The Paramount Theatre has stood on Congress Avenue since 1915 — an ornate, 1,273-seat historic theatre that is one of the most beautiful rooms in Texas and one of the most intimate ways to see a major artist in Austin. A show at the Paramount is not the same as a show at an arena or an outdoor amphitheater. It’s closer, more theatrical, and more personal — and the building itself is part of the experience.
This guide covers the history, what makes a Paramount show unique, the programming, tickets, parking, and the best hotels for a Congress Avenue show night.
History of the Paramount Theatre
The Paramount opened in 1915 as the Majestic Theatre, designed by architect John Eberson. It was purchased by Paramount-Publix in 1930 and renamed — one of hundreds of theatres the studio chain operated nationally during the golden age of Hollywood. Through the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s, the Paramount functioned as a first-run movie palace, one of the grandest in Central Texas. Helen Hayes performed here. Orson Welles appeared on its stage. The building weathered the decline of the movie palace era, survived several periods of near-closure, and was eventually restored and preserved as a performing arts venue.
Today the Paramount hosts over 250 performances a year — concerts, comedy, Broadway touring productions, film screenings, lectures, and special events. It is operated by Austin Theatre Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to preserving Austin’s historic theatres. Its sister venue, the State Theatre next door, is also part of the same organisation.
The Room
The Paramount seats 1,273 across orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels. The auditorium retains its original early 20th-century architecture — ornate plasterwork, a domed ceiling, the visual language of a civic building from an era when theatres were designed to feel important. Seeing a show here carries a different weight than seeing the same artist at a club or arena. The scale is human; the history is palpable.
The acoustics are suited to the full range of programming — orchestral performances, intimate singer-songwriters, comedy, and full-band rock shows all work in this room. The width-to-depth proportions keep the audience feeling close to the stage regardless of seating level. The Paramount is a case study in how a well-designed historic room outperforms purpose-built modern venues purely through geometry and intimacy.
What the Paramount Programmes
The Paramount’s programming is deliberately broad:
- Concerts — Rock, folk, Americana, jazz, country, and international acts that fit the 1,200-seat scale
- Comedy — Major touring stand-up comedians who sell out mid-size theatres
- Broadway touring — Pre-Broadway runs and national touring productions, often their Central Texas stop
- Film — Classic film screenings and special presentations, often with live accompaniment or Q&As
- Summer Classic Film Series — A beloved Austin institution, screening classic films in the historic theatre through the summer months
The programming mix means the Paramount can be the right venue for almost any kind of visitor. If you’re seeing a touring musician at a particular moment in their career — established enough to fill 1,200 seats, intimate enough that it isn’t an arena show — the Paramount is likely where they’ll play in Austin.
Tickets
Paramount Theatre tickets are sold through the official website at austintheatre.org. The venue is a non-profit; buying direct supports its preservation mission. Popular shows sell out — the 1,273-seat capacity means major acts with Austin fan bases move tickets quickly. The Summer Classic Film Series and special events are also ticketed through the same site.
What to Expect
- Reserved seating for most shows. Unlike many Austin venues, the Paramount primarily uses assigned seating rather than general admission standing.
- Bar service. The Paramount has a bar in the lobby and concessions. Drinks can be taken to your seat.
- Dress code. None — Austin is casual. But the building’s grandeur means you’ll feel slightly more occasion-appropriate dressed up.
- Arrive early. The lobby architecture alone is worth a few minutes of your time. The building is a landmark.
- Congress Avenue context. The Paramount sits in the middle of Congress Avenue’s cultural corridor — the State Capitol is a few blocks north, South Congress is a few blocks south across Lady Bird Lake. It’s the most central possible Austin location.
Getting There and Parking
Paramount Theatre address: 713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Congress Avenue is one of Austin’s most central streets, which means parking is competitive on show nights. Several paid garages operate within a few blocks on and around Congress. Street parking on Congress and the surrounding grid is metered. Rideshare drop-off and pickup on Congress Avenue is straightforward, and given the density of the surrounding area, it’s usually the most practical choice. Most downtown hotels are a comfortable walk from the Paramount.
Hotels Near the Paramount Theatre
The Paramount’s Congress Avenue address puts it at the centre of Austin’s downtown hotel district. Nearly every central Austin hotel is a short walk or short ride away. The closest options are literally steps from the venue:
- JW Marriott Austin — On Congress Avenue, a few blocks from the Paramount. One of the most convenient hotel-to-venue walks in Austin.
- Driskill Hotel — Austin’s most historic hotel (opened 1886), one block from the Paramount on 6th Street. Staying here for a Paramount show is the full historic Austin experience.
- Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta — On Congress Avenue, beautifully located for a Paramount show night.
- Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue — On Congress, easy walk in either direction.
- Hilton Austin — A short walk from Congress, large and reliable.
See our downtown Austin hotels guide for the full range of options closest to Congress Avenue and the Paramount. Our complete Austin hotels guide covers all areas.
Paramount Theatre FAQ
When did the Paramount Theatre Austin open?
The Paramount opened in 1915 as the Majestic Theatre, was renamed the Paramount in 1930 after being acquired by Paramount-Publix, and has operated continuously in various formats since — making it one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in Texas.
What is the capacity of the Paramount Theatre?
The Paramount seats 1,273 across orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels.
Where is the Paramount Theatre in Austin?
713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 — in the heart of downtown Austin, on the main corridor running from the State Capitol to Lady Bird Lake.
What does the Paramount Theatre programme?
Concerts (rock, folk, country, jazz, Americana), comedy, Broadway touring productions, classic film screenings, and special events. The venue hosts over 250 performances a year.
More Austin Music Venues
The Paramount is one of Austin’s great historic rooms. The city has more extraordinary venues across every scale and genre:
- ACL Live at the Moody Theater — 2,750-capacity downtown venue and home of the Austin City Limits PBS taping.
- Stubb’s Amphitheater — Austin’s iconic outdoor limestone-bowl stage on Red River, with Texas barbecue on-site.
- Moody Center — The 15,000-capacity UT arena for the world’s biggest touring acts.
- Continental Club — South Congress’s legendary roots and blues club, continuously open since 1957.
- Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park — Austin’s 5,000-capacity downtown outdoor amphitheater.