When visiting Austin, make time to grab some friends and go see Esther’s Follies!!!! Near several hotels and located on the east end of 6th Street, there are parking lots nearby if you’re driving into downtown. There are refreshments sold on the premises and allowed into the theater. The show was highly entertaining and wasn’t restricted to the stage, but also to the audience, windows and street outside. The material is constantly updated so topics are always current and hilarious. The magic was fun to watch and the performers very talented. Can’t wait to go again- highly recommend!!!

Older crowd. You will want to take your mother or grandmother here. But the magic show is AMAZING! Get there early to get a good spot.

I had so much fun attending a comedy show at Esthers Follies! I loved the incorporation of jokes both on stage and with actors outside of the venue. The actors were fabulous at entertaining the audience and including some audience members in the show. The show contained a wonderful mix of jokes, songs and magic. This was the closest Ive ever gotten to enjoying anything remotely political and I will certainly return when I visit Austin again.

My first time at Esther’s last night for the 8pm show. It was hilarious and so witty. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick paced it is, combining political satire and magic tricks. Love their use of the window in the back and also “volunteers” from the audience. Highly recommend to buy tickets ahead of time or risk it being sold out.

I LOVED IT! I would go back again. Its a fun atmosphere, the songs are funny, edgy, topical, and NOT p.c.Just go in with 0 expectations and let experience pull you in. If you take offense easily, you will not enjoy this. They arent afraid to sing about any subject.To the cast and magician, great work!

Great show with a fantastic blend of topical humor, musical pieces, and magic. The show is clearly a labor of love for a passionate cast and deserves its good reputation. Aimed at adults, not child friendly. Full bar available.

Im sad I didnt visit this place sooner. Ive always seen Esther Follies but I never actually been to Esther Follies. The show had jokes from current policies. It was amazingly up to date. The jokes were spot on. One of my favorite parts was watching the weirdos walk around down 6th street. I would definitely attend again.

This reminded me so much of Saturday Night Live back when everyone loved it! The political jokes were hilarious, poking fun at Republicans and Democrats, women and men, young and old, yet even in todays quick tempered and quick to take offense environment, the audience absolutely loved it! The magician was excellent too. Even the staff far exceeded my expectations following through brilliantly and tactfully with a request I made online when purchasing our tickets regarding a member of our party with a hearing disability. I cant say enough good things about this production and team. Id go back again tonight if I could. Highly recommended.

Very creative and funny. A great idea for a date night and fun experience. Even if youre in the very back row, its still a great view so dont worry if you have GA seats. But do try to get there a little early.

Great political satire comedy show! A do not miss!

Love it and I’ve seen it half a dozen times! New material along with the classics! Always a trip!

I enjoyed a Saturday night at Esther’s Follies, the longest running act in Austin, and I fell in love with Austin that much more! I got to see one of the many dimensions, I haven’t seen while enjoying an action packed performance filled with laughter, magic, surprise and suspense. Be sure to get tickets in advance so you know you’ll be getting seats because they fill up fast!

This show is fantastic. Think a mix of sketch musical comedy with magic. Its so refreshing to watch a comedy show that makes fun of everyone, no demographic is above ridicule here, which has become so rare. Looking forward to coming back!

Tons of laughs and fun! It is non stop action for an hour and a half and I wish there was more. Easily the most fun on 6th Street.

This was awesome! We were visiting from out of state and some family recommended we go to this show. There was some Texas humor we might not have gotten if our family didnt prime us, but its overall really funny.They will probably say something that offends you or makes you uncomfortable but thats part of why its great! They make everyone laugh. The magical acts are pretty good as well. This place sells out a lot of its shows for a reason.

So funny! I’m a moderate, which means both parties irritate me, so the comedy was 100% funny. The magic was fun and the interaction with the crowd made the experience personal. I felt a tiny bit bad for the sweet mom who was brought on stage, but she was treated with respect and not embarrassed too much, while the audience was entertained. Great night, great comedy, great magic and great drinks.

