The Red River Cultural District

Located in Austin, Texas, The Red River Cultural District is a live music hotspot - known for its hip nighttime venues around Red River Street. For the authentic and best experience of music, food, and drinks, this place is a worldwide famous cultural tourism destination in downtown Austin. There are over 40 local businesses in the district comprising food, music venues, lodgings, hospitality, and entertainment. Moreover, there is also the German Texan Heritage Society, First Baptist Church, Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Waterloo Greenway.

The rock exterior of Red River is still intact, but it has become a place where locals and tourists alike can find various performances, musical events, and more. If you’re hungry, there are several restaurants with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. And you can’t go wrong with the tried and tested Hoboken Pie, where you can enjoy a delicious cheesy slice of pizza with a cold beer and music. 

What to Know

If you love music with passion, this is a must-visit place for you. Along the block, you will find lots of music playing from the bars and clubs. From experienced artists to new artists, everyone gets a chance to showcase their skills. When you are in The Red River Cultural District, you might want to visit Cheer Up Charlies, which is open to everyone. You can enjoy a DJ playing there, various bands, themed nights, and more. The most beautiful thing is a huge pink parachute suspended over the patio. 

You can also find Empire Control Room & Garage in the Sixth Street district which features shows of different genres including hip-hop, soul, and EDM. And if you’re looking for something unique and vintage, pay a visit to the Swan Dive where you can find a gray and white venue with music, dance, and other shows. Another highlight of this district is its delicious food. Embark on food walking tours to sample the best this district has to offer! 

How to Get There

You can drive to The Red River Cultural Festival from Austin, it will take only 5 minutes. Or you can benefit from various transportation options including buses, scooters, metro bikes, pedicabs, Uber, Lyft, etc. The parking there is limited, but you will find a spot if you arrive early. 

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit The Red River Cultural District is during winter. Because it features Free Week, a winter music festival, where you don’t need to get a pass to be a part of it. The annual festival is a great way for you to know about this place as it offers an opportunity to explore some of the city’s greatest venues. You can also enjoy live music free of charge. The concerts will also be free. As winter is historically slower everywhere, the festival is supposed to help local venues and musicians. 

If you’re not a winter person, there are also Hot Summer Nights hosted by the district, which you will love. It’s a free three-day annual festival hosting music, theme nights, and a lot more. It is located in the District and spans from 4th Street to 15th Street. You will find around 100 musicians performing there at different participating venues. But, all in all, every season is a great opportunity to explore this unique place. 

Features and Highlights 

- Features a Free Week and Hot Summer Nights that provide additional revenue to musicians, venue owners, etc. 

- Various participating venues include Mohawk, Swan Dive, Cheer Up Charlies, Valhalla, Empire Control Room & Garage, Flamingo Cantina, Elysium, and much more. 

- Diverse local music, art, and food for everyone.

- Classic Hoboken Pie, which offers delicious pizza and is open till 2:30 am. 

- A non-profit organization seeks to preserve and grow Red River’s unique heritage and culture.