When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
04 Center
Why 04 Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The 04 Center, located in Austin, Texas, is a vibrant community space that serves as a fantastic place to meet up with friends or attend a diverse array of events. Originally established as Faith United Methodist Church in 1968, the venue was transformed into The 04 Center in 2018 when it became the home of Austin New Church. This unique venue offers a modernized and state-of-the-art listening room known as The 04 Room, housed within a beautifully preserved 1960s A-frame church building. The 04 Room provides a comfortable and acoustically refined environment perfect for live music performances, speaking engagements, social gatherings, and much more, making it an ideal spot for friends to share memorable experiences. Beyond the listening room, the center features additional spaces such as a balcony and foyer used for trainings and seminars, a community center accommodating various gatherings, and a yoga studio offering classes. The combination of historical charm, modern amenities, and a warm community atmosphere makes The 04 Center a standout destination in Austin for socializing, cultural events, and wellness activities.
Here's what people think of 04 Center
As of recent, 04 Center holds a 4.8-star rating based on 145 reviews.
User reviews of The 04 Center consistently praise its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the versatility of the space and the quality of events it hosts. Many visitors emphasize the excellent sound system in The 04 Room, noting that the acoustics significantly enhance music performances and speaking events. Positive feedback often mentions the ample parking, well-stocked bar with reasonable prices, and the considerate layout of the venue, which offers good sightlines from almost every seat, including VIP areas. These aspects come together to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for attendees, whether they come for a concert, seminar, or community gathering. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out minor issues such as occasional overcrowding during popular events or limited food options on-site. A few visitors also comment on the need for clearer signage or directions within the center to help navigate the different rooms more easily. In conclusion, the overall sentiment around The 04 Center is strongly positive, with most users appreciating its combination of historical character, modern sound and facilities, and a diverse event schedule that fosters connection and community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sharon Carlisle
The 04 Center is a small music venue in a former (or current, not sure) church in south Austin. It is a wonderful spot for an intimate show. Most shows sell the first few rows at a higher rate. There is no assigned seating. The music is varied genres, performers are often solo, but there bands that perform there as well. I highly recommend seeing a show at The 04 Center. The attached video is from a May 2025 Shawn Colvin show.
Kyle F
Great venue with comfortable seats! Came for the Carsie Blanton show and had a fantastic time! Easy, ample parking with many nearby restaurants.
Michael Shannon
Great music venue! Sound is good throughout, and there aren't really any bad seats. It is a listening room, so if you're looking for a place to dance, this isn't what you're looking for.
C.E. Matthews
Dave Alvin & Jimmy Dale Gilmore and The Guilty Ones at the 04 Center Aug. 2, 2024. They were rockin'!!! The 04 is one of our top 3 venues in Austin. Their friendly and joyful staff help make this a very Austin showplace. They have a good bar, too.
Bobby Dennis
Great venue (especially for acoustic &vocal acts), good acoustics and sound reinforcement system. Also excellent free parking.
Sharon Carlisle
The 04 Center is a small music venue in a former (or current, not sure) church in south Austin. It is a wonderful spot for an intimate show. Most shows sell the first few rows at a higher rate. There is no assigned seating. The music is varied genres, performers are often solo, but there bands that perform there as well. I highly recommend seeing a show at The 04 Center. The attached video is from a May 2025 Shawn Colvin show.
Kyle F
Great venue with comfortable seats! Came for the Carsie Blanton show and had a fantastic time! Easy, ample parking with many nearby restaurants.
Michael Shannon
Great music venue! Sound is good throughout, and there aren't really any bad seats. It is a listening room, so if you're looking for a place to dance, this isn't what you're looking for.
C.E. Matthews
Dave Alvin & Jimmy Dale Gilmore and The Guilty Ones at the 04 Center Aug. 2, 2024. They were rockin'!!! The 04 is one of our top 3 venues in Austin. Their friendly and joyful staff help make this a very Austin showplace. They have a good bar, too.
Bobby Dennis
Great venue (especially for acoustic &vocal acts), good acoustics and sound reinforcement system. Also excellent free parking.
How to reach 04 Center
None
Website: None
Why rally at this place with your friends?
The 04 Center is an exceptional venue for gathering with friends or family because it combines an inviting atmosphere, versatile spaces, and high-quality amenities that cater to a wide range of interests. Originally a 1960s-era A-frame church, this historic building has been thoughtfully transformed into a modern community hub in Austin, Texas. Its unique architectural character, with much of the original charm preserved, creates a memorable backdrop that adds a warm, intimate feeling to any meet-up. Whether you are looking to enjoy live music, participate in wellness activities, or simply relax in a comfortable setting, the 04 Center delivers an environment that encourages connection and shared enjoyment. With a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 across 145 reviews, patrons consistently praise its excellent sound system, spacious seating, and accessibility, making it a favorite spot for social groups. In addition, the ample parking and well-stocked bar ensure convenience and comfort for guests. This mix of modern amenities blended with historic ambiance makes the 04 Center a compelling destination to rally your friends for an unforgettable gathering.
