We got the box seat tickets with a view from the top most level for $100 per ticket plus some fees. It was worth the money as you get your own bars on the top floor where less guests frequented because most people circulate on the lower levels. The restrooms, however, have less stalls than the ones downstairs. With the top-most box seats, you can see about 95% of the stage unless you lean over a bit to see the hidden area. The balcony wall does block a bit of the view. Acoustic wise, you may not hear as loudly as you would have in the orchestra section. Depends on what you are watching, this view is great for symphonies. As for anything else visually emphatic, you may want to opt for a lower level. Note, they allow you to bring your drinks that you purchase from the bars inside the theater because they pour them into sippy cups. Bring your own binoculars for your own viewing pleasure. Also, please dress up for the event. And make donations! They work hard, and it really helps with some cultural funding. read more

Long Center - The view of "Rach Star" from the 3rd box seats - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

The Long Center in the heart of Austin, offers a few free shows if you search, and tons of ever-changing higher cost shows. I tend to veer towards the free events (having family of six people, we are more casual). I have to totally COMMEND the large staff of volunteers who man the doors, monitor the halls, take tickets, etc. It's these people who keep me feeling great whenever I make the trip to brave the traffic and parking challenges to get to events. They are always smiling, helpful, and welcoming -- even to my crew of kids and frazzled adults!! read more

My first time here. I was invited to see The Nightmare Before Christmas played along with the Austin Symphony. What an amazing combination! The Long Center is a beautiful building with great views of the city. The staff was also very helpful. I don't really have much more to say except that I'd like to come here more often - I had a great night. read more

Long Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

I have been here a lot since my last review. Parking is still an issue but the experience inside is wonderful. I like the Mez best, even the back row. Accoustics there are great! Now lets talk abotu the ushers! So helpful and kind. It really is a welcoming place. read more

Love this place! Sound and Cinema summer nights are always great. Love being able to have an awesome night on the lawn and still be able to social distance. read more

"To pee or not to pee, that is the question." From July 21st-August 7th, The Long Center is playing host to "Urinetown: The Musical", part of its 7th season of Summer Stock Austin. SSA doubles as both a theatre company and an educational opportunity for exceptional highschool and college-aged performers, who are then paired with professional directors and production staff to put on 3 or 4 shows throughout the summer. Neal and Lisa first told me about "Urinetown" a couple weeks ago, and we thought it would be good for a chuckle. It's a satirical comedy musical, set in a town where a severe drought has allowed a gigantic private corporation to charge people to pee; if they break the law, they're banished to an awful place called "Urinetown". It satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics. All cleverly done through the prism of pee, of course. My #1 concern was whether or not it would be silly or gross if I wore a yellow shirt. At the end I decided against it and decided to just wear a T-shirt, because here in Austintown we have our own problems. Namely, our thermometers are cracking 107 degrees these days. Hell, a law limiting taking a leak would probably not affect us that bad around here; the heat dries my pee up as fast as I can re-hydrate. We arrived a few minutes late, but right under the buzzer. The staff taking the tickets were friendly, and in an irony not lost on one of the gentlemen in the lobby of the Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre, I asked where the restroom was...because I really had to pee. As with "Hairspray" we found ourselves in an intimate setting where the actors are mere feet from you, yet entirely in another world. The acoustics were great on this particular stage. If you haven't seen the show, it mocks even the form of Broadway itself, with over-the-top ham acting and with the narrator, Officer Lockstock, and a character named Little Sally frequently breaking the fourth wall to reveal huge plot points and dish out blatant expository information. This humorous approach was actually what made me laugh the most, even on top of the obvious piss related dialogue. And with songs like "It's A Privilege to Pee", how can you not? And yes, someone simulates peeing on a wall. Once again, the performers all did a terrific job. I had a hard time believing some were still in highschool; their acting abilities and timing were better than most of the guest actors on "The Golden Girls" (my frame of reference when it comes to terrible acting; not the Girls of course, but the people around them). During intermission, I read their bios while people giggled that they had to go pee. They had a small bar with some limited liquor selections, but I just drank water. And had to pee again. More awkward than the toilet talk were the criticisms of wealth inequality and the callousness shown by the rich to a vast underclass. Turn on the news, watch the stories about the almost obscene wealth inequality in America and the refusal of the rich to pay taxes, and you'll see why a lot of the play is prescient now. Consider this quote from the main antagonist: Hope: "Gosh, Daddy, I never realized large, monopolizing corporations could be such a force for good in the world!" Mr. Cladwell: "Few do." It's also not a happy musical, something I don't consider a spoiler by any means, because they tell you this within the first part of the show, and it's part of its introductory paragraph on Wikipedia. So, prepare for that. I enjoyed the show, and found "Urinetown" to be quite a wily and intelligent piece of theatre. It seems as if the actors are all enjoying themselves during this SSA season as well, and we already have tickets to see "'The Producers" next weekend. Tickets are $18 for students, and $22 for adults. Times may be tough (and you know the arts suffer first), but if you can find some time to attend a Long Center production, it's well worth it. My mother reminded me that decades ago, locked stalls in bathrooms that you had to pay to use were actually in existence. I told her I already knew that, since the 1974 version of "Mame" with Lucille Ball and Bea Arthur ranks as one of my favorite films. In it, while at a swanky salon, the two bosom buddies recount their wild and candid friendship. Bea Arthur as Vera Charles says she loves the fact that they can say anything to each other; Mame wholeheartedly agrees. To which Bea Arthur immediately responds: "Have you got a quarter for the john?" Common words, I'm sure, in the city featured in "Urinetown". 4 flushes out of 5 for both the play and the venue. read more

