The Ritz Theater

Built and opened in 1927 by J.J. Hegman, the historic Ritz Theater became an early destination with the arrival of talkies, where ten cents bought a ticket and a comfortable seat. Westerns, boxing, and family films became staples there. The Ritz later took on many incarnations as a live music venue and event space. In the mid '70s, Jim Franklin of Armadillo World Headquarters fame revived it as a rock 'n' roll hall. In the early '80s, it hosted countless national and local punk bands, including Black Flag, The Misfits, The Big Boys, and Minor Threat. Later in the '80s, it was home to Esther's Follies as well as heavy metal bands such as Testament and Slayer. In 2007, Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League restored the façade and converted the Ritz back to a movie theater, and it continues to operate today while remaining owned by Hegman's grandson, Austinite Larry Craddock.

Austin, Texas · United States