Au-Rene Theater Parking
201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
NOTICE: Traffic in Fort Lauderdale by the Au-Rene Theater can get busier at times of the major events. We typically recommend allowing extra time to arrive, park and walk to the venues entrance.
# Parking Guide for Au-Rene Theater The Au-Rene Theater, located at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, attracts large crowds for its performances. With limited on-site options, planning your parking is essential to avoid stress. This guide covers all available choices, based on official sources and local insights, to help you navigate efficiently.
On-Site Parking Options
While the Au-Rene Theater itself doesn’t have dedicated on-site parking, the primary option is the A&E Parking Garage directly across the street at 101 SW 5th Avenue (corner of SW 5th Avenue and SW 2nd Street). This secure, lighted facility offers 950 spaces and is monitored 24/7 by the City of Fort Lauderdale. It’s open to the public, not exclusive to theater patrons, so availability can vary during peak events. The garage features pay-by-meter spots on the first and second floors. Note that back-in parking is prohibited, and citations are issued for violations. For accessibility, an elevator is available, though the skywalk is under renovation – follow signs for ground-level entry. Fees: A flat rate of $15 per performance, valid for 6 hours, must be paid after arrival exclusively via the ParkMobile app (no cash accepted from attendants). Advance prepaid parking isn’t available.
Valet Parking
For convenience, valet service is offered at the main entrance adjacent to the AutoNation Box Office, at the top of the ramp. It’s available for most performances and costs $30 per vehicle for standard service or $45 for preferred valet. Spirit Club Level ticket holders receive parking passes valid only for valet. A special perk: Complimentary valet is provided exclusively for Lexus drivers during Broadway in Fort Lauderdale shows in the 2025/2026 season. This option is ideal for those prioritizing ease, especially with mobility needs, as drop-off is right at the entrance.
Nearby Parking Lots
If the A&E Garage is full, several alternate lots and garages are within walking distance, with fees typically ranging from $5 to $15 (subject to change). Key options include: – Broward County Governmental Center Garage (151 SW 2nd Street): Cash only during the day; no change provided. – County II Parking Lot (80 SW 1st Avenue). – Riverwalk Center Garage (150 SE 2nd Street): Accepts cash or credit cards. – Additional spots via apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz: Examples include Metropolis (0.28 miles away at 300 NW 2nd Street) or Tower 101 Garage (0.49 miles at 101 NE 3rd Avenue), often bookable in advance for guaranteed spots. These are convenient for overflow and can be cheaper, but check event-day rates.
Street Parking Options
Street parking near the Au-Rene Theater is limited and metered, primarily along surrounding roads like SW 1st Avenue or in front of nearby museums. It’s paid via meters or apps, with spots often filling quickly during shows. Local advice suggests it’s scarce – only a few spots exist, and they’re not free. Enforcement is strict, so adhere to time limits to avoid tickets. For safety and reliability, street parking is not recommended over garages, especially at night.
General Parking Tips
Arrive early – lobby doors open one hour before performances, allowing time for concessions or lounging. Download the ParkMobile app beforehand and set up an account to streamline payments; for Canadian plates, format postal codes with a dash (e.g., M1R-0E9). Consider rideshare services like Uber or Lyft for drop-off at Esplanade Circle (SW 2nd Street and SW 4th Avenue), avoiding parking altogether. On event nights, traffic can be heavy, so use apps like Waze for real-time updates. If booking via SpotHero or similar, reserve ahead to secure spots and potentially save money. For accessibility, passenger drop-off is permitted at the valet ramp. Overall, the A&E Garage or valet offers the best balance of convenience and security – plan accordingly for a smooth visit.