Wooden dance floors, open windows, friendly faces, and uplifting music. Historic Texas dance halls need to be visited, used and admired in person to keep their magic alive. The Texas Dance Hall Preservation, Inc. staff, a volunteer, Board President and Board President-Elect, had the opportunity to visit some halls this summer. In an effort to learn more about the needs of dance halls and some of the challenges they face, TDHP took the time to visit halls and meet with their owners or directors. In doing so, TDHP was able to learn what resources to best provide and ways to assist the halls.
See photos below of the five dance halls and learn something that makes them each special:
Albert Icehouse & Dancehall
5435 S. RR 1623, Albert-Stonewall, TX 78671
Albert Icehouse & Dancehall is over 100 years old and is still hosting live music events every weekend and even many weekdays. Check out the live music schedule on their website.
Bellville Turnverein
966 E. Main St., Bellville, TX 77418
The hall has had an amazing update with the guidance of historical architect, David Bucek, and is now run by Tom Barron and Eden Harris. Take a trip to Bellville to plan your next event at the charming- and air conditioned- Bellville Turnverein! Visit their website for more information.
Hye Hall
Since its establishment in the early 1900’s, Hye Hall has undergone many updates. A few of these updates include leveling out the floor, fixing the roof and putting in a septic tank- the floor and roof were fixed by the hands of members from the Deike family, who still runs the hall today.
Kenney Agricultural Society Hall
444 Hall Road, Bellville, TX 77418
This dance hall hosts an annual 4th of July gathering and in 2023 they fed over 820 folks. The hall is available to rent for private events and parties.
Luckenbach Dance Hall
412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
One of the most historic dance halls, Luckenbach Dance Hall is a Texas Hill Country treasure. With over 100 years of history and the beautiful original dance floor, be sure to make it out to an upcoming Luckenbach live music show or event. Check out the upcoming events on their website.
