Free Family-Friendly Events Include Healthy Living, Arts & Culture, and Educational Activities
Today Waterloo Greenway announces the return of its weekly series of no-cost family-friendly community programs at Waterloo Park this spring, in collaboration with other Austin-based organizations, artists and performers.
Located in the heart of downtown Austin along a restored Waller Creek, Waterloo Park is a central hub of activity featuring more than 1.5 miles of scenic trails, thousands of native plants, imaginative playscapes and the 5,000-capacity Moody Amphitheater. The 11-acre greenspace is a public park, restored in partnership with the City of Austin, and is open daily from 5am-10pm for everyone to explore and enjoy.
“We are thrilled to kick off another great season of free community programming here at Waterloo Park,” said Jesús Aguirre, CEO of Waterloo Greenway. “Our mission is to create accessible, inclusive outdoor spaces for all Austinites to enjoy, and these programs bring together people of all ages and abilities to explore the park. We’re grateful to each of our partners and sponsors for making these events possible and look forward to welcoming everyone to Waterloo Park this spring.”
“Waterloo Park, located right in the heart of Austin, Texas, offers everyone in the community the ability to come together and bask in the uniqueness of this space,” said Lisa Nuccio, TX/OK Field Sales Manager at Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “We’re thrilled to have been part of the park’s revitalization and expansion, which serves as a benefit for all who visit and enjoy its authentic beauty.”
Community Festivals
Urban parks have always been an important setting for community-focused events and cultural presentations. First opened in 1975, Waterloo Park has been home to some of Austin’s most beloved festivals and concerts. Waterloo Greenway is excited to honor these traditions and welcome an ongoing series of special events that enliven our community and celebrate Austin’s artistic diversity and rich culture.
Ghost Line X
Saturday, April 15 | 7:30 PM
Rolling Ryot presents an immersive sound & light experience with 15 large speakers arranged inside the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park. Composers from across the globe have been commissioned to create sound compositions designed to activate the scale and spatial qualities of this sound system. Experience Ghost Line X as part of Fusebox Festival 2023.
Waterloo Green Days
Sunday, April 16 – Sunday, April 23
Waterloo Green Days is a free week-long celebration of Earth Month designed to educate and inspire Austin to think globally and act locally. Visitors are encouraged to join in a variety of Earth Month activities including interactive exhibits, sustainability and stewardship workshops, environmental justice panels, health and wellness classes, and live music and dance performances. For a full lineup of events, please visit waterloogreenway.org/events.
Highlights include:
Tales on the Trail: Equity in Green Spaces
Presented in partnership with Planet Texas 2050
Thursday, April 20 | 6:00 PM
Developing green space among modern urban infrastructure is a growing priority throughout the City of Austin. Improving access to green space in and around the city can improve human health, revitalize ecosystems, and boost a region’s economy. However, without proper engagement and management, these projects can worsen existing socioeconomic and ecological problems or even create new ones. Join us for a moderated panel that explores the historical disparities of Waller Creek, as well as the mission to revive Waller Creek and its surrounding green spaces for the benefit of all.
Learn More
Green Fest
Sunday, April 23 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
A parkwide celebration during Waterloo Green Days to educate, inspire, and encourage sustainability, innovation, and environmental justice. Together Austin can build a more sustainable, more hopeful future where people and nature thrive together – hand to hand. The festival will feature dozens of interactive environmental exhibitors, pollinator and plant workshops, guide garden tours, and a special boisterous outdoor spectacle from Squonk that fuses fantastical visual design, playful staging, high energy original music and features the world’s largest puppet hands!
Learn More
Self-Guided Experiences
- As you explore Waterloo Park, we encourage you to use our Plant Wayfinder QR codes to learn more about the ecological services each species of plant can provide to its surrounding environment.
- Download The Ecologist School Guide: Waterloo Park and learn about the ecosystem and history of Waterloo Greenway. The guide includes 64 lessons across 16 different branches of science to help you play, learn and volunteer at Waterloo Park.
- In partnership with East End Eclectic, Waterloo Greenway commissioned a series of murals from local artists to celebrate the diversity of the community and Austin’s rich natural environment.
Weekly Fitness & Education Programs
Weekly Workouts at Waterloo
Ready…set…get fit! Weekly Workouts at Waterloo features five free and open-to-the-public movement sessions each week. People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. For full class schedules, click here.
Self-Care Sundays
Sundays, April 16 – June 4 at 9:00 AM
Presented in partnership with Castle Hill Fitness
Join us for an eclectic mix of mindful movement – from Qi Gong, Yoga & Meditation and Sound Healing, Self-Care Sundays are all about starting the day grounded and with intention.
Yoga & Sound
Mondays, April 10 – May 29 at 6:00 PM
Presented in partnership with Castle Hill Fitness
Set some feel-good vibes for the week with mindful movement accompanied by sound therapy, featuring a different style of yoga and live music each week.
Fitness Fun!
Tuesdays, April 11 – May 30 at 6:00 PM
Presented in partnership with Castle Hill Fitness
Keep crushing your day with an energetic fitness or dance-based workout. Each class mixes cardio and strength moves to get you sweaty and feeling accomplished!
Latin Dance Lessons
Wednesdays, April 19 – May 10 at 6:30 PM
Come learn the structure, etiquette and culture of a unique variety of Latin dance classes such as Tango, Samba and Salsa Aerobics, led by Esquina Tango. Classes are open to beginners, as well as experienced dancers, no partner needed.
Stay Strong
Wednesdays, May 3 – June 28 at 10:00 AM
This 50+ workout led by Aging is Cool improves your cardio health, gains flexibility, and builds strength all while getting to know others in your community.
Morning Glories
Tuesdays; April 11 – May 16 at 10:00 AM
Weekly early childhood education series that provides hands-on activities and programs to promote literacy, bilingual storytelling, music, dance, cultural learnings and nature play. Each week features a different style of play from our partners at the Texas Book Festival, Armstrong Community Music School, Austin Public Library, and Dance Waterloo. For full class details, please visit waterloogreenway.org.
Waterloo Greenway spring programming is sponsored by Capital Reyes Distributing, PNC Bank, St. David’s Foundation, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, with additional support from Austin Community Foundation, Four Hands, LALO Tequila, the Powell Foundation, Rambler, Richard’s Rainwater, and Tapestry Foundation. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and other ways to support, contact Angela Scimeca at ascimeca@waterloogreenway.org.
To view full details on upcoming programming, visit waterloogreenway.org/events, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates.
