For nearly 45 years, Esther’s Follies has been Austin’s longest-running inside joke—and everyone’s invited. Picture this: dazzling magic, sharp political satire, and enough Sixth Street energy to power a thousand bachelor parties. This isn’t your average comedy show; it’s a theatrical circus of wit, wonder, and whiskey breath from the street outside. At Esther’s, the line between the stage and the sidewalk doesn’t just blur—it dissolves.

1. Welcome to the Wildest Show on Sixth Street

Think Vegas glitz meets Texas grit, all filtered through Austin’s signature weird. Esther’s Follies is part comedy club, part magic act, part fever dream—and somehow, it all works. Since the late 1970s, our rotating cast of maniacs (sorry, professionals) has been roasting politicians, hypnotizing audiences, and redefining live entertainment in the most delightfully unhinged way possible.

Why Esther’s Is More Than a Comedy Show

If SNL and Penn & Teller had a love child and raised it on barbecue and bad decisions, it’d look a lot like Esther’s. Expect sketches sharper than a campaign scandal and illusions slicker than a lobbyist’s grin. We run Thursday through Saturday because even chaos needs a schedule.

What You’ll See (and Maybe Star In):

Pro Tip: Get there early, grab a drink, and watch Sixth Street pregame for the chaos inside. It’s all part of the experience.

“Esther’s Follies is less a comedy show and more a religious experience of Austin weirdness.” —Local Comedy Critic, currently in recovery

2. Political Satire So Sharp It Should Come With a Warning Label

At Esther’s, political humor isn’t dead—it’s just drunk on power. We roast politicians like brisket: slow, smoky, and with plenty of sauce. Left, right, or center—it doesn’t matter. Everyone gets equal-opportunity mockery.

In a world where every headline sounds like a parody already, we’re here to remind you that laughter is the only sane response. Our sketches slice through the nonsense with a wink and a punchline that might just make you think (sorry in advance).

Expect:

Pro Tip: Bring an open mind and your best fake laugh for when your side takes a hit.

“Comedy is tragedy plus time.” At Esther’s, we just skip the time part.

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3. Magic So Good, You’ll Accuse Us of Witchcraft

Our magician Ray Anderson doesn’t pull rabbits out of hats—he pulls skeptics out of therapy. Expect illusions so wild they make quantum physics look easy. And yes, he will make you doubt reality (and maybe your relationship).

We don’t just do magic; we drag the audience into it—sometimes literally. One minute you’re sipping a drink, the next you’re vanishing faster than a campaign promise.

Expect:

Pro Tip: Want to be part of the act? Sit up front, look engaged, and accept your fate.

“Magic is helping people see something extraordinary.”

Translation: You’re about to lose your mind, and we’re here for it.

4. The Only Theater With a Built-In Street Show

The glass wall behind our stage faces Austin’s most unpredictable performer: Sixth Street. Every night, bachelorettes, cowboys, and confused tourists accidentally become part of the act.

It’s like having a live laugh track, but louder and drunker.

While other theaters block out the world, we let it crash right in. Our comics improvise with whatever Sixth Street throws at them—be it a saxophonist, a Segway, or a shirtless guy holding a pizza box.

Expect:

Pro Tip: Sit near the glass wall if you want maximum weirdness.

“In Austin, the street is always part of the show.” —Local Wisdom

5. Musical Parodies That Hit All the Right (and Wrong) Notes

When our cast bursts into song, you’ll laugh so hard you’ll forget whether it’s funny or just painfully accurate. Esther’s musical parodies turn your favorite pop hits into political anthems, celebrity roasts, and therapeutic group therapy.

Expect:

Our performers don’t just sing—they belt, harmonize, and occasionally pole dance through politics. It’s equal parts Broadway and breakdown.

Pro Tip: Listen to the lyrics. They’ll sneak up on you like student loan debt.

“Great parody is 10% comedy, 90% musical genius.” We add sequins for good measure.

6. Capture the Chaos (Before You Forget It)

At Esther’s, your souvenir photo isn’t just proof you were here—it’s a badge of survival. You laughed. You gasped. You maybe got pulled into a magic trick and now owe Ray Anderson your car keys.

Best Photo Ops:

Pro Tip: Be silly. Be weird. The camera loves a fool—and we love you for it.

“A picture from Esther’s Follies is worth a thousand laughs.”

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7. Plan Your Night Like a Local (Or at Least Fake It)

A night at Esther’s Follies isn’t just a show—it’s a full-contact cultural experience. You’re stepping into Austin’s beating heart: loud, weird, unfiltered, and occasionally wearing cowboy boots with a tutu.

Your Weird Night Game Plan:

Keep the party going on Sixth Street. Or don’t. Either way, you’ll never forget it—or at least not until the hangover wears off.

“In Austin, weird isn’t a choice. It’s a calling.”

Ready for the Wildest Night of Comedy in Austin?

There are lots of comedy shows in Austin. But there’s only one where the mayor, a magician, and a bachelorette party might share a stage. Esther’s Follies isn’t just a night out—it’s a full-spectrum Austin experience that leaves you dazed, delighted, and wondering if that last sketch was about you.

Because let’s face it—therapy’s more expensive.