I went here with my girlfriend for a holiday viewing of the Nutcracker, I was actually very surprised by the size of the theater. Parking was also not a hassle and we were able to park very close. Inside the concessions are great except every time you attempt to make a purchase you are up sold the possibility to pay for what you want during intermission now. This seems like a good thing except the first thing I did when I walked in was stop and buy a beer. Little did I know our seats where three floors up, I agreed to go ahead and purchase the items I wanted for intermission, walked up three flights of stairs and realized that during intermission my snacks would be on the bottom floor by the door I walked in and order that original beer. I then had to ask the concession stand nearest my seats if they could bring my stuff up stairs so I didn't have to go back down. I explained that if I would have known how the system worked I'd have just ordered upstairs. They did bring my order up to the new snack booth the show was great the seats were a bit small for someone of my stature but it was nothing I couldn't deal with. Overall I will probably go back for more shows. I hate that the snack bar sells snacks then you cant have them in the theater. read more

5stars indeed I'm a teacher on a field trip at the long center. With other schools there for the same field trip the staff was organized, friendly, my classroom were seated rapidly had a wonderful time!!! Clean down to the restrooms definitely a good idea for next event read more

We really are exceptionally lucky when it comes to a number of things we enjoy here in Austin: we boast a pretty terrific airport, loads of inspired and locally owned small and quirky eateries and boutiques, a culture that rewards the art of knowing how to relax and have fun. Small wonder it is then that The Long Center sees such regular praise: it's a sparkling and impressive space, thick with intimate and ample seating, gorgeous lines, delicate ambience. We set foot in here for the Austin Fashion Awards and were rewarded with a first-hand glance at the aesthetic: it's a considerably well-appointed space, encased by giant panoramic windows looking out onto an expansive veranda, inside giving way to a modern and sophisticated theater space inside. It was a perfect setting for the Fashion Awards, and I have to say that I'm not at all surprised that they've been booking the types of other events seen here lately. I won't always be able to afford them, but I can tell you this: I'll always notice them, and I'm sure I'll be back. Hopefully soon. read more

