Special Events

Booking Concerts and Other Events

Central Presbyterian Church is pleased to offer the use of our sanctuary, reception hall (Smoot Hall), courtyard, and other spaces for a wide range of events, extending this opportunity to both members of our congregation and members of the broader Austin community. We are even a yearly host and partner to Austin’s own South by Southwest Festival! Let us celebrate your music showcases, weddings, art shows, concert line-ups, festivals, film screenings, and other gatherings in our historic spaces with you.  The sky’s the limit! In opening our doors, we affirm our commitment to supporting local artistic, cultural, educational, and community-based organizations. This practice is a vital expression of our ongoing mission to serve and engage with the greater Austin area in meaningful and inclusive ways.

Natalie Maines and Ben Harper at Central Presbyterian Church

Photo by Mindy Best

My other highlight of the evening was Natalie Maines, who performed with her band and guest Ben Harper at the Central Presbyterian Church, the SXSW with the best sound, period.
— L. Kent Wolgamott

Fiona Apple at Central Presbyterian Church

After queuing for over an hour – it was the longest line I’ve seen this week – and a boiling, busy day, I, with amazing luck and a kind friend, managed to bag a seat in the front row of the Central Presbyterian Church, a legendary SXSW venue.
— Lucy Jones

Wyclef Jean at Central Presbyterian Church

[NPR’s Tiny Desk Family Hour] proved a promising beginning for SXs to come, the venue’s crystalline acoustics proving a perfect setting for such diverse performers, all connected by the through line of singularity.
— Libby Webster

St. Vincent at Central Presbyterian Church

At South by Southwest, the Central Presbyterian Church is almost always going to be a tough ticket. The bookings are carefully curated, the acoustics are great and the space is finite… And the reverence went up a notch when M. Ward came out. A huge cross was the only splash of light in the dimly lit that demonstrated that all those great words come from a very musical place. On “Sad, Sad Song,” he sang, “the hardest thing in the world to do is to find somebody believes in you.” Less hard, it should be pointed out, when you are in a church full of believers.
— David Carr

Núria Graham at Central Presbyterian Church during SXSW 3/15/23

Photo by Derrick K. Lee, Esq. (@DKLPHOTOS) for www.BlurredCulture.com

Núria Graham at Central Presbyterian Church during SXSW 3/15/23

Photo by Derrick K. Lee, Esq. (@DKLPHOTOS) for www.BlurredCulture.com

Núria Graham at Central Presbyterian Church during SXSW 3/15/23

Photo by Derrick K. Lee, Esq. (@DKLPHOTOS) for www.BlurredCulture.com

Núria Graham at Central Presbyterian Church during SXSW 3/15/23

Photo by Derrick K. Lee, Esq. (@DKLPHOTOS) for www.BlurredCulture.com

Tiny Desk Concert series

Photo by Aaron Rogosin

NPR brought its Tiny Desk Concert series to SXSW at Central Presbyterian Church.

Amanda Palmer

Photo by Steve Rogers Photography/Getty Images for SXSW

Amanda Palmer performs onstage at The Tiny Desk Family Hour at Central Presbyterian Church.

Cautious Clay

Photo by Aaron Rogosin

Cautious Clay performs onstage at The Tiny Desk Family Hour at Central Presbyterian Church.

Song Exploder Stage at SXSW

Photos courtesy of Chad Wadsworth and PRX

Photos feature host Hrishikesh Hirway as well as Jenny Owen Youngs, Sarah Kinsley, Fly Anakin, Kimbra, and Perfume Genius.

Song Exploder Stage at SXSW

Photos courtesy of Chad Wadsworth and PRX

Photos feature host Hrishikesh Hirway as well as Jenny Owen Youngs, Sarah Kinsley, Fly Anakin, Kimbra, and Perfume Genius.

Song Exploder Stage at SXSW

Photos courtesy of Chad Wadsworth and PRX

Photos feature host Hrishikesh Hirway as well as Jenny Owen Youngs, Sarah Kinsley, Fly Anakin, Kimbra, and Perfume Genius.

Song Exploder Stage at SXSW

Photos courtesy of Chad Wadsworth and PRX

Photos feature host Hrishikesh Hirway as well as Jenny Owen Youngs, Sarah Kinsley, Fly Anakin, Kimbra, and Perfume Genius.

Rite of Passage x Death of Affect Booking

Visuals by Beng.r and panoptikon.party

Photo by @nadiaisaname

If you are interested in hosting an event at Central Presbyterian Church, we kindly ask that you:

  • Step 1: Complete and submit our Event Request Form and contact our Special Events Coordinator
  • Step 2: Approve invoice/quote sent by Bookkeeper and/or Event Coordinator and sign our Event Policy Form along with a standard $100 Deposit. Your event is NOT confirmed until the submission of BOTH the signed Event Policy Form and Deposit. Deposit is refundable if a cancellation notice is given in writing 14 days prior to the event (can be via email).
  • Step 3: Remaining balance is due 14 days before the event date.

To pay your deposit or balance, you may pay via Zelle using the bookkeeper@cpcaustin.org email address. or through Givebutter. (If you use Givebutter, please include the additional fee with your payment).

You may also pay via check mailed to the church (see below).

Central Presbyterian Church; Attn Bookkeeper
200 E. 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701

Nuria Graham Live at CPC

Billie Eilish Live at CPC

Dimensions of our Chancel / Stage Area

Blueprint of a room displays walls with detailed measurements, including two recessed areas and dimensions like 24'6" and 13’0". No landmarks visible.

Smoot Hall

A spacious room featuring round tables, chairs, and a Christmas tree. Walls display various items. No people are present.