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Africa Night at the Sahara Lounge is a vibrant celebration of African and global rhythms in the heart of East Austin! Every Saturday, groove to live Afrobeat, Afrojazz, reggae, and Latin bands, with DJ dance sets to keep the energy high all night. The event is loved for its lively, diverse crowd and welcoming atmosphere.
- Join others on the spacious dance floor or relax on the outdoor patio.
- Enjoy a free buffet featuring both meat and vegan African dishes with your entry.
- Free parking is available, and all ages are welcome with a parent or legal guardian for those under 21.
- This long-running event is a local favorite for music, dancing, good company, and delicious food!
Keeps Saturdays special in Austin with swirling rhythms and contagious energy for dancers of all experience levels.
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Venue Description
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.
Open Hours
- mondayClosed
- tuesdayClosed
- wednesday7 PM-12 AM
- thursday7 PM-12 AM
- friday7 PM-2 AM
- saturday7 PM-2 AM
- sunday4-8 PM
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