Africa Night

dancing

Africa Night

4.6
Buy Tickets

Africa Night at Sahara Lounge is Austin's legendary weekly celebration of African-inspired music and rhythms! Get ready to dance to live Afrojazz, Afrobeat, Reggae, and Latin performances—all in an electric, welcoming vibe full of community spirit.

  • Doors open at 7:00 PM with a free spicy buffet featuring West African and vegan-friendly dishes.
  • Live bands and DJ sets keep the party vibrant until 2:00 AM.
  • Enjoy a diverse, friendly crowd and a lively dance floor.
  • Free parking, outdoor patio, and a food truck for extra treats.
  • Under 21 welcome with parent or legal guardian.

This is a can't-miss Austin nightlife experience—grab your friends and celebrate the rhythms of Africa every Saturday!

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:

  1. Africa Night - Their award-winning Saturday event featuring Afrojazz, AfroBeat, Reggae, and Latin music with a FREE spicy buffet
  2. Indie, Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Hip Hop, Soul and more throughout the week
  3. 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

Coming Events