This SHOULD be a 5-Star Review. It's not. "IT" coulda been avoided. It wasn't. Show I attended? First-rate. Facility, 2nd-to-none. I expected no less. My first visit to Long Center, but NOT first visit to this very spot. I've been here since '78, seen many shows at what used to be Palmer Auditorium. Still is Palmer, sort of. Austin History Lesson: Original Municipal Auditorium (later named Lester E. Palmer, after former mayor) opened in 1959. I don't know if it was the 1st DOMED structure of its size, but preceded Astrodome by several years. Abatement & deconstruction of former building, to make way for Long facility, occurred in 2005. Grand Opening of Long Center was March 28, 2008. Fully fits Austin philosophy of "re-use & re-cycle": The distinctive exposed RING on North side of structure? Part of original structural steel of ol' Palmer. Those green & brown tiles seen here & there? From old "dome" of Palmer (aka "The Green Turtle"). FACT: 95% of materials in original Palmer Auditorium were used in "Phase I" construction of Long Center. As longtime Austin resident, this stuff MATTERS to me. For you new arrivals, I'm tryin' to educate ya about stuff that was here before you even THOUGHT about moving here, that's not here anymore. Ya weren't here THEN? Well, you're here NOW, so it should matter to YOU. It's YOUR City too. Building itself deserves full 5-STARS. Much has been written about its acoustic perfection. What I heard was pretty darn good, but I can't fully analyze, based on the show I just saw. I need to hear Austin Symphony first; takes Classical music in a room like that to expose any flaws. No, I attended a Rock 'n Roll show, or as close as this locale will ever have NOW: The "Happy Together" Tour. No Ozzy, Stevie Ray, KISS, or shows like THAT anymore. That was "old" Palmer. Now, we've got a sense of "decorum"; THAT'S why (gettin' to it) I only gives 'em 4-STARS. Among other entities, Long Center's home to Austin Symphony, Austin Lyric Opera, & Ballet Austin. But Long also hosts "lowbrow" entertainment, for we folks who've not gotten 'round to buyin' that Tux just yet. I know, I know, "we" (not ME, Kimosabe) are "transforming" Austin into a "World-Class" City, but some are takin' it WAY too seriously. Really, we have to go a LONG way (oops, a pun) to match Houston or Dallas, & THEY are light-years behind NYC, L.A., or London, etc. Me? I'm an "all inclusive" sorta music fan. 'Cept for da "Hip-Hops", I LOVE everything from Mozart to Megadeth. But there's a different convention of behavior when attending the Symphony, as opposed to a Rock show. The Long Center doesn't seem to know this. I wouldn't whistle, yell, or pump my fist in the air, between movements of Beethoven's Fifth (though "Ludy" woulda liked it, I think). But I WOULD do all these things at a Rock show (OK, I can't whistle, ya got me). Hooray! All THOSE forms of conduct are OK with Long Center, but there IS a line. And if there's a line, "Lucky" Larry will be the poor unfortunate to unwittingly find & cross it. So, I warn ya: NO SHINING CELLPHONE LIGHT AT THE STAGE! NO "PDL" (Public Display of Light) FOR PERFOMERS IS ALLOWED! Whether you're young or old, if ya been to a Rock show, it happens all the time. It's quite NORMAL behavior. I've never been to any venue, anywhere, that didn't understand this. EXCEPT Long Center. So I wasn't expecting what happened next. Seriously, I had my cell phone light on for no more than 10 SECONDS before an Usher kid comes over & SCOLDS me, dirty look for no extra charge. I put phone away. During "Intermission" (Rock show "Intermission"? THAT'S new), I was told I was "disturbing" the audience, & that Tour Manager specified "no electronic devices". I KNOW they don't want pic's/recordings made, but a LIGHT? No, I don't think that's in the contract. The PERFORMERS? They tend to LIKE that sorta stuff. "Kid-Usher" drags his Supervisor over; it's a BIG DEAL to them. If I'd persisted, I've no doubt I'd have been ejected from my NINETY DOLLAR seat. Uncharacteristically, I didn't feel like antagonizing 'em, so I agreed to stop. Guess I'm slippin'. ;) Look: If Long Center's gonna host shows for "commoners", they need to get a clue as to HOW to host 'em, or just stick to what they do best: "stuffed-shirt" type of "stuff". No offense intended. Well, not much. Am I makin' too big a deal of this? I don't think so. What's wrong with a little "flashing"? No, not THAT kind... A full 5-Stars for The Long Center, minus one for "Bad Behavior". Not mine; THEIRS. It's likely Long Center doesn't read Yelp's. So I took time to send feedback DIRECTLY to them. Bottom line: Have fun at Long Center, but have fun THEIR way, not yours. Someone needed to post pic's of the Memorial Medallions on N side of The Long Center. So I did. They're clear enough to read every word. God Bless 'em ALL! larrythediner . read more

See all

A pretty awesome theater. It's newer, so it didn't have nearly as much character as other theaters, not is it the biggest, but for Austin it's just right. I feel that the staff is pretty cool, too. My girlfriend and I came here to see The Nutcracker last December, and it was raining pretty heavily and traffic *sucked.* We ended up not even parking at the time the curtain should have opened, and we were certainly not alone. The staff was kind enough to postpone the show for 15 minutes while everyone got in. That was very cool and conscientious of them. read more

The summer concert series is a must go. I really enjoyed the ones I've gone to...strings and brass. The atmosphere is awesome. You sit on a hill and watch the sunset while listening to beautiful music. The people around you are nice and it's altogether a chill atmosphere. Dogs and kids are all about. So it's family friendly. Being a nice blanket, maybe some cheese and wine, make sure you sit in the shade or soon to be shaded area. Afterward...walk home on the trail a little rather than just getting in your car and zipping home. The concert lasts about an hour. read more