I don’t think I can share an accurate review of this establishment through no fault of Ester’s Follies.I booked our tickets (party of 5) about 3 weeks before the show for my best friend’s Bachelorette party.Let me start off by saying we are not common sixth street visitors. Due to traffic, finding parking, and walking, we arrived at the show about 5 minutes late. Again, this is our fault.This is first come first serve.Our party got seated separately, 3 got seated front row and the other 2 got seated behind a wall.I was one of the two that got seated behind a wall. I could only see about a third of the stage, therefore I missed a lot (visually) of what was happening. Now I don’t know if it was due to me being in a bad mood from not being able to see but I didn’t think the show was funny at all. Not once did I laugh. Perhaps the visuals were just as important.

Its definitely a political show... No doubt about it... But if you enjoy that it will definitely be a good time... No kids recommended... The magic shows are ok...

Well Austin is a Blue dot in a Red state. The Follies was fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, which was a mixture of songs, comedy and a fantastic magician. The theater is small so there isnt a bad seat in the house. Well worth seeing the show.

We had some drinks and yummy street tacos before the show. The show itself was really good! My favorite parts were the magic bits done throughout. I realized that I had never been to a live magic show before, and my reaction during those portions was HOW?!?! I was seriously trying to concentrate hard to catch the slight of hand (from sitting in the fourth row), but it was impossible. They were interactive with audience members and it was funny how they sometimes fed off the people walking outside (seen from the window behind them).

I saw my first Esthers Follies show over 20 years ago. They were amazing then and they are amazing now. Their unique mixture of magic and comedy makes great soul food. Go see it, you will love it!

Esther’s Follies is the cure for any type of blues and the best place to take your out of town friends. Always fun, with a wonderful cast. The magic and comedy are incredible.

We go here probably 4 times a year and always bring out of town guests. We have been going for about 5 years now and have seen some staff changes, different routines, and the classic routines that are in every show. We are never disappointed

Wow, what a spectacular performance. A little bit of something for everyone. We will definitely go again if we are back in Austin!

A variety show relic from last millennium, Esthers Follies has been serving up a great mix of music, magic, comedy, and political satire for decades Was a fun performance; I was laughing for most of the show. Recommended, unless youre too much of a Trump supporter to recognize that theyre lampooning both sides of the aisle. Not for children due to adult language and references.

The show is absolutely amazing. Very well thought out and constantly moving, the show is the perfect length of time about an hour and a half and magician did a great job we sat right in the front row and could never figure out how he was doing act.The cast is Excellent about intertwining and balancing Texas history. And has an interest in spin on US politics.

It was a riot. We had a fantastic time. The mix of comedy, magic, political satire and music made for a great show. I would recommend this to everyone up for a good time.

So much wonderful camp, I was laughing so hard I thought I might have to step out for a second. All the performers are crazy talented and definitely know how to put on an amazing show. I wouldnt call myself a huge fan of magic or anything but the magician was still able to make me go how the hell did he do that?!

Laugh out loud funny the whole evening. Reserve your seats (not general admission, secure an actual seat so you can sit with your party) ahead and make sure to arrive 20+ minutes in Advance because they give the tickets away if you are not checked in. Small bar but does the trick with lots of options

I’ve been going there since the turn of some century or another....crazy Carl spinning flowers on his fingers to the troup that trumps most out there to this day! Roomy seating will make social distancing a breeze! No germs folks or germaphobes at Esters! Dive in!

Absolutely amazing act. Some political comedy combined with an above average magic show. Worth the trip. Tacos and drinks at the venue are just Ok but not a reason to miss this great act.

Super funny & entertaining! Even the people on the streets stopped to watch from outside, the magic part was great! And I really enjoyed the storytelling via song, very cheeky!

This kitschy variety style show combines sketch style comedy and magic into an evening of entertainment. The venue is located in down town Austin making it a convenient destination as part of a night out. You get a real sense that this place and the show is a part of the history of the area. Although there was no nudity I would say that the content is probably not appropriate for children.

After two years of living in Austin this has easily become one of my favorite you gotta check this out places to get the full Austin experience. Loved the show and the cast! I was very impressed by the up-to-date references thrown into the jokes and musical numbers. Hats off to everyone who contributes!

