AUSTIN, Texas — One of Austin’s most iconic gathering spots is celebrating 60 years in operation.
Since Nov. 10, 1964, the Broken Spoke restaurant and dance hall has welcomed guests to enjoy live country music and participate in its weekly two-step nights at 3201 S. Lamar Blvd.
Now, throughout the month of November, the honky-tonk will host a series of events to mark its decades of success. The events include an official birthday dance and party on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The bash will kickoff with a dinner at 6 p.m. in the restaurant, then the party will be held from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. in the dance hall, featuring music from longtime residence artist Alvin Crow.
Other celebrations this month include performances from Weldon Henson on Nov. 12, The Saddle Sores on Nov. 13, Chaparral with Jeff Hughes and guest Jesse Dayton on Nov. 14, The Honky Tonk Wranglers on Nov. 15 and Tumbleweed Hill on Nov. 16.
The history of Broken Spoke
Last year, the famed dance hall became an official historic landmark, complete with a plaque honoring founder James M. White.
Back in the mid-1960s, the Austinite built the dance spot on South Lamar, which he spent years running alongside his wife, Annette White.
During that time, the Broken Spoke welcomed iconic country singers to its stage, including Texas natives George Strait and Willie Nelson. A range of other well-known figures have also visited the spot over the years, including Clint Eastwood, Dolly Parton and former President George W. Bush.
After White’s death several years ago, his son-in-law took over to keep the legacy alive. His daughter, Terri White, also teaches dance lessons every week, from 8 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.
And the dance hall still welcomes celebrity guests to this day. Recently, English-Albanian pop star Dua Lipa visited in October while she was in town for Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL). She posted about her visit on social media with the caption, “HONKY TONK HEAVEN.”
For a full list of The Broken Spoke’s anniversary events, click here.
