• Every WE - 7:30-9:55p - suggested $3 donation
  
• Contra Dance and Open Music Jam  (all musicians welcome)
  
• @ Hancock Recreation Center  -  811 E 41ST ST  78751-4326
  
• 1st FR - 7:30-11p - $8 - ask about discounts
  
• Contra Dance
  
• @ Carpenter's Union Hall  -  400 JOSEPHINE ST 78704-1017
  
• 3rd SA - 7:30-11p - $8 - ask about discounts
• Contra Dance
  
• @ Saint Paul Lutheran Church  -  3501 RED RIVER ST 78705-1831
  
• Fall Dance Weekend - $ = average (See the FAF web for $ details)
  
• Fire Ant Frolic (annual dance weekend)
  
• @ the "Fed"  -  2312 SAN GABRIEL ST 78705-5014
• "The Mansion" for the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs
  
• Dance in the Park - $ = FREE! (band donations suggested)
  
• Typically in Spring, occasionally in Fall (annual to semiannual)
• @ Zilker Metropolitan Park - Zilker Hillside Theater

While every effort is made to keep this dance review page up-to-date, it is always a good idea to verify information by visiting the site for the event you are currently interested in.  The organization list at the very top of this page will give you quick links to each dance web.  These same dance webs are also linked to from each individual review below.

This map for ACD Dance Hall Locations shows the exact position for the main entrance to the five dance events mentioned here.  Hover your mouse cursor over a marker for a quick ID of that event.  ('Click' on a marker for additional info.)  Each labeled marker clearly identifies the entrance to each dance hall (click the “Markers” button for a 'quick jump' navigation list, which is really handy while zoomed in).  Try switching between Map, Satellite, and Hybrid modes to see exactly where you want to go.  You can 'pan' in the map by 'click & drag' with your mouse.  Use the 'zoom' bar to see great detail (especially in "Hybrid" mode!) for dance hall entrances, parking, etc.  Please keep in mind that the satellite images may not show exact street or landmark conditions (some things change faster than the images are updated), but the hall entrance markers are accurate!

For the latest news on Austin Contra Dance events be sure to make a request to be included on the e-mail newsletter list.  The best way to be added is to:
This secure and user friendly list typically sends out a monthly schedule, and occasionally a reminder/update about 1x/per month.

Be sure to check out the article:

by Mark Rubin that appeared in the March 30, 2007 issue of the Austin Chronicle (a monthly ATX cultural and news rag).  If you want to find out what Old-time Music (OTM) is all about, especially in Austin, then you must read this article!  It is exceptionally informative, offers some great historical notes, includes many very useful links, and it has some great photos too.
You can Google Contra Dance Videos to find some great views of events like these.  You Tube also has some good videos, including some superb instructional clips.

You Tube has a few videos of Contra Dances in Austin, TX:

• Austin Barn (Contra) Dance at the Hancock Rec Center (6:40)
• This is a great video showing a complete dance (without the walk-through).  There are all levels of dancers in this video, and it is an excellent example of a typical Wednesday dance at HRC.
• Austin Contra Dancers (4:20)
• News clips from News 8 Austin.  This is a great video showing a few feature spots from a local news channel.  Included is a view of of a brief walk-through, as well as some interviews and a demonstration filmed at HRC.

Austin, TX is a hotbed of Contra Dance and Old-time Music activity.  It sports a Wednesday weekly dance, and monthly dances on the 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, as well as some special annual events.  Elements of the music scene influences like Austin City Limits (ACL) and South by Southwest (SXSW) keep Austin filled with some outstanding musical talent.  Austin has a reputation for having a large resident population of excellent contra dancers, so it is a very friendly place to learn and experience this cultural art form.

All the dances basically start at 7:30p and are reasonably priced.  The monthly "big" weekend dances are typically priced about the same as a movie ticket, and are very competitively priced compared with other similar events across the USA.  If you are new it is a really good idea to get there on time, or even a few minutes early.  If it is you first time be sure to introduce yourself at the check-in desk and ask for someone who can show you around or answer questions.  The WE dance is by donation ($3 suggested), and the weekend dances tip the scale around $8, which is a fantastic deal for a night of dancing and live music in a family friendly, tobacco and alcohol free environment.  The special events range from competitively priced to free.  :-o

The bands and callers are mostly local talent, but occasionally guest callers and musicians are arranged to play events (especially at the 3rd SA dance and the FAF).  It hardly matters though since Austin is full of amazingly talented artists.  In terms of both bands and callers Austin hosts some of the best talent at any of their events that you could hope to find at any top billed event anywhere else in the country.

