Austin isn’t dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing. From classic music clubs to honky-tonks, there’s live music on every street corner. We’ve rounded up some of Austin’s very best places for live music.
ACL Live at the Moody Theater | With state-of-the-art lighting and sound, every show at the Moody Theater sounds crisp, looks spectacular, and feels epic.
310 W Willie Nelson Blvd | (512) 225 7999
Antone’s | Over the past 40 years, this iconic blues and R&B venue has brought Austin a variety of musicians from across the country.
305 E 5th St | (512) 814-0361
Broken Spoke | The place to go if you want to Texas two-step. This dance hall is internationally known as an authentic honky-tonk with live music & boot-scootin'’.
3201 S Lamar Blvd | (512) 442-6189
Carousel Lounge | Away from the crowds and traffic of Downtown sits the Carousel Lounge, a true beacon of Austin weirdness since 1963. Just remember, the bar sells beer and wine but is BYOL.
1110 E 52nd St | (512) 452-6790
C-Boy’s Heart and Soul | Downstairs, C-Boy’s feels like a classic neighborhood bar. Upstairs, however, is inspired by Japanese GI bars from the 1950s, complete with sake and bottles of Japanese beer.
2008 S Congress Ave | (512) 215-0023
Cheer Up Charlie’s | Booking mostly local acts, this venue is next-door to the Mohawk and is an ideal space to experience a more contemporary, bohemian side of Austin’s music culture.
900 Red River St | (512) 431-2133
The Continental Club | This South Congress venue should be at the top of any list for both visitors and locals. The tiny stage and small room make any show intimate and electric, a crown jewel of the Live Music Capital of the World.
1315 S Congress Ave | (512) 441-2444
Elephant Room | In the heart of old Downtown, sidle down a few steps into this underground bar and breathe in jazz. The candlelit venue features the best in jazz and is open seven nights a week.
315 Congress Ave | (512) 473-2279
Empire Control Room | If kitschy spaces and trippy light shows are your thing, be sure to check out this venue. Come for the live music, and stay for the DJ-fueled dance parties on the patio.
606 E 7th St
Hole in the Wall | Hole in the Wall remains a holdout, a home for UT students looking for cheap beer, a study break, and some great live music.
Mean Eyed Cat | Set away, yet close, to the activities of downtown Austin, this dive bar is dedicated to all things Johnny Cash with a full bar and a large outdoor patio.
1621 W 5th St | (512) 920-6645
Mohawk | This joint is a top destination for musicians and a favorite spot among live music fans. Rowdier fans flood the ground level while others seeking a laid-back feel choose a balcony level.
The Parish | Despite its location amidst the hustle of 6th Street, this venue feels like an intimate safe-haven with its cozy, wood-floor interior and tiny stage that features all types of musicians.
Saxon Pub | Established in 1990, this popular concert space offers free weekday happy hour shows, a listening room, and an intimate atmosphere.
1320 S Lamar Blvd | (512) 448-2552
Scoot Inn | Established in 1871, historic Scoot Inn serves as the oldest continuously running beer joint in central Texas. This compact dive bar offers two bars, eclectic indie bands, and a dance floor.
Secret Beach | The perfect place for when you want to take the kids out during the day or grab a group of friends for a campfire at night.
Roy C. Guerrero Colorado River Park | 400 Grove Blvd
Texas Rowing Center | Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake. No reservations are necessary, just show up!
1541 W Cesar Chavez Street | (512) 467-7799
Waller Creek Boathouse | From eating at Alta’s Café to enjoying kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals to learning how to row at Austin Rowing Club, Waller Creek Boathouse has something for everyone!
74 Trinity St | (512) 831-4922