Long Center - Concert in the Park series...view of Austin from our blanket. - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've never seen a show I didn't love at this venue. This particular evening it was the 100th Anniversary of Lenard Bernstein's birthday. The Austin symphony absolutely crushed this performance. I attended in the symphony pit with 3 family members. This was such a memorable evening. Lights err at 7:50. The show began promptly be an at 8:00 pm and they stunned from beginning to end. I was honestly very pleased with the entire lineup. The Austin symphony does fantastic work. You should make an effort to see them perform if you had not yet had the pleasure. read more

See all

This new center is @ 400 days from being done, and once it's finished, it's going to be the f-shizzity. With facilities for all types of performances (and film, and galas) this perfectly located, acoustically perfect structure will be the headquarters for events and a destination for the best talent out there. I've been inside the structure for tours (they give two a day) and also mooched my way onto a large donor's tour at night, and the upstairs deck overlooking Town Lake and downtown is the best view I've seen of our fair city (minus being on the Capitol corridor). They are about 3 something million away from their 77.5 million dollar goal and have created all sorts of creative ways for everyone to contribute and reap the rewards. Their Catalyst 8 program (http://www.thelongcenter.org/WebSite/contribute6.htm) only costs 20 bucks to sign up, then 40 bucks a month, and offers all sorts of networking, VIP, free and discount opportunities to mix with the young movers and shakers in town. read more

See all

I've been to many expensive and terrible shows here, full of flash photography and tiny seats and people talking loudly and people taking long videos on their phones. On June 10, 2019, however, I witnessed a solo comedy performer heckled with transphobic hate speech four times? Five times? I lost count. The ushers did nothing. The staff did nothing. The staff let two people ruin the entire show for the rest of the audience by shouting terrible, offensive things for 30+ minutes. Around the third time the offenders started screaming at the performer, I started to feel unsafe. (Not just for me, but for everyone. Especially for the comedian.) This venue has zero security, and zero staff with any teeth. This venue apparently doesn't have so much as a theater manager. These hecklers could have walked right onto the stage with weapons, and staff would have done absolutely nothing. Nothing at all. This venue is far too large to have zero policies in place for the safety of its performers and audience members. This venue is far too large to have no policy in place to handle hecklers spewing hate speech. Until I see a press release that this venue has decided to get real security staff, and until I see a statement that they do not condone hate speech (because, as it stands, it appears they very much do condone it), I am done. It's a garbage place. Go here if you love to have shows ruined by bigots, I guess. read more

I've had a pleasant experience every time I've gone to the Long Center. It's clean, spacious, and you have a good view of the stage from mezzanine. Some advice: It's a bit of a trek from the parking garage to the Long Center so arrive early, especially if you are with children or anyone else who may take a while to walk over. The parking garage costs $7. The line for the bathroom gets very long at intermission so plan your path there before the show. Best bet is to get seats on the end of a row and get there first. If you are planning to drink or get snacks be prepared to pay a premium. Also, like the bathroom the lines can get very long. If you want a drink or snack at intermission you should pay for it before the show so they can have it ready for you at intermission. In summary, come early, bring $7 for parking, locate the bathrooms before the show. read more

Love the Long Center, HOWEVER , my recent experience was not so great. We were sooo excited to see the movie "Singing in the Rain," with the Austin Symphony. The movie was great, as well as the symphony. However, our seats that were promoted, by the Long Center as GREAT seats were horrible----DON'T pay for seats 14 and 15, entrance 25, B Box Right side, you will NOT be able to see the stage. After the intermission I shared my dismay with the Long Center volunteer, who shared with with other staff. They immediately relocated us to other seats. We really appreciated the volunteers response, but it was what I was told by our guide, that disappointed me... they shared that they always have complaints about those seats. So, WHY SELL Seats 14 and 15, entrance 25, B Box Right side??? We wanted to experience a nice evening and they RUINED it for us. They only reason I gave the two stars is because of the volunteers who moved us. Beautiful venue--- crappy seats!!! read more

Bubblepalooza should be renamed heatstrokepalooza! Our First time there. It was a nice comfortable place. Don't have too much more to review at this point but Yelp keeps asking me to so I am! read more

I'd be hard pressed to find a bad seat in the house. I'd avoid the bar, as venues typically way overcharge on any beverage. The actual seats are pretty comfortable. Tonight's production of "A Chorus Line" had some sound issues, but overall, I very much enjoyed it. The cast was wonderful. I've attended events at The Long Center a few times and it's always been a very pleasant experience. It's clearly one of the premier venues in Austin and they clearly take that very seriously. I look forward to my next visit. read more

