CORRECTION: Parking issue at Carnaval

We made a mistake...parking at the One Texas Center garage is no longer free, it will probably be $7, just as in the City garage next to Palmer. So, unfortunately the era of free parking nearby is over....

Parking might be an issue at Carnaval this year since, for the first time, the Long Center will hold a performance—opening night of the opera—the same night we’re getting down at Palmer. The good thing is, they will be finished around 10, so if you get there around that time, there should not be a problem. 

But here’s a tip, and the mink-set at the Opera (hey, watch it...I like opera and used to be a season ticket holder!) will not know about this:  There are 600 parking spaces available at One Texas Center in the garage on the SE corner of S. First and Barton Springs. Obviously this will be first come first served and will involve a walk of about a block and a half. If you have a car full of folks, you can drop them off at the front door of the center as outlined below, park the car and then only one or two will have to walk; great if it's raining or snowing.

There is a nice drop off at the front door, via the driveway on the southwest side of the building off of Barton Springs Road. But after passenger drop-off, you need to swing back around and to enter the “official” City/Palmer Events Center parking garage. The only entrance to the Events Center itself is this one facing Barton Springs, though you can also enter the garage on the Riverside side. Parking in this garage is $7.  So, get there a bit early and park across the street as outlined above.