We reserved some seats for a Saturday night, and they split us up: (we showed up abut 15 minutes before the show) one seat in row 10, one in row 9, one in row 8, and 3 RANDOM SEATS IN THE AISLE. We couldn’t see anything, they just took 3 barstools and made us sit there. Definitely no UCB.

Looking for a true austin experience make sure to see Esthers Follies. Comical skits, music and magic that will have you laughing and wanting more. A must see.

Omg. Where do I start, it is by far the funniest sketch show I have ever seen! The sets are tight, entertaining and will make you pee your pants laughing. While the magic shows arent anything you havent seen, it is still kinda cool and is welcome break between the comedy.

Such a great show! It is my 2nd time there in 3 years. Saw a few differences but they really need to come up with new material to keep the customers coming back. Overall though a great performance. :-)

The funniest sketch comedy youve ever seen. Much much funnier than Saturday night live. And very topical. Highly recommended!

Esthers Follies is an amazing institution. You can never go wrong with their show - just dont sit too close unless you want personal attention.

Laughed the whole time and the magic was incredible!

One of the best shows Ive seen. Its a little music, alot of comedy, some magic and alot of fun. Very current with events so it feels fresh. And its original. Great show, something for everyone. I am thoroughly impressed with the level of talent of every single person involved with this show. Do yourself a favor and go. It thoroughly exceeded my expectations.

Hilarious, witty and incredibly current on political events. Best show in Austin by far!

Weve been to Esthers countless times and it never gets dull. Truly one of the last old Austin experiences that keeps the downtown nightlife scene alive and authentic. NEVER CHANGE (and never get rid of Shaun, Ted, Becki, or any of the other wonderful cast)

This show never disappoints. The content is sprinkled with up to the minute topical sketches, jovial parodies, and mind-bending magic! Ive been here about 6 times, and have never been disappointed. Theres enough changes in the comedy to keep me wondering what theyll come up with next.

So much fun! Snarky comedy... Amazing magic... A great show.

Had the buffalo chicken wings. Food was okay. Venue was great. Found parking on street easily (on a Sunday). Comedy show was great. Waitstaff was attentive. By the way, chocolate Sunday means youll be one of the only white couples there.

This place is worth it. You dont have to be up on current events but its helpful. The magic was great, and the comedy was equally as good. The political humor attacked both sides, so no matter who you cheer or boo for, youll enjoy. This certainly is a must do if you are in Austin.

Hilarious! This was a fantastic show and I highly recommend it! There are songs, dances, magic tricks, comedy, and they involve a few audience members. Drinks in the cafe when you arrive and you can bring them into the theater with you. Parking ramps nearby.

This is quality entertainment for everyone, especially if you are familiar with the great state of Texas and the folks that live here. Start your evening with a nice dinner, come see the show at Esthers, and find yourself perusing Sixth Street afterwards for drinks and a crowd. 5/5 would recommend!

A very pleasant surprise. Thoroughly entertaining. Cant wait to bring everyone I can.

Very talented and funny cast members. Creative, smart and talented writers using current and historical news and events to inform their skits. Thoroughly fun and consistently funny. Love attending Esthers Follies.

This show is amazing. The magic was great and the songs were really funny!

This place is great. Ive been twice now. Even though the content is pretty similar night to night they definitely keep it updated with fresh news topics.

Great evening at Esthers Follies. I purchased reservations online for a Thursday night show and love how they had already placed your name on seats. The cast is very professional and entertaining. Thank you Shannon.

Fun relaxing show. fully seated. so do come early

Went with my life partners absolutely fantastic, big up ray Anderson and jamel xxxx

My husband and I have been going to Esther Follies for the past 10 years. We have been hesitant to go this past year due to the heated political climate and after last night, now know why are instincts were holding us back. We are conservative Republicans and were very disappointed how biased (and off humor) the political acts have become, especially the pro abortion act. It was quite disturbing. The entire show was pro women, pro Democrats and anti President Trump. My suggestion would be to work on your biases and the tact towards unborn babies.

