The Paramount Theatre

A friend took me to The Paramount Theatre last weekend to see Brokeback Mountain. Parking downtown on a Saturday night was easy breezy. The crowd of patrons were trendy, friendly, fun, and enthusiastic in their appreciation of the venue, pre-film entertainment, and the film itself. Remarkable evening, truly. This historic venue was clean, well maintained, and well managed. Without exception, the staff were all on their game, ever willing to be helpful, accommodating, polite, and of great service. The architecture is honored and well preserved, and there are plenty of stories to fill one's heart and mind, should they appreciate history as such. The schedule of events/films is outstanding, thoughtful and creative, in pulling together a great roster of content, talent, and knowledge Locals and travelers to Austin should not miss what's available here at The Paramount Theatre!

Fantastic place to see an old movie or stage show. This is one of the gems of Austin's performance culture. They put on a fantastic movie party reception for a local organization we're part of. Discount parking is available across the street. There are several great bars and restaurants nearby, a few of which offer discounts with a Paramount ticket (like Caroline).

We have been the Paramount Theatre every year for the Banff Mountain Movie Festival. It is always a pleasure to visit this historic place in downtown Austin. It was stablished in 1915, and is still a working theater. It has been home to famous performances including Harry Houdini. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They would point out interesting facts when I was taking pictures of the original fixtures and the vintage decor in general. The sound is great and seats are comfortable. It is is a good size venue but still has an intimate feeling to it.

We were here for the Idina Menzel show and enjoyed our evening. The theater is a bit small, and there are parts where you exit. You need to be careful as the street exit is raised and a hazard. Overall, nice theater and staff were very friendly

Well, this is just a gem of a venue. All the staff are sweethearts; most of them volunteers, many are retirees. The theatre itself is old and restored, feels like a bit of the past, especially if you dress up. Calm concerts, old films, stand ups, etc. I've seen everything from Gone With the Wind to Ira Glass to Buena Vista Social Club. Parking is nearby and can be had for $10 with validation, and there are many surrounding restaurants that offer a 10 to 15% discount when you show them your tickets. (Don't forget to show it, like I always do!) Special shoutout to Carey, a prince of a floor manager. Always makes the event extra special.

This was my 1st time seeing a performance here (I was meant to back in 1997, but couldn't make it). What a lovely, GRAND theatre space. The staff and ushers were great and SUPER helpful and the historic decor was just lovely.

We had a great time at The Paramount Theatre. Boney James was performing, and the experience was fantastic. Parking was easy to find, we located our seats effortlessly, and leaving after the show was a breeze.

We recently attended the Carbonaro: Lies on Stage show featuring Michael Carbonaro in his touring, one man magic/comedy act. My wife had snagged two tickets a few months earlier in the balcony section for half the price of the orchestra section. As fortune would have it, two weeks before the event she injured her knee and had to rely on crutches as assistive devices for 6-8 weeks until the internal injury heals naturally. We began to wonder how our upcoming Paramount experience would be, with her on crutches. Negotiating crowds may pose problems due to parking, climbing stairs (there are no elevators in this historic building) and just general movement using crutches. Note: if you have a similar situation call the theater BEFORE the show to let them know so they can arrange accommodations. When we finally arrived at the front door of the theater EVERYONE associated with the venue, from security to the bartender to the ushers, were extraordinarily nice and accommodating with my wife and her mobility problems. Rather than have her/us climb stairs to our assigned seats, the usher escorted us directly to the orchestra section, approximately 8-10 rows from the stage, to two aisle seats. Wow! We had a great view of entire show, which was top notch, BTW. Thanks again to the entire staff at Paramount. And I highly recommend the Carbonaro: Lies on Stage show. It's 90 minutes of fun, magic, laughter, comedy and surprises for the entire family.

I watched Home Alone at the Paramount at it was so much fun from arriving at the theater, pre-show entertainment, and drinks. The faux-snow outside made our arrival feel like a real winter. The Austin Gay Men's Choir was so entertaining and talented. It was so special watching Home Alone in such a big, beautiful theater. There were so many families and it was so funny listening to the crowds' reactions to the movie and the kids quoting lines from the movie. I plan to come here again for more movies and other shows.

The Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, stands as a beacon of cultural significance and historic charm in the heart of downtown. Opened in 1915, this beautifully restored venue has maintained its old-world glamour while embracing modern technology to deliver world-class performances. Whether it's a film screening, live theater, concert, or comedy show, the theater's architecture--complete with its Spanish Colonial Revival style--transport guests to an era of elegance. The ornate details of the grand lobby, with its crystal chandeliers and rich décor, set the tone for the unforgettable experiences that await inside. Walking into the Paramount is like stepping into a piece of history, with its vintage ambiance and commitment to preserving Austin's artistic roots. As one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the country, it has hosted countless legendary performers and events, from Hollywood stars to cutting-edge independent filmmakers. The venue's dedication to nurturing Austin's creative community is evident in its wide range of programming, showcasing everything from indie films to high-profile performances. For many, attending an event here is a rite of passage, a chance to be part of a cultural legacy. For those seeking a truly eye-watering experience, the Paramount delivers not only on the performance front but with its impeccable sound and acoustics, making it a standout for any event. The intimate setting allows for an engaging connection between performers and audience, while the stunning visuals on the big screen or stage create an immersive experience. Whether you're a local or visiting Austin, the Paramount Theatre is an essential destination for anyone who appreciates rich cultural history, top-tier performances, and an atmosphere of unrivaled charm.

Beautiful music in a charming place. From purchasing tickets online to getting by checked in was a breeze. Moreover, the breeze when you walk in is very refreshing. It's a comfortable environment to enjoy whoever you are headed to see. I went with a group from My afro-latin dance classes to see the Bueno Vista Social Club. They were amazing, and they allowed dancing in the aisles. Fantastic live music, or one of their unique seasonal events, the experience is always memorable. The theater's historic decor is breathtaking and adds so much character to the space. From the intricate details of its century-old design to the nostalgic charm of its ambiance, it's worth visiting just to take in the beauty. Despite its age, the venue is clean and well-maintained, with ongoing renovations to modernize the space while preserving its historic charm. The staff consistently deliver exceptional service, creating a warm and welcoming environment for every visit. Seats can be smaller, and vibe is laid back... some people will talk through the whole opener band, so there isn't a super proper etiquette about the place.

Excellent venue. We san Shen Yun and it was incredible and amazing! I've been meaning to attend on of their yearly show and I'm so glad I finally saw it! It was out of this world and as good as they say it is! You need to see it and you won't be sorry! Worth every penny!

Had a great theatre outing to watch Dog Man the musical. A very historical theatre, so you can feel the age of the theatre in the seats. But it's beautiful inside and views from the balcony were great.

Una experiencia única vivida, estuve en este teatro en un show de Michael Jackson y fue increíble, el lugar muy cómodo, los baños muy lindos antiguos y limpios , los precios de lo comestible muy buenos no tan caros, y también venden bebidas calientes como Caffe y chocolate, no solo bebidas alcohólicas

We saw Ani DiFranco here last night & have seen several concerts, shows & productions over the years. It's a great date, concert or family entertainment night venue. It's so beautiful inside & out & fun just to visit the theater to soak up the history, beyond the show you might see. There are fancy ornamental balconies & colorful paint with the velvet old-fashioned seats. Even the bathrooms are cool to see for the historic architecture. As for our particular concert (& concerts in general), you'll never have a bad seat since it is a smaller space. The sound & lighting are professionally done. There are a couple of cute little bars to pick up beverages. There are lots of people to help you find your seat. Getting in & out of the venue was quick & easy. The venue had discounted parking outlined in the emailed link to access tickets. There were tons of options to get food downtown & it was surprisingly not too crowded on a Thursday night. Overall, it was a fun night & I will look for more shows at the paramount. Support this little gem.

A wide variety of acts with consistent 5 star service. Friendly works both paid and volunteer. Gorgeous place and a plan for improvements in the near future. When you are there check out the 1930s Paramount decor the lamps, the gold embellishments, the ladies bathroom upstairs. Also look up near St Cecelia, patron saint of the arts, there's a small hole left from when Houdini performed there in 1916. Lovely place!

Stunning theater in the heart of Austin. Whenever there's a film festival, speaker, or comedy show, and sometimes a play or two in town this is the premiere venue. It' hosts many world premieres as well during SXSW. I've been here for several comedy acts and even saw Anthony Bourdain here. There a clear bag policy these days so be sure to come here before the start of the show to avoid long lines. Also if you come here early you can enjoy this classic venue and the art work on the ceilings and throughout the building.

Went to see a film premiere during SXSW 2024 and managed to get in as one of the last groups. The last seats left were in the upper balcony in the back. I managed a seat on the walkway so had lots of legroom and had to crane forward and up to see over the railing from the seats ahead (but that's because I'm short). Was so fun to watch a movie with 1200+ people but anytime the audience collectively reacted it would drown out the next line of dialogue. Seats were fairly comfortable but close together. In the back 20 rows on the balcony, I felt like some of the smaller things on screen were hard to read (text messages on phones) and even with 3x zoom on my phone it was hard to make out all the details on the faces of people on the stage. If you don't have 20/20 vision, you won't make out details from this far back.

