Gruene Hall

Gruene Hall, was built in 1878 by Henry (Heinrich) D. Gruene and is located in the historical town of Gruene, Texas (now a part of New Braunfels), and bills itself as “the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas.” By design, not much has physically changed since the Hall was first built. The 6,000 square foot dance hall with a high pitched tin roof still has the original layout with side flaps for open air dancing, a bar in the front, a small lighted stage in the back and a huge outdoor garden. Advertisement signs from the 1930s and 40s still hang in the old hall and around the stage.

Under the current ownership, Gruene Hall has become internationally recognized as a destination tourist attraction and major music venue for up-and-coming as well as established artists. Gruene Hall has hosted such acts as Willie Nelson, George Strait, Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett, Hal Ketchum, Gregg Allmanand many more. It was also used as a set for Michael, starring John Travolta. Booking agent of 30 years, Tracie Ferguson is credited with starting the original music approach that has made Gruene Hall an iconic music venue, helping to jump start the careers of Lyle Lovett, Townes Van Zandt, Hal Ketchum, Bruce Robison, Nanci Griffith, Ryan Bingham, Jimmy Dale Gilmore,Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams and many others.

The hall has been featured in several books including Pat Green’s Dancehalls & Dreamers, Gail Folkins’ Texas Dance Halls: A Two Step Circuit, Vokac’s The Great Towns of America and Schultz’s 1000 Places to See Before You Die.