Braun Hall is located at 9721 Braun Rd, San Antonio TX 78250. Phone 210-688-9241 www.braunhall.com
COVID-19 has dance halls closed and we’re having withdrawal symptoms. On a recent trip to San Antonio, we happened to pass Braun Hall. This is a hall that has been on our To-Dance-On list for a long time. We parked across the street since the parking lot was closed and blocked with a gate. Then, after snapping the photos that are posted here, we did a little two-step in the grassy ditch. Not at all the same, but it did make us feel a little better.
Here’s information I’ve scrounged up on Braun Dance hall. Since we haven’t been able to visit and talk with people in the hall, if something is wrong, I apologize.
Braun Hall was established in 1893 by the Hermann Sons, a fraternal insurance association. Located not far from Helotes, the hall has a “beautiful wooden dance floor and twinkling lights.” The hall was closed in 2015 and reopened New Years day 2017. The hall “has a unique bandstand that is a ‘cove’ in one sidewall. The dancers love it as they have even more room to twirl away.” Adolph Hofner, who first recorded music in 1936, still performs here (pre-COVID.)
The hall can be rented for wedding receptions, parties, and meetings. The capacity, when allowed to be fully occupied, is 250. They have an in-house PA system and plenty of parking.
When allowed to hold dances, they have public dances the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month with live music. Dances were from 7:30-11 pm and doors opened at 6:30. The entry fee was $10 cash per person. The Countrymen band play(ed) the 1st Saturday. Bimbo & Borderline band play(ed) the 3rd Saturday.
Swing night with a lesson was the 2nd Friday at 7 p.m, with live music 8-10:30 pm, the cost was $15. Their website said they were opened every weekend with live music every Saturday night. They also held dance lessons on the 3rd Saturday at 6:45 pm. For those who like line dancing, they used to let you in on Fridays from 9:30 – 11:30 am. for $4.
They have air conditioning. You can see the units perched on the roof. They also have those wonderful windows found in old German dance halls. Braun hall sells beer, soda, and water. You can bring your own liquor & food.
Here’s hoping the halls are allowed to open soon. We’re looking forward to dancing inside!
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