Editor's note: This story was updated with additional information and comment from Emo's.
The global entertainment company AEG Presents is renovating and rebranding the Emo's Austin property next year. The new space will complement AEG's nearby 65,000-square-foot indoor music venue project in the River Park mixed-use development, while the original venue plans a move downtown.
What's happening
AEG Presents will begin leasing and operating the Emo's space, located at 2015 Riverside Drive, in January 2027. It's expected to reopen early next year after "upgrades, renovations, and a full rebrand," according to the company.
Robin Phillips, AEG Presents' Southwest region vice president, said the new-look venue will maintain its current capacity and could begin hosting performances as soon as February.
“Austin has long been one of the great music cities in the world, and we are excited to continue expanding our presence here,” Phillips said in a statement. “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.”
AEG Presents plans to improve the Riverside venue's sound system, green room, guest amenities and backstage areas. Its new name and programming will be announced in the future.
Emo's last shows will take place in December, and programming is planned through 2026 until then. The Live Nation venue is eyeing a new Central Austin location, with more details to be provided in the future.
"We’re grateful for all of the fans and artists who’ve shaped Emo’s to what it is today: a community of like-minded people who love live music," an Emo's spokesperson said. "We have a vision for our future and will be moving into a new building downtown that celebrates our punk rock roots with the new amenities that fans are looking for from a venue."
What else?
A separate venue project from AEG presents is also in the works blocks away.
The 4,000-capacity facility within Presidium's River Park project broke ground at 4700 E. Riverside Drive in September and is now under construction. The venue will program artists from a variety of genres and fills a gap in Austin's live music scene, Phillips previously said.
Both Riverside venues are expected to serve different crowd sizes and artist needs, according to AEG Presents. The River Park venue could launch late next February or in early March, Phillips said, around the same time as the new Emo's concept's opening.
