Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World®, pulses with an eclectic energy, blending vibrant city life with deep-rooted Texan traditions. While known for its indie music scene and hipster vibes, Austin proudly holds onto its country heart. And what’s more Texan than slipping on your boots and hitting the dance floor for some good ol’ line dancing? For those looking to experience authentic Texas-style dancing, Austin’s honky-tonks and dance venues offer the perfect setting to kick up your heels. Let’s explore the best spots in Austin to immerse yourself in the world of line dancing and country rhythms.
Austin Honky Tonks: Your Line Dancing Destinations
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (ABGB) A gem in South Austin, ABGB is not just an award-winning brewery but also a fantastic spot for live music and dancing. This spacious beer garden, known for its communal picnic tables and dog-friendly patio, comes alive with music every night. On Sundays, from 4 to 7 p.m., the dance floor fills up with enthusiasts ready to move to classic country, Americana, bluegrass, and rockabilly tunes. While not exclusively line dancing focused, the country and Americana music vibe here creates a perfect atmosphere to enjoy some line dances within the broader context of social dancing and two-stepping. The welcoming environment makes it great for both seasoned dancers and newcomers eager to try out some moves.
Broken Spoke No guide to Austin honky-tonks is complete without mentioning the legendary Broken Spoke. This iconic venue is a true country dance hall, steeped in tradition. Known city-wide for its mouthwatering chicken fried steak, Broken Spoke is a living testament to authentic Texas culture. Here, the legends of country music are kept alive, alongside the traditional Texas two-step and, of course, opportunities to enjoy line dancing. The atmosphere is genuine, the music is classic country, and the dance floor beckons you to experience a real Texas night out.
The Continental Club A true Austin institution, The Continental Club has been a local favorite for over 60 years. This historic venue has seen many musical styles grace its stage, but its honky-tonk spirit remains strong. Throughout the week, you can often find country musicians playing, setting the stage for some spontaneous line dancing and two-stepping. The intimate and historic setting adds to the charm, making it a unique place to experience Austin’s dance scene. Don’t forget to explore the Continental Gallery upstairs for even more musical discoveries.
Donn’s Depot Step back in time at Donn’s Depot, an old Missouri-Pacific train depot relocated to Austin. This unique venue offers free live music six days a week, ranging from country and swing to funk and rock and roll. The diverse music selection means that while you can definitely find nights perfect for line dancing, you might also encounter other dance styles. The novelty of dancing in a converted train depot, complete with a caboose restroom, adds to the quirky Austin charm of this spot.
Giddy Ups Venture a bit further south to Giddy Ups, a smaller, saloon-style live music venue with a distinctly local feel. Giddy Ups hosts live music most nights, including open-mic Thursdays, creating a casual and friendly atmosphere. While the focus isn’t solely on line dancing, the country and western bands that frequent Giddy Ups provide ample opportunity to enjoy some line dancing in a relaxed, community-oriented setting. Enjoy the sunset from their outdoor patio, and you might just find yourself line dancing under the Texas sky.
Little Longhorn Saloon For a truly rowdy and authentic honky-tonk experience, head to the Little Longhorn Saloon. Packed with two-stepping Austinites from Tuesday to Sunday, this venue embodies the true spirit of a Texas honky-tonk. While famous for its Chicken Sh*t Bingo on Sundays, any night at Little Longhorn offers a chance to immerse yourself in lively country music and dance. The energetic atmosphere is contagious, making it a fun place to try out your line dancing skills or simply enjoy the high-spirited Texas dance culture.
Sagebrush One of the newer additions to Austin’s music scene, Sagebrush in South Austin quickly became a favorite for its nightly shows and outdoor concerts. Wednesday nights are particularly noteworthy for line dancing enthusiasts, featuring Austin Honky Tonk-style Two Step lessons followed by classic country bands. This makes Sagebrush a prime destination for both learning and practicing line dancing in a welcoming and modern honky-tonk setting.
Shiner’s Saloon If you’re seeking free, live country music every day of the week, Shiner’s Saloon is your go-to destination in Austin. While the dance floor might be cozy, it’s always buzzing with energy. The friendly atmosphere encourages you to grab a partner for a two-step or find space to do some line dancing. With song requests welcome and local vibes strong, Shiner’s offers an intimate and authentic honky-tonk experience right in the heart of Austin.
The White Horse This East Austin honky-tonk has made a significant impact on Austin’s nightlife. The White Horse is known for its dedication to traditional country music and dance. Order a “two-step” at the bar (a Lonestar and a shot of T.W. Samuels) and head straight to the dance floor. Line dancing naturally fits into the lively mix of two-stepping and social dancing here. With dance lessons offered in blues, swing, and Texas two-step throughout the week, The White Horse is a fantastic place to hone your skills and enjoy a full immersion into Austin’s country dance scene.
couples dancing at the White Horse in austin texas
Line dancers and two-steppers enjoying a night of country music and dance at The White Horse honky-tonk in Austin, Texas.
Beyond Honky Tonks: Exploring Austin’s Diverse Dance Scene
While honky-tonks are central to the line dancing experience in Austin, the city’s dance scene extends far beyond country. From salsa clubs to ballroom venues, Austin offers a rhythm for every taste. Explore the city’s diverse dance offerings to further enrich your Austin dance adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned line dancer or just looking to experience a taste of Texas culture, Austin’s honky-tonks and dance venues offer a welcoming and energetic atmosphere to boot scoot the night away. So put on your boots, grab your friends, and get ready to line dance in Austin, Texas!
