Last night was the closest I've come to recreating my Burning Man experiences in Austin. Fire twirlers, Burlesque dancers, aerial circus artists, and two large local orchestras--sophisticated Mother Falcon and theatrical The Ambitious Orchestra--entertained at The Beauty Ballroom's sneak peek opening party.

Not to be confused with affiliate Beauty Bar downtown on 7th, The Beauty Ballroom is grandly opening their new "shows only" Riverside location all weekend. Located in the same block as the new Emo's East, I've got a feeling Austin music lovers will be headed to this part of town a lot. Verdict on acoustics? Success. Favorite design element: All the walls are covered in glitter. Best people and band watching spot? Definitely the second floor balcony. My biggest mistake? Not bringing cash to tip the ladies doing hair and makeup in the corner. Dress code? Fierce. It's hard to feel under dressed in a fur coat and 1970's oversize floppy boho felt hat, but sure enough Austin's wildest fashionista's were on parade in full effect.

If this is what Beauty Ballroom cooked up for a Thursday night, I can't imagine what Friday and Saturday will bring. Theophilus London and Treasure Fingers take the stage Friday January 27- Doors 8pm / Show 9pm, 18 & over, tickets $16-18. Saturday January 28 is the official Grand Opening Party and The Ambitious Orchestra will be back covering Elvis Presley and David Bowie while The Lady Circus entertains from above. Doors 8pm / Show 9pm, 18 & over, tickets $7 in advance, $10 day of.

Go for the people watching, stay for the circus.

The Beauty Ballroom, 2015 E. Riverside Drive, Bldg 4