With limited on-site parking and anticipated high levels of traffic and road closures, those attending are encouraged to prepare for their trip in advance.
“People in Austin are really excited to get back into doing fun stuff,” said Momo Vemireddy, Austin City Limits Radio morning show host and marketing director. “When it's free, a lot more people come than you expect, so we definitely are encouraging people to ride share as much as possible.”
While on-site parking will be available for $20 cash at the Zilker Park Polo Fields for those coming eastbound from MoPac, spots are highly limited, Vemireddy said. She also noted that an earlier start time at 7 p.m. means traffic will be congested. For a more convenient and affordable experience, concertgoers can take Capital Metro buses, bike or park farther away at the Palmer Events Center or Austin High School.
“My No. 1 recommendation is taking the bus,” Vemireddy said. “You can get all the way down to where you need to be, and it's a short walk from there.”
The Austin Transportation Department recommends taking MetroBus Route 30 directly to the park, which runs between Downtown Austin and the Westgate Transit Center. Austin City Limits Radio’s website also suggests MetroRapid Route 803 and MetroBus Route 3, which have stops within a short walk to the park.
“These are the best options because they are the closest,” Vemireddy said about the bus routes. “It's going to be an area with a lot of shutdowns, and the bus drivers are going to know how to navigate that.”
Barton Springs Road will be closed between MoPac and Azie Morton Road from 9-11 p.m. or whenever attendees clear out. From Azie Morton, eastbound traffic on Barton Springs will be uninterrupted while westbound traffic must U-turn. The following traffic restrictions and road closures will also take place:
- Starting at 6 p.m., only westbound traffic will be allowed at Andrew Zilker Road crossing MoPac. Rollingwood Drive off MoPac will be reserved for local traffic only.
- At 9 p.m., only local traffic will be allowed on Sterzing Street and Toomey Road.
- Stratford Drive, connecting to Barton Springs Road, will be closed at the discretion of the Austin Police Department.
Bike racks are available at the park, Vemireddy said, and MetroBikes can be rented and returned at nearby stations.
Parking will also be available at Austin High School for $10 and the Palmer Events Center for $8, where concertgoers may walk, bike or grab a ride to Zilker Park. Handicap parking will be available at Zilker’s Playscape parking lot.
Nearby neighborhoods may not be used for parking, and parking on the grass or any unauthorized park grounds could result in a $250 fine, according to the city of Austin.
The first day of festivities begins at 7 p.m. June 14 with artists Sneaky Peaches and the Fuzz followed by Sir Woman and Zach Person. Day two on June 15 will feature headliner Grupo Fantasma along with Colombian Gaita All-Stars, artists Amalia Mondragon, Trevor Nealon, Kalu James, Tomar Williams, Gina Chavez, Third Root and opener Money Chicha.
Blues on the Green’s second week will take place July 19-20. This year’s event is presented by H-E-B and benefits the nonprofit organization Austin Parks Foundation.
