.png)
Old Roots, New Boots:
- Trace Rosenbower
- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Keeping An Evolved Austin Weird
Every block in Austin seems to be sprouting a new high rise that was once a dive bar, and it can make this city feel like it’s fading fast. The tacos are fancier, matchas > drip brews, and Barton Springs is the resident cold plunge spot instead of a Summer family outing. But, the soul of this city is still kicking in its well-worn boots. From live music to quirky popups, Austin continues to let its weirdness evolve even as normalcy flocks here year after year. Here are some of the best ways to soak in those Old Austin nostalgic vibes - no time machine required.
The days of Sunday Scaries are out the window with Motown Mondays on the week’s horizon. This groovy throwback hosted at the infamous Highball brings back the magic of Motown and classic R&B. Since 2011, Matchmaker Band has kept this dance floor packed and the funky energy alive in Austin. Every other Monday, this retro-chic decorated bar and band serves up classic cocktails, vibes, and artistry.
The best news? You can book a professional band like Matchmaker Band for your own private event. Head out to Motown Mondays, become a regular, and then bring them into your special life moments like birthdays or weddings. Reach out to info@moontowerentertainment.com for more details and information.
What’s more Austin than bringing back the heart and soul of hospitality, gospel music, and BBQ? Look no further than Stubbs Gospel Brunch. Let the smell of brisket hit your nose and the sounds of soul ring in your ears to live the passion classic Austinites have for their food and live music. With five rotating bands, Stubb’s offers guests the opportunity to keep coming back for more and still have a new experience. Located in one of the city’s most iconic music venues, this event combines all the elements that give Austin the unpolished charm we all know and love. Keep your Sunday service going with BBQ, body, and soul at Stubbs Gospel Brunch.
For over 50 years, The Lil Longhorn Saloon has been one of Austin’s most soul-filled honky-tonks. For only a $2 ticket donation, guests of all generations get to join in a clucking good time waiting for the chicken to do their thing. You can try luring the poultry over, but don’t stick your fingers in the cages, us Texans play fair! This eccentric event goes to show that Chicken Shit Bingo is not only a game, but a part of Austin’s weird history. Hop on over every Sunday to win some dough with a cold one in hand and your bingo ticket in the other.
Their weekly location may be newer, but the vibes are the same. PDA has all those unfiltered throwback party vibes you know and love about old Austin and have had a weekly residency in the music city since 2017. And with Parlour and Yard’s carefree “trust us you can dance” environment you're sure to be on your feet all night long. This neighborhood hang spot is the perfect venue for creating community and building connections to bridge the gap between all walks of life. PDA will have you feeling like you're back in the club but at Parlour and Yard, there are no velvet ropes or bottle service. Only cold beer, craft cocktails, great music, and block party chaos that keeps the classic Austin we know alive and well.
Check out PDA and see if they’d be a great fit for your neighborhood hang spot! Email info@moontowerentertainment for more details and information.
365, bump that BRAT attitude year-round with TUEZGAYS at Barbarellas. This sweaty, raw, and loud music event embraces the ultimate uniqueness of Austin on a sticky dance floor. In this downtown dive bar, Tuesdays are for dancing all night long to throwback pop tunes under club lighting with gays, theys, and allies alike. It’s the ultimate spot to let go of aesthetics and not only be authentically yourself but embrace it. Barbs, as the locals call it, adds to the nostalgic gritty vibe of old Austin. It stands the test of time in a downtown that is becoming more polished.
Shantay, you MUST stay for Coco Cxnts Drag Brunch at Coconut Club. Although there are so many different areas of Coconut Club, just follow the North Star neon light backdrop that sits against the heart of downtown. It’ll lead you to the promised land of mimosas and lip-syncing genius queens. This weekly showcase of migas and drag excellence brings old classic underground Austin to daylight with excitement. Old Austin is the home for misfits, artists, and party monsters so bop till you death drop!
Unleash your inner Bonnie Tyler with “Total Eclipse of the Heart” in Austin’s hidden karaoke gem, Egos. Located under a parking garage, this downtown bar has been pulsing with Austin’s live music charm for decades. Its dive bar ambiance of worn booths and coin-operated pool tables feels like a time capsule of the city’s laid-back history. Grab a microphone, your 80s guilty pleasure song, and a stranger to walk away with as new friends. This Austin spot is guaranteed to create even more memories. Ego’s Karaoke will not only have pool players turning their heads for your performance, but it will turn around how modern Austin has become. (Yes, pun intended.)
That’s the beauty of Austin - in an everchanging city, the local natives continue embracing the spirit of nostalgia while including the modern growth. The heart of the city is the local art, supporting small businesses, and all the energy wrapped in live music venues. Just because Austin changes doesn't mean our definition of weird can’t evolve as well. Our city is about embracing our differences and the unexpected. So get out there and #keepaustinweird!
Comentários