Cactus Cafe

Cactus Cafe The Cactus Cafe is a historic live music venue on the UT campus. Booking:[email protected] Please direct booking questions to [email protected]

This Week at the Cactus Cafe! Summer shows are here, and the Cactus Cafe is packed with music all week:* Tuesday, June 2...
05/31/2026

This Week at the Cactus Cafe! Summer shows are here, and the Cactus Cafe is packed with music all week:

* Tuesday, June 2: Open Mic Night
* Wednesday, June 3: Conrad Keely featuring Sweet Beast
* Thursday, June 4: Bryan Jack
* Friday, June 5: B-Side Quartet
* Saturday, June 6: Jimmy George

Make the Cactus part of your week and catch live music on campus. Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/

Texas native David Garza comes back to the Cactus Cafe on Friday, June 26 with TWO shows for his only shows of Summer 20...
05/29/2026

Texas native David Garza comes back to the Cactus Cafe on Friday, June 26 with TWO shows for his only shows of Summer 2026 — 5:30PM and 8:00PM!

A Grammy-winning artist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Garza has moved between intimate songs, studio production and film composition, working with artists from John Legend and Iron & Wine to Fiona Apple on her Grammy-winning album Fetch the Bolt Cutters.

Tickets are on sale today—grab yours before they are gone: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/266060

05/28/2026

Sneak peek at the first week of June at the Cactus Cafe!

One week until we're back. The Cactus Cafe reopens on Tuesday, June 2, with Open Mic Night kicking off our summer season...
05/26/2026

One week until we're back. The Cactus Cafe reopens on Tuesday, June 2, with Open Mic Night kicking off our summer season at 7:30 p.m.

To get on the list, email [email protected]

Come share a song, a story or just listen in our cozy campus listening room.

05/15/2026

Spend a June evening at the Cactus Cafe with Texas songwriter Bryan Jack on Thursday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m. Honest stories, Americana roots and a room made for listening.

Get your tickets now on our website at the link in bio!

UTEvents

The Cactus Cafe is taking a short break and will be closed until summer shows begin.We will be back in action starting J...
05/03/2026

The Cactus Cafe is taking a short break and will be closed until summer shows begin.

We will be back in action starting June 2 with a new lineup of live music. See you then at the Cactus.

Austin singer-songwriter Daisy O’Connor makes her long-awaited return to the Cactus stage after six years away from live...
04/30/2026

Austin singer-songwriter Daisy O’Connor makes her long-awaited return to the Cactus stage after six years away from live performances this Saturday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. Joined by Leslie Sisson, the songwriter and frontwoman of Moving Panoramas, the evening promises a rare, stripped down look into the raw beginnings of their craft.

While Daisy’s sound has evolved into dynamic folk rock, this acoustic set returns to her early folk roots for a special live recording. Following her is Leslie, whose songwriting serves as a cathartic, open hearted battlefield, shedding layers of the past to make way for a new solo chapter.

Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/261001

TOMORROW NIGHT! Talking Backwards, an Austin based indie rock band by way of Kansas City, brings their unique folk sound...
04/30/2026

TOMORROW NIGHT! Talking Backwards, an Austin based indie rock band by way of Kansas City, brings their unique folk sound to the Cactus Cafe this Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. Drawing from an eclectic mix of jazz, folk, and math rock, their music features complex mixed meters and overdrive that give their indie-rock foundation a technical yet melodic edge.

Fresh off the release of their sophomore studio album, 207, the group returns to the Cactus stage to showcase their latest evolution in sound.

FREE ADMISSION! Don't miss this one!

It’s our last week of music this semester before we take a break until June, so make your plans to spend it at the Cactu...
04/27/2026

It’s our last week of music this semester before we take a break until June, so make your plans to spend it at the Cactus Cafe:

Monday: UTalent Showcase
Tuesday: Open Mic Night
Wednesday: Colorado River Authority with Hillcountry
Thursday: Lila and Sofia
Friday: Talking Backwards
Saturday: Songwriter Session with Daisy O’Connor and Leslie Sisson

Come enjoy a full week of live music on campus before we pause for the summer break.

Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/

Spend your Saturday night at the Cactus Cafe with Michael Malone and friends, featuring Michael Longoria, Aaron Allen an...
04/22/2026

Spend your Saturday night at the Cactus Cafe with Michael Malone and friends, featuring Michael Longoria, Aaron Allen and Ben Irom. Enjoy an evening of live jazz in one of Austin’s classic listening rooms.

Cover is $5, and students get in free with a UT ID. Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/263019

See you at the Cactus.

Turn up your Friday night with Slid, Variety, New Strangers and Trashdog at the Cactus Cafe on Friday, April 24, at 7:30...
04/22/2026

Turn up your Friday night with Slid, Variety, New Strangers and Trashdog at the Cactus Cafe on Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. Slid returns from a year-and-a-half hiatus with noisy indie rock ready to rip, Variety joins the bill with their own high-energy set, New Strangers brings post-punk shaped by ’80s and ’90s indie, and Trashdog moves from grunge to baroque pop to post-punk, breaking down the drab into something electric.

Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/263392

As the semester winds down, make the Cactus part of your week on the Forty Acres:- Monday: TSLM featuring Steve Hughes (...
04/20/2026

As the semester winds down, make the Cactus part of your week on the Forty Acres:

- Monday: TSLM featuring Steve Hughes (free admission)
- Tuesday: Open Mic Night (free admission)
- Friday: Slid with Variety, Trash Dog and New Strangers
- Saturday: Saturday Night Jazz with Michael Malone

Get tickets for the Friday and Saturday shows: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/

Austin-based, vocal powerhouse Adi Rao brings his “Countryish” sound to the Cactus Cafe on Saturday, April 18, at 7:15 p...
04/14/2026

Austin-based, vocal powerhouse Adi Rao brings his “Countryish” sound to the Cactus Cafe on Saturday, April 18, at 7:15 p.m., blending country storytelling with the emotional depth of South Indian classical music alongside a full band. He is joined by indie/pop and Americana/folk artist Kohanna, whose songs feel like postcards from the many places she has called home, performed with her band of friends and collaborators.