My first time here, I got to see La La Land in Concert. Beautiful show. They played the movie, but a live orchestra played the musical sections. The ambiance of the Long Center and the auditoriums inside are very nice. Clean and kept up. The staff is very helpful and know how to make events go smoothly. Highly recommended to come here and watch a show! read more

Long Center - View from Dell Hall, Row H, Seat 132 - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

Probably my favorite place to see a show in Austin. There truly is not a bad seat in the house. I have seen so many things here. The sound quality is amazing. I enjoy the Long Center for also hosting the many actives outside. In the summer seeing the free music on Sunday nights to hosting trailers on Tuesdays. This is a gem in the city. I am grateful this is what came out of the old Palmer center and will be here for many more shows in the future. Keep up the good work. read more

The only two Austin venues I hadn't been to were ACL Moody Theater and the Long Center, so to check this off I saw Bill Maher at one & Kathy Griffin at the other. Both performers put on great shows & could've played either place. It also occurs to me some of this may not apply to bands or other types of events. I actually used to go to Palmer Auditorium a lot before it was rebuilt & revamped as the contemporary Long Center, but I was pretty high in those days & don't remember much. I've been to their outdoor Summer Concert Series a couple of times, but 105-degrees is still 105-degrees, no matter how hip & cool a place is. I was looking forward to the inside changes. The good news is it's the easiest online ticket process ever: Go to the Long site, click "best seats available," and buy direct from them. My $79 ticket, with service & print fees, cost me $89.75. No complaints there. The bad news is my fourth row center mezzanine seat was good, but not great. I don't need to see some performer's wrinkles, but I thought the sound that made it up my way was a notch below - literally & figuratively - from both ACL Moody & Bass Concert Hall. Not a deal breaker, but too much midrange or treble gives me bad radio flashbacks. Something I can EQ in a car in less than twenty seconds. But hey, bonus points for free parking that night, and still having areas for those dickhead smokers. So was it worth it? Sure. Once inside, it's pretty academic: Lots of beer & wine (coffee at one of the kiosks), a friendly in-house staff, and Austin at its most diverse. We were essentially all here for the same reason, and it's all good. Much better than a 105-degree concert outside. The Long Center is indeed an Austin reboot for the 21st century. But seems to remember a touch of its past. read more

Love seeing great shows here! I only wish: A) the drinks weren't sooo expensive and B) parking was easier/cheaper But I guess that's expected at venues this big? Le sigh. Still- worth it. Amazing productions, year round! read more

I have to be honest. The only reason I'm leaving this review is combat the boboheads who leave 1 and 2 star reviews for ridiculous reasons. Anyone who has been here knows that this is a fabulous venue staffed by helpful Austinites who will do anything in their power to make sure every attendee has a marvelous experience. The seats are comfortable and every one that I have sat in has had great views. I've attended 10 years worth of symphonies and the acoustics are wonderful. Really. Better than Houston or Dallas! From Carol Burnett to the Blue Man Group to Hall and Oates to SYTYCD to the incredible Austin Symphony...there isn't a better place to see and hear them than the Long Center. read more

Fantastic show!! The Nutcracker had great performers what a treat. 5 stars for the cast!! We appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the scenes before & after followed by questions & answers. We were able to follow it a lot more closely with the classical hand movements by the performers. The room with costumes & information also a nice way to better be informed of all the work & process into the Ballet & Music performance. Enjoyed the souvenir booth areas and beverage stations. Pleasantly surprised to see a coat check especially on a cold rainy day located at exit very efficient. Even parking was easy only $8 for self parking park tail end easier to leave.. unless you VIP park we seen a lot of people waiting inside & outside for cars, not sure how efficient that is especially on a rainy day. My Only con was I now see why they ask people not to have snacks in the actual seating area, and they ask for all drinks to have tops & lids. My purse was full of crumbs since I put my purse under my seat. Wow was that a mess I could see this at a movie theater, just glad we seen the early show... I can imagine the fast clean up not getting everything for 5pm show next. I hope they better enforce NO snacks & drinks without lids on actual seating area especially since they are not set up for drink holders or much room for snacks..it's really only a few hours of a great show to enjoy & they have intermission to grab a quick bite & use the restrooms just be prepared for the lines. Will return now we know what to expect a great show & next time get balcony seating. read more

Second time here, free parking, because the cop was awesome!!! Great view and sound. Perfect location. Love the feel outside and inside. read more

Long Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

Every place you sit is a great seat. I've really enjoys some great concerts and shows here as well as outdoor venues. read more

Long Center - Steve miller bank - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

