From Jacci Howard Bear,
Your Guide to Austin.
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Free parking is available primarily after business hours and on weekends and holidays in certain locations throughout downtown. A limited amount of free parking (typically 2 hours) is also available to downtown visitors in a few parking garage locations.

A. State Parking Lots
During business hours Monday through Friday, the various state parking lots are by permit only for state employees. However, after 5:30PM weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday the general public can usually park for free in the state parking lots.

State Parking Garages
Select state employee covered parking garages allow after hours public parking for a fee or free parking for special events, such as for those riding the shuttle to the Trail of Lights each holiday season.

See this PDF Map of the Capitol Complex and Employee Parking for locations of lots and garages.between the University of Texas and the Central Business District. The map also shows the location of key buildings in the Capitol Complex area, handicapped parking areas, and bus loading and parking areas.

Capitol Visitors Parking Garage
The first two hours are free in the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage.

Austin City Hall Parking Garage
Both visitors to City Hall and retail district shoppers can park free for two hours in the parking garage at 301 W. Second St. Enter the parking garage on the east side of City Hall on Lavaca Street (note: Lavaca is one way going North).

Parking Meters
Throughout downtown, parking meters are free after 5:30PM, all day on weekends, and on some holidays.See the rules for parking meters for specific details.