Africa Night
Africa Night at Sahara Lounge is one of Austin's most lively and beloved traditions! Dance, socialize, and experience a vibrant blend of Afrobeat, reggae, Latin, and jazz music performed by renowned bands, often including Zoumountchi and The Sahara Allstars.
- Every Saturday from 7PM, the party begins with a free buffet dinner featuring both meat and vegan West African dishes, perfect for fueling up before hitting the dance floor.
- Enjoy a diverse and welcoming crowd, energetic DJs, and live performances that create an exciting cross-cultural atmosphere.
- The venue offers free parking, a spacious dance floor, and a relaxing patio, making it a great spot to hang out, meet new friends, and celebrate life's moments.
- All ages are welcome with a parent or guardian, so bring your crew for a night of music, food, and community vibes!
Step into Africa Night and discover why it has won multiple Austin Music Awards and remains an iconic event for music lovers and dancers alike!
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