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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:00 p.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
- Instagram Post
@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.
Instagram Post
@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.
Instagram Post
@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 #MeetMeAtTheCactusInstagram Post
@cactuscafeatxSomething merry is moseying into the Cactus Cafe.
We’re bringing Texas twang and holiday fun to the season. Keep your boots on! Details coming soon!
#UTEvents #LiveMusic #AustinMusic #UTAustin #MeetMeAtTheCactusInstagram Post
@cactuscafeatxThis week at the Cactus Cafe! Spoken words, original songs and a Saturday acoustic set. Find your night and pull up a chair.
🎤 Monday: University Writing Center Open Mic
🎸 Tuesday: Songwriters’ Open Mic
🎶 Wednesday: Sriyam
🎵 Thursday: John Wheeler with Kenny MistrettaInstagram Post
@cactuscafeatxBurnt orange meets Halloween at the Cactus Cafe! Join us Saturday, Oct. 31, for indoor tailgating starting at 2 p.m., then catch Texas vs. Mississippi State at 6:30 p.m. 🎃
Enjoy drink specials and come in costume. Hook ’em!
Instagram Post
@cactuscafeatxA Friday night of Americana, country and roots music.
Sophie Gault and acclaimed songwriter, guitarist and producer Gurf Morlix share songs at the Cactus Cafe on Friday, Oct. 30, from 7:30–9:30 p.m., with special guest Garret Owen.
Instagram Post
@cactuscafeatxA little country, a little folk-rock and plenty of storytelling. Fugitive Visions & Jim Franklin take the Cactus Cafe stage Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., with special guest The October 28ths.
Make it a midweek music night in the Texas Union! Get your tickets now.
Instagram Post
@cactuscafeatxClose out October with live music, costumes and Halloween game day at the Cactus!
MON: “How We Grieve” — PBS docuseries screening
TUES: Open Mic + Costume Night 👻
WED Fugitive Visions & Jim Franklin + October 28ths