What activities can you enjoy at the 04 Center?
The 04 Center offers an impressive variety of activities tailored for groups looking for engaging and enjoyable experiences. Music lovers will find the venue particularly appealing, as it features a state-of-the-art listening event space known as The 04 Room, which hosts live performances ranging from intimate acoustic sets to dynamic band concerts. The acoustics here are renowned for their clarity and warmth, providing an unparalleled listening experience that music critics and attendees alike have celebrated. Beyond live music, the center regularly stages speaking engagements and social gatherings, making it adaptable to various group interests. For those inclined toward wellness, the 04 Center houses a dedicated yoga studio offering classes that invite relaxation and mindfulness in a welcoming community environment. Additionally, the balcony and foyer areas serve as locations for workshops, seminars, or small group meetings, creating opportunities for learning or discussion. These diverse activities ensure that any group meetup can be tailored to suit energetic celebrations, educational purposes, or peaceful retreats alike.
Why is the 04 Center perfect for group meetups?
The 04 Center is ideal for group meetups because it combines spacious, flexible venues with a community-centered spirit that fosters togetherness. The venue’s layout includes several distinct areas, such as the main performance hall (The 04 Room), a balcony and foyer for smaller gatherings, a community center for interactive sessions, and a yoga studio for wellness-oriented meetings. This variety allows groups to select the setting most appropriate for their event’s size and purpose. The comfortable seating and modern sound system ensure everyone in your group can fully engage with the activities without distraction. Reviews often highlight the friendly, accommodating staff and the general atmosphere of inclusion that makes guests feel welcome and valued. Practical amenities, including plentiful parking and a well-stocked bar with reasonable prices, contribute to a hassle-free experience, allowing groups to focus purely on enjoying their time together. The history and unique character of the building add to the charm, making your gathering feel special and distinct from typical generic venues.
How is the 04 Center’s music scene unique and inviting?
The 04 Center stands out in Austin’s vibrant music scene thanks to its remarkable acoustic design and the intimate scale of its listening room, which was thoughtfully converted from a 1960s church sanctuary. This transformation brought the warmth and resonance of the original architecture into a finely tuned setting ideal for live performances. Reviews describe the sound quality as outstanding, with no bad seats in the house, allowing every attendee to enjoy the nuances of the performance. The venue has hosted notable artists across genres, further cementing its reputation as a go-to spot for quality concerts within the city. The programming caters to diverse musical tastes, from folk and blues to indie and acoustic styles, creating an inviting environment where music fans can feel both close to the artists and comfortable with friends. The presence of a well-stocked bar and ample seating space encourages sociability before and after shows, making music nights at the 04 Center a memorable communal experience.
What amenities support a seamless event experience?
Hosting a meetup at the 04 Center is made easier by the venue’s excellent range of amenities designed with guests’ convenience in mind. Ample parking ensures that coming in a group is hassle-free, eliminating the stress of finding nearby spaces. The venue features a well-stocked bar that offers a selection of beverages at reasonable prices, allowing friends and family to unwind and socialize comfortably on-site without needing to relocate. The staff is known for being friendly and professional, helping to manage logistics and ensuring that any event runs smoothly. The availability of different seating arrangements and VIP options provides flexibility for groups looking for a more exclusive or relaxed experience. Additionally, the historic charm of the building combined with modern upgrades such as quality lighting and climate control means you can enjoy your event regardless of the season or time of day.
What makes the 04 Center a community hub beyond entertainment?
Beyond just being an entertainment venue, the 04 Center functions as a true community center that supports a range of social, educational, and wellness activities. It serves as the home of Austin New Church, reflecting its roots in community engagement and spiritual gathering. The center’s spaces are used for training sessions, seminars, yoga classes, and other group activities that promote connection and personal growth. This fosters a welcoming environment where visitors feel part of something larger than a single event. The multi-use nature of the space makes it especially suitable for groups who want to combine leisure with meaningful interactions, whether that involves participating in a workshop, attending a lecture, or practicing yoga as a group. This community focus helps groups bond not only through entertainment but through shared experiences that nurture relationships and well-being.
In summary, the 04 Center offers a unique blend of historic charm, versatile spaces, top-tier acoustics, and a community-oriented atmosphere that makes it an excellent choice for hosting meetups with friends or family. The venue’s diverse activities, combined with practical amenities and a welcoming spirit, ensure that any group event feels both special and effortless. If you seek a memorable location that can cater to your group’s varied interests—whether enjoying live music, engaging in wellness, or gathering for conversation—the 04 Center stands out as an outstanding destination in Austin.