Sunny’s Backyard, the casual neighborhood hangout and live music spot on East Seventh, is shutting its doors after five years of “drinks, food, music, laughs, cries, stories, games, weddings, and much much more,” the staff announced on Instagram earlier this month.
“Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of a fleeting moment that you wish would never end, but you know can’t last forever. These past five years have been that for us,” the Sunny’s team wrote. “A team of rag tag kids became a family, constantly working together to solve the next problem and keep the show rolling. However, it’s time for that show to come to an end.”
The adored dive had become a reliable home to local musicians and barflies, hosting community events and concerts between its regularly scheduled happy hour, pool, and yard games and transforming into an It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia pop-up this past October. Performers and patrons were quick to express their sadness on Instagram.
“Sunny’s has played host to countless shows including a ton of ours and many more with the other talented musicians in our community and beyond,” wrote Americana group Blacktooth in a post promoting their final show there. “We’re losing a bar but we gained a family, and we’re proud to be a part of the legacy of the greatest bar in Austin!”
The Sunny’s staff has not yet responded to a request for further comment on the bar’s closing, but wrote in an Instagram comment that the bar industry is “tough,” a common refrain in Austin and beyond right now.
For their final act, Sunny’s Backyard is hosting a free concert featuring a pop-punk lineup of Nominee, Drip-Fed, Tied Up, and Ritual on Nov. 22 and hosting a non-perishable drive and fundraiser to support families whose SNAP benefits access was compromised by the recent government shutdown.
Sunny’s Backyard’s final show takes place Saturday, Nov. 22.