It's a classic venue for all your comedy standups, movie screenings, summer classic movie series, winter classic movie series etc etc I love going here!! It's beautiful! They have popcorn, drinks and everything you need to have a good time! If you haven't been to paramount in Austin - I highly recommend it!!

The Good: :: it's a local business! :: it's been around for a VERY long time...over 100 years old (opened in 1915) and has a lot of historical significance in this city :: great small theater vibe that feels intimate :: love the original decor and aesthetics of the theater :: staff are very friendly and are very supportive of the theater :: they run great events during the year that as custom programs (e.g., Panic at the Paramount for Halloween, Summer Classic Film series, etc) featuring great movies and events around them (e.g., Elf Pub Crawl before the film shows) :: great comedy, live music, film, and other shows at the theater. get on their mailing list and be first to find out what shows are announced! :: tickets are all digital now, which makes it super easy to manage your tickets as well as transfer tickets to people :: they offer discounted parking at the parking deck located at 155 W 7th St. you must purchase an exit voucher from the Paramount Box Office or bar before your show to receive the Paramount parking rate ($11 currently for some shows, $6 for other shows) :: they offer snacks, candies as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at concessions :: being a member of the Century Club is a great way to support the theater. additionally, you get all kinds of great perks with the membership! access to opera box seats, dibs on front row seats when available as well, concierge care, holiday party invite, gala invite, member-only drinks before the show, and much more The Bad: :: seats are on the smaller side as it's an older theater. however they are renovating and modernizing the theaters! The Ugly: :: none Would I go back? 10000% yes! It's my favorite theater to see comedy shows, seasonal films, unique performances, and much more. This place is near and dear to my heart and I am a huge fan of its presence in our city! This place is IN.

I truly adore the Paramount Theatre. It's always set up nicely and no matter what I'm going to see, the staff is going to be an absolute delight, the venue is going to be clean, and the vibes are going to be lovely. Husband goes every year during the Texas Tribune Fest. He said it's consistently good and he looks forward to something that they host every time. My favorite was when my husband and I went to see Videodrome. There were posters available, which was great as we didn't know we would be able to get any swag. The showing opened up with a fun host giving us a quick run down of the film. A surprising amount of people hadn't seen the film at all yet! PLUS before the feature they showed us a short film by a local film maker! It was hilarious and I didn't expect it. This nonprofit is always putting out new events and opportunities for local artists. The Paramount is also great for seeing old obscure movies you can't get anywhere else. It's a great date spot too! Please please do yourself a favor and make your way out to the Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts.

My wife and I saw the Band of Heathens here last night. Excellent show! Fair ticket prices. Easy in and out, with parking on the street within a few blocks. Good sound quality. These folks put on a great show. Sat in the mezzanine, second row, a little too far to the right. But, if you can get toward the center in the first three rows of the mezzanine, I think the value, site lines, proximity to the stage, and acoustics, are well worth the money For most concerts at this iconic venue. Bathrooms can get crowded -- long lines -- at intermission.

We have been the Paramount Theatre every year for the Banff Mountain Movie Festival. It is always a pleasure to visit this historic place in downtown Austin. It was stablished in 1915, and is still a working theater. It has been home to famous performances including Harry Houdini. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They would point out interesting facts when I was taking pictures of the original fixtures and the vintage decor in general. The sound is great and seats are comfortable. It is is a good size venue but still has an intimate feeling to it.

I saw Ari Shaffir as part of the Moontower comedy festival. Paramount is an essential Austin landmark and plays host to many premieres during the sxsw festival. It has an old school look to the interior and architecture and it has a smaller intimate feel to the venue. Definitely a spot I would go back to see another show or event.

Delightful first experience at the historic Paramount Theatre seeing Please Don't Destroy (SNL comedy team). The show was supposed to start at 7:05, but they didn't start letting people in from the line that formed around the block until about 6:50, seemed disorganized. People were still trying to enter, get drinks, and find seats after 7pm so the event had to start a bit late, but didn't hinder the performers schedule or our experience really. They had audio and speaker use from the house that went pretty flawlessly for all of the entertainers that night. In such a small space right up in the entrance is the bar, but the drink line is efficient! They have a short, but wide ranging list of wines, ciders/non alcoholic, beers as well as special premade cocktail options and regular bar options. We ordered Live Oak can options. Our seats were in orchestra row J. The seats were pretty spacious for an old theater and the room was a nice chill from the air conditioner in the hot summer air outside. Because it's an old building, the bathrooms are extremely small and very ugly and outdated so it took awhile to get through that line in the end, but otherwise a great time.

