Ego Death

Famous Austin karaoke bar may stop the music after 45 years

Ego's will be open until August 11.

The music may soon be put on pause at a popular, decades-old karaoke bar in Downtown Austin.

On Sunday, Ego's posted an announcement to Instagram, stating its tentative last day is Sunday, August 11. Today, August 5, the team posted another update that some of the issues were being handled, and the bar would stay open until at least the end of the month.

The original post read: "We're gonna be real with you. It's not looking like Ego's is going to be open much longer," the post said. "Right now we're taking it day by day while we wait to see if the landlord is willing to fix all of the pipes that keep collapsing, but it's not looking good since they plan on demoing the building at some point anyway."

The bar is located inside a building at 510 South Congress Ave. Ego's said it is the only business left inside.

If it is unable to find a way forward, the bar plans to host "one last big hurrah" to celebrate 45 years in business.

"This is an extremely emotional and hard time for everyone who loves this bar, especially the staff," the Instagram post said.

Hidden behind a gas station, the garage-like dive bar first opened back in 1979. Since then, it has become a central spot for karaoke among Austinites and tourists alike.

Ego's said it eventually hopes to reopen in the same area.

"The owner still plans on being in the new build when it happens, but unfortunately, we won't be relocating until then," the bar said on Instagram.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com. This version of the story has been adjusted by CultureMap to reflect an update from the bar since the publication of KVUE's article.

karaoke south congress closings

Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend

Photo by Shannon Shumaker

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Free festivities are promising an entertaining and budget-friendly few days ahead. Enjoy the spring edition of the famous Pecan Street Festival, now hosted at the Hill Country Galleria, or spend an afternoon grooving to live music outdoors on the lawn as part of the ongoing Concerts in the Park series at the Long Center. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, click over to our calendar.

Friday, May 8

Photo by Shannon Shumaker

The Flaming Lips will perform live at Austin Psych Fest.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar presents May Market
Explore and shop the work of nearly 200 regional artists and makers at Blue Genie Art Bazaar’s annual May Market. Inventory includes a range of wares like apparel, ceramics, body care, fine art, home decor, jewelry, and more. DIY card printing is also available on site on Saturdays. May Market is open through May 31. Admission is free and open to the public.

Almost Real Things presents "Touch the Art" opening reception
Give into your impulses at this unique exhibit that encourages touching of the artwork at Canopy Austin. Visitors can study and explore tactile, interactive work from over 80 artists showcasing pieces of all mediums. Tickets are on sale now. Admission is free for children ages 3 and under. Following opening reception, the exhibition will be on display through July 5.

Austin Psych Fest
Psychedelic sound and alt rock return to Austin for three days of otherworldly festivities at the Far Out Lounge & Stage. Fans can expect a weekend showcasing indie rock and psych bands on the rise alongside legends. The lineup includes performances by The Black Angles, La Lom, Thee Sacred Souls, and the Flaming Lips. Get more details on Eventim.

Saturday, May 9

Pecan Street Festival
An iconic annual Austin festival continues its programming at Hill Country Galleria. Highlights of the two-day spring edition of the Pecan Street Festival include live music performances, food vendors, craft stations, a petting zoo, carnival rides, an art market, and more. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Paramount 111th Anniversary Gala featuring Lukas Nelson
Celebrate the impact of the Paramount Theatre with an evening of entertainment and philanthropy. Anniversary gala festivities include a headlining concert by Grammy-winning artist Lukas Nelson, a menu crafted by Culinary Chair and Michelin-star chef Michael Fojtasek, and more music from the Love & Happiness Band. Guests are encouraged to don their best 1970s attire in celebration of the evening’s vintage, time-traveling theme. A limited number of tickets are available.

Sunday, May 10

Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park
Classical music fills the open air as part of the annual Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park series. This week’s show will feature music by the orchestra's string ensemble. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic dinners, lawn chairs, blankets, and beverages to the lawn at the Long Center for the Performing Arts for the most comfortable listening experience. The concert is free and open to the public. Shows continue through June 14.

Moody Center presents Romeo Santos and Prince Royce in concert
Latin music superstar Romeo Santos performs live alongside Prince Royce at Moody Center. The artists affectionately known as the “King of Bachata” and “prince of bachata,” respectively come to Austin in support of their 2025 joint album, Better Late Than Never. Get more details on Ticketmaster.

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