Name: The Parish
Telephone: (512) 473-8381

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I’ve only been to this little gem of a club twice: once for a Black Fret event featuring Walker Lukens and Sweet Spirit, and most recently to see the venerable King’s X!

The Parish hearkens back to the days of old 6th, with its painted original brick walls, raised wooden stage dominating the room, which is standing room only because there aren’t room for chairs when that many people are there to see the band. Both times, the place has been packed. The sound system is stellar, and they run it at just the right volume to keep you grooving without making your ears bleed. Pack along a pair of plugs in case you want to shimmy up close to the stage, though.

You might miss the Parish if you aren’t looking for it, because there’s just a light purple sign hanging inconspicuously over the sidewalk outside. A bouncer/greeter stands at a podium outside the door to point the way up the double flight of stairs. It’s an upstairs club, in other words, and I didn’t notice any windows.

The bar sells beer, wine, and mixed drinks, and the staff seems very helpful and friendly. There’s enough room at the back for a large merchandise table, and they seem to book touring acts that might have played a venue like the Back Room or Steamboat, which were similar clubs, and I’m now totally date-stamping myself.

Parking is available in nearby lots, which they kindly list on their website. There’s a lot of construction downtown in this area right now, so allow yourself some extra time to park and walk and find the place if you go. Check their website for a calendar of upcoming shows.
Karol M. , 8 years ago
They let me in even though I’d forgotten my ticket (I’m so used to digital delivery that I forgot to bring the one they’d mailed me – I did have my receipt though), and everyone at the gate was extremely nice. Pair that with great acoustics, a nice bar and small seating area, and an awesome atmosphere, and you’ve got one of my favorite venues in Austin.
Geoff S. , 9 years ago
Came to the Parish with my husband to see Xavier Rudd, great experience! Small but fun music venue. Friendly and cozy place will definitely come back!
Alicyn G. , 10 years ago
Probably my favorite small indoor concert venue in Austin. It holds about 600 people, the sound is usually spectacular, and they have a decent selection of reasonably priced local beers. Most crowds here are respectful to the artists, in direct contrast to the social hour at Stubb’s. I love the black walls and chandelier lighting. If you need to sit down, there’s seating along one wall, although it’s often full. There are a couple pillars that can block views in certain places, and yeah it’s on 6th street, which is a pain – but other than that, 5 stars.
Kevan I. , 10 years ago
The Parish is probably my favorite place to see a show in Austin. When I first walked into this venue, it was instant-love. Who wouldn’t want to see a show in a weirdly elegant, funky, historic, hip venue that’s a good size and has great acoustics? Somehow this place maintains an intimate vibe, despite its sometimes large crowds.
Stella H. , 10 years ago
Came here tonight with my wife for Austin Free Music week. Really impressed with the sound and the bands were fantastic from the ones we heard. Definitely swing through here for some good tunes.
Jimmy N. , 10 years ago
Intimate setting, with great sound. What more could you want from a music venue. Not too crowded, and no awkward spots that limit viewing. If you come early even some comfortable spots to sit against the wall. The bartenders were friendly and the service was good. Better yet, clean bathrooms that were well lit.
Mindy H. , 11 years ago
Ok, count me in, I’m a big fan of this place, was here for the first last night to see Lucius. Think the tickets were maybe 12 bucks each, quite a steal indeed. We stopped and had a drink at The Underground first before they were letting folks upstairs, and they most definitely will NOT take it upstairs, seems they share separate liquor licenses. They have two bars, don’t know how much beers are since I let my lady buy the beers in a reversal of sorts. I was worried about the sound after hearing the first band, but it was the band, not the venue ’cause Lucius sounded perfect! The staff was pretty friendly, coming and going they wished us a good show. Certainly a younger, college crowd of course being on sixth street. Crowd was generally well behaved, they did have seating along with a padded bench along the right side of the wall for us old geezers out there. This experience made me feel like I was back in my college days in the 90’s hearing classic alternative rock! Good times, I’ll be back.
John G. , 11 years ago

HeyAustin

With a tent stake planted firmly in the underbelly of Austin's downtown life.

The Parish

Resound Presents: Jane Remover w/ Dazegxd & d0llywood1 at Parish on 5/10

Parish Presents: Smells Like Nirvana w/ Dead Original

Parish Presents: The Broken Hearts – Parish Presents: The Broken Hearts – A Tribute to Tom Petty & T

Resound Presents: Driver Friendly w/ this.is.emo at Parish on 5/24

Parish Presents: Juno Birch – THE PROBED TOUR

Parish Presents: Rachel Chinouriri – All I Ever Asked For Was A North American Tour

Resound Presents: Preoccupations w/ Goon at Parish on 6/17

Bear Hands: The Key To What Tour at Parish with OK Cowgirl

KUTX Presents Mobley – Now Forever Tour

Avi Kaplan: Move Our Souls Tour at Parish with Guthrie Brown

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The Parish

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