The Paramount feels like an old-school opera styled venue, from the antique marquee outside, to the red velvet seat and curtains, and the painted ceiling. Floor seats are on a slope, and there are more seats on the balcony/upper level than the lower. Rows are tiny, if you decide to sit on the balcony on the first row, expect to have your knees to your chest! I'm only 5'1 and even I was struggling! Beer and wine are offered, with traditional overpriced theater styled snacks (candy, chips and popcorn). Restrooms are small, dated and includes a powder room in the women's restroom. Parking - since this is located in downtown Austin, expect to stress to find street parking or find an overpriced parking lot/garage.

Listening to Wes Moore. And Nancy Pelosi. Great speakers at tribune festival.comfortable seats.

I was meeting some friends here for the Bored Teachers Comedy tour. Entry was easy and quick. Ladies-there is a bag requirement-check the website. (Tiny bag or clear bag) There was a sweet woman named Sarah helping everyone enter the building safely and efficiently. I'm not sure what her title was but she was super friendly and seemed on top of her game. :) Our seats were up in the balcony. I tend to always get a seat down on the floor. These view was not bad but man the seats are tiny or have I gotten bigger since 2020?! ;) I'm 5'7" with pretty long legs and my knees were practically touching the seat in front of me! It's such a beautiful theater. I always love coming here for shows. :)

Very nice theater. The wait staff was really nice and the ushers are very kind and polite to show you to your seat. Bathrooms are excellent also

I am so glad I had the opportunity to attend a screening during SXSW as it finally gave me a chance to explore the Paramount Theatre. After a little sleuthing, I was pleasantly surprised to discover this theatre is a non-profit and hosts countless opportunities for the community and youth. The theatre itself is gorgeous and that alone for the architecture should encourage you to check out the space when you can. They have a packed calendar so make sure to check it out. This theatre has been around for over 100+ years so you can be in awe of the beauty and stature it holds. This bar is one of the best theatre bars I've ever seen. They have a solid liquor portfolio and plenty of snacks to munch on. Of course there's something nostalgic about a popcorn tub. There isn't cupholders but plenty of row space to get yourselves situated comfortably. Came here with my partner and it was the perfect ambiance for date night. I'll be looking for another reason to come here again! I still daydream about the stories this gorgeous space holds.

I've been here twice. Both were for comedians. The theater is small, but big enough to hold many people. They don't have designated parking, but there is a parking lot nearby that will be $10. You do have to get your ticket from the bar or the ticket office when you arrive. When you leave the parking lot you just use that ticket to leave. We had our entrance tickets download it on our phone. It was easy to walk in and just get scanned. We were directed towards our seat by the usher. The seats were nice and comfortable. We were sitting closer to the stage, but most of the seats are in a good location. They do have several bars. As you can expect, the drinks are not cheap, but comparable to most entertainment venues. They also have snacks. They are movie size candy boxes and chips. $6 each. The restrooms are dated and there was water all over the floor in the stalls the day of the show. Not sure if one of the toilets were leaking. The surrounding area has a lot of different restaurants and bars. You can definitely get food and drink before or after.

Wow! My first time at the Paramount was fabulous! It really does feel like you are stepping back in time...it is so imagine the glitz and glamour! A friend asked me if I wanted to see Joseph and I'm so glad I said yes! They were absolutely amazing and I can't wait to see them again. Unfortunately we missed the opening act Flyte because the parking garage recommended on the website was actually closed for a street festival. So we ended up doing a "big bend, parliament" type of tour around downtown looking for parking. Next time I will be sure to check to make sure the parking information is correct! The sound was muffled in the back under the overhang so I will try the balcony seats at the next show. The Paramount is showing popular 80's movies this summer so I hope to catch my favorites. Besides the parking issue, the only other con is that the bathroom lines are way too long.

We attended the Banff Mountain film festival tour here and what a delight! This was my first visit to the Paramount and it was as so lovely. Beautiful design, comfy (enough) seats and great staff (although I'm not sure who was event staff versus theatre staff.) I'll definitely keep an eye out for other events hosted here. Great evening.

The staff at this venue 100% know what they're doing. I went to a concert here that sold merch and they were able to corral excited shoppers into an organized line that snaked around the relatively cramped space. Really impressive. They also controlled the flow of people exiting after the show, directing some lines through an alternate exit and blocking off access to the staircase to prevent overcrowding through the main doors.

Old, but charmingly beautiful theatre. Very well staffed to help you find your seat and a couple of bars throughout to help service bar drinks and snacks. NOTE- I sat in the upper right balcony (Row T) the seats were very small- Im 5'8, 200 lbs and I felt like a monster sitting a very tiny seat. The seats are not "plus size" friendly. I know some theaters offer "bigger" seats on the floor then the balcony so maybe the floor seats offer more room, but I'm just speaking from my experience in the balcony. I felt very much on top of the person sitting next to me- the seats were very close together. A very "crammed" feeling.

