AEG Will Take Over, Refurbish Emo's Austin

AEG Presents is doubling down on Austin, announcing plans to take over operations of the venue currently known as Emo’s Austin beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

The live-entertainment giant will undertake a series of upgrades before relaunching the space, with a current capacity of 1,700, under a new name. Planned improvements include enhancements to the sound system, green room facilities, backstage areas and fan-facing amenities.

The move adds a second Austin venue to AEG’s growing local portfolio; Emo’s will complement a 4,000-capacity room currently under construction as part of the River Park development. The venues are expected to provide greater flexibility for touring routes and concert programming in one of the country’s most active music markets.

Said AEG VP, Southwest Region Robin Phillips, “Austin has long been one of the great music cities of the world and we are excited to continue expanding our presence here. Opening a new venue in the Emo’s space gives us the opportunity to welcome more artists, bring more shows to the market and create even more ways for fans to experience live music in the city.”

An Austin institution known for its packed South by Southwest showcases, Emo’s opened in its original location in 1992 and closed in 2011. The club moved that year and was sold to local promoter C3 Presents in 2013. Upcoming shows include Slayyyter, Channel Tres, Yebba and Tomahawk.