Cheer Up Charlies

Queer bar & live music · Austin Red River

An indie stage, a big hillside patio and vegan cocktails: Cheer Up Charlies is the queer, women-run bar in the Red River live music district.

• ★ 4 out of 5 on Time Out
• Live music
• Patio with outdoor stage
• queer, women-run

Address

900 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701

Opening hours

Tue/Wed 5 pm–2 am
Thu–Sun 4 pm–2 am
Closed Mon

Crowd

very mixed, all genders, many queer women and students, mostly 21–35

Flirt factor

medium

Getting there

Red River St at 9th St in the Red River Cultural District, approx. 10-minute walk from 6th Street

What makes Cheer Up Charlies special

Cheer Up Charlies is queer-run, led by women and one of the most important independent stages in the Red River District. Inside there is a bar and stage; outside a large patio with its own bar, a slope of limestone rocks and space for food trucks. Dogs are welcome on the patio.

The programme includes bands, drag, dance nights, art events and readings. The bar is known for its plant-based cocktails with fresh juices and kombucha and a large selection of local beers. During SXSW and ACL it is one of the most sought-after venues.

Atmosphere and crowd

An open, very mixed crowd of queer women, gay men, non-binary people and music fans, many between their early 20s and mid-30s.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: OutxOut, Time Out (4 out of 5 stars). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.