Red River Turmoil

Two iconic Red River music venues could be closing their doors

Red River's Holy Mountain and Red 7 are successful live music venues that draw big acts and regular crowds. Why, then, are the two venues in danger of closing?

The same reason that many locals complain about living in Austin: rising rent prices.

The Austin Chroniclesaysthat Holy Mountain and Red 7 "being forced to close when their leases end October 1 remains a very real possibility," because of rent increases. Monthly rent for Holy Mountain and Red 7 is currently $5,500 and $9,000 a month, respectively. However, the rent prices for the next lease term have increased to $8,000 and $14,000 a month, figures that don't include real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, reports the Chronicle.

Holy Mountain opened in the former Beauty Bar space in October 2012, and Red 7 has been a fixture of the downtown music scene for nearly a decade. They are part of the Red River Cultural District, which is also home to the Mohawk, Stubb's, Cheer Up Charlies, Beerland and Red Eyed Fly.

"These are great stewards of Austin music and also good, rent-paying tenants, so we want them to stay," James Moody of Mohawk and Transmission Events told the Chronicle.

The loss of these high-profile venues would be a huge blow not only to the area, but to Austin's entire music scene.

"It's long overdue for the city to take a hard look at the risks to the larger local economy if those who made us the Live Music Capital of the World are forced to pack up their talents and head for a more hospitable environment," said Jennifer Houlihan, executive director of Austin Music People, in a statement.

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Sweater Weather

Busy Austin venue for games and drinks debuts a Christmas sweater pop-up

Photo courtesy of Punch Bowl Social

If you're not buying an ugly sweater at 2 am the Saturday before Christmas, are you even celebrating?

It doesn't seem possible, but the first ugly Christmas sweater shop for the 2024 season is about to open: It's The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop, and it's coming to a surprising location for a sweater shop: inside Punch Bowl Social, the restaurant bowling entertainment destination at The Domain, where it will hold forth as a limited-time pop-up during the holidays.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop will run from Friday, November 15, to Tuesday, December 24, during Punch Bowl Social’s regular hours: Sundays through Thursdays from 11 am to 11 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 am.

Guests can peruse an assortment of upcycled and brand new holiday sweaters, ranging in price from $15 to $40, while sampling seasonal cocktails and shareable dishes, not to mention the venue's holiday décor and games including bowling, karaoke, darts, and arcade games.

Punch Bowl Social drinks sweaters If you can't win at bowling, you can win at finding the weirdest sweater.Photo courtesy of Punch Bowl Social

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop was founded in 2013 by Dallas-based vintage clothing guru Jeremy Turner after he noticed a demand at his mobile thrift store. First covered by none other than CultureMap, his shop went on to become national news, influencing hordes of hipsters everywhere to embrace the sweaters in an ironic manner.

Turner took a multi-year hiatus during COVID but relaunched at Punch Bowl Social Dallas in 2023. In 2024, he'll expand to Chicago and Austin for the first time.

“Following the successful launch of the pop-up series last year, we’re excited to continue our partnership with Jeremy and The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop to spread some holiday cheer in Dallas” said Jencey Keeton, chief marketing officer of Punch Bowl Social. “During this year’s activation, we’ll be showcasing a collection of over-the-top holiday-inspired knits that are guaranteed to bring an extra touch of merriment this season.”

“I’m thrilled to be bringing The Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop back to Punch Bowl Social this year to inspire Dallasites to get into the holiday spirit,” said Turner. “Together, we’ve created a whimsical shopping experience that will be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the holidays.”

Punch Bowl Social Christmas snacks The snacks rival any Christmas party.Photo by Punch Bowl Social

In addition to the sweaters, Punch Bowl Social will be pouring cocktails, zero proof and punch, including To Me, You are Perfect, a fruit-forward punch served by the bowl or single cup; We Slept In!, a twist on the classic margarita; I Triple-Dog-Dare Ya, an old fashioned served with Ralphie glasses and a pickled filthy cherry and Son of a Nutcracker, an espresso martini also available in a N/A version, along with a variety of eats.

games fashion christmas holidays pop-ups