The video above walks through eight different spots where you can go country dancing in Austin, Texas — and it's one of the most practical guides out there if you're trying to figure out where to go country dancing in Austin. The dancing style featured here is something you really only find in this city. You might hear it called Texas swing, Austin swing, Hill Country two-step, or Hill Country swing. Whatever the name, it looks incredible on the floor, and the video gives you a real feel for what to expect at each venue.
What Are the Best Places to Go Country Dancing in Austin?
Here are the eight venues covered in the video, ranging from iconic Austin spots to a couple of worthy drives outside city limits:
- White Horse — One of the most popular dance venues in Austin, located along East 6th Street. Tuesday night is widely considered the best night to go, with a consistent lineup of dancers and bands like Devin Jake and Blake Whitmire and the Mellows. Live music runs seven nights a week, though weekends and Thursdays draw more of a drinking crowd than a dancing crowd.
- Sagebrush — A laid-back favorite with two separate stages, cold beer, and even a clothing shop on-site. Popular acts include JD Clark and the Sentimental Family Band, both of whom draw dedicated dancers.
- Don's Depot — A classic, historic spot west of Sixth Street. Wednesday night is the go-to, when Frank Cavett and the Honky Tonk Doctors play and bring out a big dancing crowd.
- ABGB — Known for an older dancing crowd and earlier show times, making it a great first stop of the night. Warren Hood holds a regular Wednesday gig from 7 to 9 p.m., and Sunday shows start as early as 4 p.m.
- Continental Club — A legendary South Congress venue where you can catch artists like Dale Watson, whose shows pack the floor with dancers and are a genuine Austin experience.
- Sam's Town Point — A hidden, intimate bar that's a fantastic Saturday night hangout. The music of Ramsey Midwood makes this place feel special.
- Mercer Dance Hall — Out in the Driftwood and Dripping Springs area, this spot features a big dance floor and tends to attract an older, couples-oriented crowd. Finger Pistol is one of the acts to catch there.
- Commerce Hall — A newer venue in Lockhart, the barbecue capital of Texas. It's already drawing Austin dancers for acts like Jenny and the Corn Ponies.
Bands Worth Seeking Out for Two-Step Dancing
Beyond the venues, a big part of finding good dancing is following the right bands. The video highlights Johnny Dango and the Stinking Roses (also of Memphis Strange), JD Clark, Warren Hood, and Ramsey Midwood as artists who consistently get dancers moving. Keeping tabs on where these musicians are playing each week is one of the best ways to find a great dance night, even at venues not listed here.
David Bridwell has a full collection of videos covering the Texas music and dancing scene on his YouTube channel, so if you want to dig deeper into what Austin's dance floors have to offer, that's a solid place to start.