The Long Center for the Performing Arts

701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, USA

Address:	701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Phone:	+1 512-474-5664
Site:	thelongcenter.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Leila Rahil

Wow...so I have been to so many events at the Long Center that I cant believe I havent reviewed this fantastic downtown Austin venue until now! This fabulous venue is so mutli-faceted it is incredible! The plethora of events they host run a spectrum that very few other venues can boast! I have been to: -Broadway Shows -Local Theater Productions -Private Party Rental Space -International Culture Shows -USA World Cup Viewing Party -Summer Movie Series -Food Truck Trailer Tuesdays -Master Pancake Viewing Party -Swanky Fundraisers -Their Open House showcasing the many ways they use this facility Seriously, this venue has everything and anything that is art or culturally relevant to Austin and also has one of the best views of the skyline! It is just a fantastically stunning piece of architecture as well! Even if you arent coming to watch some sort of show here, you can come and cloudwatch from the sweeping lawn space in front of the terrace. This is the most versatile event venue in the city and one of my favorite places! Again, my only gripe w/most places in dwntwn ATX is parking...unless you have a pretty penny to pay for valet or want to dish out some dollars for the adjacent parking garage, you have to parking spot scout on the side streets; if you do, allow yourself an extra 30mins before your show!

david holmes

We loved the production of Greater Tuna we went to the Long Center to see, but management of the crowd, handicapped parking, and maintenance of the facility were dismal. They allowed multiple, large groups into the theater up to half an hour after the play started and one of the people they were trying to guide to their seats in the dark fell down the stairs. After the play we attempted to help an elderly, disabled member of our group get to the car. The placement of handicapped parking in the garage is bizarre and sparce. I had to park in handicapped parking on the 4th floor of the garage and when we arrived to the garage, the elevators were turned off. As I walked up to the 4th floor I saw multiple elderly people in distress and resting at each landing of the stairs on the way up. The member of our group had to stand at the entrance of the garage for half an hour and felt humiliated and embarrassed. The Long Center doesnt know its audience and really needs to shape up its operations.

carol eckelkamp

We attended the 2016 Texas Monthly BBQ Fest here. This is an invitational bbq extravaganza and worth the $80 ticket price for admission since the set up at the Long Center can handle the crowd of 4-5 thousand. Plenty of room on the concrete for vendor and table set up under large tents, which leaves the grassy area for giant tent structures and tables with shade-providing umbrellas for us to sit and enjoy our 12 bbq samples. Yes, we hit 12 of the 27 bbq pitmasters hawking the finest meat the Long Center has ever smelled! The walls should still carry that wonderful smoked-wood smell today, but I will not be able to prove that because Im still in a bbq coma from so much great food and drink. What a fabulous venue to gather with 4,000 other ticket holds and eat as much bbq as one can handle, wash it down with great whiskey samples and finish the day with Creamy Creation ice cream from Central Market. This is a jewel for Austin.

Jennifer Wisian

The Long Center of Austin is without a doubt, a work of art and a place of enjoyment for the people of Austin. The location of the building overlooks the beauty of Austin while the interior is awe-inspiring. While the parking lot is conveniently located, a helpful tip would be to back your vehicle into the slot when parking to leave easier after the performance. There is no bad seat in the house and the staff of the Long Center are extremely helpful and courteous. Whether you are visiting for a theatrical debut, a comedians schtick, or even to take in a movie on the lawn, you will not be disappointed.

Jillian Newman

Nothing bad to say here. I like the design, the huge interactive lawn-space and the events and shows that they feature. I guess if Im picking hairs I could complain about the slightly uncomfortable seats inside. Ive been to an opera screening, to hear a classical performance or two, to see Straight No Chaser (incredible show) and an Elton John cover band Anniversary Party. I have also attended the White Party on their terrace and in my opinion that is where the layout of the building, on top of a hill facing downtown, has some true magic.

A Private User

Well, this place is pretty great. Just went to the Bon Iver show here, and the acoustics in this joint are the best in Austin. If were the live music capital of the world, then this venue has the best sound for live music, in the world. Not the best logic there. My apologies. The staff is super friendly, just the same youd expect from a classic opera house, but in a great modern venue. Even if your favorite artist isnt playing here, definitely make the effort to come out for a show. Itll blow your socks off.

Whitney Magnuson

The Long Center is a beautiful Austin landmark as well as performance venue. We took our engagement pictures in front of their beautiful view of downtown and with several of their unique architechtural elements. Ive also seen several broadway shows here, most recently Rock of Ages, and always been impressed with the inside. Only drawback is the parking, which is a bit of a mess, especially on days when theres also something going on at the Parmer Events Center. Other than that, Im a fan.

Kevin V.

I saw Bon Iver in concert here and the box seats I had by the stage had an amazing view and the sound was excellent. My complaint about this venue for live music events is that they do not have enough bars and the 2 that they have are run by old slow ladies. Dont even bother getting a drink. Hit the water fountain by the restrooms instead. They also have lots of other great events here, like the Paris ballet opera that I saw earlier this year.

Keely Schaefer

Not only one of the best views in Austin, but also one of the best gathering places for Austinites! The Long Center has a great lineup of performances and tons of free community events like Trailer Food Tuesdays, Sound and Cinema, etc. Plus, I absolutely love the building itself, including the repurposed roof tiles from the original building that you can see in the Long Center elevators, complete with hail damage!

Shane Mayeaux

Incredible venue! No matter the event, if its going to be here, its going to be awesome! Ive always been impressed with anything Ive attended here and look forward to any other events that go on at the Long Center. I really enjoy this location, too! The parking is a breeze and there are a few awesome restaurants nearby (walking distance). If you have an opportunity to come by this place then seize it!

Sandi Lauv

The Long Center is an amazing place with Palmer event center and Auditorium Shores near by. I really enjoy their outdoor events such as the ERTH’s Dinosaur Zoo LIVE and Trailer Food Tuesdays. This is the place to be to see what the locals do in Austin. Bring your family, friends, and dogs out to these fun events. Share a quick bite and soak up the sites as the sun set over Austin.

Arron Ratcliff

Acoustics and the view are great. Everyone from the box office to the ushers have been extremely helpful. Parking can be easy going in but like every big event, exiting is a pain due to massive amounts of traffic. I would recommend this place to anyone wishing to view anything from normal orchestral concerts to completely eccentric events and everything in between.