What is the history behind Antone’s exterior and marquee?

Antone's is an iconic blues venue in Downtown Austin established in 1975 by Clifford Antone. He founded the venue after taking over an old department store across from the Driskill Hotel on Sixth Street.

What does the exterior of Antone's look like?

The venue features a vintage building with an ornate facade and a prominent marquee outside.

Does the marquee always list every performer?

No, the marquee does not always list every performer because it is not uncommon for unannounced guests to show up and jam on stage.

Is Antone's still open and what is its capacity?

Yes, Antone's recently re-upped its lease agreement to keep the landmark in place for another 50 years. The venue has a total capacity of 400 people.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Antone’s exterior and marquee in Austin

Antone’s exterior and marquee

Admire the vintage marquee and ornate facade of Antone’s, Downtown Austin’s iconic 'Home of the Blues.' Established in 1975, this legendary landmark remains a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant live music history.

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What to know

Standing before the exterior of Antone’s, you are looking at one of the most significant landmarks in Texas music history. Established in 1975 by Clifford Antone, this iconic blues venue earned its reputation as Austin's 'Home of the Blues.' The club originally opened after Clifford Antone took over an old department store located on Sixth Street, directly across from the historic Driskill Hotel. Over the decades, it has served as a vital sanctuary for blues musicians and music lovers alike. The exterior of the building features an ornate facade and a vintage marquee that projects over the sidewalk. This marquee is a piece of living history; it has heralded countless legendary performers and major milestones, such as the venue's 50th celebration in July 2025. Interestingly, the marquee has not always listed every star who graced the stage inside. Because Antone's became a famous haven for musicians, unannounced guests frequently dropped in to jam, leaving lucky audiences surprised. One of the most legendary unannounced moments occurred on November 22, 1987. Following a sold-out concert at the Frank Erwin Center, the rock band U2 headed to Antone's for a night out. What followed was an impromptu, legendary jam session on stage that included Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmie Vaughan. While the club has moved locations over the years, its future in Downtown Austin is secure. The venue recently re-upped its leasing agreement, ensuring this legendary blues institution will remain in place for another 50 years. With an intimate indoor capacity of just 400 people, the club continues to offer an up-close experience with music history, while its classic exterior stands as a proud monument to Austin's cultural heritage.

Visitor tips

Look up at the vintage marquee from a low angle to capture the best architectural photo of the ornate facade.
Keep in mind that if you plan to attend a show inside, the venue is highly intimate with a total capacity of only 400 people.
Take a moment to read the marquee, which has historically displayed major milestones like the venue's 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of Downtown Austin, Antone's exterior and marquee serve as a gateway to the city's legendary live music district. Though the venue originally began its journey on Sixth Street across from the Driskill Hotel, its current downtown presence anchors the surrounding blocks, reminding visitors of the deep blues roots that helped earn Austin the title of the 'Live Music Capital of the World.'

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