Since opening in 2008, the Long Center for the Performing Arts has been one of Austin’s top venues, dedicated to bringing quality performances and events to Austinites and visitors alike. The Long Center prides itself on the variety of entertainment it provides to the city of Austin, and the upcoming 2017/2018 season is no different. We’ve rounded out some of the most exciting events coming to the Long Center in the coming months, so check it out and snag some tickets before it’s too late!

Long Center exterior and pavilion at twilight
Credit Scott Melcer.

11/11/17 - 11/19/17
Carmen
Austin Opera kicks off its 31st season at the Long Center this November with a production of Bizet's Carmen, widely regarded as one of the most popular operas in the world. This gritty and mesmerizing production places the classic story of love, betrayal and death in 1970, after the death of Francisco Franco.

11/13/17
Annie Leibovitz
The Long Center welcomes one of the highest acclaimed photographers of our time, Annie Leibovitz, to its stage this November. Known for capturing actors, musicians, athletes and many more of the world’s most celebrated people, Leibovitz will be presenting the recently published collection of work, Annie Leibovitz: Portraits 2005-2016.  

11/15/17
Alec Baldwin & Kurt Anderson in Conversation with Evan Smith
Don't miss this evening of humor and political satire with award-winning actor, producer, and comedian Alec Baldwin and bestselling author Kurt Andersen. The two teamed up to co-author a new book, You Can’t Spell America Without Me: The Really Tremendous Inside Story of My Fantastic First Year As President (A So Called Parody), and they will be joined by the Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith in conversation.

11/18/17
Maureen Dowd
Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times Op-Ed journalist, Maureen Dowd, visit the Long Center for an evening of discussion. Joined in conversation with Time’s Chief Washington Correspondent Carl Hulse, Dowd and Hulse will discuss the country’s most recent election, its controversy and divisiveness, and what the future looks like.

11/24/17 – 11/25/17
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Get into the holiday spirit with the help of Rudolph and his friends! Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer: The Musical brings your favorite holiday characters to Austin through song and dance, teaching us that our differences make us special. Don’t miss this family friendly event!

12/7/17 - 12/17/17
Of Mice & Music: A Jazz Tap Nutcracker
Celebrate the holidays with the whole family and join local dance company Tapestry Dance with this Austin-tatious rhythm tap and jazz spin on the beloved yuletide story, The Nutcracker. Lovers of modern dance and jazz music will love this take on the classic holiday performance, which originally premiered to rave reviews and standing ovations in 2016.

12/29/17 – 12/31/17
A Christmas Story: The Musical
The classic Christmas tale, A Christmas Story, comes to life on the Long Center stage! Join Ralphie as he goes on a mission to get his hands on the air rifle of his dreams on Christmas Day. The songwriting team behind the acclaimed Dear Evan Hansen and the Oscar-winning film La La Land brings the 1983 film to life, keeping the holiday celebrations going even after Christmas Day.

1/12/18 - 1/13/18
Bella and the Beast
Join the Austin Symphony at the Long Center for a performance of Stravinsky's "beastly" Violin Concerto in D Major by Bella Hristova. The night will also have the contemporaries give nods to the greats of the Baroque and Classical Era. 2018 Winter and Spring Season poster for the Long Center with Bill Murray

318/18
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends
Sure to be a unique experience, actor Bill Murray and cellist Jan Vogler come together to present New Worlds. Joined by pianist Vanessa Perez and violinist Mira Wang, the showcase combines some of this country’s most influential music and literature from the likes of Hemingway, Whitman, Cooper, Bernstein, Gershwin and Foster.

3/29/18 – 3/30/18
Cirque Eloize: Saloon
The world of cowboys and tumble weeds comes to Austin in Cirque Eloize: Saloon. Incredible acrobatics, stunning vocals and unforgettable instrumentation comes together to bring you an evening of fun and awe. Follow saloon-goers as they get into trouble in the Wild West in a show that is sure to impress.

The Long Center has plenty to offer the whole family, so don’t miss out on the event that is perfect for your next visit!