The grand dame of Austin's performing arts spaces, the iconic Paramount has been welcoming audiences for over a century. There is simply no other venue in town with the "special something" that you can soak in here. Steps from the Capitol and around the block from rowdy Dirty 6th, you're in the center of the downtown entertainment action, but also in a portal to another time. If you're going to call yourself an Austinite or have proper exposure to our town, you simply must visit. I moved to Austin from Deep East Texas in 1990, and I'd never before experienced anything like the Paramount. Upon my first show, I was in love. Here was the epitome of a truly FANCY theater like those I'd glimpsed in movies all my life, with the antique marquee out front, the gold leaf-adorned decorations inside, the exclusive boxes at the sides of the stage, the red velvet seats, and the magnificent painted ceiling. I could imagine the finely dressed couples of a bygone era attending the opera, or classic film stars on a big screen. The idea that so many people from other decades had enjoyed themselves in that same room gave me an extra thrill. Thirty-plus years later, yes, she's old, out of ADA-compliance (as a historic venue), without potty parity, and in need of ongoing special care, but The Paramount is still one of my favorite places to listen to a revered artist perform. I'm on the mailing list to ensure I get early notification of ticket pre-sales, and I'm online at least 10 minutes before the sale starts to ensure I get my preferred seats in the 2nd row of the Mezzanine. If you have the extra cash to do so, you can also join the nonprofit's Members Club to get even earlier ticket access and other perks like parking and pre-show VIP receptions (depending on membership level). We usually make early dinner reservations at one of the good restaurants nearby and make a big night of it. Easy-walking options include Higher Ground, Quattro Gatti, Roaring Fork, Caroline's, or the Driskill's 1886 Cafe. If you don't eat beforehand, there are a few "movie theater" snacks available at each bar to tide you over; see the menu here: https://www.austintheatre.org/menu/ Don't miss the Walk of Fame stars on the sidewalk before you enter, and take plenty of time to scan the exterior facade for other Easter eggs. Once inside, notice all of the plush fabrics, elegant chandeliers, and creaking wood sounds underfoot as you climb stairs or cross the carpeted floors. That hole in the ceiling next to Saint Cecilia's painting? It was made by Houdini! Is that a ghost in the alcove? Maybe.... Know before you go: - Bars are cashless. - Clear bag policy in effect. - Park at 600 Congress for $10, or use Park Whiz app or Park ATX app to find a good spot. Even better, take rideshare. If you have accessibility concerns, call the box office in advance for arrangements at (512) 474-1221 or check out their Accessibility Info page at https://www.austintheatre.org/visit/accessibility/

Some friends and I went to watch Seth Myers and had an absolute blast. Our seats were not close to the stage but we still had very good views and of course he was hilarious so there's nothing to complain about - besides the fact that I was having such a good time that I forgot to take proper photos. The building is beautiful and historic, staff are nice and crowd control is pretty solid. I definitely recommend watching a show here.

So conflicted about this place. We saw Herbie Hancock here. We were in the middle of the orchestra level. The theater is a smaller intimate space. The sound was great. The lights were very unassumaing. The space itself needs some sprucing up, lots of banged up or broken off plaster bits at eye level. It isn't as ornate as I'd imagined, given its vintage. Our biggest issue was the bar. Drinks were very watery and overpriced. My husband asked for a double but the server refused to fill the drink to anywhere near the top of the small plastic cup. We'll return but we'll enjoy drinks somewhere else.

What a great venue. However, last night at the Napoleon Dynamite show the volume was far too loud - to the point we covered our ears some of the time. Ridiculous! I cannot imagine what the person in charge was thinking. It really almost spoiled an otherwise fabulous time. Also, the a/c was not a steady temp. We got too warm at times. All in all, the show was great but the setting was not handled well. That makes it hard to rate. I do hope someone from the Paramount reads this and corrects what appears to be easy fixes.