We love this place!! We are member here and attend concerts here routinely. The front offers amazing views of our Austin skyline. The parking garage conveniently next to the building and the staff is amazing in moving traffic in and out. read more

Met Joe Long the same night I met James Galway at the Long Center. Ever hear James Galway play Danny Boy on his gold, diamond encrusted flute in a Music Hall where his every breath, every note, every smile, was perfect? I wept. It made me fall in love with Joe Long. Ever hear of Julius Shulman, the most famous architectural photographer whose photographs redefined what is possible in both architectural photography, but also architecture? I met Julius Shulman at the Rollins Theater here at the Long Center last year during the unveiling of a movie about his life. If you can see it, do. It is called Visual Acoustics and it is not just about photography, it is about a life worth living. Ever hear of Stan Haas, brilliant Austin architect of this newly renovated Long Center whose repurposing of this single building will impact Austin for generations? I sat next to Stan Haas while watching Visual Acoustics. Magical, profound things with architecture and music seem to happen when I am smart enough to hang out at the Long Center. read more

We attended the Children's symphony a few days ago and it was a very nice way to show children how fun music can be. There were several pieces played from movie scores to traditional pieces. To be fair the seats are a little small but it wasn't that bad. We were seated in the pit where the orchestra usually plays so it was nice being in the very front row. read more

I went last night and saw "A Bronx Tale". Awesome experience. I really love this place. Why? 1. Valet Parking that is easily accessible and a limited wait for getting the vehicle back. (Also, valet attendants were extremely polite and helpful.) 2. It's new. I love new. Everything was so nice and new. Smelled new. Felt new. Ahhhh. Neeeewwwwww. 3. Ubiquitous bars (i've been saying 'ubiquitous' a lot lately). Anyway, I only opted for a bottled water, but if I wanted to get my drink on I very easily could have. 4. Adorable, friendly, very helpful staff of volunteer ushers. There was a group of them last night who were there helping for the first time and I overheard their orientation. It was so great. Ex: Beverages cannot be taken into the auditorium. Instead of saying that though say "Perhaps you would care to enjoy the remainder of your beverage out here in the lobby". I LOVE this. You can enforce a reasonable rule nicely. 5. I was in the Dell Hall. Large, but not too large. I was in the front row so leg room was not a problem as it usually is for me, but I see for the future that there is ample room between each row so I won't have to worry. 6. The bathrooms were plentiful. You would think at a big event you'd have to wait in the ladies' room. NOPE!!! Alas, the single item that cost the 5th star. The chairs. Holy S--- were they hard and uncomfortable. You know what they felt like? Like you were sitting on a wooden pew at church. NO LIE!!! But all in all, an awesome place that I look forward to going to often in my time of living in Austin. read more

Tale of a date nite gone bad. Then....good! When I read Nathan I's fabulous reviews of the Trailer Food Tuesdays the Long Center was putting on, I immediately got online to find out more. I discovered that the one in Sept was also opening nite for "Rock of Ages" and I immediately bought tix to the show. Whatareyoukiddingme?? Dinner AND a show? Perfect *ominous music* or so I thought...... For those that have been married a looooong time, maybe you've experienced this phenomena. Sometimes when I talk to hubby, I think all he hears is Heybabybzzzzzchhhkeeeegibberbllllllzzzzzandtrpppppbrrrrrzzzzz, ok? And he nods and agrees. Maybe it's because I do throw a lot of social events at him as well. Unfortunately, on this particular day, even tho I'd reminded him of the event several times, he scheduled work til late in the afternoon. My hopes and excitement about hanging outside the Long Center, sampling trailer food, enjoying the beautiful sunset, began, as the evening wore on and he was later and later, to change into frustration then anger then panic that we wouldn't even make the show on time. I had read the LC website and some reviews that said to get there EARLY and so when he finally got home and ready, we hauled ass, him eating his Thai takeout in the car, me giving him the fuming silent treatment. He could have spiced up his dish with the hot anger that was oozing from my pores. As it was, we got to LC at 7:30 for the 8 o'clock show, had no trouble parking or getting in the door and they weren't even seating yet. I promptly ordered two glasses of wine from the bar (given in cups with lids and straws) and stood at the windows watching the sun set over the Trailer Food festivities. Hundreds of folks were milling around, eating from the likes of Nomad Dosa, Peached Tortilla, and Kebabalicious, drinking, sitting on the lawn and LC Rocks was cranking out some cheesy 80's rock (I think this was just for RoA opening nite) while the toddlers danced their disjointed rhythm-less moves in front of the stage. I sighed. Luckily for hubby, 80's rock is a cure-all. RoA had me giggling within minutes of David Coverdale telling folks not to be a dick and turn their phones off. By the time the cast covered Foreigner's "I Wanna Know What Love Is" end of first act, hubby tentatively put his hand on my leg, and I LET him. At Intermission I got another sippy cup of wine and midway thru second act, as the gayish fop was singing "Every Rose Has it's Thorn" I was holding hubby's hand. By the grand finale, I was snuggling up, leaning my head on his shoulder, singing along and having a blast. Journey (and wine) had once more saved the day. I would agree that the acoustics of the LC leave a little to be desired, altho for a campy fun musical like this, it was not too annoying. However, I couldn't help thinking how much funner that show would be at Zach Scott Theater which is so much more intimate and casual. Up in the balcony, I was surrounded by fuddy duds that just sat and watched with mouths slightly ajar when we should all have been up singing and pumping fists along to "We're Not Gonna Take It". Zach Scott is still my fave venue, but I would definitely return to LC for the Trailer Food Tues or maybe even another show.....probably need to find another date tho. Anybody?? read more

