Esther’s Follies & Lake Austin Boat Rentals: Austin’s Unforgettable Bachelorette Combo

The backside of Esther's Follies

When you’re planning your trip to Austin and looking for something unique, fun, and totally unforgettable, let me introduce you to Esther’s Follies. This iconic comedy and variety show is an absolute Austin treasure—and if you ask me, it’s right up there with the best margarita on South Congress or a pontoon cruise on Lake Austin. At Bat City Boat Rentals, we know all about fun (it’s kind of our thing), and we love pointing our guests toward the coolest things to do in town. Esther’s Follies tops that list, and after reading this, you’ll understand why.

A Little History and a Whole Lot of Laughs

Esther’s Follies opened its doors in 1977, and over the years it’s become a beloved fixture in Austin’s live entertainment scene. Started by Michael Shelton and Shannon Sedwick—two performers with a knack for blending sketch comedy, political satire, magic, and music—Esther’s Follies was named after Shelton’s pool-hall-loving Aunt Esther. The show was born out of the wild, creative energy of Austin’s counterculture movement in the '70s, and it’s stayed true to that vibe ever since.

The original location? Not far from where it is today, right on East Sixth Street, in the heart of downtown. The venue itself is hard to miss—part historic building, part modern-day funhouse, with a massive picture window behind the stage that lets the unpredictable energy of Sixth Street literally become part of the show. You might see a party of bachelorettes wander past mid-act, or a guy in a tutu dancing in the background. It's uniquely Austin.

Location, Location, Laughter

Esther’s Follies is located at 525 E 6th St, and if you’re staying anywhere in downtown Austin, you can walk there with ease. The Sixth Street vibe is wild and electric, especially on weekends, and Esther’s is right  in the middle of the action. The building has undergone a few changes and renovations over the years, but it’s always retained its quirky charm.

The venue seats about 280 people, which makes every performance intimate and interactive—you’re not just watching the show, you’re in it.

Why Esther’s Follies is a Must-See in Austin

What makes Esther’s Follies truly special is the mix of comedy, illusion, and musical performance that appeals to everyone. Whether you’re a local who’s seen the show a dozen times like us, or a first-time visitor, the fast-paced skits and jaw-dropping magic never get old. They update the material constantly, so there’s always something new, timely, and oh-so-Austin.

The satire is sharp (but never mean), the costumes are fabulous, and the energy is contagious. And did I mention the magic? Ray Anderson, the resident magician, is a master illusionist who’ll have you laughing and gasping in equal measure. Think Vegas-level tricks with a Texas twist.

It’s the perfect outing for a date night, girls’ night, or a group celebrating a bachelorette party. Speaking of which...

From Esther’s Stage to the Lake: Keep the Party Going with Bat City Lake Austin Boat Rentals

Let’s say you’re in town for a celebration—maybe a birthday bash, a family reunion, or (our favorite) a bachelorette party. After a night of side-splitting comedy at Esther’s Follies, why not take the party to the water with us at Bat City Lake Austin Boat Rentals?

We specialize in Austin pontoon boat rentals. When it comes to fun, comfort, and that perfect mix of chill and party vibes, pontoons are unbeatable. We offer both three and four hour cruises, giving you plenty of time to soak up the sun, sip on your favorite beverages, and snap selfies with the stunning Lake Austin backdrop.

Boarding is a breeze!  We launch from the Loop 360 Boat Ramp, which is not only beautiful but also super convenient to downtown. That means you can go from brunch to boat to Esther’s Follies with zero stress. Our rentals are easy, affordable and unforgettable, and we’re proud to offer the best prices in Austin.

Five Star Service, Always

At Bat City Boat Rentals, we pride ourselves on our Five Star Service. Our crew is friendly, professional, and totally dedicated to making sure you have an epic time. Whether you’re looking to turn up the tunes and get your bachelorette crew dancing, or you’re just hoping for a relaxing cruise with scenic views, we’re here to make it happen.

And trust us, we’ve seen it all—from wild bachelor parties to cozy sunset cruises. No matter the occasion, we’ve got your back with comfy seating, XL coolers for your drinks, and Bluetooth speakers so you can DJ your own adventure. Our pontoons are clean, spacious, and made for good times.

The Most Fun You Can Have with Your Bathing Suit On

We live by this motto because it’s 100% true. There’s just something magical about being out on Lake Austin with your favorite people, good music, and the Texas sun shining down. Whether you’re cruising past waterfront mansions, floating with a drink in hand, or making new friends in Party Cove, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.

Combining a night at Esther’s Follies with a day on the lake? Now that’s the recipe for an unforgettable Austin experience. It’s the perfect blend of local flavor, natural beauty, and  unfiltered fun.

Choose Your Cruise

Ready to set sail? All you have to do is choose your cruise—three or four hours of awesome—and we’ll take care of the rest. Our booking process is simple and straightforward, and our Austin based team is always here to answer any questions.

Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for a last-minute adventure, we’ll do everything we can to get you and your crew on the water and living your best lake life.

Why We’re One of the Best Things to Do in Austin

Austin is packed with things to do, but a trip to Esther’s Follies and a day on Lake Austin with Bat City Boat Rentals is an unbeatable combo. We’re proud to be a local favorite for tourists and Austinites alike, and there’s a reason so many of our guests come back year after year.

We keep it simple. We keep it fun. And we make sure every cruise is customized to your vibe. So whether you're in town for a quick getaway, planning the ultimate bachelorette party boat outing, or just looking for a great way to experience a different side of Austin, we've got you covered.

Book your pontoon today and experience the most fun you can have with your bathing suit on. We’ll see you at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp!

Choose Your Cruise