I believe the venue can make the concert just as much as the band can make the experience. I've been to over 200 shows in my lifetime ranging from stadiums to hole in the wall bars, you name it. So, when I get the opportunity to see a band I haven't seen in over a decade at a new intimate venue I jumped at the chance. While most don't know Toad the Wet Sprocket, they're a successful 90s band probably known to most from their "Friends" song. However, I've been with them since Fear, their first album. Ok, back on topic, I had to google Paramount Theatre as I've never been there. The parking seemed easy enough and the pics had me salivating. Walking up, I got this old-time vibe as if I were a ragtime dancer wanting to do the Charleston in a speakeasy. Paramount's façade speaks from an elegant bygone era with a certain dignity and class that's not easily replicated in today's modern establishments. There's the tall vertical sign with bold lights showing you the way to the entrance with dapper fluted half-moon ornate window accents beckoning the wayward traveler. While it has a couple matching buildings to the right, almost trying to mimic the Dock Street Theatre (sorry I'm from Charleston & Dock St is the oldest theatre in America) it sticks out like a welcome thumbs up. Walking up is a time warp. Ushers are there dressed for the occasion and always smiling! After getting through the doors there's a huge tanned wood bar that runs the length of the room with attentive barkeeps in front of a well-stocked and debonair barback. Drinks were being slung (in my case water as I don't drink alone) and it seemed everywhere the eyes looked, there's details to be taken in. From the ritzy patterned carpet, the inset ceilings, columns with multiple layers, paintings, gold trim, you name it. The real prize here is all the little things that truly make this special as opposed to a stadium which has a different function thus feel to it. There are the bathrooms might I add and well, don't expect a high level of pampering rather... a functioning bathroom. There's my first comment about bathrooms since Buc'ees and hopefully my last. The people I would say are very nice and I chatted and made friends with someone who was cool as heck. Moreover, we sang all the songs together and we've since been out to a bar or two. That said people are always the product of the band so if you're coming to see a band like GWAR I would think the experience might be a weeeee bit different. Oh, you wanted to know about the place were you actually see the show, you know the reason you're reading my long-winded review? I guess I'll indulge you this once or 251 something time as per my other yelp reviews.... The auditorium is wonderful and the seats are comfy. Not much elbow room but that's pretty much standard. The level of detail in on the balcony, walls, stage and so on are second to none. This is a place that softly screams elegance while not being overbearingly pretentious. I'd advise taking a moment just to look around, gather in the surroundings and appreciate the level of detail the architects put into the facility. As for the sound I was in the "M" section middle of the row and the acoustics was dynamite! The reverb (or sound bouncing back) was a minimum, I could hear distinct parts of the band, ie the bass was more prevalent in my right ear while the rhythm guitar stroked my left ear. The only problem I can think of is if you're three apples high and have a green giant in front of you, the eyes might be impaired (bonus if you get the two 80s references there). Overall this is a great venue to catch whatever you fancy as entertainment. "From cars to planes to video games, it's the best Austin concert hall there is...." Oh wait I'm mixing in ToysRUs there. In all seriousness this is a place you can feel safe and enjoy many different experiences Paramount has to offer. You'll be pampered and for at least a moment forget about your worries and enjoy the good life.

What to say? Tremendous Austin venue! Terrific variety of shows every season: vocal performances, variety shows, comedy, movies--and so much more! Great season ticket holder benefits too (nudge nudge public). As it is a historic theater, if you've never walked in before, please be prepared for short steps, stairs in the theater with inadequate railing, and small seats with limited leg room. I don't say this to dissuade you: I think it's reasonable you be prepared.

Came here with a group to see Deon Cole as part of the Moontower Comedy Festival and really enjoyed the show. Paramount is a mid-sized theater in a bustling part of town. Nothing larger than a wristlet was allowed for bags, unless it was completely clear, and they still checked contents. There were only two bars on the second floor but the servers worked fast, so the line wasn't bad though it met the top of the stairs. Our seats were in the balcony, and while the view was great it felt a bit tight. Forgot about that once the show started and had a great time overall.

I've spent more time than most Okies at the Paramount, thanks to my many years at SXSW. But my time at this storied venue has been for premieres and screenings. Recently, that all changed when I got to see the Punch Brothers with Bela Fleck for their quick tour, My Bluegrass Heart. It was so powerful to see such talented performers at such an amazing venue. After so much time spent seeing live music in Austin in my 20s at 30s, (The Wombats on the rooftop at Maggie Mae's, Okkervil River at a private party, The Bravery at Buffalo Billiards, Old 97s at La Zona Rosa, Silversun Pickups with Cage the Elephant, Local Natives at Emo's, Black Keys at Emo's, and the BEASTIE BOYS in a surprise show at Stubbs, I could go on and on.. I know, my life is a movie) it is a little shocking I had never seen a live show at the Paramount. Worth the wait, to be sure. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. It was so acoustically perfect, you could hear the light tap of the performers shoes as they kept the beat. It was so friendly (even though I didn't know a soul), I felt like I was part of a community. They didn't know I was a tourist (and a Sooner at that!). I was just into the same band as them, and that was all that mattered. My outfit, haircut, makeup or cool factor didn't seem to be of concern. Maybe the crowd is the reason I love this venue so much. It was like high church. If aliens had landed here, and seen this audience, they would have thought these musicians were our actual gods. The reverence, the hushed awe - it was like people were afraid to breathe at the wrong time. OKC will never be a live music town like Austin, mostly because our audiences will never be as truly rapt and gripped as the audiences here. We're all still playing a role, performatively into the show, but mostly into ourselves. We'll keep talking loudly over the opener, girls in big dumb hats cackling over the instrumental, coming to the show more for the Instagram post than the insanely talented musician baring her beautiful soul before the crowd. Boys who desperately miss the frat house, who immediately turn into a college kid when you hand them a domestic beer in a plastic cup. I've seen Dawes and Death Cab, Modest Mouse and Jason Isbell, Ra Ra Riot and so, so many more in my hometown, and been absolutely mortified to be in the same crowd as these loudmouth show boats and glamourous gas bags. So maybe, live music for me, is just meant to be here, on Congress Ave. Before, a cocktail at Higher Ground. After, a quiet meal at Jeffrey's, or street meat while people watching, or room service at my hotel. Maybe I've always known I'd be better off seeing my favorite bands well south of the red river. Maybe, live music in my 40s and beyond is just this much nicer, more pleasant, more connected to the performance.

