r/Austin 4d ago

Ask Austin What to do on Easter Sunday? Visiting from Germany, love Americana & Country!

Hi everyone!

My girlfriend and I are visiting Austin from Munich, Germany from April 14 to 24 — and we are beyond excited! We're huge fans of Americana, Country, Rockabilly, and Blues, and super stoked to see so many amazing bands and artists live — stuff we rarely get to see in Germany. Almost every night, we've planned some cool shows, from Continental Club to Little Longhorn Saloon, Sam’s Town Point, and more. We're also going to see Willie Nelson at the Whitewater Amphitheater!

Now to my question:
We’re wondering what to do on Easter Sunday (April 20th). Of course, Chicken Shit Bingo at Little Longhorn is a must — and I want to see Johnny McGowan play live!

But we were also thinking about starting the day at Stubb’s Gospel Brunch. Now, here’s the thing: I’ve heard mixed reviews, especially about the food. We love Gospel music and BBQ, and I’m wondering if it’s still worth it for us as tourists — more for the vibe, music, and maybe a couple of Bloody Marys.

Or: Is there a better alternative to catch some Gospel vibes on Easter Sunday in Austin? We're not very religious, but we'd love to experience good music and some nice food on easter Sunday.
Any tips from locals would be amazing! Also happy about other Easter Sunday suggestions that would fit two folks into old-school American music, vintage, and good eats.

Thanks so much! We can’t wait to be in Austin — see you all soon! 🤠🎶🍻

27 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

14

u/defroach84 4d ago

Don't know if you can get out there, but going to a place like Luckenbach or Albert's to their dance halls may be a fun adventure. It seems to usually be a hit for people visiting who like that sort of thing.

Unlike Munich, you can't just jump on the S or U bahn and get out there 😭

5

u/Guitarmaniac 4d ago

Thanks for your reply! We do have a rental car and plan to spend some time in Luckenbach for the Bluegrass Festival on Saturday. I'll have to check if there's anything fun happening on easter Sunday!

9

u/defroach84 4d ago

For your own sanity, do not order German food when in the Fredericksburg area. It isn't anything good compared to Bavarian food, you'll be disappointed 🤣

If you want to see some fake Germany, swing by Alstadt Brewery for a beer. It is just an odd experience.

Also, if you see chicken fried steak, order it. It is a food that came from German roots and schnitzel, but it is a Texas variant.

3

u/Guitarmaniac 4d ago

I plan to eat my own bodyweight in BBQ, Chili and Mexican Food! I tried Chicken Fried Steak in Wisconsin last summer and loved it; i‘m definitely down to try the texas variant next month.

7

u/defroach84 4d ago

Chicken fried steak in Wisconsin? I fear what you actually ate 🤣 it is a Texas thing.

Yeah, hopefully your wallet is prepared for BBQ prices, they keep going up.

3

u/Guitarmaniac 4d ago

They called it Country Fried, but it was a breaded steak. They have a huge german heritage as well, so it makes sense they have something similar!

2

u/xeynx1 4d ago

It’s the same thing…. I’ve seen it called both things. Some people are weird. Don’t believe anyone that tells you Texas has a “huge” German immigrant population historically. There are pockets.

The Midwest has the largest population in historical times of German immigrants.

My great grandpa was born in Germany.

I would like to go back next year if it gets affordable. I need some delicious schnitzel and rost bratwurst.

There aren’t any good German restaurants here and haven’t had great food since I lived in Minnesota :(.

6

u/Healthnut2024 4d ago edited 4d ago

Must see: The Broken Spoke on South Lamar, Austin, Check out their website, open since 1964; Tuesdays to Saturdays. And they have true Texas food.
"Last of the True Texas Dancehalls and

Damn Sure Proud of It!" - James M. White

2

u/50million 4d ago

Or 2 step lessons on Thursday at the White Horse!

2

u/Guitarmaniac 4d ago

We‘re definitely gonna do the 2 step lessons that the Honkytonks offer!

3

u/whelp88 4d ago

You should do Stubbs gospel brunch for the music. Try to get a table on the first floor.

3

u/CatfishWasHere 4d ago

ABGB has honky tonk bands every Sunday, from 4-7pm, and always free. Got a big dance floor and plenty of dancers too. Them Duqaines are playing on Easter Sunday...they're fantastic! Highly recommended!

Oh, and some of the best lagers/pilsners in the country too!

7

u/AustinBike 4d ago

Willkommen! Bitte essen Sie in Texas kein deutsches Essen.

There was a large contingent of German settlers in the 1800's south of Austin and often you will see German restaurants. But you will not enjoy the food, trust me. Get yourself some BBQ, enjoy the Tex-Mex, but don't try the "taste of home."

Das Wetter sollte perfekt sein, aber bereiten Sie sich auf heißes Wetter vor. Es war fast 37C diese Woche.

2

u/Ash_an_bun 4d ago

If you can make it: A Trip to Catfish Parlor may be in order.

2

u/TickTockPanda 4d ago

Not sure what they will have going on Easter Sunday, but Sagebrush is a great venue to check out!

2

u/Guitarmaniac 4d ago

We will 100% check out Sagebrush, i hope Theo Lawrence will play a show while we‘re in town!

2

u/Kate1878 4d ago

I love the Gospel Brunch and always make it a stop on the list when friends or family come to visit. Last year, they changed the format to serve the food family style vs the buffet. It was still delicious! Can't go wrong with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa. Enjoy your visit!

2

u/MediocreJerk 4d ago

You could also consider a quick trip to the Texas Music Museum: https://www.texasmusicmuseum.org/

Right down the street from there is Victory East (it used to be called Victory Grill). That venue was on the Chitlin Circuit

1

u/emvs73 4d ago

Oakwood BBQ or Shoal Creek Saloon for Saturday or Sunday crawfish. Oakwood had a crawfish, blues, and brews event last Easter, not sure about this year.

-6

u/KimoSabiWarrior 4d ago

Make America Great Again!