CelebrateAustin_2017_Nightlife_LR

NIGHTLIFE

Out on the Town: Austin Loves the Nightlife
by christy wink
I
n terms of entertainment, Austin has no shortage of
nighttime activities. We are, of course, most well-known
for our music scene, and you need no more than step
out on the street to find live music. Imbued as it is in
Austin’s history, music leaves an indelible mark on the
city’s culture—one that bleeds into the streets of the city and
hearts of the people. It lives in the landmark performance
venues that gave the city and the musicians a name and haunts
the nighttime establishments packed throughout downtown.
From legendary artists like Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin and Stevie
Ray Vaughan, who got their start back in the early Austin scene,
to relatively new or up-and-coming musicians, the spirit of music
is a continuous presence in all aspects of life here. It is this
deep dedication that has gained Austin the worthy title of “The
Live Music Capital of the World. TM ”
The entertainment options don’t stop at music, however.
Take a look at any Austin events calendar and you’ll understand
when we say there is always something to do in Austin. We’ve got
marathons, cook-offs, art fairs, biker rallies, pet parades and
bizarre celebrations in honor of fictional characters (Eeyore’s
photo courtest of herron stock
Birthday, anyone?). Downtown Austin and all the surrounding
neighborhoods are simply bursting with opportunity to take in
a show, grab a drink and people watch, enjoy a fabulous dinner
or just relax with friends.
The nightlife in Austin is a large draw for visitors. The most
popular nighttime attraction for younger crowds is Sixth Street,
where venues range from cozy pubs to raucous dance clubs
with music from raw alt rock to sweet, soulful blues. Want to
hang like a local? Head a mile over from downtown across I-35
to East Austin. This recently revitalized neighborhood is host to
an active art district, as well as the hottest cafes, taquerias, food
trucks, bars and live music venues.
For a slightly slower paced, more sophisticated environment,
trek a couple of blocks southwesterly from Sixth Street to the
Warehouse District. Spanning parts of Third, Fourth and Fifth
Streets, you’ll find a vibrant yet still laid-back selection of cocktail
lounges, wine bars and tap houses. Looking for ultra hip? Check
out SoCo, an eight-block strip of South Congress that nurtures
and fosters the funky little bohemian spirit in every Austinite.
Austin’s inherited namesake is supremely invoked during
any one of its yearly music festivals, including South by
Southwest, Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Lasting
anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks, each fest draws in
thousands of music makers and lovers who flock to the streets
of downtown for nonstop aural stimulation and other forms of
revelry. The excitement often lasts long into the night, spilling
over into the numerous bars, clubs and lounges of Austin in the
form of after-parties and impromptu jam sessions.
Bars
at a GLANCE
COYOTE UGLY
501 East 6th Street, 512-236-8459
www.coyoteuglysaloon.com
THE DIG IN CEDAR PARK
401 Cypress Creek, 512-996-9900
www.thedigpub.com
FOXHOLE
13995 N Highway 183, 512-386-1354
www.foxholeaustin.com
IRON CACTUS
3 Locations, 512-472-9240
www.ironcactus.com
MAGGIE MAE’S
323 East 6th Street, 512-478-8541
www.maggiemaesaustin.com
PETE’S PIANO BAR
421 East 6th Street, 512-472-PETE (7383)
www.petesduelingpianobar.com
Dining Available
Live Music/ DJs
Smoking Available
Beer and Wine Only
Full Bar
Patio or Outdoor Area
Rooftop Seating
Family Friendly
Sports Bars or TVs
Pet Friendly
Wkend Drink Specials
Party/ Event Area
Credit Cards Accepted
u u u u u u
u u u u u u u u u u u
u u u u u u u
u u u u u u u u
u u u u u u u u
u u u u u
www.celebrateaustin.com | 61

Bloody Mary
Wake Up to
Austin’ s Best
Texas Bloody Mary
@ Iron Cactus
Flores
Michelada
TRACE @ The W Hotel