The owners behind a popular LGBTQ+ bar nestled in the heart of downtown Austin have been locked out of their building the day before the start of the 2026 South by Southwest Conference & Festivals amid allegations of overdue rent.
The Austin Chronicle reportedCheer Up Charlies’ owners Tamara Hoover and Maggie Lea were locked out of the nightclub’s building, located at 900 Red River St., Austin, TX 78701, as of Wednesday afternoon, March 11. The Chronicle shared an image of a padlock attached to the gate and a letter posted to the door from the property’s landlord, DT Land Group.
“On March 5, 2026, Landlord notified Tenant that were in default of their lease due to rent past due in the amount of $15,529.58,” the letter read. “The failure to pay these amounts constitute events of default under the Lease. Landlord provided 5 days for the Tenant to cure this breach. To date, the Tenant has failed to cure its default and pay the past due amounts.”…