Preservation Month Walking Tour
Down on the Drag: Sites of Austin Music History
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 9-11 AM (check-in begins at 9 AM; tour begins at 9:15 AM)
$20 MEMBERS (Partner/$100 annual level and up) | $30 NON-MEMBERS
Pre-registration is required, and closes at noon April 22. Registration fees are non-refundable, and support our nonprofit's work year-round.
Join us on Saturday, May 23, for a walking tour exploring sites of musical heritage along Guadalupe Street led by music historian Jason Mellard.
Austin is as rich in musical lore as music itself—its stories passed around from artist to artist, fan to fan; mentioned in passing while driving past an old club or shared over a beer at the bar between sets. Join us to search out the echoes of these histories in the built environment along Guadalupe Street, rich with musical heritage spanning WWII to the turn of the twenty-first century from the many young artists and students who have gathered here over the years. We will explore persisting venues and lost crash pads, music video sites and iconic murals, places that stand tall in our histories and those that risk being forgotten. It’s a dance through time where we’ll meet the Austin specters of Lead Belly and the Go-Go’s, Janis Joplin and the Clash, Daniel Johnston and Jimmy Cliff, and so many other artists from buskers to rock stars who have walked these very streets, Down on the Drag!
This 1.8-mile walking tour starts at the 23rd Street Mural (West 23rd Street at Guadalupe Street) and ends at Antone’s Records. A detailed route will be provided to registrants.
TERMS + CONDITIONS
This tour takes place primarily outdoors in the public right-of-way. Portions of the tour route may not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and may include conditions such as steps and uneven walking surfaces. Attendees are responsible for their own safety and conduct while touring these properties.
Please arrive prepared to walk for approximately two hours, with one 15-minute break in the middle. Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the event, and wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, and hats/sunscreen for this early summer event. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled.
PARKING + TRANSPORTATION
If driving, please use street parking. Metered parking is available in West University (just west of 23rd and Guadalupe Street where the tour begins); limited free parking is available in the Heritage and North University neighborhoods (near Antone’s Records where the tour concludes). Please be attentive to signage and respectful to neighbors; do not block private driveways. Walking, biking, public transit, and ridesharing are always encouraged! The area is served by CapMetro bus routes 1, 3, 18, 20, 30, 801, and 803.
Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. Our work is people-centered and community-supported. If you believe that Austin deserves a strong nonprofit voice for historic places, support us year-round as a member. Memberships as little as $10/month make our advocacy and programming possible.