When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Empire Control Room & Garage
Why Empire Control Room & Garage is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Empire Control Room & Garage stands as a vibrant hotspot in Austin's dynamic music scene, ideally located at the intersection of 7th and Red River. This unique venue comprises three distinctive stages: the 1,050-capacity GARAGE, a former auto shop transformed into a sprawling indoor concert space; the intimate CONTROL ROOM with a 350-person capacity; and the 200-capacity outdoor PATIO nestled creekside, perfect for open-air performances and socializing. Spanning 15,000 square feet, Empire seamlessly blends an industrial warehouse aesthetic with modern amenities, making it an inviting space to chill or unleash energy through live music experiences. Whether visitors seek the relaxed vibe of a watering hole or the adrenaline rush of thriving dance and indie performances, Empire offers a versatile environment tailored for all tastes. It hosts a rich variety of genres including indie, dance/electronic, pop, and hip hop/R&B, attracting locals and visitors alike into its creative orbit. Known for its dedication to dynamic music events that evoke the spirit of house-style parties, Empire emphasizes fan engagement and community building, backed by the expertise of creators behind Sidebar and Heard Presents. With its prime location just four blocks from Austin’s Convention Center and status as an official SXSW venue, Empire Control Room & Garage is not only a music venue but a cultural landmark fostering memorable late-night adventures and artistic discovery.
Here's what people think of Empire Control Room & Garage
As of recent, Empire Control Room & Garage holds a 4.3-star rating based on 972 reviews.
User reviews for Empire Control Room & Garage generally reflect a strong appreciation for its unique atmosphere and high-quality live music programming, earning it a solid 4.3 out of 5 rating from nearly a thousand reviews. Positive feedback frequently highlights the venue’s versatile layout with multiple stages allowing diverse performances simultaneously, providing ample space to enjoy the music comfortably. Patrons admire the blend of a laid-back environment and high-energy concerts, complemented by immersive visuals and soundscapes that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers also praise the professionalism and friendliness of the staff as well as the venue's commitment to supporting Austin's independent music scene. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to issues such as occasional overcrowding during high-profile events, long wait times at bars or entry points, and sporadic sound mixing problems that can detract from the experience. A few visitors also mention the parking challenges typical of downtown Austin locations. Despite these critiques, the consensus remains that Empire is a premier destination for live music and nightlife. The venue's unique charm, diverse bookings, and community-driven ethos continue to make it an essential part of Austin's cultural fabric, highly recommended for music lovers seeking an authentic and engaging night out.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Selena velazquez
Came here for the Isabel LaRosa concert and it was AMAZING!!!! It’s a perfect outdoor venue with the perfect amount of shade covering and fans! The bathrooms were really clean and the AC was doing its job. The alcohol prices weren’t bad either! I definitely recommend coming here to see a concert cause the stage is a little smaller so it makes it more personal.
Jeff Wilson
Empire Control Room & Garage smaller Austin venue. Since it's Austin lousy parking. Venue itself is an indoor garage complete with swing up garage door with outdoor overflow under a tent. We went in late May, and it was freaking hot. The staff kept coolers of water for free, so that helped. I went to the patio to cool off. Fortunately, there was a breeze. Once I felt better, I went back to the show. There are very few sitting options, so be prepared to stand for a while. I managed to snag a stool, and that made the rest of the show bearable. For the actual show, we came to see Los Campenesios, and the band was excellent. You can really tell the band loves their fans. Nearly 3 hours of music and awesomeness. The sound was excellent! The group had plenty of merch for sale and brought enough to last the entire show. All and all a good experience.
Kalia A.
Cool and small venue but it can get pretty hot, especially in the summer because it’s an outdoor venue. However the staff are really chill and kind. They have an outdoor bar with a good selection of drinks and the restrooms are clean.
Chancellor Hall
Got to see The Fall of Troy! Empire is always throwing bangers. Tickets are usually reasonable $40 for this show. I like how there is plenty of space to move around, even a nice scenic smoking area. I'd say more, but you should just check it out for yourself once they have some bands you want to see.
Nunia Busines
Pretty good venue. It is surprisingly smaller than you would expect, but a good number of people can still fit into the space before the band. The space before the band is basically dedicated to moshing if it gets crazy, and the sides are where everyone else spills out. I saw Melt Banana, and it got to basically full capacity. Since the venue is so small, it's pretty easy to get to a spot where you can see the artist if you're a big fan. It got really hot in the room, wish the ac was on higher but they probably don't want to risk it being overworked. After the show, the artist was nice enough to give autographs and take selfies with people while packing up! There's an outdoor patio, too, where you can still listen to the music from afar while taking a breather. However, it's mostly for smoking, so it starts to reek further into the night, which can be unpleasant if you're sensitive to smells. At the height of the night the place starts to lack on seating too, though many people don't mind sitting on the wooden planked ground outside.
