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For now, keep reading to learn more about where to go out for some live entertainment in Austin. What’s special about this particular article is that there are no live musicians or bands mentioned. Comedy, magic, even drag shows are mentioned today. We wanted to take a second to give credit to the performers who utilize different styles of entertainment than what you may normally think of when considering a night on the town. If you want to have some fun in this beautiful city but are not in a dancing mood, try out any of the shows on this list. You’re bound to have more than enough reasons to take a thousand Instagram pics with these live performances.
Capital City Comedy Club
4.5 ★
When you want a night out that feels like big bucks spent, but don’t feel like breaking your bank, Capital City Comedy Club in Crestview Crossing is the place to be. From open mic nights to showcases with comedians from all over, Capital City Comedy Club gives you a great show with equally awesome service. Check out the drag lunch schedule when you are up for a little sass and be prepared to laugh your butt off no matter who happens to be gracing the stage. Don’t let the smaller stage get you fooled, the talent that comes around Capital City Comedy Club is the kind of stuff you’d see in giant venues.
The Velveeta Room
4.6 ★
For the last three decades, The Velveeta Room has allowed Austin’s best comedic talent to grace their stage. Known for hosting a great atmosphere with affordable prices and lots of laughs, The Velveeta Room on 6th street has kept their small shows running since before a lot of their guests were even born. If you’re lucky, you may catch an evening of Drunk Spelling Bee shenanigans. Cheap drinks and a close to your neighbor setting makes you almost feel like you’re at a party with friends. Rather than heading over to the huge venues or massive bars, you can visit The Velveeta Room for something smaller that will still leave a big memory in your mind. Plus, you can easily give yourself reason to buy a big block of processed cheese to add in with your next meal. Sitting inside of a building named “Velveeta” is bound to put that craving in your mind.
The Hideout Theatre
4.6 ★
Weekend nights spent at The Hideout Theatre on Congress Ave are always worth the time when you want to experience the joy of improv. With a wide variety of improv shows, The Hideout keeps their content fresh and unique. Rather than offering the same series of jokes for a new audience each week, this group of hilarious entertainment connoisseurs keeps things fresh with varying themes and expenditures, drawing in more regulars than you would initially expect out of stand-up comedians. Affordable, unique, and just a little edgy, you can’t go wrong when you hide out with the folks at The Hideout Theatre!
Magic’s Theater and Museum
4.8 ★
There’s something special and nostalgic about sitting down and watching a magic show, even as an adult. Keeping watch on the magician to figure out the tricks, enjoying the lights and razzle dazzle, it’s easy to get caught up within the whole experience. At Magic’s Theater and Museum on Fitzhugh Road, you get the chance to sit down for a 70 minute show and for adults you can even BYOB. Get a little dressed up and book a night with Magic’s Theater and Museum or just come to take a look through their magic memorabilia. Regardless of whether you’re interested in the magic or not, you’re bound to have fun with a trip out. Located about 30 minutes from Austin’s downtown area, you can take some time away from the city style landscapes and really relax at Magic’s Theater and Museum.
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Esther’s Follies
4.8 ★
One of Austin’s favorite comedy groups, Esther’s Follies is a modern day take on the old school comedy troupe with a dash of today’s culture thrown in. From political satire to magic shows, the topics covered with Esther’s Follies are a force to be reckoned with. For over 40 years, this group has put smiles on the faces of all who enter Austin, for countless visitors and locals alike. Check for dates on their murder mystery dinner theater shows and take on an evening of sleuthing, laughter, and great food. Your group is in for the time of their lives regardless of the show style so hurry up and visit their website to see what’s going on while you’re in town. If you find yourself on 6th street, you may want to pop in on a whim.
Cheer Up Charlies
4.6 ★
While Cheer Up Charlies does include live music around their outdoor area, the inside stage is what we are focusing on today. Inside the doors of Cheer Up Charlies on Red River Street is a drag show that will make you want to come back again and again. They even like to host viewing parties for episodes of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Even prior contestants from past shows have been spotted on their stage and continue to be there. Whether you’re a fan of Ru Paul, love drag shows in general or just want to have a night out that’s worth remembering, Cheer Up Charlie’s has something for you and all of those in your party! Even if you don’t need to be cheered up, your mood is sure to skyrocket with a visit to the folks at Cheer Up Charlie’s.
