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."
Upcoming Events
Today's Hours
Cactus Cafe
| Comment | Time slot | Day | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. | ||||
Hours vary based on the academic calendar, University holidays, and break periods. View weekly hours.
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?
Contact Us
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@cactuscafeatxPipe brings a night of psychedelic rock to the Cactus Cafe this Wednesday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m., featuring You Have Wings and Dickie Lee Erwin. Expect driving drums, lush atmospheres and dynamic songs in our intimate campus listening room.
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@cactuscafeatxSet your week to live music on the Forty Acres:
Tues: Songwriters’ Open Mic Night
Wed: Pipe ft. You Have Wings and Dickie Lee Erwin
Thur: Retro Cowgirl
Sat: Marina Rocks
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@cactuscafeatxThis Week at the Cactus Cafe. Settle into summer with a full week of music on campus:
Tuesday: Songwriters’ Open Mic Night – 7:30 p.m.Instagram Post
@cactuscafeatxMARIS Live at the Cactus Cafe! Get ready for a high-energy night when MARIS hits the Cactus Cafe stage on Wednesday, Oct.
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@cactuscafeatxNEXT WEEK AT THE CACTUS!
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@cactuscafeatxJoin us Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. as Jimmy George returns to the Cactus Cafe.
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@cactuscafeatxSettle in for a night of jazz with B-Side Quartet at the Cactus Cafe on Friday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. Led by Austin drummer Kevin Witt, the group moves between trio and quintet formats, offering fresh interpretations, eclectic songs, history and storytelling while staying true to the hard bop traditi
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@cactuscafeatxTexas singer-songwriter and Americana artist Bryan Jack returns to the Cactus Cafe for his second show on Thursday, June 4. at 7:30 p.m.
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@cactuscafeatxKick off our summer season at the Cactus Cafe with Conrad Keely and Sweet Beast on Wednesday, June 3, at 7:30 p.m. Experience an intimate set from one of Austin’s most compelling songwriters in our cozy campus listening room.
Get your tickets now on our website at the link in bio!