8 Historic Texas Hill Country Dance Halls and Honky Tonks
Dance halls and honky tonks are where generations of Texans have played and listened to some of the best music made in America. Just as they did 100 years ago, dance halls and honky tonks serve as centers for entertainment and social life in small Texas towns. From monthly dances to big name performers, these venues host events that not only entertain their audiences, but also preserve the heritage, music and culture of the Lone Star state.
If you want to find an authentic place to do some boot-scootin' and two-stepping during your next visit with us at Hotel Giles, here are eight historic dance halls and honky tonks you'll want to check out. These are listed by their proximity to Hotel Giles (in miles).
1. Sisterdale Dancehall and Opera House │ Sisterdale, TX (13 miles)
Built around 1890, Sisterdale Dancehall and Opera House is the oldest operating opera house in Texas and has been featured in several movies, commercials and music videos. Be sure to reserve a seat for the Country Gospel Show and Luncheon on the last Sunday of every month for food and music that will fill your soul.
2. Kendalia Halle │ Kendalia, TX (26 miles)
Kendalia Halle is one of the best architectural examples of the German halls built at the turn of the century. It hosts dances and live music on Saturday evenings once a month, where you can do a little two-stepping and grab a beer and a BBQ taco. Be sure to check the website's dances page for upcoming events and bands.
3. Luckenbach Dance Hall │ Fredericksburg, TX (28 miles)
Both a tiny hamlet and a music mecca, Luckenbach presents more than 300 shows and events each year. There's live music every day at Luckenbach, from free acoustic jams to ticketed dance hall concerts, where you'll hear talented musicians perform Americana, honky tonk, western swing, rockabilly, roots rock, alt country and blues.
4. Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon │ Bandera, TX (28 miles)
If you're an old-school country music fan, The Silver Dollar Saloon is the place to be. Built in 1921, it's the oldest continuously operating honky tonk in Texas. There's music every day except Tuesdays and Sundays. Originally called The Fox Hole, it became The Silver Dollar in the 1940s, and in 1968 was purchased by local singer-songwriter Arkey Juenke.
5. Anhalt Hall │ Spring Branch, TX (35 miles)
Anhalt Hall derives its name from the German word for "stopping place." Since 1875, this social club celebrates its German roots with live music and social events, including a monthly community dance. In the spring and fall, Anhalt Hall hosts German-heritage festivals, Maifest and Oktoberfest, with polka music, German food and a country-western dance.
6. Twin Sisters Dance Hall │ Blanco, TX (36 miles)
Built by German immigrants in the 19th century, Twin Sisters Hall hosts public dances with a live band on the first Saturday of every month. The hall can be rented for weddings and special events, and the proceeds help preserve the historic dance hall structure and a way of life in the Texas Hill Country.
7. John T. Floore’s Country Store │ Helotes, TX (41 miles)
Opened in 1942, John T. Floore's Country Store was never a store at all. It's always been a unique dance hall and cafe. This quintessential Texas honky tonk is considered to be the musical “birthplace” of Willie Nelson. It also has hosted such legendary performers as Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis and Merle Haggard.
8. Gruene Hall │ Gruene, TX (60 miles)
It's worth the drive to Gruene (pronounced "green") to visit Texas’ oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall offers live music almost every day of the week, plus special events like the Gruene Music and Wine Festival. Upcoming headlining concerts include Three Dog Night, The Bacon Brothers and Scotty McCreary.
