Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Ritz Theater

320 E. Sixth St.

Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025

1. The Ritz Theater Marker

Inscription. In 1927, the historic Ritz Theater was built and opened by J.J. Hegman and is still owned by his grandson, Austinite Larry Craddock. “Talkies” made the Ritz a destination early on. Ten cents would get you a ticket and a comfortable seat. Westerns became a staple, as well as boxing and family films. The Ritz has enjoyed 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, the Ritz was the home to countless national and local punk bands, such as Black Flag, The Misfits, The Big Boys and Minor Threat. Later in the '80s, the Ritz 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 which continues to operate today.

Erected by Pecan Street Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 30° 16.039′ N, 97° 44.378′ W. Marker

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is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. It is at the intersection of East 6th Street and Trinity Street, on the right when traveling west on East 6th Street. The marker is located along the wall of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 320 E Sixth Street, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Charles House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named St. Charles House (a few steps from this marker); Smith-Hage Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Platt-Simpson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Leslie (within shouting distance of this marker); Jerry Creagh

The Ritz Theater and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025

2. The Ritz Theater and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Julius C. Wright (within shouting distance of this marker); Kriesle Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

More about this marker. The Ritz Theater is now the location for Joe Rogan’s new comedy club and bar called the Comedy Mothership.

The view of the Ritz Theater and Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, February 22, 2025

3. The view of the Ritz Theater and Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.