I just came to Austin for the first time and this was a recommended show. Let me tell you I AM SO GLAD I WENT!!! So hilarious and not a single single dull moment!!! Great value for the money! Good looking and super talented cast, comfortable seats, what more could you want?! Go to this site . You wont regret it.

Wonderful time, we just fell into it. Unbelievably talented cast

Good fun with friends and family. Highly suggest catching a show.

What a great night! Started off with delicious (and affordable!) Mexican food from their taqueria, along with wonderful margaritas. The entire staff was warm and friendly from the moment we arrived. The show was FANTASTIC! Hats off to this extremely talented group of entertainers! I highly recommend an evening at Esthers!!

This is an amazing troupe of incredibly hard working actors, its non show humor for two hours. If you visit Austin and dont see this you will have missed one of the best nights of entertainment anywhere. Its a definite must see, just remember to wear your big boy pants.

We enjoyed the show at Esthers Follies.Walking back to the parking garage in the dark was uncomfortable and a little bit scary with all of the homeless and panhandlers on the streets harassing pedestrians. We will not go back anytime in the near future until the City of Austin cleans up this mess. It is not worth the hassle.

Last time I was there was 20 years ago and I loved it. Went recently with a group of 5 and was having a great time watching the cast make fun of people (thats what the shows about)...crowd was participating, cheering and booing as expected and having a ton of fun. Ironically, the horrible Management does NOT approve of audience participation and will ask you to leave without providing a refund. Such a shame that a great experience was ruined by blatant intolerance. How does that happen in such an open and inclusive city? I will never return and caution anyone considering attending to 1)dont bother or 2)keep their mouths shut because only the cast are allowed to freely and openly roast people.In Reply: For you to say that you were tolerant is unequivocally false. You took the word of one person in the audience claiming that my husband said something inflammatory which was entirely untrue. You didnt ask anyone in our party about it to find out if it was true; you didnt ask us or anyone else to be quiet during the performance...you simply believed a false claim and acted upon it. You are slandering me and my family and discriminated against us by taking action using a false claim. The majority of the audience was loud with laughter and cheers, not just us....are you saying the entire audience was inebriated? Further, if we had drank too much, why did your bar staff serve us new drinks just prior to you asking us to leave? Thats not very responsible on your part as a Manager and you handled this situation poorly. I can only hope that you learn from this experience, but I have my doubts given your response.

This is a really fun place to go especially with friends and family. The skits and magic were hilarious. Loved the way music was incorporated onto the entertainment too

Never a dull moment. Great job cast and crew for another good night of belly laughs

I was really disappointed with the comedy. Very cheesy and campy. If that’s your thing, you may love this, as others do. Just be warned that you are seeing a show for tourists and not smart, local comedy.

Funny as always. No one is safe in here. They make fun of everyone, as it should be.

A talented and hilarious bunch. Never a dull moment.

The Best Show ever!!! My only regret is not going sooner! I havent had this much in a long time. We will definitely be regulars!

The one place I recommend to EVERY person visiting Austin. Ray Anderson is the best magician working today and he’s the icing on the cake for an otherwise great show. Musical variety is alive and well in Austin. Go. Just go. I promise you’ll love it.

I love this place Ive been to this place on many occasions and I have never been disappointed. If you are the type of person that likes skits to interact with the audience this is your spot. Dont miss out go atleast one time while you are here.

This is as a good as everyone tells you it is. The cast is having so much fun, I wish I could be them. Prescient jokes (aha). My only feedback is less magic. Would go again and again

What a hilarious show! My friend recommended it to us while we were in Austin for the weekend and it did not disappoint!

Probably one of the highlights of our trip to Austin! Loved the variety of skits and magic sets. Would highly recommend especially if you’re visiting from out of town!

Great comedy show! Loved it would def go again!!

So much fun! Highly recommend it for a date night! The singing and magic show was a breath of fresh air. Had a blast! Thanks Yall keep up the good work!

Everyone should go! Amazing variety show. Love the current political jokes and the magic!

Funny, smart and always up on the latest. Impressive magic show. We try go once every time we are in town. The sound system could use an update though (it was hard to hear the words despite it being loud).

