KMFA Event Space

The KMFA Event Space rents the Draylen Mason Music Studio and the surrounding rooms of classical radio station KMFA 89.5’s building at 41 Navasota Street in East Austin, in The Hatchery district just north of Lady Bird Lake. KMFA, a listener-supported classical station on the air since January 1967, completed its 18,000-square-foot home in 2020 and designed it with space for live performances. The studio is offered for performances, recording sessions and film and video production as well as seated meals, meetings and parties.

Studio and event spaces

• Draylen Mason Music Studio: 2,167 square feet, seating 139 theater-style or 120 banquet, designed for intimate music listening and equipped with computer-controlled stage lighting, audio equipment, projectors and remote cameras; a production inventory list is available on request.
• Coltman Shay Reception Lobby: 1,737 square feet for 125 standing, with a built-in bar, sink and two undercounter refrigerators; it serves as the studio’s pre-function space.
• Margret & Michael Miller Conference Room: 788 square feet with floor-to-ceiling windows, a downtown view and a built-in presentation screen; available by the hour.
• Kuglen Entrance Lobby: 959 square feet with a Steinway grand piano.
• Outdoor spaces: the Edith Fowlkes Terrace overlooking downtown Austin and the covered Georgia B. Lucas Patio, suited to food truck activations.

Events, recording and production

Whole-building events hold up to 250 guests for standing receptions. Rentals include a dedicated on-site manager, WiFi, a basic A/V setup with two wireless handheld mics, music playback and a basic lighting package, a green room with a private restroom, 140 audience chairs and a Steinway Model O piano. Recording and rehearsal bookings run in eight-hour blocks without an audience, and technical support staff can be contracted separately.

Catering, bar and load-in

KMFA has no in-house food service and recommends caterers. It is an unlicensed venue, so alcohol may only be poured by TABC-certified bartenders, and selling alcohol requires a temporary TABC permit. Vendors and caterers schedule a building walk-through at least a week before the event, and deliveries must be booked in advance. The property has 43 parking spaces with elevator access.