Get your tickets today: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/262420

Don't miss your chance to see these five up-and-coming songwriters in Austin's best listening room!These songwriters wer...
04/14/2026

Don't miss your chance to see these five up-and-coming songwriters in Austin's best listening room!

These songwriters were selected from hundreds of local artists because of their raw talent, songwriting, and artistry.

This showcase only happens 3 times a year, and they are the MOST magical shows. With dedicated sound engineers, a full selection of craft beverages, and a spotlit stage, there will be no better vibe in town.

Featuring:
- Preston Hester
-Meg Lauren
-Michael Prysock
-Lieutenant Obvious
-Stefanie Mier

Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/262421

See you at the Cactus!

For artist previews and discount tickets, sign up here:
https://www.jakefarrmusic.com/parlorshow/

Celebrate the legacy of Billie Holiday at Wednesday Night Jazz on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cactus Cafe with Billie H...
04/14/2026

Celebrate the legacy of Billie Holiday at Wednesday Night Jazz on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cactus Cafe with Billie Holiday and the Art of Resilience. The evening features Pamela Hart (vocals), Michael Malone (saxophone), Adrian Ruiz (trumpet), Andy Langham (piano), Roscoe Beck (bass) and Joshua Berry (drums), exploring the music and spirit behind Holiday’s timeless work. FREE ADMISSION.

See you at the Cactus!

Lemongrass, the Austin-based duo of Sam Hodgson and Taylor Rae, brings their “sour folk” sound to the Cactus Cafe this S...
04/08/2026

Lemongrass, the Austin-based duo of Sam Hodgson and Taylor Rae, brings their “sour folk” sound to the Cactus Cafe this Saturday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. Inspired by Simon and Garfunkel, The Milk Carton Kids and Chaparelle, their layered harmonies and bittersweet lyrics lean into emotional depth, giving folk a sharper edge and a little more bite.

Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/262487

Find the sweet spot between Townes Van Zandt and Jimmie Rodgers when Texas songwriter Matthew Payne takes the Cactus Caf...
04/07/2026

Find the sweet spot between Townes Van Zandt and Jimmie Rodgers when Texas songwriter Matthew Payne takes the Cactus Cafe stage Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. A Dripping Springs native and longtime Austin educator, Payne brings songs from his debut EP Coyote Howlin Blues, an earthy blend of old-time country, acoustic blues and Appalachian folk that explores the human heart at its rawest.

Reserve your seat and get tickets today: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/261399

Step into a night where vintage sounds meet timeless songwriting at the Cactus Cafe on Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. B...
04/07/2026

Step into a night where vintage sounds meet timeless songwriting at the Cactus Cafe on Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. Bellingham, Washington duo Best Intentions bring musical saw, melancholy guitar and close harmonies that live where happy meets sad, weaving jazz standards, old blues and classic-sounding originals. They are joined by Central Texas’ Webster’s Ragtime Trio, a throwback string band that highlights the missing link between classic ragtime and early American string-band music, with touches of Tex-Mex fiddle, old-time and Hawaiian steel guitar.

Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/263015

Tonight at the Cactus Cafe! Texas Supports Live Music (TSLM) takes over the Cactus Cafe with Els Flora, featuring a Q&A ...
04/06/2026

Tonight at the Cactus Cafe! Texas Supports Live Music (TSLM) takes over the Cactus Cafe with Els Flora, featuring a Q&A and live jam session in one of the best listening rooms in Austin. Come hear the stories behind the music.

Lyrical and literary, singer-songwriter David Schaefer brings classic folk melodies to life with poetic turns of phrase,...
04/01/2026

Lyrical and literary, singer-songwriter David Schaefer brings classic folk melodies to life with poetic turns of phrase, vivid imagery and a voice reminiscent of Cat Stevens and David Gray. Inspired by the ’60s folk revival and contemporary writers like Conor Oberst, Gillian Welch, Sam Beam and Adrianne Lenker, he is a mainstay of the Austin songwriting community, with his debut album Beloved released in November 2024.

Catch David Schaefer live at the Cactus Cafe this Saturday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/261000

Rock ’n’ roll, punkabilly, blues and country all come together when Zoë Pete Ford writes American songs, the kind you ca...
04/01/2026

Rock ’n’ roll, punkabilly, blues and country all come together when Zoë Pete Ford writes American songs, the kind you can hear anywhere there is a car, a guitar and an open road. She joins Marley Hale at the Cactus Cafe on Friday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. for a night of raw, road-ready songwriting in one of Austin’s classic listening rooms.

Buy your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/261627

Texas-rooted singer-songwriter Ally Taylor takes the Cactus Cafe stage Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. Her debut solo al...
03/31/2026

Texas-rooted singer-songwriter Ally Taylor takes the Cactus Cafe stage Thursday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. Her debut solo album Hold the Line, recorded in Austin in 2024, blends country, Americana and roots rock and has spent more than 40 weeks on the Roots Music Report charts, currently sitting at No. 55 across Country, Americana Country and Texas albums. Known for performances marked by honesty, grit and pure fire grace, Ally brings that energy to the best listening room in Texas.

Buy your tickets now: https://universityoftexasataustin-cactuscafeandbar.thundertix.com/events/261624

Address

2308 Whitis Avenue
Austin, TX
78712

Website

https://linktr.ee/ut_unions

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