Long Center - Food Trailer fest - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

After growing up in Austin, attending ballets, concerts, operas (even my own graduation) in the Bass, it was nice to see the long awaited Long Center for myself last night when my girlpal Liz W. treated me very kindly to her extra ticket of Carmen. The seats aren't as comfortable as Bass. But that's about the only complaint in that regard. The aisles are wide enough so as not to be death traps like they were at the Bass, and for someone dressing up in four-inch-heels, that's a definite bonus. I always imagined plummeting to my death off the Second Balcony and stealing the show at the Bass... but guess that won't happen at the Long Center. The acoustics are much better: amazingly so. During the scene change between acts three and four of Carmen, we could hear the drills of the stagehands as they changed the set from the balcony. It might be a downside for trying to keep in with the magic of show and pretend it's not a constructed stage, but I knew what it was and was amazed by the clarity of the drills over the symphony; no matter, I'm not much for Bizet's music anyway. There are really no bad seats, from what I could tell. Maybe stage left or stage right on the balcony might be not as great as center where we were, but it still seemed the seats were pretty good. I'll admit the option of valet parking is pretty cool. It's especially cool when you are running late for so many reasons that the whole situation has become a matter of hysterical laughter or tears, and if you can make your friend happy just by handing some guy $12 to park the car so you can make it into the first act before they close the doors, it's very much worth it. It would be better if there were some reasonable way to take public transportation... but that has zero to do with the Long Center itself. The views are nice from the windows on balcony and mezzanine levels, from the balcony on the mezzanine level and the outside area. Austin looks like the city it is really starting to become and I enjoyed the view of the whatever tower that is on Lady Bird Lake across the way from the Long Center. My only real criticisms: it looks like the decorators were the same ones that Ikea hire year in and year out. What is with the metal and wood-paneling in everything that is trendy? City Hall is more original, and it's scary to say a public building is more creatively decorated than the Performing Arts Center. Well... at least they spent the money on acoustics. Maybe it's not the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, but for Austin, it's spectacularly good. read more

I just had a thought: I'll bring the second of two pumpkin bread loaves I'm baking to Symphony in the Park. Then that dream was promptly dashed as my brain recalled: it's no longer summer, and the warm Sunday nights spent with friends laying out on the lawn, sharing goodies, playing chess with my honey (and decimating him, if you will), are gone. My big band favorites, the foxtrots and tangos and grass-cushioned rumbas, the strings and the Gershwin numbers, are no more. Eight months to go. So I will eat the second pumpkin bread loaf alone to console myself. read more

The Long Center is great because to enjoy it means to enjoy many things both inside and out: it's various theaters from the Rollins Theater to Dell Theater (inside) to fabulous concerts and movies shown on their expansive lawn (Concerts In the Park and Sound and Cinema to name a few). Diversity is the name of the game here. The Long Center has speaking engagements, symphony, opera, dance, live theater and even live Tupperware Parties. Drinks and snacks can be purchased in the lobby beforehand but they are picky about what you can bring inside so be aware. There is plenty of parking in the parking garage and the cost of parking will depend on what you are attending. Support fine arts and visit this place often! We are lucky to have The Long Center in Austin. read more