Attended the "Moontower Comedy Fest" last night, 4/19, to see Jordan Jensen who never performed! Paid for tickets, convinced my 7 month pregnant friend to come, went to dinner, got overpriced drinks, for her not to perform. No email from Paramount saying she wasn't any longer performing, no refund, no apology? So thanks for stealing my money and wasting my time. Will never do anything associated with "Paramount Theatre" ever again.

Been seeing shows here for as long as Tommy Emmanuel has played. First time to see Tommy here, with Brad @ Dottie, Kris and our host Bri.

I felt like I was robbed for $45. TLDR: I paid $45 for the Ferris Bueller event and the entire thing was a frickin ripoff with aggressive staff that felt intent on robbing you. I basically paid $45 to watch an old movie. Details: I went for the Ferris Bueller screening that was advertised as a "screening with Alan Ruck". He's a famous star and one of the stars of the movie. When you walked in, they said he'd be doing a Q&A after the movie and had a section where you could write questions to ask him. There was no meet and greet. No autograph session. No ability to get a photograph. The interview happened after the movie and was just an ego trip for the staff member interviewing him. I saw many of the questions people wrote, and very few were asked. Alan himself was clearly caught off guard by the odd and often lame questions the interviewer asked. Afterwards, Alan generously stood by the stage and started doing autographs and photos. People lined up respectfully, about 30 people, and Alan was enthusiastically engaging. The staff ran in like cops interrupting a protest and said "if you don't have VIP tickets, please leave." There were no vip tickets. They were sold to staff of the theater in advance and unavailable to the public. They grabbed Alan and hurried him away and kicked everyone out of the venue. We literally paid $45 to watch a movie, hear an ego trip from a staff member interview a famous star for 15 minutes and have no ability to interact with the star, who was clearly interested in interaction. I've never felt so robbed and seen such a naked cash grab. I actually successfully disputed this with my credit card company and urge other attendees to do the same. I love the movie and Alan was great. This is purely the venue ripping people off. Edit: ticket was $35 but $12 in service fees

I won tickets on a radio show to see Ray Wylie Hubbard and this was the venue for it. It was totally random and I didn't think I'd win but I did! Thanks Sun Radio. We found street parking around the corner and went up to the box office to claim our tickets...which they could not find. It seems someone somewhere messed up and they never got a ticket request. The ticket man was super kind and gave us tickets anyway, apologizing that happened to us. He saved our night! We got in no problem and found our seats, which were quite comfy albeit they didn't have cupholders. It was super old-time glitzy theater inside, just like it looks outside. The bar had lots of snacks and drinks to choose from, and the bartenders were super nice. My husband tried their event special, "The Cowboy Twinkie" and I got a house margarita. Both were great! Overall, a great experience and I am so glad I finally got to come here. I definitely would recommend any Austinite or visitor to make it a goal to come here at least once!

I bought tickets to see Joe Pera at the Paramount months ago and being that it was my first time I was pleasantly surprised! The architecture is beautiful and well preserved it takes you back to a time when the theatre was a fancy night out! Well my friend wanted to go with me to the show and booked a seat on hour before the show near me in orchestra, almost in the very back row. Her seat ended up being occupied by someone already and after checking both tickets the staff had realized they'd double booked the seat. Luckily the manager Cheryl offered her and I third row seats near the front! The view was perfect! As was Joe! I love him he is honestly an amazing wholesome man! The venue had 10$ special orders parking across street, that you could purchase at the bar along with drinks and snacks; I got and old fashion the whiskey selection surprisingly good!

This review is mainly in praise of the summer classic series which is incredible. To be able to see the old black and whites in large screen is truly a joyful experience in the age of streaming. Paramount is a beautiful theater with very friendly staff.

