Are you ready to lace up and feel like a kid again? (Credit: Kurt Larson)
Austin Roller Rink is tucked away behind Southside Flying Pizza on Manchaca. While it can be hard to find, it’s easy to love. Usually, whenever I tell people I’m off to a night of skating at Austin Roller Rink, I’m met with a wistful nostalgia. “The last time I went, I was a kid,” they’d say.
Thankfully, we need not reminisce in perpetual longing for our younger, more carefree days. Austin Roller Rink is accessible to the inner child in all of us.
Family-owned Business
Patrons arriving for an ’80s-themed party (Credit: B Turner Photography)
Austin Roller Rink has been a neighborhood staple since 2010. It’s family-owned and operated. The business has even been featured on Discovery Channel, and was deemed “Best SXSW Venue” in 2015 by Rolling Stone magazine.
All of the employees act as a tight-knit family. As a frequent patron for a few months now, I can testify that the family and community atmosphere is strong. I see the same smiling faces from week to week, and it’s fun watching new skaters improve. Year round, employees and regulars throw birthday parties there, knowing all of their friends will be ready to celebrate at the drop of a hat.
Party and Event Space
An employee takes a break to show us some dance moves (Credit: Kurt Larson)
With three private party rooms, as well as a VIP section right next to the skate floor available for rent, Austin Roller Rink is the perfect venue for your celebratory needs. Parties are held during normal business hours. Or if you want to go all out, the entire rink is available for private rental on Mondays and Tuesdays.
In addition to hosting its own events and theme nights, such as Ugly Christmas Sweater parties and foam parties, the rink has also served as a venue for fundraisers, business promotions, music events, and even amateur MMA fighting.
All Ages Fun
Play arcade games if you want to take a skate break (Credit: Kurt Larson)
The schedule is intentionally structured, so guests of diverse ages can enjoy what Austin Roller Rink has to offer. There are designated times for open skate and family skate. And even though all ages are welcome on Friday nights, it’s a favorite for teens to gather with friends.
The rink holds adult night twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays. It’s an 18+ event, and those of legal drinking age are free to bring their own alcoholic beverages. It’s perfect if you want to drink, dance, and have a good time with your friends. But you have the added challenge of practicing an activity that requires balance, agility, and stamina.
There is always a DJ spinning during adult night. The music selection is often a mix of hip hop, R&B, funk, and occasionally disco. If there’s a song you and your friends are excited to jam out to, then make a request!
Pro-tip: Bringing your own skates to consistently practice with will help you improve more quickly. You may be able to find a nice pair of used rollerblades or quads at a used sports store like Play It Again Sports, or in the sports section of Goodwill. You may also be able to find knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards at the thrift store. It doesn’t cost extra to borrow some rink skates, if you don’t have your own.
Halloween Costume Contest
Because of the rink’s quirky, retro feel, it’s normal to spot a few wacky costumes there, especially roller disco outfits, no matter the time of year. However, this Halloween evening for adult night, a secret prize for the best costume is bound to motivate the masses to put their finest disguises on display.
Do you think you have what it takes to skate in costume?
11600 Manchaca Road – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
When was the last time you roller skated?
Katrina Cervantes paints, writes, is a massage therapist, and lives with a few goats and a sweet donkey named Lucy. Keep up with her travels at passageablaze.com.
