Today's Hours
Cactus Cafe
| Comment | Time slot | Day | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. | ||||
Hours vary based on the academic calendar, University holidays, and break periods. View weekly hours.
An Austin tradition
An intimate listening room and bar since 1979, the Cactus has acquired a national reputation showcasing top local, regional, national and international music acts. Among them: Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffith, Alison Krauss, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Townes Van Zandt, Bill Monroe, the Chicks, and the list goes on.
Billboard magazine has listed the Cactus as one of fifteen "solidly respected, savvy clubs" nationwide "from which careers can be cut, that work with proven names and new faces."
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@cactuscafeatxLet the saxophone set the mood for your Saturday night. 🎷🌵
Join acclaimed saxophonist and composer Michael Malone for Saturday Night Jazz at the Cactus Cafe on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Free with a UT student ID!
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@cactuscafeatxSharp lyrics, soulful melodies and a little wry humor. 🎶
Austin artists Leila Sunier and Jessica Healey share the Cactus Cafe stage Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m., bringing indie sounds, folk, jazz and soul to your Friday night plans.
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@cactuscafeatxRaised in Midland and rooted in Texas songwriting, Brandon Hudgeons brings a lifetime of chasing songs to the Cactus Cafe. 🌵🎶
Join us Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. for Brandon Hudgeons featuring Matthew Payne. Pull up a chair and settle in for an evening of songs and stories!Instagram Post
@cactuscafeatxThis week at the Cactus Cafe 🌵🎶
Tuesday: Open Mic
Thursday: Brandon Hudgeons, featuring Matthew Payne
Friday: Leila Sunier & Jessica Healey
Saturday: Saturday Night Jazz with Michael Malone
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@cactuscafeatxA little Texas twang, a whole lot of holiday cheer. 🌵✨
Introducing Prickly & Bright, the Cactus Cafe’s first holiday pop-up bar, Dec. 1–18, 2026! Our longtime music venue is getting a festive makeover with holiday decor, themed drinks and photo ops.
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@cactuscafeatxPut a little soul in your Saturday. 🌵
Malford Milligan and Tin Cadillac Acoustic take the Cactus Cafe stage Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. An eight-time Austin Music Awards winner for Best Vocalist, Milligan brings a powerful voice rooted in soul, blues and gospel.
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@cactuscafeatxSome songs give you a little room to reflect. 🌵
Spend Friday, Nov. 6, with Jeremy Nail ft. William Harries Graham at the Cactus Cafe. Nail’s thoughtful songwriting and atmospheric sound explore the weight of the past and the possibility of moving forward.
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@cactuscafeatxPlumbing pays the bills. Picking tells the stories. 🎸
John Wheeler brings his candid songwriting and traditional picking style to the Cactus Cafe on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m., with fellow Austin-area songwriter Kenny Mistretta opening the night.
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@cactuscafeatxYour diary could never sound this loud. ✨
Austin singer-songwriter Sriyam brings her diary-to-anthem sound to the Cactus Cafe on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. Grab a friend and make it a midweek music night! 🌵🎶
#UTEvents #LiveMusic #AustinMusic #UTAustin #MeetMeAtTheCactusUpcoming Events
View all Events
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Saturday November 14, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale now!
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Tuesday November 17, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmRecurs: Weekly on Tuesday, 7:30 - 9:30pm until Tue, Nov 17 2026Location:Cactus CafeFree Admission! Original music only. Music starts at 7:30 PM.
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Wednesday November 18, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm. Free Admission!
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Thursday November 19, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 6:30pm. Show at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale now!
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Monday November 23, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale 6/30/26 10:00am.
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Monday November 30, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale now!
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Thursday December 3, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale now!
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Friday December 4, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Saturday December 5, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale now!
Event StatusScheduledDate and time: Wednesday December 9, 2026, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmLocation:Cactus CafeDoors at 7:00pm. Show at 7:30pm. Free Admission!FAQs
How do I get to the Cactus Cafe?
The Cactus Cafe is easily accessible using Capital Metro north & southbound routes including the 1, 801, 803 and various others. Please consult their website for times, fares and stops.
If you are taking a cab or a ride-sharing service the closest & safest intersection to be dropped off is the east side of 24th & Guadalupe. That will leave you on the north side of the Union. Enter the Union and walk south and take a right at the Union Coffee House. The Cactus is in the southwest corner of the Texas Union.
Where can I park?
Parking on the University of Texas campus is restricted for those with a UT Parking Pass. When attending shows at the Cactus we suggest using one of the parking garages that are conveniently located across Guadalupe from the Cactus. These include the UT Co-op garage at 2214 San Antonio Street or the San Antonio garage at 2420 San Antonio Street. Please see posted signs for garage parking rates.
ADA accessible parking is available in front of Hogg Auditorium with proper permits only. There is a limited amount of metered parking on campus so please make sure to read all signs.
All other Campus Parking is permit-only (except in metered and designated areas). Additional street and metered parking is available on Guadalupe for a fee.
Can minors attend performances?
Yes! The Cactus is an All Ages venue, so bring the whole family!
Can I host an event at the Cactus?
Yes! Please contact us at cactuscafe@utexas.edu to check on availability for your upcoming event.
Does the Cactus Cafe serve food?
A variety of catering options are available for special events.
What is the camera, video recording policy?
You can use your phone or camera to take photos, but please NO FLASH photography, it is very disruptive to the artists. Filming for personal use or social media is generally acceptable, but it is up to the artist’s discretion. We are part of the University of Texas and we must adhere to their filming policy which you can find here.
Does the Cactus have an ATM?
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