There are several organizational groups (with a lot of crossover membership) that keep the Austin contra dance scene growing and going.  The main ones are linked to from this review above.  These are all volunteer run organizations, so any support you can give is greatly appreciated.  The AFTM is a CDSS affiliate and helps with insurance needs of the dance events that need it (city backed events are apparently protected by the CoA).

What to Expect (at the dance) - In Austin...
As with most contra dances around the country:

The gender balance varies, but on average there is usually a fairly even ratio of gents to ladies.  No partner is necessary, but feel free to bring a friend or two for support.  This is a very welcoming community and newcomers usually have plenty of opportunities to dance.  It is not at all unusual to see same sex partners, especially if the gender balance is way off at the time.

Dress cool and comfortable.  Wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes or dance shoes (be sure your shoes will not mar the floor).  All the regular events have good wood floors.  Snacks and drinks (like lemonade and tea) are usually provided at the weekend and special events.  Some folks bring water to avoid water fountain lines.

These are family friendly events.  Kids are welcome (most kids aged 7-10 are more than ready and able to participate at these events, especially the WE dance).  No partner is necessary.  Most newcomers usually get plenty of offers to dance.  It is perfectly OK to decline an invitation to dance (no explanation necessary).  The organizers of these events go to great lengths to ensure that the environment is "no pressure".  If you have a problem at the dance then be sure to let a board member know (start with the check-in desk first, then ask the caller if need be [between dances!], they will be able to direct you to someone who can listen and help).

All dances are taught and prompted by a caller.  It is fairly easy to learn since many of the same figures (like "do-si-so" and "swing your partner") are used repeatedly, just in different combinations.  Kids frequently catch on quicker than adults.  It may look complicated to watch it, but it is really quite simple... once you get out there and give it a few tries.  ;-)

Generally speaking, if you can count to 8 and climb a flight of stairs you can do these dances.  While this activity can be very vigorous, it is possible to do most of the dances at a 'walk pace'.  One of the key elements that separates Contra Dance from most other dance styles is that for the most part there is no structured foot pattern to follow.  The emphasis is on timing.  It is more important to be on time than follow a specific foot movement pattern.  Eventually you will develop a natural step as you practice.

For a more in-depth introduction to contra dance try visiting this Old-time Dance Introduction.  But by far:
Every WE - Austin TX Contra Dance and Old-time Music Jam
 - Austin Barn Dancers (ABD web)

Time, address, and other info is listed above.  This dance and music participation event is organized by the ABD, hosted by The City of Austin (COA), and is held at the Hancock Recreation Center (HRC).  See this Map showing all Austin Contra Dance events.

The entrance to the park is from E 41st St.  The hall is accessed from the main entrance of the building.  There is generally enough parking by the hall, but sometimes it gets crowded during DST in good weather as there are more golfers and other visitors to the park near the start time of the dance.

The ABD has a long history.  Decades ago an old-time music jam began at the Hancock Recreation Center that evolved into a regular dance.  This music jam continues today and provides the music for the dance.  All ages and levels of proficiency are welcome (this applies to dancers as well as musicians).  You will find musicians here that range from beginners to seasoned professionals.  There is some exceptional talent at this event, which is immersed in a very welcoming atmosphere.  All instruments are welcome.  Along with the usual fiddle, guitar, banjo, and mandolin you will find penny whistles, flutes, concertinas, accordions, clarinets, bass, drums, etc.  The HRC Play List (txt) is archived here in both text and abc music file formats (HRC Play List [abc]) for your convenience.  If you are unfamiliar with the abc music format be sure to check it out, it is pretty slick.  You can find and post other music jam sessions at FolkJam.org.

This is by far the most newcomer friendly dance in town, so if you have any jitters then this is the one you want to make a priority.  (The weekend dances and special events are very welcoming to newcomers too, but this Wednesday evening event is very informal, thus making it an exceptional introduction to contra dance.)

