Empire Control Room & Garage is that place you went to, that perfectly crazy time, at the sweet spot of the night, when anything was possible.

Empire is a 15,000 square foot modern music space at 7th and Red River, boasting three unique stages – the former auto shop known as the GARAGE (1050 cap), the indoor CONTROL ROOM (350 cap), and the creekside outdoor PATIO (200 cap). It has quickly become one of Austin’s premier venues for artists performing in an intimate, unpretentious setting.

Only four blocks from The Convention Center, Empire has years of SXSW brand equity, hosts numerous conferences and corporate events annually, and is the home for unique private event experiences.

Brought to you by the creators of Sidebar and the event-smiths at Heard Presents, Empire is a modern music space and watering hole. A place to chill or rage, to build community or just absorb the constantly shifting visuals and surreal soundscapes. But above all else, Empire is dedicated to creating dynamic music events with the feel and ingenuity of warehouse style parties, all in the name of the fan experience.

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Had a great time last night – even got my knee dislocated! Hell yeah cant wait to come back! 10/10 would get assassinated on the floor here again
Jared W., 4 years ago
Last show was Big Boi and it was epic! Sound was run by the best in the biz, Craig Lawrence. With his attention to detail and experience he made that show sound truly amazing. Empire is a great venue and has some amazing staff!
Tommy F., 4 years ago
Great venue! Went for Summer Slaughter and the sound quality was good. The overall atmosphere was awesome. Good view of the stage from pretty much anywhere. Up front, it got super hot, but as soon as you step out from under the covering, great breeze to cool off with. Decently priced beverages, good area to sit down at; the inside bar area had great ac so if the breeze outside isn’t a thing, you can step inside to cool down. They had the big jug containers of water all around, so staying hydrated and coping with the heat was easy. It took me a while to figure out where the merch booths were, but once I found them, I was very pleased with the layout of the tables and the good view/display of everything. Great venue, awesome city, if a band you know, or any artist you know goes to Austin and plays here, you don’t have to worry about it being an iffy venue. Parking was super easy and nearby! That was actually a very important concern that was quickly resolved. Go here!!!
Armando B., 5 years ago
Cool smaller venue where we had the pleasure of seeing Fleetmac Wood. Bar had lots of options and decent prices. Staff was friendly and we were able to get right up front for the show. Definitely not the coolest place temperature-wise on a hot day, but at least you’ll sweat out anything you drink.
Nikki M., 5 years ago
I’ve seen many concerts here and this place is one of my favourite smaller venues downtown. I love the two-stage setup, and most of the time when I’ve been here for a show, they take full advantage of that and will have one band playing indoors, and another playing outdoors. It’s great to have the option of going to check out the other stage, maybe the vibe sucks outdoors or it’s too hot to stay inside.

The employees are also very friendly, even when they’re super busy. They’ve got a sweet bar with tons of options. As someone who isn’t really a big drinker anymore, the vape option they have (had? last time I went, it was out of order) is a nice alternative. And it’s not overpriced and you definitely feel a buzz.
Katie D., 5 years ago
ery cool spot to watch a show. Saw the expendables here. VIP area…plenty of bartenders keeping the drinks pouring. Not that big which makes for an intimate venue, so you’re up close to your favorite bands.
Rob M., 5 years ago
I’ve been told that there are a lot of music artists in Austin. Thus, there are also a ton of live shows. I came here during my trip, not really knowing what to expect. If I recall correctly, there were two stage areas. One was smaller, had a more intimate vibe. The garage stage area was pretty cool and way bigger. I don’t remember who performed the night I went, but it was definitely a good time.

I also liked all the wall art all around the buildings. They also had some local vendors who were showing their wares and handmade items. I thought that was pretty cool, too.
Erin H., 5 years ago
Empire Control Room; literally translated to “the essence of Austin.” With 3 different venues in one, every friendly face you’ve ever met or dream to meet gathers here any given night. This place lifts up the local musicians, embraces the underground scene, & completely understands how to utilize their lighting, visuals, & sound system to get the absolute best out of the space. My favorite venue for bringing out of town friends. 10 out of 5 stars.
David B., 6 years ago
Really good place to watch music, they’ve got an inside and outside stage, and good hang out area outside, good bar, I love the bands they book, good local music, nice people, good prices, good location, A plus.
Margaret W., 7 years ago
Come for the music and stay for the amazing lights and visuals displays. This place has some seriously talented tech guys! I have seen some very cool shows at this venue.

The security and bartendering staff are friendly and drinks are affordable and definitely powerful. Empire is very much what an out of towner thinks of when they imagine the Austin music scene and I love that it delivers so much more than they walk in expecting.
Trudie B., 7 years ago
Now that they have done a little remodeling and got the outside up to par, I love the place. It has a nice open flow to it. I came to the Do512 app launch party here and it was great. Never really a line to wait for a drink and all the bartenders are great and make the drinks strong. Also the stage outside is great for small shows. Not a bad few anywhere. I also love the separate patio/smoking section they have so people are trying to light up right there next to you during the concert. Any who, I look forward to more shows here and enjoying the new Empire CRG
Casey S., 7 years ago

LostinAustin

With a tent stake planted firmly in the underbelly of Austin's downtown life.

Empire Control Room

Y’all Out Boy – Austin’s Pop Punk & Emo Cover Band

Empire Presents: Y’all Out Boy on 4/01

Phoneboy at Empire on 4/04

Two Another – Austin, TX

Two Another – Back To Us Tour

Empire Presents: Badfish – A Tribute to Sublime “Shark Attack Spring Tour 2023” on 4/15

Empire Presents: Dreamworld w/ Mosacato J, WhoLovesRashan and BBY EATH, Sounds by Oscar2Saucy

Resound Presents: Elise Trouw on the Losing Sleep Tour at Empire on 4/16

Empire Presents: Bumpin Uglies w/ Kyle Smith

Taylor Rave – A Taylor Swift Rave (Austin)

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Empire Control Room

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