This article is part of Wide Open Country's ongoing series Back to Country, which celebrates country music venues around the U.S.
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Texas' most legendary dance hall, Gruene Hall, was built in 1878. It is Texas' oldest continually operating live music venue! The Hall hasn't changed much since it was first built in the 19th century. The 6,000 sq ft. dance hall has a pitched ceiling and still has the original layout with side flaps for open-air dancing, a bar, a small stage and an outdoor garden. In fact, it's changed so little that advertisements from the '30s and '40s are still hanging in the Hall today!
When Gruene Hall first opened, it was the hotspot for weekly dances and hosted everything from high school graduations to badger fights. Today, it's still the social hub in Central Texas town. At any given moment, a movie, commercial, major concert, or just a casual hang can be taking place inside the doors of the oldest dance hall or the beer garden!
Read More: Texas Family Builds Gruene Hall Replica for Daughter's Playhouse
Gruene Hall is internationally recognized as the perfect tourist attraction and major music venue. Since 1975, the Hall has hosted hundreds of celebrities whose pictures hang all over the walls. Musicians such as George Strait, Hal Ketchum, Lyle Lovett, Merle Haggard, Aaron Watson, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Curtis Grimes, Robert Earl Keen, Jerry Jeff Walker, Jack Ingram, Hayes Carll, Cody Canada and Mike and The Moonpies have all played the legendary Texas dance hall at some point in their long careers.
The Gruene Historic District sits just 3.5 miles outside of New Braunfels, Texas, down Gruene Rd. So no matter if you're down in Hill Country floating the Comal or the Guadalupe River, come have supper at the Gristmill, listen to some country music and have a cold Lone Star beer.
You can plan your trip to Gruene Hall by looking at the upcoming events at gruenehall.com.