The Big Gay Cabaret
4.8 ★
Now we all know that drag shows are some of the most fun you can have while out in any city, there may even be some sort of law that states the fact. But at The Big Gay Cabaret, you get all the excitement of a drag show mixed with a full-on cabaret. Located at Halcyon on the corner of Lavaca and 4th street, The Big Gay Cabaret is a regularly occurring show that will make you laugh, sing and generally want to stare in “awe” at the extravagant costume selection. From birthdays to bachelorette parties, The Big Gay Cabaret welcomes you out for a time that is unforgettable, to say the absolute least. Intended for the early risers, The Big Gay Cabaret is a brunch-time event so be sure to plan ahead for when you want to come out.
Paramount Theater
4.7 ★
Broadway shows, ghost stories, musicals and more all await you at the Paramount Theater, one of Austin’s real treats. Known for being an essential part of Austin’s theater scene, there is always a show happening at the Paramount Theater. Throughout the years, this venue has hosted the greats and those who haven’t been discovered yet, all while partnering with tons of Austin based businesses. Check their schedule before you head this way, they may already be presenting one of the classics that you love. Located on Congress Street right in the middle of everything happening, you can add a visit to the Paramount Theater to your list easily.
Honorable Mentions: Movie Theaters
Sometimes, you just need to take a load off and sit quietly to enjoy a good film. Though these screens do not fit into the “live” concept that the article is centered around, we wanted to give some options to those who want something to do that is relaxing and low key but achieves the goal of getting you out of your house.
Blue Starlight Mini Urban Drive In
4.5 ★
“Feel free to make out in your car” at Blue Starlight Mini Urban Drive In on Franklin Ave, or maybe just enjoy the movie. The Drive In is a classic concept, but with a bit of an urban twist at Blue Starlight. Showing new movies, old movies and giving the old school vibes that can only be found at a drive in, Blue Starlight is rumored to be one of the coolest outdoor theaters in the country. Check it out today and find out why the drive in is still a “thing” in Austin.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
4.7 ★
Don’t let the location’s street name deter you from taking a trip to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Sitting on Slaughter Lane, the biggest Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is themed and more of a full experience than just a dinner/movie date. Take advantage of their open bar, full menu and a vast selection of titles at any given moment. Step your game up at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and watch your favorite flicks while filling up on a meal that is out of this world. Take your pick from classics like Dracula or come out for the newest movies in the game. If you’re planning to stick around and love to frequently go out to the cinema, you may want to invest in a season long pass to save a few bucks! The location on W. Slaughter is one of four Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in the greater Austin area. The other locations are South Lamar, Mueller and Lakeline.
AMC DINE-IN
4.0 ★
Come out and see all the newest movies at AMC in Austin, where only the best and most recent names are shown in high tech settings. Their cozy recliners come with more than enough leg room and your only issue might be trying not to fall asleep. You can even order your snacks/meal ahead of time with the app so there’s none of that obnoxious waiting in line, and AMC offers a full menu from appetizers to entrees. Show up before 4 pm and enjoy matinee prices at 30% off for your tickets.
CONCLUSION
Alright! Now that is a great list of activities to enjoy that are focused outside of the musical spectrum. There’s plenty to pick from when you want to see some entertainment but aren’t in the mood for an all-out band and pumping dancefloor situation. Here in Austin, we are known for being one of those cities where you can find live music all over the place. Now you know that we have a bit of everything around these parts. Like we said before, The Austin Insider is always on a mission to provide you with the answers needed to make a trip to our favorite city completely remarkable. Just take a moment to click around through our past topics and see what questions we have already answered for you.
Before you take off to plan your epic adventure through Austin, don’t forget to check out the tours we have available! Our Austin Pedal Party group cycle is the fun, unique and eco-friendly way to travel around Austin. Able to seat up to 14 people, you can fit all your favorite people for this affordable ride around the city with a local host who knows more about Austin than even our articles can cover. Until next time, we can’t wait to see you here at The Austin Insider!