Top 5 Places to Go Dancing in Austin

Techno music and pulsing beats are central to most nightclubs, however, Austin hosts a variety of dance venues that explore many other genres to suit your tastes.

Written by Gracie Warhurst

Nightlife and music are two of Austin’s greatest staples. For out-of-towners, Sixth Street is so popular that it’s become its own attraction. For locals, there are many more elusive clubs and bars begging to be explored. And for both, there’s always a live music event to attend. Dance clubs combine the variety of Austin’s already abundant nightlife and live music with all kinds of genres as their selling point. From country western to punk and alternative, you’re certain to find your niche.

MavericKs Dance HalL — 1700 Grand Ave Pkwy #240, Pflugerville, TX 78660

Open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Mavericks is the country western dance and music venue of your cowboy dreams. It features live music, weekly special events, four bars, and an outdoor patio. One of its most popular attractions is college nights on Wednesdays, when the usually 21 and up club becomes 18 and up after 9 p.m. If you’ve never country danced before, or you need to dust off your boots, Maverick’s offers free line dance lessons from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. This is the perfect place to learn something new and get a break from city life to practice your country moves.

Club Miami ATX Beach and Nightclub — 15505 I-35 BUILDING C, Pflugerville, TX 78660

This Miami-inspired dance club is open from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Although the venue focuses on Latin music, they also play other hits including R&B and New Top 40. If you’re looking for a luxurious night, Club Miami offers VIP tables with drinks included. They feature many different DJs and artists as their main attraction, as well as Tóxica Night every Friday when women get in for free.

The Continental Club — 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

The Continental Club has seen many different patrons since its opening in 1955. Originally a supper club, the venue now features live music in genres such as classic rock, blues, rockabilly, and garage rock. The building was restored in 1987 to recreate its 1950s look, and you can still see the original murals on the wall today. With a full calendar of live bands every day of the week, as well as operational hours from the afternoon well into the evening, The Continental Club is the perfect place to explore Austin’s roots, while also having a great time on the dance floor. Most shows are 21 and up, with some requiring a small cover fee (usually between $5 and $15).

Elysium — 705 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Elysium Nightclub is open every day except Monday, from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. If goth and industrial music are what get you going, this is the perfect dance venue for you. It offers both live music and DJ mixes, with themed events during the week. Elysium throws it back to the '80s on Sundays for Retro Rage, and also offers live artists and performers for its events. Elysium’s drag shows are one of its biggest attractions, with new artists paying tribute to famous queens in their shows. The venue sometimes has 18+ events and usually charges a cover fee for all ages.

Outer Heaven Disco Club — 1808 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

Outer Heaven Disco Club is a self-proclaimed anti-capitalist, locally owned bar in Austin. Combining both dancing and karaoke (with disco music and guest DJs), Outer Heaven is doing its job of keeping Austin Weird. It makes up for its smaller dance floor with strobe lights and loud music, and is perfect for a night out, regardless of if you’re drinking. The club is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with free karaoke nights on Thursday.

Despite the wild variation in genres, venues, and opening dates, all these clubs bring Austinites together in the best way: having a good time. From a slow partner two-step, to a jumping crowd, the Austin nightlife allows you to unleash your inner dancer.