Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Austin places

Austin, Texas / Theaters and music

Esther's Follies

Located on historic Sixth Street, Esther's Follies is Austin's landmark comedy club and modern vaudeville theater. For decades, this beloved venue has entertained sold-out crowds with a fast-paced mix of political satire, magic, music, and sketches.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Esther's Follies
www.esthersfollies.com, og_image_www.esthersfollies.com

What is Esther's Follies and what kind of show does it offer?

Esther's Follies is a modern-day vaudeville theater and comedy club located on Sixth Street in downtown Austin, Texas. The fast-paced, comedy-themed show features a mix of political satire, comedy sketches, Vegas-style magic, musical numbers, and juggling.

Where is Esther's Follies located?

The venue is located at 525 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701, in downtown Austin.

When are the shows and how long do they last?

Shows run every evening from Thursday to Saturday and last approximately 90 minutes (one and a half hours) with a short intermission. Show times are typically scheduled from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

How long has Esther's Follies been operating?

Esther's Follies has been entertaining audiences for 50 years, having marked its 40th anniversary of performances in 2017.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Esther's Follies is a true Austin landmark and the city's original comedy club, located at 525 East Sixth Street in downtown Austin, Texas. Operating as a modern-day vaudeville theater, this iconic venue has been a staple of the local entertainment scene for half a century, consistently entertaining sold-out audiences with its high-energy performances. The history of the troupe is deeply intertwined with Austin's counterculture performance scene. It developed out of downtown performance activities associated with the legendary Liberty Lunch venue, with founders Shannon Sedwick and Michael Shelton eventually establishing Esther's Follies. The group's name pays homage to the famous actress and swimmer Esther Williams. Before settling into its current home on Sixth Street, the troupe moved through several different locations on the street, including an early venue called Esther's Pool. The show itself is a fast-paced, comedic powerhouse that lasts approximately 90 minutes, featuring a short intermission. Audiences can expect a variety-packed lineup that incorporates political satire, comedy sketches, Vegas-style magic, juggling, singing, dancing, and musical numbers. The acts are constantly updated to reflect current events, ensuring that the satirical revue remains sharp, relevant, and hilarious. Performances run every evening from Thursday to Saturday, typically offering show times from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Having celebrated its 40th anniversary of performances in 2017, and now boasting 50 years of entertaining crowds, Esther's Follies is widely recognized as Austin's number-one live comedy show.

Visitor tips

  • Shows run Thursday through Saturday evenings, so plan your weekend itinerary accordingly.
  • Choose between the early show from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM or the late show from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
  • Book your tickets in advance, as the venue frequently plays to sold-out audiences.

Nearby context

Esther's Follies is situated right in the heart of downtown Austin on East Sixth Street, a bustling corridor famous for its historic buildings, vibrant nightlife, and live music venues. This area has long served as the epicenter of Austin's entertainment scene, making the theater's location a perfect starting or ending point for an evening exploring the city's historic streets and lively bar scene.

Sources

Evidence and links