Esther’s Follies has been Austin’s most beloved live entertainment institution since 1977 — a weekly variety show combining political satire, Vegas-style magic, musical comedy, and vaudeville that has been compared to Austin’s own Saturday Night Live. It runs on 6th Street, it’s been running for nearly 50 years, and it’s unlike anything else in Texas entertainment.
This guide covers the show format, the history, the schedule, tickets, and where to stay if you’re making a night — or a weekend — of it.
What Is Esther’s Follies?
Esther’s Follies is not a comedy club. It’s a full theatrical production: a live variety show that blends political satire sketches, professional magic illusions, musical comedy numbers, and sharp topical humour into a tight, fast-moving 90-minute show. The material is rewritten every week based on current news, politics, and entertainment gossip — which means no two shows are exactly alike and regulars come back month after month.
The show was co-founded by Shannon Sedwick and Michael Shelton on April Fool’s Day, 1977 — and both founders still perform regularly. Ray Anderson has served as the lead magician for over 36 years. This is not a rotating cast of touring comedians; it’s a company of performers who have built something genuinely rare: a living, breathing, weekly theatre institution that has survived for half a century on 6th Street.
The name is a tribute to Esther Williams, the Hollywood actress and competitive swimmer. The venue itself sits on East 6th Street with a glass front wall that opens onto the street — passers-by can literally watch the show from outside, which has become one of its signature quirks.
A Brief History
Shannon Sedwick and Michael Shelton founded the troupe in 1977, originally performing in various Austin venues before the original building burned down in 1982. After years of moving between 6th Street locations, the company settled into their current home in 1991 — the same address they’ve occupied for over 30 years.
Through four-plus decades, Esther’s Follies has survived the transformation of 6th Street from local music corridor to tourist entertainment district, remaining genuinely rooted and locally driven while everything around it changed. It’s been covered in the national press, spawned alumni who went on to careers in film and television, and become one of the defining cultural institutions of Austin — alongside the bats, the music, and Barton Springs.
The Show: What to Expect
Esther’s Follies is a fast-paced variety show. In a single evening you’ll see political satire sketches that feel ripped from the week’s headlines, polished magic illusions that would hold up in Las Vegas, musical comedy numbers, physical comedy, and audience interaction. The tone is irreverent but smart — more SNL than slapstick, more political cabaret than stand-up.
The cast meets weekly to pitch new sketches, songs, and bits based on current events. What plays in February will be different from what plays in October. This weekly renewal is part of what has kept the show alive and relevant for nearly half a century — it’s always about now.
The venue’s glass front wall creates a unique atmosphere: you’re performing (and watching) in a theatre that opens onto one of Austin’s busiest entertainment streets. People walking by on 6th Street can stop and watch from outside. It sounds gimmicky; in practice it gives the show an electric, alive quality that feels specific to Austin.
Show Schedule and Tickets
Esther’s Follies runs five shows a week:
- Thursday: 7 PM
- Friday: 7 PM and 9 PM
- Saturday: 7 PM and 9 PM
The show closes for certain major Austin events — check the website before booking during SXSW or ACL Festival weekends.
Tickets are sold through the official website at esthersfollies.com/tickets. The show regularly offers discounted tickets for specific performances — at the time of writing, limited $20 seats are available for select Friday late shows. Unlike Austin’s major comedy clubs, Esther’s Follies has no drink minimum.
Food, Drinks, and the Venue
Esther’s Follies has a full bar and serves freshly popped popcorn and snacks inside the venue. Taqueria Las Chismosas is accessible from the courtyard for pre- or post-show food. With no drink minimum, you’re free to have one cocktail, several, or none — the show doesn’t depend on mandatory consumption.
The show is generally appropriate for audiences aged 18+, with content comparable to late-night television: politically edgy, occasionally ribald, but not adult-only. If you’re unsure about a specific performance, contact the venue — the weekly nature of the material means content levels can vary.
Getting There and Parking
Esther’s Follies address: 525 E 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701
The venue is on East 6th Street, which means you’re in the heart of downtown Austin’s entertainment district. Parking on 6th Street itself is metered and can be difficult on Thursday through Saturday evenings. The Convention Center Parking Garage at 601 E 5th Street (one block away at 5th and Red River) is the most convenient paid option — typically around $10–15 for an evening. Rideshare drop-off on 6th Street is straightforward and often the most practical choice.
Hotels Near Esther’s Follies
Esther’s Follies sits squarely in downtown Austin, which puts it within walking distance of the city’s full range of central hotels. This is one of the easiest entertainment venues in Austin to build a hotel night around — you can walk from your room to the show and back without a car.
The closest options are on and around Congress Avenue, just minutes on foot from East 6th Street:
- Hilton Austin — Large, central, and reliably walkable to the 6th Street entertainment corridor.
- JW Marriott Austin — Premium option on Congress Avenue. The rooftop bar makes it a natural pre-show choice.
- Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue — Well-located 4-star option, a short walk from Esther’s.
- The LINE Austin — Boutique hotel with strong Austin identity, a short stroll from 6th Street.
- Hotel Van Zandt — Music-influenced boutique hotel in the Rainey Street area, close enough for an easy walk.
For a full rundown of downtown options at every price point, see our guide to downtown Austin hotels near 6th Street. If you’re comparing areas, our complete where to stay in Austin guide covers all neighbourhoods.
Esther’s Follies FAQ
What is Esther’s Follies?
Esther’s Follies is a weekly live variety show in Austin, Texas, featuring political satire, magic illusions, musical comedy, and vaudeville-style entertainment. It has been running since 1977 and is one of Austin’s most iconic cultural institutions. It’s located at 525 E 6th Street.
How long has Esther’s Follies been running?
Esther’s Follies was founded on April Fool’s Day, 1977, making it nearly 50 years old. Co-founders Shannon Sedwick and Michael Shelton still perform with the company.
What nights does Esther’s Follies perform?
Esther’s Follies runs Thursday at 7 PM, and Friday and Saturday at both 7 PM and 9 PM — five shows per week. Check the website for closures during major Austin events like SXSW.
Is there a drink minimum at Esther’s Follies?
No. Esther’s Follies has a full bar but no drink minimum — unlike most Austin comedy clubs.
Where do I buy Esther’s Follies tickets?
Through the official website at esthersfollies.com/tickets. Discounted seats are occasionally available for specific shows.