I've been to a few different performing arts centers in different parts of the country (and been dragged to a few), and the Long Center stands out to me. Here's why: #1. WINE GLASSES. They actually serve wine in a GLASS. Not a little plastic party-cup with the stem you can pull out of the bottom. While I was waiting outside before the show I saw a guy carrying around a wine glass and mentioned to my date,"That guy has his wine in a glass. He must be a VIP!" Ha, imagine my surprise when they handed me my own. I'm an adult! I can be trusted with glass!! Ah the majesty. ha Seriously I've never seen this before, it struck me, so I rate it as #1. #2. Each section is accommodated with its own refreshment stand, restroom, etc. There are no crowds to fight or long lines to stand in throughout intermission and before the show. Our section had a bunch of tables and chairs that were actually available to us even though the house was full that night. #3. Reserved drink with your name on it you can claim at intermission, thus cutting down the time it takes for everyone to pay for their drink when you're on a 15-minute time budget. I don't know if this is standard practice these days or not, I've never seen it before. The girl even held my wine for me in the fridge because I hadn't finished it. Such awesome personal service! Usually these theatres are madhouses. That kind of thing means a lot. And the pinot grigio was pretty darned ok too! #4. The ushers. So nice and not stressed out! Super helpful and friendly. #5. I love the outside space. The layout and openness of it and the perfect view of our city's skyline, like it's centered right there for us to gaze on from where we stand. #6. Parking. Full house and we didn't get there early but parked close in the garage without issue and left with virtually no wait. Just waltzed in and out with the greatest of ease. I've seriously sat idle in parking lots for upwards of 30 minutes trying to exodus one of these places in the past. The theatre itself is nothing spectacular. By that I mean it's minimal yet tasteful, nothing ornate. But it serves its purpose well, acoustics are just fine, seats are comfortable enough if a tad cramped (what theatre isn't), and everyone has a good view from all sections. QUITE the improvement over its predecessor. Quite! read more

The Long Center has always been an enjoyable venue and today was no different as my wife, a couple friend of ours, and I enjoyed the musical Once. The musical was a hit and the venue provided a great atmosphere. The debate of ground floor vs balcony is a tough one but can honestly say that there is not a bad seat in house. A few extras that I always enjoy during my visits: the view of downtown Austin from the entrance of the Long Center and the staff that assists you with your seats and drinks. Good job to the ladies who provided my group with smiles and a walk to our seats! read more

There's not a bad seat in the house. However, they are all uncomfortable. The backs are stiff and they are narrow with insufficient arm rests. The acoustics are good. But the place is designed with Junior High School cafeteria colors. Good news is, the bathrooms are nice and there's plenty of them. read more

This place is almost as bad as the Austin Music Hall. Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the Long Center really does suck for the most part. The front patio is definitely the highlight of the entire place, awarding visitors with incredible downtown views. Hang out and enjoy the patio, because once you go inside, everything gets worse. If you ordered will call tickets, enjoy the wait at one of the 2-4 pick up counters (depending on the night). The stairs from the parking area up to the entrance are narrow and get backed up for popular shows, so allow ample time to get in. The ticket scanners (volunteers I assume) are slower than I-35 on a Friday afternoon. Once inside, enjoy a lengthy wait at one of the two cocktail bars per floor. Make sure you ask in advance what you can and can't bring into the theatre - wine may not be allowed for some reason. The bars close well before the show ends, or run out of everything you might want, so buy big early - poorly managed for certain. Once you make your way to a seat, it really goes downhill. They've managed to cram ~2500 seats into this place, so once you sit down, don't expect to get up for another drink or bathroom break without making every person in your aisle stand. The seats are even closer than at a UT game, but no one here is standing during the show. If you have the extreme misfortune of sitting along a divider (wall), you'll enjoy rubbing your knee caps on the wall for the entire show. Finally, once your show starts, listen carefully. The acoustics in here are really poor. Considering this was purpose built as a theatre, it really is hard to believe how bad it sounds in here during music or talk shows. Do yourself a favor and go to ACL Moody instead - it literally blows this place out of the water. Really disappointed in this venue. read more

The Long Center, and what it symbolizes, is part of why I love Austin so much and what makes this city so special and unique. You can pay under 20 dollars to sit up in the nosebleed section (I've literally sat 2 rows down from the last row in the entire theater) and it is still a GREAT view/sound. This means that even on my budget, I can still afford to go see ballets, plays, symphonies, etc. I've seen a couple of performances here and really enjoyed the experience. I'm glad that they now let you bring some beverages into the theater, but only certain things (white wine, not red) and only once they pour it into a plastic cup. Of course, prices are pretty high at the bar..but what do you expect? The diversity of the performances they offer is AWESOME--something for everyone. If you live in Austin, you should really take advantage of what the city has to offer. And that includes the Long Center. read more