PARAMOUNT THEATRE

The Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue is one of Austin's most beautiful buildings and one of its most important cultural institutions. Originally built in 1915, the venue has been a downtown fixture for over a century, hosting everything from vaudeville acts in its early days to film premieres, live music, comedy, and theatrical performances today. The Moontower Comedy Festival, a two-week extravaganza produced entirely by Paramount staff, has become one of the largest comedy events in the country, drawing headlining comedians from across the nation. The Summer Classic Film Series, which hit its 50th anniversary in 2024, remains one of the most beloved traditions in Austin, packing the house for everything from Casablanca to The Princess Bride on the big screen. During SXSW and Austin Film Festival, the Paramount hosts star-studded world premieres that remind you this is a city where film culture runs deep. The building itself is a historic showpiece, the kind of ornate, old-school theater with gilded details and plush seats that makes you feel like you are stepping back in time when you walk through the doors. The acoustics are excellent, the sightlines are good from most seats, and there is something about watching a performance in a room with that much history that changes the experience entirely. The Paramount brings world-class entertainment to Central Texas without the sterile feeling of a modern arena. It is the kind of venue that cities fight to preserve, and Austin is lucky to still have it.