Some acts are repeated and have been for a long time, but definitely worth checking out every so often. If you are new to Austin or taking someone out who is, go here! Its fun and awesome! The one star off is for the little quirks in how seating is handled, but probably me being picky.

Entertaining variety show with an old time feel. Its a great reason to go down to sixth street if you dont particularly like to drink. The show that I saw was incredibly left leaning so keep that in mind if youre going with anyone who may be easily offended. Good vibes all around though. The family that was running the little fry window between the street and courtyard where super sweet and chatted with us after the show while we watched the crowds.

Not sure how it’s taken me three years to finally visit, but I’m glad I made it out. The show is very funny and entertaining. It’s the best cheesy comedy with a Saturday Night Live feel. Expect a lot of jokes around current events on politics.

Such a fun show!! I went with a group to celebrate a friends birthday. A few of them had been a couple times before and said that the show is updated often with fresh content. They werent disappointed. There are TONs of references to current events that make light of the sometimes crummy issues going on in the news. They do this with songs and sketches that are well written (not cheesy) and thoughtfully hilarious. My favorite member of the cast was Shannon Sedwick, who also produces the show and greets the audience as they come into the lobby. The preshow was great as well, but I didnt catch the name of that performer.A few acts included the illusionist, Ray Anderson, whos billed as the featured performer. Im not the biggest fan of illusionists, but thats just a personal preference. It certainly didnt take anything away from the show for me and Ray was great at interacting with the audience and adding some humor to his act.Id certainly come back, it was a great night and a truly unique experience in the heart of Austin.

I have been to Esthers Follies about eight times in the last seven years. Ive taken almost a dozen people. Everyone Ive taken has loved it. My mom laughed so hard she cried.The performers are great. The bits they do keep up with current events and dont disappoint. Many of the acts are politically oriented, but theyre humorous and fun. Its also geared toward adults-theres a bit of innuendo.I will continue to visit Esthers Follies and recommend it to friends.

So much fun and very interactive, even if you are just a passerby on the street! Cant wait to go back :)

The show was most entertaining you laughed from the start to the end . I came from Florida for the ussvi submarine group convention. And I want to thank everybody at Esthers follies for showing us the best time that I have had in Austin.

This was one of the funniest shows Ive ever seen. I wasnt sure what to expect when I booked the tickets, but I was cracking up the whole show. The cast is incredible. Do yourself a favor and book it while in Austin... you wont regret it!

For our anniversary I took the hubby here. We had the best time! We dont get out much together and this was a much needed night of laughs, drinks and fun! The staff loved him as he was picked to help with part of the show! Yay Santos!

Was a fabulous show. The entertainers were hilarious and the magician was amazing.

Always fun. Great night out for groups

Had a wonderful time. Took my parents out there, and it was nice to hear them laugh over such great comedy.

Great musical satire combined with well performed magic acts. Interesting food and inexpensive drinks.

You do not know Austin, until you have seen Esthers Follies!! Iconic

This was a heck of a lot more fun than I expected... kind of a rapid-fire vaudeville-style musical revue/magic/sketch comedy show, heavily seasoned with topical humor. Saturday Night Live could learn a few things from these guys. Seating is very basic, but comfortable, and the back of the stage consists of large windows that face out onto Sixth Street... curious passers-by peered in from time to time to watch the show, and some of the performances actually extended out of the theater to the street. Id go again!

One of the best shows Ive ever seen. So funny (my ribs hurt from so much laughter), entertaining, and the actors so talented and led by one of the best illusionists in the entire world. Thank you for a fabulous evening. Cant wait to come back.

Just great though our friend whose not into politics was a little lost. I had a lot of fun.

Wow place was amazing, I loved the overall atmosphere. The show was very interesting and exciting it consisted of different performances; magic, comedy, standup and skits I would definitely go back!!

Great time had by all! Eclectic and funny. Very liberal, if thats an issue for you. Wasnt for me. Knocking one star off because the seats are not very comfortable, but still worth going!

Funny skits/singers with a great magician performing his acts thrown in the mix.