What visitors find today is a very casual and fun event.  I've been to contra dances all over the Southeast, Mid-West, and Texas, and this is by far the "most fun" dance I've ever visited.  What does it for me is that it most closely resembles the tone and flavor of how I imagine these unique North American Folk Dance events must have been in their heyday around 1800.

This is a true community event.  The facility is provided by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (CoA Parks), and a suggested $3 per person donation by participants helps to keep the event going there.  Local callers volunteer their services, and the musicians who show up play for the fun of it.  If you want to call a dance there, try contacting Dale Rempert through the ABD or ACD web.  If you'd like to play along with the band, then just show up with your instrument and introduce yourself.

The ballroom where the dancing and music is performed has a super deluxe wood floor.  An adjacent “sun room”, connected by a wall of arched openings, provides a nice place to rest, visit, or just enjoy watching the activities.  The ceiling is vaulted, and the AC is adequate, but it can still get pretty warm so be sure to dress cool and comfortable.  A good pair of walking shoes will do for your feet.  On a good night there will be as many as 10-15 musicians and 50 or more dancers.  Most nights are good nights.

As always... Have Fun!  Don't forget to thank your partner, and thank the band and caller too!  This is a volunteer managed event, so feel free to thank the dance organizers as well.
1st Friday  (1st FR web) - Austin TX Contra Dance

Time, address, and other info is listed above.  The dance is hosted by the organizers of the 1st FR Contra Dance, and is affiliated with the AFTM.  This dance is held at the Carpenter's Union Hall.  See this Map showing all Austin Contra Dance events.

The entrance to the hall is on the SW corner of Josephine St and Butler Rd, through the main entrance of the building.  If you stand in the very North end of the P.Terry's Burger Stand parking lot and look West, you are looking straight into the entrance of the dance hall.  This location is a block North and just a wee bit West of Barton Springs Rd & S. Lamar Blvd.

Parking is in the gravel lot behind the hall.  If there is a lot of other stuff going on in the area parking can be a challenge, but less so if you get there early.  There is street parking around the hall, but sometimes it is easier to park immediately on the other side of Lamar if things get tight.

This is a fun dance that regularly features local talent and a good turnout of dancers.  The dance floor is a good wood surface.  The hall is located just NW of S Lamar Blvd and Barton Springs Rd.  There are lots of places nearby for eats and treats.  The hall can get rather warm, so be sure to dress cool and comfortable.  Generous snacks and drinks (lemonade and tea) are usually provided.  There is usually a celebratory cake or cookie.  This is a very friendly community dance.

As always... Have Fun!  Don't forget to thank your partner, and thank the band and caller too!  This is a volunteer managed event, so feel free to thank the dance organizers as well. 3rd Saturday  (3rd SA web) - Austin TX Contra Dance

Time, address, and other info is listed above.  The dance is hosted by the organizers of the 3rd SA Contra Dance, and is affiliated with the AFTM.  This dance is held in the Fellowship Hall of Saint Paul Lutheran Church.  See this Map showing all Austin Contra Dance events.

The entrance to the hall is located on the S side of the main building, accessed from Luther Ln.  The double steel doors furthest W is the hall entrance.

Parking in the Church/School lot near the hall entrance is adequate if you get there early.  Overflow parking for the dance is available in the North parking lot of the church, which can seem like a bit of a lonely walk, especially after the dance, feel free to request an escort if you want.  It is a reasonably safe area however.  There are also a few parking spaces along Red River St. in front of the church.

This is the biggest regular contra dance in Austin (aside from the FAF Dance Weekend).  The hall is quite large, with a good wood dance floor and a high ceiling.  This hall is typically a bit cooler than the others, but you still want to dress cool and comfortable.  Generous snacks and drinks (lemonade and tea) are usually provided.  Folks frequently travel from out of town for this dance, especially when they bill special talent or have extended “double” or “triple” dances.

As always... Have Fun!  Don't forget to thank your partner, and thank the band and caller too!  This is a volunteer managed event, so feel free to thank the dance organizers as well. Fire Ant Frolic  (FAF) - Austin TX Contra Dance Weekend

See the FAF web for details on the next event.  The dance is hosted by the organizers of the FAF Contra Dance Weekend, and is affiliated with the AFTM.  Lately this dance has been held at "The Fed", a.k.a. The Mansion of the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs.  See this Map showing all Austin Contra Dance events.

