One part vaudeville and one part stinging political/social satire, this place has been amusing and delighting its guests, as well as the pedestrians who pass by its front-stage windows and observe its goings-on, since the late 1970s. A troupe of multi-talented performers write, act, sing and dance their way across a broad and constantly updated comedic map that pokes fun at our elected officials, celebrity icons, and regular citizens. It is not all for laughs, though; a magical act comes on a couple of times per show to startle and captivate your senses. This is a true downtown institution.
One of the most visited presidential libraries in the nation, Lyndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum is supplied with information regarding one of the most controversial times in United States history. Peeking inside the life of the 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, the LBJ tapes provide listeners the opportunity to learn about former president John F. Kennedy's assassination and the Vietnam War. Along with the famous tapes, visitors can see a to-scale replica of the Oval Office, political memorabilia and more than 39 million pages of historical notes. Plan on a full day at this library and museum, but if you are a real history buff, you will barely scratch the surface of what this fantastic archive has to offer.
This venue, south of the river, is a throwback to the 1950s. Roots rock and country reign supreme in this bar, where one can often find men in leather jackets and classic Cadillacs out front. With live music nightly, tributes to Elvis, and celebrations of Hank William's birthday, this place is great for dancing, drinking and kicking back on the high stools. Happy hours feature some of Austin's favorite songwriters. The venue has broadened its range of live music to include occasional indie rock.
This museum has grown into one of the most fabulous experiences for children in Austin. Find out about the development of children from birth to adolescence, climb a "time tower," and learn about everything from dinosaurs to computers. Special programs for children and their parents are regular parts of the museum's curriculum. Take tiny tots to the 2-and-under special explore time, or learn about multimedia with your teen. With excellent specialty programs and wonderful exhibits, this is a museum the whole family can enjoy.
Charles Umlauf (1911-1994), one of the more famous Austin artists, was a prolific sculptor. This museum displays many of his works in a fantastic garden spot located close to Zilker Park and just minutes away from downtown. His sculptures range from realism to abstraction and include families, religious figures, animals and mythological characters. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum houses a permanent collection of bronzes in the lush garden, while a variety of rotating exhibits explore various aspects of his art.
This company knows how to push the limits and still keep the traditional form. The traditional Christmas production of The Nutcracker always brings a smile to patrons' faces. Each year an innovative twist or take on this classic ballet provides a new perspective on this timeless work. Ballet Austin is very familiar with the eclectic nature of the Austin arts scene, and keeps that in mind when developing the seasonal productions.
The Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre is located within the Long Center. Boasting of brown tiled walls, excellent acoustics and a seating capacity of 229 guests, it is a very versatile space. It can be converted into an auditorium or theater for plays and film screenings, complete with projectors, various styles of theater seating, stage and stage curtains as required. It can be turned into a banquet hall by adding round tables on occasions, corporate functions and family gatherings. It can also be hired as a venue for carabet performances.
McCallum Performing Arts Center is located inside the McCallum Fine Arts Academy and has a 550 seat auditorium with excellent acoustics and lighting system. It plays host to a number of student performances and is dedicated to encourage awareness and love for the arts among the students. Musical plays, concerts and theater performances with offbeat stories and a fresh take on the subject are offered here.
Zach Theatre, originally incorporated as the Austin Civic Theater, was rechristened in the 1970s to honor Zachary Scott, an Austin-reared actor with a successful film career. In 1993, the theater was recognized by its selection to participate in the National Endowment for the Arts Advancement Program. The theater has grown by building two stages, a costume shop, classroom, and rehearsal studio and expanding the box office, and now hosts some of the best performances in Austin. Past productions include Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, The Rocky Horror Show, The Flaming Idiots, and Tapestry: The Music of Carole King. The theater also offers children productions and a performing arts school for everyone.
A fitness studio, Rose Movement is located at East Riverside Drive in Austin. Specializing in conducting yoga and dance classes, the studio sees a huge turnout for their events. Regular workshops, classes and events are lined up at the studio to inculcate fitness into your daily routine. To attend an event, or to check out their upcoming schedule, please have a look at the website.