Photo Story: Celebrating Austin’s Red River District

A visual record of one of our city’s most treasured neighborhoods, home to artistic communities

Written and photographed by Brian Couser

Hundreds of dives, bars and hideouts have thrived in the zone of Red River Street in downtown Austin throughout the city’s history. For decades, rebels have been attracted here and artists have created here. Punk rockers on the outskirts of the music scene found their home on Red River, and members of marginalized communities in Austin have been welcomed here as well. Gay bars became a safe alternative to 6th Street. African Americans pioneered music venues that were more culturally inclusive than others in the city. Artists from all walks of life welcomed disenfranchised Austinites to a place they could gather and celebrate their identities together, and that history is written into murals on Red River walls by the artists themselves.

The Red River District is at the heart of Austin’s creative scene.

A mural outside of Elysium Nightclub (705 Red River Street) documenting the history of the Red River District.

Christopher Stubblefield, or “Stubb,” was an African American veteran of the Korean War. He started his first business in Lubbock before finding a home in Austin, focusing on barbecue and blues music. Stubbs (900 Red River Street) is now one of Austin’s most famous music venues.

Hip-hop/soul duo New Fame outside The Main, a bar on 610 East 6th Street.

Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River Streer) has been one of the best known gay bars in the city. It opened in the ‘80s as an art and music performance space and was a primary force in bringing queer artists in Austin to the mainstream during the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Arlo’s Curbside Kitchen, a plant-based food truck serving comfort food right outside of Cheer Up Charlies.

Swan Dive (615 Red River Street), a lounge that hosts live music, dance parties, burlesque, and more.

Operating in a former auto body repair shop, Empire Control Room and Garage (606 East 7th Street) is a club that hosts hip-hop and electronic showcases as well as live DJ sets.

The Red River Cultural District food court.

True Blue Tattoo (607 Red River Street), open since 1992.