Empire Control Room & Garage is a event venue in Austin, TX. Open: Mon–Sun 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Average rating is 4.2 stars from 999 reviews. Website: https://empireatx.com/.
Empire Control Room & Garage
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A live band performing in a lively venue with an audience. — Empire Control Room & Garage
4.2 999 reviews Today 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Austin's Live Music Playground on East 7th

Two stages, outdoor vibes, and shows worth driving across town for, right on East 7th Street.

Live Music & Shows

Upcoming shows at this venue. Get tickets or add them to your calendar.

SEP25
Carbon Leaf
9:00 pm · Rock

About Us

606 East 7th Street has been pulling Austin music lovers through its doors night after night, and the crowds keep coming back. Empire Control Room & Garage runs two distinct stages under one roof, meaning you can catch a headliner in the main room and wander out to discover something completely new in the Garage, all on the same ticket. That kind of variety is rare, and regulars know it.

The outdoor setup is the real secret weapon. Fans who caught the Isabel LaRosa show raved about the shade coverage, the cooling fans doing actual work on a Texas summer night, and bathrooms that somehow stayed clean through a packed house. It is the kind of operational detail most venues overlook and Empire consistently gets right.

With over 999 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this is not a hidden gem, it is a proven destination. Acts like Los Retros and Xin Xin have graced these stages, and the booking consistently rewards people who pay attention to the calendar. Tickets are priced to make live music accessible, not a splurge, which keeps the crowd energized and the room full.

What We Offer

Empire Control Room hosts ticketed concerts and live events across two stages: the main Control Room for larger productions and the Garage for a rawer, more intimate experience. Both spaces are bookable for private events, label showcases, and touring productions that need a proven Austin room.

The venue runs a full bar program to keep the night going, with staff that reviewers consistently call friendly and attentive even during sold-out shows. The outdoor area provides breathing room between sets, a rarity for East Austin venues at this capacity. Parking is the one honest challenge on a busy show night, so the team encourages rideshare drop-offs for a smoother arrival.

Beyond concerts, Empire serves as a cultural anchor for the East Austin arts corridor, hosting everything from DJ nights to industry events. Check empireatx.com for the current calendar because shows sell out and the lineup moves fast.

Why Choose Us

Two fully operational stages mean you get musical variety that single-room venues simply cannot match.
Over 999 reviews and a 4.2-star rating confirm this is one of Austin's most consistent live music experiences.
Tickets are priced accessibly, so you can catch shows regularly without budgeting like a festival weekend.
Outdoor space with real shade coverage and working fans makes summer shows in Austin actually enjoyable.
Staff earns consistent praise for friendliness during packed, sold-out nights when it matters most.
Located at 606 E 7th St, Empire sits at the center of Austin's most active entertainment corridor.

Gallery

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What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐
5 months ago
"We had a great time here - we really did. It's was awesome to see Los Retros and Xin Xin live. If there's someone you want to see there, go. That said, it's not a great venue."
— James Toole
⭐⭐⭐⭐
7 months ago
"If it wasn't for the parking Empire would be a 5. The shows are reasonably priced and with the two stages you can get a little variety. The staff is always friendly."
— Bart Lee
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Came here for the Isabel LaRosa concert and it was AMAZING!!!! It’s a perfect outdoor venue with the perfect amount of shade covering and fans! The bathrooms were really clean and the AC was doing its job. The alcohol prices weren’t bad either! I definitely recommend coming here to see a concert cause the stage is a little smaller so it makes it more personal."
— Selena velazquez
⭐⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Empire Control Room & Garage smaller Austin venue. Since it's Austin lousy parking. Venue itself is an indoor garage complete with swing up garage door with outdoor overflow under a tent. We went in late May, and it was freaking hot. The staff kept coolers of water for free, so that helped. I went to the patio to cool off. Fortunately, there was a breeze. Once I felt better, I went back to the show. There are very few sitting options, so be prepared to stand for a while. I managed to snag a stool, and that made the rest of the show bearable. For the actual show, we came to see Los Campenesios, and the band was excellent. You can really tell the band loves their fans. Nearly 3 hours of music and awesomeness. The sound was excellent! The group had plenty of merch for sale and brought enough to last the entire show. All and all a good experience."
— Jeff Wilson
⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"Cool and small venue but it can get pretty hot, especially in the summer because it’s an outdoor venue. However the staff are really chill and kind. They have an outdoor bar with a good selection of drinks and the restrooms are clean."
— Kalia A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Empire Control Room & Garage located?

Empire is at 606 E 7th Street, Austin, TX 78701, in East 7th entertainment corridor. Rideshare drop-off is strongly recommended on show nights, as street parking in the area fills up quickly.

What is the difference between the Control Room and the Garage?

The Control Room is the main stage, designed for larger ticketed concerts with full production. The Garage is a more intimate, raw space that often features supporting acts or separate events. On many nights, both are running simultaneously.

How do I find out what shows are coming up?

The best source is empireatx.com, where the full calendar is listed. Shows frequently sell out, so checking early and buying tickets in advance is the move if there is an artist you want to see.

Can I book Empire for a private event or showcase?

Yes. Both the Control Room and the Garage are available for private bookings including label showcases, industry events, and private concerts. Reach out through empireatx.com for booking inquiries and availability.

Is the venue all-ages or 21-plus?

Age policy varies by event. Some shows are all-ages while others are 21-plus. Always check the specific event listing on empireatx.com before purchasing tickets to confirm the age requirement.

What is parking like at Empire?

Parking is the one consistent challenge reviewers mention. Street parking exists but fills fast on busy nights. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are the most stress-free option for arriving and leaving without hassle.

Does Empire have outdoor space and climate control for summer shows?

Yes, and it is a genuine highlight. The outdoor area features shade coverage and fans that reviewers specifically called out as making summer shows comfortable. The indoor bathrooms also receive consistent praise for staying clean during packed events.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens 5:00 PM
Monday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday Today 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thursday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Friday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM

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