The Long Center for the Performing Arts is a concert hall in Austin, TX. Open: Mon–Fri 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat–Sun Closed. Phone: (512) 474-5664. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 1,516 reviews. Website: http://thelongcenter.org/.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Call Now Directions
Review
The Long Center for the Performing Arts illuminated at dusk.
4.7 1,516 reviews Today 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Where Austin's Finest Performances Come Alive

World-class music, theatre, and community arts at Austin's landmark nonprofit performing arts center on the Colorado River.

About Us

Outdoor performance at The Long Center with city skyline backdrop. — The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Outdoor performance at The Long Center with city skyline backdrop.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 across more than 1,500 audience voices, The Long Center for the Performing Arts has earned its place as Austin's most celebrated stage. Perched along West Riverside Drive, the building itself is a work of art, its architecture drawing the eye before the house lights ever dim. From internationally acclaimed soloists to homegrown theatrical productions, the same boards have welcomed the full spectrum of human expression.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Long Center exists not merely to present performances but to weave the arts into the daily life of Austin. That mission moves in every direction: through ticketed events that fill the hall with music and laughter, through free outdoor concerts that belong to anyone who shows up, and through community programs designed to bring new audiences into the fold. The creative work happening here is inseparable from the city growing around it.

Arrivals are best savored with time to spare. The venue rewards the unhurried guest, and those who plan ahead find the experience all the more seamless. Create Austin, the Center's grant initiative, extends that generosity further still, channeling resources into the broader creative ecosystem of Central Texas.

What We Offer

Live performances and concerts anchor the Long Center's calendar year-round, spanning classical music, contemporary theatre, comedy, and visiting speakers of national renown. Every ticketed event is curated to hold its own on a world-class stage.

Beyond the mainstage, the Center opens its doors in ways that surprise. The Drop-In, a free outdoor concert series, invites the whole city to gather without a ticket in hand. Community Day, Concert Club, and the NYE Social Club deepen that sense of belonging across the calendar year. For those who want to give back, volunteer opportunities place passionate individuals directly in the life of the organization.

Private events and holiday gatherings find a singular setting here, with venue rental options that carry the weight and beauty of a true performing arts hall. The membership program offers a closer relationship with everything the Long Center produces, while the Create Austin grant initiative supports artists and arts organizations across the region.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Beautiful venue inside and out with spectacular views if downtown Austin.”

— Bret Ostendorf

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"Great venue for watching performances. If you arrive about an hour before the show starts, there’s usually no line for parking. It depends on the type of performance, but parking lines tend to start forming around 30 to 50 minutes before the show"
— Daisy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"This was a wonderful experience! Two hours of flawless music by Itzhak Perlman and a piano accompanist. There was not a single missed note, timing mistake, or mismatch in volume. In an encore we got a taste of octogenarian humor that was priceless. The theater is beautiful and voluminous. The staff were under helpful. The elevators are a bit confusing, though. The buttons are quite low and difficult to see when crowded. Lots of wasted trips."
— James Bower
⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 months ago
"The Long Center is a wonderful venue and absolutely gorgeous at Christmas time. I took away a star because it is not very accessible. You have to allow significant extra time when arriving and departing because it is slow going to enter as well as leave the parking garage at the Long Center. It's also not every accessible for individuals with mobility issues. There is only one small (very slow) elevator to take individuals who cannot walk the endless stairs to the entry level of the Long Center."
— Lettie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Beautiful venue inside and out with spectacular views if downtown Austin."
— Bret Ostendorf
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"Very nice building. Facilities are clean and updated. Great views and the parking garage right next door is very convenient."
— Monique Davis

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of performances does the Long Center present?

The Long Center hosts a wide range of ticketed events including music concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and speaker engagements. Programming spans classical and contemporary styles, featuring both internationally recognized artists and local Austin talent.

Is there free programming available at the Long Center?

Yes. The Drop-In is a free outdoor concert series open to the public without a ticket. The Long Center also hosts Community Day and other community-focused events throughout the year.

Can I rent the Long Center for a private event?

The Long Center offers venue rental for private events and holiday gatherings. Its architecture and setting make it a distinctive choice for occasions that call for something beyond the ordinary. Contact the Long Center directly through thelongcenter.org for rental inquiries.

What are the Long Center's box office hours?

The Long Center's administrative offices are open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays outside of scheduled performances.

Does the Long Center have a membership program?

Yes. The membership program offers supporters a closer connection to the Long Center's programming and mission. Details on membership levels and benefits are available at thelongcenter.org.

What is Create Austin?

Create Austin is the Long Center's grant administration initiative, designed to distribute resources to artists and arts organizations across the broader Austin creative community. It reflects the Center's commitment to the health of the entire regional arts ecosystem.

What should I know about arriving for a performance?

Audiences consistently recommend arriving early to allow time for parking and entry, particularly for popular events. Planning ahead makes the experience significantly smoother and lets you settle in before the house lights go down.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens 10:00 AM
Monday Today 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
91° Clear 701 W Riverside Dr
Sun 105° 78°
Mon 104° 77°
Tue 103° 76°
Wed 105° 80°
Thu 105° 81°
Fri 104° 80°
Sat 103° 81°

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Save to Contacts

More places nearby

Other spots near here, whatever their type. Tap one to open its page.

Park ★ 4.7 (4,836)
Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
0.1 mi900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Live Music Venue ★ 4.8 (197)
04 Center
2.0 mi2701 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Event Venue ★ 4.6 (447)
Brazos Hall
0.7 mi204 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Grocery Store ★ 4.5 (4,794)
Whole Foods Market
0.7 mi525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin
Grocery Store ★ 4.6 (3,064)
Trader Joe's
0.5 mi211 Walter Seaholm Dr Ste 100, Austin
Movie Theater ★ 4.5 (5,810)
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
0.8 mi1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin
Mediterranean Restaurant ★ 4.7 (8,402)
Aba Austin
0.5 mi1011 S Congress Ave Bldg 2 Suite 180, Austin

Contact The Long Center for the Performing Arts

Send a note and The Long Center for the Performing Arts will get back to you. No account needed.

Add an email or a phone so they can reply.

Best time to reach you

Report an issue

See something off? Tell us. We’ll fix it and improve the listing for everyone. No account required.