Support Us Button Widget

Take a peek at Madonna’s 1985 concert in Austin

Austinites have two nights to see Madge in concert.

On the left is Madonna in 2022, on the right is Madonna in 1985.

Madonna hasn’t performed in the Capital City in almost 40 years.

Photos by David Kirouac, Moody Center

It’s been almost 40 years since Austin hosted the “Material Girl” herself, but in case you haven’t heard the news, Madonna is coming back to town this fall.

The Moody Center will host “The Celebration Tour” for two nights: Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22. The last time she played in the Capital City was on Sunday, May 5, 1985 at the Frank Erwin Center during “The Virgin Tour.”

In honor of a visit from the Queen of Pop, we’re sharing some photos from her first visit and some insight into Austin in 1985.

A photo of Madonna wearing a brightly colored jacket, lace gloves, and a large bow in her hair.

Madonna visited Austin on her first-ever tour.

Photo courtesy of the Moody Center

In 1985...

  • The Daily Texan announced Madonna’s concert on May 2.
  • The New York Times called Austin “the intellectual and musical capital of Texas” that is struggling to manage growth.
  • Michael Dell dropped out of UT and started working on the company’s first computer system.
  • Longhorn football finished the regular season 8–3.

Tickets are on sale now.

More from ATXtoday
You’ll never have to deal with a layover again, because these are just a few of ABIA’s nonstop flights, which will take you to over 100 cities in the US and abroad.
Dip your toes into “phillumeny,” aka the practice of collecting matchbooks, while you explore ATX and support local businesses at the same time.
The slate of new grants goes toward projects including new bridge construction, shade structure creation, and trail repair.
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of Austin’s historical markers, the significance they hold, and how long they’ve been standing.
Austin made waves on dozens of studies, lists, and rankings, so we gathered some of the highest points the Capital City hit in 2025.
Here’s the deal — the resale and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Capital City. Here are 21 markets and shops to stop by on your secondhand journey.
If you have a goal you’re trying to hit in 2026, we’re here to help you make that as easy as possible by connecting you to our guides.
Save this page to plan your year’s worth of festivities.
The Austinite and two college friends-turned-founders made the list with their honey-based performance gel, which is made with organic honey and clean ingredients.
Whether you’re sober curious or fully alcohol-free, these ~30 Austin businesses serve up delicious mocktails you won’t want to miss.