The JAMBS First Thursdays at Carousel

live music

The JAMBS First Thursdays at Carousel

4.5

Slide into your new favorite First Thursday ritual with The JAMBS at Carousel Lounge, where rock and soul meet a delightfully weird neighborhood gem.

Every first Thursday evening, The JAMBS plug in early and keep things loose, loud, and lively. Expect a tight band with rich harmonies, killer grooves, and the kind of onstage chemistry you only get from folks who genuinely love playing together. They mix familiar favorites with originals that fit right in, so you’ll be singing along even when you don’t know the song yet.

Carousel Lounge keeps the night easy and affordable with its classic, old-school bar vibe. Bring your own liquor to mix with what they’ve got, grab a cheap beer, and settle into a laid-back room full of regulars, music lovers, and new friends waiting to happen. It’s an early show, usually running from 7–9pm, so you can get your live-music fix and still be home at a reasonable hour (or headed to your next adventure).

  • Live band energy – Rock and soul, tight vocals, and a stage full of personality.

  • Chill, no-pressure vibe – No cover, no dress code, no expectations. Just a good night out.

  • Mix of covers and originals – Familiar tunes plus The JAMBS’ own songs that slide seamlessly into the set.

  • Easy-going crowd – Under-21 welcome with a parent or guardian, so it’s a friendly, mixed scene.

  • Perfect weeknight outing – Early showtime means you can treat it like a happy little musical reset button for your week.

If you’re into live music that feels intimate, unpretentious, and genuinely fun, The JAMBS First Thursdays are the kind of show you stumble into once and then start planning your month around. Grab a drink, bring a friend, and join the JAMBoree.

The Venue

Step right up to the Carousel Lounge, where the circus is always in town and the fun never ends! Since 1963, this Austin original has delighted both locals and visitors with its over-the-top carnival theme, whimsical murals of elephants and lion tamers, and even an actual carousel behind the bar. The vibe is groovy, low-key, and full of the offbeat energy that defines Austin’s spirit.

  1. Funky, retro decor: Enjoy the playful circus murals and nostalgic details that make every visit a visual adventure.
  2. Legendary live music: The Carousel Lounge has hosted a dazzling variety of live acts for over sixty years, making it Austin’s oldest continuous live music venue.
  3. Diverse performances: From indie to country, jazz to blues, there’s always something toe-tapping happening on stage, and you’ll have plenty of room to dance the night away.
  4. Chill atmosphere: Grab a beer or a glass of wine, relax with friends, and soak up the quirky, welcoming ambiance beloved by regulars and newcomers alike.
  5. Unique local history: Created by Cecil and Myrtle Meier after a trip to New Orleans, the lounge has stayed true to its original one-ring-circus dream for decades.
  6. Fun awards: The Carousel Lounge has racked up accolades for everything from “Best Hostess” to “Best Bars to Relive Your Childhood.”

Whether you’re in the mood for a night of music, a dose of playful nostalgia, or just want to experience one of Austin’s most storied and weirdest bars, the Carousel Lounge delivers with style. Go for the circus, stay for the community, and leave with memories that are as colorful as the decor!

Location

Open Hours

  • monday12 PM-12 AM
  • tuesday12 PM-12 AM
  • wednesday12 PM-12 AM
  • thursday12 PM-12 AM
  • friday12 PM-12 AM
  • saturday12 PM-12 AM
  • sunday12 PM-12 AM

Coming Events