Selena velazquez
Came here for the Isabel LaRosa concert and it was AMAZING!!!! It’s a perfect outdoor venue with the perfect amount of shade covering and fans! The bathrooms were really clean and the AC was doing its job. The alcohol prices weren’t bad either! I definitely recommend coming here to see a concert cause the stage is a little smaller so it makes it more personal.
Jeff Wilson
Empire Control Room & Garage smaller Austin venue. Since it's Austin lousy parking. Venue itself is an indoor garage complete with swing up garage door with outdoor overflow under a tent. We went in late May, and it was freaking hot. The staff kept coolers of water for free, so that helped. I went to the patio to cool off. Fortunately, there was a breeze. Once I felt better, I went back to the show. There are very few sitting options, so be prepared to stand for a while. I managed to snag a stool, and that made the rest of the show bearable. For the actual show, we came to see Los Campenesios, and the band was excellent. You can really tell the band loves their fans. Nearly 3 hours of music and awesomeness. The sound was excellent! The group had plenty of merch for sale and brought enough to last the entire show. All and all a good experience.
Kalia A.
Cool and small venue but it can get pretty hot, especially in the summer because it’s an outdoor venue. However the staff are really chill and kind. They have an outdoor bar with a good selection of drinks and the restrooms are clean.
Chancellor Hall
Got to see The Fall of Troy! Empire is always throwing bangers. Tickets are usually reasonable $40 for this show. I like how there is plenty of space to move around, even a nice scenic smoking area. I'd say more, but you should just check it out for yourself once they have some bands you want to see.
Nunia Busines
Pretty good venue. It is surprisingly smaller than you would expect, but a good number of people can still fit into the space before the band. The space before the band is basically dedicated to moshing if it gets crazy, and the sides are where everyone else spills out. I saw Melt Banana, and it got to basically full capacity. Since the venue is so small, it's pretty easy to get to a spot where you can see the artist if you're a big fan. It got really hot in the room, wish the ac was on higher but they probably don't want to risk it being overworked. After the show, the artist was nice enough to give autographs and take selfies with people while packing up! There's an outdoor patio, too, where you can still listen to the music from afar while taking a breather. However, it's mostly for smoking, so it starts to reek further into the night, which can be unpleasant if you're sensitive to smells. At the height of the night the place starts to lack on seating too, though many people don't mind sitting on the wooden planked ground outside.
How to reach Empire Control Room & Garage
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Why rally at Empire Control Room & Garage with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a night out at Empire Control Room & Garage is a fantastic idea if you want to combine great music, unique ambiance, and a vibrant social atmosphere in one spot. This venue offers a compelling blend of live performances and nightlife energy, making it an engaging place to reconnect and make memories. Unlike typical clubs or bars, Empire stands out for its dynamic layout featuring multiple stages—including one inside a creatively repurposed auto garage—which adds a unique and memorable aesthetic. The venue’s impressive lighting design, which has won accolades, creates an immersive experience that heightens the energy shared among groups. Whether your friends are music aficionados craving live concerts or casual hangout seekers wanting a chill yet vibrant environment, Empire Control Room & Garage has something that appeals broadly, making it an excellent destination for meetups that focus on entertainment and fun. Its location near Red River Street and ample parking options also make it easy and convenient for groups arriving from different parts of the city.
What activities can you enjoy at Empire Control Room & Garage for a group meetup?
Empire Control Room & Garage offers an array of activities that cater to diverse tastes and create endless opportunities for a memorable group experience. The heart of the venue revolves around live music, featuring a broad spectrum of genres and artists performing on its three stages, including hip-hop nights like Body Rock ATX, indie bands, DJs, and other eclectic events. Groups can jump from one stage to another, enjoying the variety of sounds while sharing reactions and dancing together. For those who enjoy a lively atmosphere without being solely about the music, the venue’s outdoor patio hosts DJ-fueled dance parties where your group can let loose in an open-air setting. The indoor stage, inside the former control room, mesmerizes visitors with wild light projections and cutting-edge visual effects, making it a fantastic spot for friends who appreciate immersive environments. The industrial charm of the garage stage, with minimal seating and lots of space to stand and move, encourages socializing and mingling. Additionally, the venue’s daily 7 pm to 2 am operating hours allow for flexible planning whether you want an early evening outing or a late-night adventure.
Why is Empire Control Room & Garage perfect for hosting group meetups?
A major strength of Empire Control Room & Garage for group meetups lies in its spacious and versatile design. The presence of two linked venues—a sleek indoor room and a garage space—means your group can spread out comfortably without feeling cramped. This setup fosters multiple vibe zones where smaller circles of friends can simultaneously enjoy different types of entertainment and then regroup. The layout is especially conducive for groups with mixed interests; some may want to groove at the high-energy hip-hop party while others engage in watching a live band or relaxing on outdoor benches. The venue’s award-winning lighting design and sound system ensure high-quality experiences for every attendee, which is crucial for making any meetup enjoyable and memorable. Another practical advantage is its excellent accessibility with ample parking nearby and safe bike storage, making it easier for everyone in your group to arrive without stress. Furthermore, as an official venue for major Austin events like SXSW, Empire Control Room & Garage consistently attracts top talent and curated events, so your group benefits from top-tier entertainment no matter the night.
