The Rendezvous in ATX
Experience The Rendezvous In ATX 2026, the ultimate party and meet-and-greet during SXSW week at the iconic Sahara Lounge in East Austin!
Presented by Urban Eclectic Internet Radio Station RhythmAndSoulRadio.com, this free event packs an all-star lineup of independent artists like Mama Moon & The Rump Shakers, AVO, Dominique Smith, Beautiful Phnix, Uptown RoyaltyNYC, and Brother Dusty. Groove to live performances and DJ sets spinning R&B, Soul, Jazz, Funk, Afrobeat, House, and Afro-Latin rhythms—the most eclectic urban music mix you'll find!
- Perfect spot for networking, discovering new talent, and dancing the night away.
- 8 hours of non-stop fun from 5 PM on March 16 to 1 AM on March 17.
- Open to everyone—no badges or wristbands needed!
- Not an official SXSW event, but a music lover's paradise at East Austin's premier live music venue.
Come rendezvous, make connections, and become a fan of tomorrow's stars!
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