Africa Night
Africa Night at Sahara Lounge is an energetic celebration of African culture, rhythms, and global grooves, happening every Saturday in East Austin!
- Groove to live bands and DJs playing irresistible Afrobeat, reggae, and Latin music alongside a diverse, lively crowd.
- Hit the dance floor or relax on the spacious backyard patio—there's something for everyone!
- Fuel your night with a complimentary buffet dinner featuring mouthwatering African-inspired dishes, including both meat and vegan options, served from 7pm.
- All ages are welcome (under 21 with a parent or guardian), and there’s free parking on-site for added convenience.
- Voted "Best On-going Residency" at the Austin Music Awards, Africa Night is a beloved community gathering where every beat celebrates connection and culture!
Step in for a night of dancing, delicious food, festive music, and unforgettable vibes!
The Venue
Welcome to Sahara Lounge, East Austin's premier spot for live music and dancing! This historic venue has been serving up great vibes since 2011, carrying on a rich musical tradition that dates back to 1962 when the building first opened as Lincoln Drive Inn.
Step inside and you'll immediately feel the musical history in this Texas juke joint with a twist. The relaxed, eclectic atmosphere offers the authentic "old Austin" feel that's becoming increasingly rare. With its sprung wooden dance floor, full bar serving signature cocktails (including the unique Sahara Slants made with Ghanaian akpeteshie), and spacious outdoor patio, the Sahara creates the perfect setting for unforgettable nights.
Family-owned by musicians Eileen Bristol and her son Topaz McGarrigle (lead singer of Golden Dawn Arkestra), this venue presents a diverse array of musical styles five nights a week, including:
- Africa Night - Their award-winning Saturday event featuring Afrojazz, AfroBeat, Reggae, and Latin music with a FREE spicy buffet
- Indie, Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Hip Hop, Soul and more throughout the week
- Regular events like Ladies Night and Body Rock ATX
The Sahara experience extends beyond just music - enjoy free billiards, outdoor fire pits, and delicious West African dishes and BBQ from the Sahara Smokehouse. With abundant free parking and an inviting atmosphere where diverse crowds gather for lively conversations and dancing, Sahara Lounge represents the heart and soul of Austin's music culture.
Location
Open Hours
- mondayClosed
- tuesdayClosed
- wednesday7 PM-12 AM
- thursday7 PM-12 AM
- friday7 PM-2 AM
- saturday7 PM-2 AM
- sunday4-8 PM