be for the city, this performing arts venue supports the work of Austin-based directors, designers, and performers committed to stage performance. In addition to offering a seasonal lineup of productions that range from Shakespeare to musicals to edgy comedies, the theatre also fosters theatrical educational through community outreach.

One of the city's most vibrant and innovative theaters, this expansive multistage complex hosts a number of theatrical performances, intimate celebrity talks, and special events year-round. An integral part of the Austin community for more than 90 years, ZACH also serves the local arts community with a year-round season of shows, theater camps, and educational activities.

Bring a blanket and picnic basket to this natural amphitheater and enjoy a Broadway-inspired musical under the warm Texas sky. Right in the heart of the Zilker Park complex, this locally run outdoor theater production company has been performing family-friendly musical theater on the hillsides just across from Barton Springs for almost 70 years. The shows run through summers only; check the events calendar for updated showtimes and information.