What makes the atmosphere at Empire Control Room & Garage unique for groups?
The atmosphere at Empire Control Room & Garage mixes an industrial chic aesthetic with lively artistic elements, creating an electrifying ambiance perfect for groups seeking both visual and auditory stimulation. The venue’s use of the old auto garage space adds raw, authentic character that is both welcoming and edgy, a setting where friends can feel like they’re part of something special and underground yet polished. Frequent trippy lightshows cover the indoor control room stage, crafting a surreal visual backdrop that enhances the live music and fuels shared excitement. The distinctly different vibe between the indoor and garage stages – one more focused on immersive multimedia and intimate club feel, the other on raw energy and communal dance space – offers group members options to find their favorite atmosphere while still being together. Add to this the friendly, enthusiastic crowd and the welcoming staff, and it’s clear the venue cultivates a social environment where groups can feel at home but also caught up in the thrilling momentum of Austin’s music scene. This synergy makes Empire Control Room & Garage ideal for groups looking to bond over shared experiences in a vibrant, dynamic setting.
How accessible and convenient is Empire Control Room & Garage for groups?
Empire Control Room & Garage scores highly on convenience factors that matter for group outings. Located at 604 East 7th Street, near the bustling and well-known Red River District, the venue is within easy reach of central Austin, making it simple for friends traveling from different neighborhoods to convene without hassle. Ample parking options are available close by, relieving the usual stress of finding a spot when going out as a group, especially in busy nightlife areas. For those who prefer environmentally friendly or bike-friendly transportation, the venue provides secure bike storage, adding to its accessibility and making it a great choice for local meetups. The opening hours—7 pm until 2 am daily—provide enough flexibility for different schedules, whether your crew wants a full night of entertainment or a late-night gathering. Given its dual-venue design, large groups can arrive without worrying about overcrowding or losing each other in a sea of people, as there is plenty of room to move around comfortably. All these factors combine to make Empire Control Room & Garage a practical and enjoyable destination for social groups.
What kinds of events and performers can you expect at Empire Control Room & Garage?
Empire Control Room & Garage prides itself on a diverse event calendar that caters to a wide range of musical tastes, ensuring there is always something exciting for your group. From hip-hop parties like the monthly Body Rock ATX nights, which are some of the liveliest events in Austin, to concerts featuring local bands, nationally touring acts, and DJs spinning everything from dance to alternative beats, the venue draws top-notch talent regularly. Its status as an official venue for major festivals such as SXSW means that during such times, the quality and variety of performers are heightened, providing your group with a unique opportunity to experience cutting-edge music often before it hits mainstream venues. Besides music, themed parties and special DJ nights on the outdoor patio keep the vibe fresh and engaging for returning visitors. The dynamic event lineup reflects the venue’s commitment to representing Austin's eclectic music scene, making it an appealing destination for groups who want variety and a guaranteed good time every visit.
How does Empire Control Room & Garage enhance the social experience for groups beyond music?
Beyond its impressive musical offerings, Empire Control Room & Garage enhances the group social experience through its thoughtful and engaging venue features. The unique atmosphere created by the combination of lighting, projections, and an industrial setting encourages groups to interact not just through dancing or listening but by fully immersing themselves in the environment. The varied seating arrangements, including perimeter benches around the garage, offer comfortable spots to catch up and rest between energetic dancing, helping groups pace their night to their liking. The outdoor patio serves as a lively social hub with a different energy than the indoor stages, often becoming a favorite gathering spot where groups can mingle and enjoy DJ sets under the night sky. Being part of a community space known for celebrating Austin’s creative culture also adds a sense of belonging and excitement to group meetups, turning a simple night out into a memorable cultural experience. These elements, combined with friendly staff who accommodate group needs, make Empire Control Room & Garage more than just a music venue—it’s a social playground for friends.
What practical tips can help you plan a successful meetup at Empire Control Room & Garage?
To make the most of your group outing at Empire Control Room & Garage, planning ahead can enhance the overall experience. Considering the venue’s popularity and busy event schedule, securing tickets in advance for specific shows or parties is highly recommended, especially for larger groups. Arriving early can help your group settle in comfortably and explore both the indoor and garage stages before the night peaks. Coordinating transportation and parking ahead of time—knowing the venue’s nearby parking options or planning bike routes if preferred—will prevent last-minute stress. Discussing with your friends the types of music or events they prefer can help select the best night to attend, ensuring everyone has a great time. Since the venue operates late into the night, planning a meeting spot within the venue, like the outdoor patio or the garage's perimeter benches, makes regrouping easier. Finally, reminding your group about the casual, lively dress code and encouraging open-mindedness toward a range of musical genres will help everyone enjoy the unique vibe Empire Control Room & Garage offers.