I had heard about this theater since moving from Chicago to Austin, but always thought it couldn't shine a light to the legendary Chicago Theater. I was surprised that I enjoyed Sunday so much. The Summer Classic Movie Series is such an excellent concept - classic movies in a vintage theater on a historic street. The ushers were so cute and welcoming, the seats weren't too uncomfortable, the screen and sound were great, the air conditioning was on a bit high, but there was no bad seat really. I agree that some of the side seats in the orchestra section are obstructed by the hang of the balcony seating and should be marked partial view. And for a movie, you don't want to be too up close. So the theater alone wasn't wow, but the complete experience was sweet.

One of my favorite places in Austin. I typically come for the Summer Film Classic Series they have. Sometimes, big acts like Dave Chappelle come by that you can't miss. Great service. Get a popcorn, mix in some peanuts M&Ms, and get their signature Pink Lemonade with a shot of Tito's. You can't go wrong. Stop by and support what makes Austin great!

LITERALLY THE LEAST COMFORTABLE THEATER SEATS OF ALL TIME. To be clear, due to their excellent programming, beautiful theater, and lovely staff, this would be a five star rating if it were not for the fact that their seats are so intensively physically uncomfortable that I have to miss almost every wonderful thing that they have there because it's too painful to sit in them. I don't know what the deal is, but I am 5"4' and the leg room is so painfully small for me that I don't know how anyone else is doing it. The story I got on it was that they re-did the seats a while back and made the rows closer together to try to smoosh a few extra rows in there. I'd be interested to know how much money they have lost due to people refusing to attend shows there due to the pain versus the extra money they made from selling the extra seats, but I'm guessing that they did not come out ahead.

Beware of this segregationist venue. They require their customers to submit to getting an experimental medical procedure to enter the venue or provide proof that they submitted to being tested for a disease so deadly that they wouldn't otherwise know they had it. The manager, Chip, let me know the venue was doing it to protect everyone. When I stated the obvious truth that the "vaccine" is not capable of protecting anyone, including and especially the one who agreed to join the government's experiment, he replied that they only required it because the artists want it for their safety. This, of course, is a lie. I know many artists and told him that artists don't like it at all. Then he said he actually meant that LiveNation wants it. LiveNation is a massive corporation that is forcing compliance because they can. They require the artists to remain in a "Covid bubble" throughout their tour as though they were circus animals, let out of their cages to perform before being locked away for the night. But Chip was lying then as well. I attended a LiveNation concert three nights ago that requires neither submission to experimental medical procedures nor proof of tests for a disease I don't have. Chip finally admitted that he was just trying to stay in business, which is the sort of sniveling admission one gets from men so weak that they would approve of segregation rather than standing up for human and civil rights. Paramount Theater supports segregation, pure and simple.

I absolutely love the Paramount! Walking in is like going into the past. It is magnificent. With a charming lobby to buy drinks (including alcohol) and snacks. This historic theatre has been the venue for so many of my favorite events. The Summer Classic Series is always wonderful. You can beat the heat and get the chance to see movies on a big screen that you may have never had the chance to see. They put so much thought and time into preparation for each film, with history pamphlets, souvenirs, even fun photo opps! Each film is introduced with a warm welcome, a bit of history, facts about the film, etc. This theatre has been kept in its original form. Just gazing up at the ceiling you can imagine what your great grandparents saw when they went to a show. It's enough to make you want to dress up!

I have been to this Theater twice now and thoroughly enjoyed the performances. The theater itself is not very large; seating was comfortable, however, there were no cup holders for your cocktails. I was highly disappointed to find out they required vaccination or a negative Covid test; however, I was pleased that we were not required to wear masks while seated.

Went to the Paramount Theatre last night for the premier of A Quiet Place Part 2. Was very impressed with how they handled entry to the theatre. They had you scan a QR code to fill out a health survey upon arrival and show your confirmation at the time of ticket scanning. Temperatures were also taken and I'm not exactly sure what the capacity was.. but think it was probably at about 50% which made for a very comfortable experience. The show was also a free event which was very nice... and made even better by the fact that John Krasinski showed up for a Q&A after the film!!! Parking was about a block away in the 600 Congress ave garage. You can pay for parking at the bar or box office and it's only 5 vs whatever the garage usually charges. They'll give you a QR code to scan in the garage upon exit. Looking forward to seeing a show here soon!

We enjoyed the movie. I'm so accustomed to AFS where I can get water for free.... I was less than thrilled to pay $8 for two waters. Also the movie volume was too high. (Too loud) I don't know. I guess I'm just spoiled by Austin Film Society. But I did enjoy the introduction to the film and a little bit about the director.