WELCOME TO THE NUTCRACKER!
What you need to know before the show
Thank you for joining us for the 61st Annual Production of The Nutcracker! Before you head to the Long Center, please read through these helpful tips and share this info with everyone in your party so that you arrive with time to relax and enjoy the magical pre-show activities.
REMEMBER YOUR TICKETS

TICKETING INFORMATION
Using your mobile device, click the ACCESS MY DIGITAL TICKET WALLET button below and log in using the same username and password used to purchase your tickets. Or CLICK HERE for an easy instructional guide on accessing your digital wallet.
Your QR codes will activate 48 hours prior to your performance start time and will refresh every 30 seconds. NO MORE PRINTOUTS OR SCREENSHOTS!
QUICK TIP: Check the “Keep me logged in for 30 days” to stay logged in.
For help with common questions visit our Digital FAQ’s page.
If you are picking up tickets at Will Call, please arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime and bring a valid ID. The Long Center’s box office is located on the Ground Level, adjacent to the grand staircase.
Tickets that were not purchased directly from Ballet Austin but through third-party websites or ticket brokers may not be valid and may have been purchased for more than face value.
- If you did not purchase your tickets from the Ballet Austin box office or online at our official website, balletaustin.org, be sure to check your tickets before you leave for the Long Center and contact the seller if you notice any problems.
- Ballet Austin does not have a record of purchases made through ticket brokers or resellers and may not be able to assist you if the tickets you purchased are missing scannable bar codes, seat numbers or other important information that proves their validity.
- Be safe and always purchase your tickets directly from Ballet Austin!
GETTING TO THE LONG CENTER - ARRIVE EARLY

Arrive early and have time to relax, enjoy the pre-show activities, and see the best view of downtown Austin on the Long Center Terrace!
The Long Center and our Box Office open 90-minutes before showtime.
PARKING
PALMER EVENTS CENTER GARAGE is the Long Center’s primary parking structure, located east of the Long Center.
- NORTH entrance off of Riverside Drive
- SOUTH entrance off of Barton Springs Road
- $10 per vehicle
ONE TEXAS CENTER GARAGE PARKING is located at 505 Barton Springs Road.
- Enter the Garage directly from Haywood Avenue
- Allow ~10 minutes to walk from One Texas Center to the Long Center
- One Texas Center Garage is a public parking facility managed and operated by the City of Austin
- $10 per vehicle
Please note parking rates are subject to change based on special events.
Click to enlarge parking map
*Paid valet parking is available with drop-off and pick-up locations next to the Long Center’s box office and main entrances.
- Drop off by driving east on Riverside Drive, pass through the traffic circle, and enter the first drive on your right as your approach the Long Center.
- $20 per vehicle, cash only
Please note parking rates are subject to change based on special events.
The Palmer Events Center garage has 24 accessible/handicapped parking spaces located closest to the elevators on each level.
- Patrons may also enter the valet line through the first entrance to the Long Center off of Riverside Drive and pull up to the curb to drop off guests with mobility challenges at the main entrance.
- Elevator access is available through the Ground Level lobby door next to the box office.
- Staff will be available to direct you should you need assistance.
ENJOY THE AUDIENCE ACTIVITIES


Audience Engagement Underwriter
PRE-SHOW, INTERMISSION, & POST-SHOW ACTIVITIES
Visit the Welcome Center on the east side of the 1st floor Orchestra lobby when you arrive so we can say hello, answer any questions you may have, and direct you to all the fun pre-show activities. And be sure to pick up a map to see where all the activities are located!
Sponsored by PNC Bank.
Footlights is your pre-show behind-the-scenes look into what you’ll see when the curtain goes up! Learn about the production and hear stories behind the work from members of the Ballet Austin Education team.
Footlights is offered in Dell Hall on the 2nd-Floor Mezzanine Level one hour before showtime.
Enter through theater entrances 23 and 24
Length of program: Approximately 15 minutes
FREE for all Ticket Holders
This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and The Junior League of Austin.
Ballet-O-Mania! is our interactive discovery lounge (like a walk-through pop-up museum), hosted by Ballet Austin’s Education Department. See everything from pointe shoes, costumes, videos, and more! Ballet-O-Mania! is uniquely designed for each production, so even if you’ve been before, be sure to visit again!
Ballet-O-Mania! is offered in the Kodosky Lounge on the 2nd-Floor Mezzanine Level 90 minutes before showtime and during intermission.
Enter through the downtown-facing hallway off the East Lobby
FREE for all Ticket Holders
Capture your memories with selfie photo opportunities located throughout the Long Center and outside on the Terrace, with scenes featuring the Nutcracker, Clara’s living room, and the enchanted sleigh.
Be sure to tag us @balletaustin and use #NutcrackerATX! We’ll share our favorites on our social channels!
Photo stations are available 90 minutes before showtime and during intermission.
Are you looking for a souvenir or the perfect gift for your holiday shopping? Ballet Austin’s Guild Gift Barres are located on the Orchestra and Mezzanine Levels of the Long Center and are stocked with collectible Nutcrackers, t-shirts, ornaments, and more. Proceeds benefit Ballet Austin’s educational scholarship programs.
Open 90 minutes before showtime, during intermission, & post-show