SXSW and the honky-tonk scene
SXSW runs for about a week and a half each March and brings tens of thousands of visitors to Austin. The honky-tonk venues stay open and continue their regular programming - but the crowds are different. More tourists, more music industry people, more first-timers. The regulars are still there, but they are outnumbered.
For experienced Austin dancers, SXSW week can be challenging - floors are more crowded and less experienced on average. For visitors in town for SXSW who want to experience Austin honky-tonk culture, it is actually a great time to go - everything is energized, the lineups are strong, and the city is alive.
Best honky-tonks during SXSW
Broken Spoke
Broken Spoke maintains its programming through SXSW and often books particularly strong acts. The dancehall experience is the same regardless of what week it is - which is exactly the point. The regulars still show up, the band still plays, and the history on the walls does not care about badge holders. Slightly more crowded than a typical week, but still fundamentally itself.
White Horse
White Horse during SXSW can be packed to capacity - arrive early or expect to wait. The music is good but the dancing space gets tight. Worth it for the atmosphere; just set expectations accordingly.
Continental Club
South Congress stays slightly more neighborhood than the central SXSW chaos. Continental Club runs its normal programming and draws a mix of regulars and festival visitors.
Timing tip: The best SXSW honky-tonk experiences happen earlier in the evening (before 9pm) or later in the week when the initial surge has settled. Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be more manageable than the first weekend.
Free and official country showcases
SXSW has both official programming (requires a badge or day pass) and unofficial free shows. The unofficial show circuit - day parties, brand showcases, venue programming - often features strong country and Americana lineups at no cost. Keep an eye on Do512, Hype Machine, and local Austin blogs as SXSW approaches for the free show roundups.
Venues like Stubb's, Emo's, and the outdoor stages on 6th Street and Rainey frequently host country showcases during the festival week.
Lessons during SXSW
Double or Nothing Two-Step - Austin's Honky-Tonk Dance School - continues its regular lesson schedule during SXSW. If you are in town for the festival and want to actually learn to two-step while you are here, the Tuesday and Wednesday lessons are your best bet. Drop in, no reservation required.
See this week's full schedule
Every Austin venue, every night - updated weekly regardless of what festival is in town.
See the Schedule →