Long Center for the Performing Arts - An empty parking lot in front of a building
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Long Center for the Performing Arts

4.7
·1k reviews·Austin, United States

Austin's premier performing arts venue, offering diverse shows from Broadway to local music with stunning city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday evenings

Live music & city lights

CrowdMedium
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Long Center for the Performing Arts - An empty parking lot in front of a building

Long Center for the Performing Arts

Best Time

Thursday evenings

Live music & city lights

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Austin's premier performing arts venue, offering diverse shows from Broadway to local music with stunning city views.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A great venue for arts performances with ample parking and one of the best night time views of Austin."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dell Hall

Dell Hall

Main Auditorium

The heart of the Long Center, hosting major productions with impressive acoustics.

Rollins Theatre

Rollins Theatre

Intimate Performance Space

A smaller, intimate venue offering excellent views and a cool atmosphere for diverse shows.

Outdoor Events & Views

Outdoor Events & Views

Terrace & Grounds

Enjoy live music on the grass with stunning city lights as your backdrop. Bring blankets!

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Planning Your Visit

Dress Code: Austin Casual

While the Long Center hosts diverse performances, Austin's vibe leans casual. Jeans are generally acceptable for most shows, but for opera or ballet, consider smart casual. Check event specifics if unsure! Reddit

Parking & Arrival

Parking can be pricey ($20+), but options exist further away for less. Consider ride-shares or the easy walk from street parking. Arrive early for popular events to avoid traffic and find good spots. Reddit

Best Times

When
Thursday evenings
Why
Live music & city lights
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Major performances
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, matinees
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our auditorum holds 1,700 seats arranged in continental style seating. Continental style means there are no center aisles. Seat numbers begin with # 1 in the middle, then 3, 5, 7, etc. to the right. And 2, 4, 6, etc. to the left. #bartlesville #communitycenter #PerformingArtsCenter #eventcenter #LizzosBigGrrrls #OscarsAtHome #AEMembersAlways #WomenOwnedBusiness #DeserveADrPepperDuet
@bartlesvillecommctr
167.9K likes • 4.1M views

🎟️ Grab Tickets Early

Tickets for popular events like The Drop In are released Monday for Thursday shows. Check Insta for updates! Reddit

🪑 Seating is Stellar

All seats in Rollins Theatre offer great views; no need to pay extra for premium spots. Reddit

Long center for the Performing Arts, Keller Williams circle drive. October 8th, 2022. 10:15 AM.
0liviajulianna
1.8K likes • 18.6K views
reddit.com

Where to sit at the long center?

💧 Refill Your Water Bottle

Bring an empty bottle to use the free water refill station. Stay hydrated! Reddit

🚗 Plan Your Parking

Parking can be expensive. Explore cheaper options further away or consider ride-shares. Reddit

reddit.com

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! Reddit

🪑 Seating is Stellar

All seats in Rollins Theatre offer great views; no need to pay extra for premium spots. Reddit

💧 Refill Your Water Bottle

Bring an empty bottle to use the free water refill station. Stay hydrated! Reddit

🚗 Plan Your Parking

Parking can be expensive. Explore cheaper options further away or consider ride-shares. Reddit

🎶 Check Event Schedule

From local artists to national tours, the Long Center has a diverse lineup. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

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

Diverse performances
Great city views
Intimate seating

What People Dislike

Expensive parking

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Ride-share services often park outside after events, making it convenient for drop-offs and pick-ups. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

🎫 ✨ 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Long Center is a great destination for families, especially for events like the Acro Cats or specific family-friendly performances. The Rollins Theatre's intimate setting and excellent sightlines make it ideal for children who might have shorter attention spans. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the Long Center offers several ways to enjoy the arts without breaking the bank. 'The Drop In' on Thursdays is a prime example, often featuring free live music and a chance to enjoy the venue's atmosphere and city views. Reddit

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. Reddit

couples

The Long Center provides a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for couples looking for a night out. Catching a musical in Dell Hall or an intimate performance in the Rollins Theatre offers a shared cultural experience. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Venues: Dell Hall vs. Rollins Theatre

The Long Center for the Performing Arts is home to two primary performance spaces, each offering a distinct experience. Dell Hall is the larger of the two, designed to accommodate significant productions with a capacity of 1,700 seats arranged in a continental style, meaning there are no center aisles. This setup ensures a grand feel for major touring shows and large-scale local productions. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Experiencing 'The Drop In' and Outdoor Events

One of the most beloved community events at the Long Center is 'The Drop In,' a weekly live music series held on Thursdays. This event transforms the Long Center's grounds into a vibrant outdoor concert venue, offering a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the Austin city lights. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets, creating a picnic-like setting perfect for enjoying local talent. Reddit

'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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

Navigating Parking and Transportation

Parking is a significant consideration for visitors to the Long Center. The on-site parking garage is convenient but can be quite expensive, with reviews mentioning costs upwards of $20. This can be a deterrent for some, especially for more casual events. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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