The entrance to the ballroom is from 24th St (not the Mansion entrance on San Gabriel St).  The nearest intersection with a traffic light is San Gabriel St. & 24th St., with the hall entrance being about 150 feet West of this intersection.

Be sure to check the registration form for parking instructions.  This hall is in a pretty congested area (near the downtown and UT district), so parking can be a real challenge at times.

This is getting to be a very well known contra dance weekend event.  The ballroom hall and the adjoining mansion are quite luxurious.  The high ceiling, grand stage area, and lavish architecture make this an excellent venue for this event.

Accommodations and long list of places to eat are close by.  The flagship store for Whole Foods Market is really close by, which has a great deli (with places to sit and eat) as well as good groceries. 

Many out of town Texas dancers as well as a substantial number of dancers from out of state travel to this event.  Many of them are regular repeat visitors, which makes for a really unique extended community.  On Saturday night the dance floor is usually packed!

The FAF organizers do a super job of recruiting top talent for bands and callers.  This is definitely an event you want near the top of your to-do list.

As always... Have Fun!  Don't forget to thank your partner, and thank the band and caller too!  This is a volunteer managed event, so feel free to thank the dance organizers as well. Dance in the Park - Austin TX Contra Dance Special Event

The ABD also organizes this Annual Spring (sometimes semiannual, also in Fall) Dance in the Park event (see the '08 event page for example details).  This free community event is held at the Zilker Hillside Theater located in Zilker Metropolitan Park.  The City of Austin (CoA) hosts the event.  See this Map showing all Austin Contra Dance events.

This outdoor dance is free to anyone who drops by, and passers by and watchers from the hill are frequently asked (and encouraged) to dance.  Like all OTMaD events that feature Contra Dancing, this is a family friendly event... kids are welcome and encouraged to participate.  There is typically a jar for donations, which are distributed to the bands that play.  Bands and callers are all local volunteer talent.  This is a great event to support!

You enter the park from Barton Springs Rd by turning onto Andrew Zilker Rd, which is the only vehicle entrance to the dance.  It can be a rather confusing intersection, and traffic can be rather unforgiving (this is typically a VERY busy weekend for Zilker Park), so if you are visiting for the first time it is suggested you plan your route carefully (the above map should help).  Getting there early will help too.  You will probably need to pay (about $3) to drive into the park, but bike and foot traffic is free.  Carpooling is suggested.  If you get there early (to picnic, site-see, etc.) you may even get a shady parking spot near the stage.  There are bus lines nearby.  Use the Capital Metro Trip Planner to plan a bus route to the park (feed it "Zilker Park" as your destination).  This trip planner is a pretty slick deal... check it out.

This contra dance event is held at an open air theater.  If it is sunny be sure to bring sun protection.  Hats, bandannas, and lots of cool water are a good idea.  Dark sunglasses make it hard to see who you're dancing with.  There is a bit of shade on the stage as the day wears on, but for the most part is is wide open.

There is usually a large water jug and maybe a few snacks provided, but a number of folks pack a picnic lunch to enjoy before the dance starts (allow time for good digestion, this can be a very vigorous activity).  If you don't want to picnic, but still want a treat before or after the dance, there are lots of good places to eat along Barton Springs Rd, just East of the park entrance.

The floor is painted plywood (remember, this is an outdoor stage).  You probably don't want to wear your fancy dancing shoes, but a good pair of tennis shoes will do.

Rest rooms are across the street/parking lot, next to the "Splash" Environmental Exhibit (great for kids young and old), which is part of the old Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse.  This exhibit is a fun thing to do if you get to the park early.

The Spring event usually coincides with the reopening of Barton Springs Pool (CoA-BSP, schedule) (after its annual cleaning), which is just across the parking lot, so be sure to bring a swimsuit and about $3 for the pool entry fee.  (If for any reason Barton Springs is closed, you can usually still go for a swim at Deep Eddy Pool [CoA-DEP], which is just a few minutes away.) 
NOTE: These pools are spring and well fed so they are really chilly (about 70°F), so if you don't like cold water....  But on a hot day after a few hours of dancing....

As always... Have Fun!  Don't forget to thank your partner, and thank the band and caller too!  This is a volunteer managed event, so feel free to thank the dance organizers as well.