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The 11 best places for live music in Austin
Our guide on where to see live music in Austin, from classic music clubs to hopping honky-tonks
By Gerrish Lopez and Time Out contributors | Posted: Monday July 15 2019
Photograph: Courtesy ACL Live
You don't get dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing. There's live music in Austin on every street corner, from bars and old school joints to modern stadiums. The classic music clubs and honky tonks, however, are where the true Austin spirit shines. These fantastic stages—with just the right lighting, sound, and crowds—host memorable shows from legends and up-and-comers. During major music events like South by Southwest, ACL and other big shows, these live music venues still spill over with music lovers looking for the perfect vibe. Alongside the best restaurants in Austin and the bars in Austin, be sure to check out these, the best spots for live music in Austin.
RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Austin
Best live music in Austin
Photograph: Courtesy Austin CVB/Dave Mead
The Continental Club on South Congress should be at the top of any list for both visitors and locals. It opened its doors in 1955, and the 200-capacity room has since then hosted the likes of Double Trouble, Paul Ray and the Cobras and Joe Ely back in the '70s and '80s to legends like Robert Plant and Wanda Jackson more recently. The tiny stage and small room make any show intimate and electric, a crown jewel of the Live Music Capital of the World.
Warehouse District
A larger-than-life statue of Willie Nelson lords over the home of the longest-running music series in television history (KLRU-TV/PBS's Austin City Limits). With state-of-the-art lighting and sound, and a formidable yet intimate capacity (2,750 seats), every show at the Moody Theater sounds crisp, looks spectacular, and feels epic. The only major pain is parking, as it's smack in the middle of the highly populated 2nd Street District. But a few bucks for a meter or rideshare is a small price to pay for a consistently premium live music experience.
Photograph: Courtesy The Mohawk
Bars, Music venues
Red River District
This joint at the northern end of the Red River District is a top destination for musicians one of the most loved locales among live music fans. Rowdier fans flood the ground level in front of the stage while others seeking a more laid-back feel choose three balcony levels including a rooftop patio and a bird's-eye, side-stage viewing space. There's also a homey, fireside bar and indoor stage. Even when there's no live music, the Mohawk is mainstay happy hour haven.
Photograph: Courtesy Austin CVB/Denise Chambers
Restaurants, Barbecue
Stubb's BBQ
There are myriad reasons why Stubb's is one of the best venues in town. The 1,800-capacity spot is nestled in the heart of the Red River District, which makes pre- and after-partying a cinch; the outdoor amphitheater features impeccable sound and light displays, plus clear sightlines from almost anywhere on the natural, gradual incline leading up from the stage; and—huge bonus—you can always enjoy barbecue treats like a chopped beef sandwich or brisket platter while soaking up world-class concerts.
Photograph: Flickr/Eli Watson
Congress Ave District
Located in an inconspicuous upstairs room just above Bat Bar and the Voodoo Doughnut storefront, the Parish is widely regarded as the city's best venue for sound. Despite its location amidst the hustle of 6th Street, the 450-capacity upper floor feels like an intimate safe-haven with its cozy, wood-floor interior and tiny, just-below-waist-high stage that features all types of musicians. The only downside comes during sold-out shows—since it's all general admission, you've gotta arrive early to snag the best sightlines.
Photograph: Courtesy Antone's
Music, Folk, country and blues
Antone's
Convention Center District
Though it's "not the same" as the original 6th Street location (according to purists), the new Antone's (now on 5th Street) still maintains the spirit of the "World-Famous Home of the Blues" opened by Clifford Antone in 1975. The Texas base for travelling and local blues acts like Albert King, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Double Trouble back in the day, Antone's still hosts renowned blues and roots musicians in its 450-capacity room. Almost every evening features an early and a late show.
Photograph: Courtesy Cheer Up Charlies/Bryan C. Parker
Cheer Up Charlies
Located next-door to the Mohawk in the Red River district, this self-described "Vegan+Queer" establishment is an ideal space to experience a more contemporary, bohemian side of Austin's music culture. Cheer Up Charlies books mostly local acts for intimate performances on the indoor stage (complete with psychedelic mural) or on the larger outdoor stage, which connects to a spacious patio (a prime spot for enjoying kombucha on tap and fresh-squeezed juice cocktails). The outdoor stage features a natural limestone cliff face as a backdrop, perfect for expertly projected visuals.
Photograph: Courtesy Empire Control Room
If kitschy spaces and trippy light shows are your thing, check out the varied events at Empire Control Room and Garage. With concerts of all sorts on one of three stages (one of them inside, another a repurposed auto garage) on almost any given night of the week, it's no wonder Empire has become one of the most popular live music spaces over the past few years. Come for the live music, and stay for the DJ-fueled dance parties on the patio.
Photograph: Kristen Maurel
Nightlife, Clubs
South Lamar
This definitive Texan dance hall is all about letting your hair down on the dance floor. It doesn't get much more Texan than two-stepping to live country music. There are dance lessons at 8pm most nights, so hesitant toe-tappers can fit right in with boot-scootin bosses. Grab an ice-cold Lone Star or three so you're more willing to say yes when a stranger asks you to dance. After all that dancing, refuel with one of the Spoke's famous (and famously enormous) chicken-fried steaks.
Photograph: Courtesy Historic Scoot Inn
Bars, Beer bars
Scoot Inn has a history as rich as Austin itself. In 1871, the introduction of the city's railway prompted Sam and Nancy Wilson to open a grocery store next to the tracks. The business operated until 1955, when Aubrey Ivy (nicknamed "Scoot") and his wife purchased the store and renamed it Scoot Inn, where it has since served as a saloon and live music venue. A separate bar inside—dubbed Ivy's Room—features regular piano performances.
Photograph: Yelp/Adelina M
This funky East Austin dive is a little hard to find, but the search is worth it as you'll be rewarded with excellent live jazz, blues, R&B, and soul music. Pick up some free popcorn before choosing a spot in front of the intimate stage. Happy hour gigs feature great shows for the early bird crowd (like pianist Margaret Wright on Thursdays and Fridays), and Soul Sundays with Soul Man Sam is one of the best ways to get your week started. There's also a lovely garden patio for outdoor chilling.
Looking for more of a dance vibe?
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/JSitthi
Check out the 14 best dance clubs in Austin
Put on your dancing shoes.
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