The best places to see live music in Austin, Texas

Live music isn’t just a weekend event in Texas’ capital city – it’s part of its DNA. Officially the Live Music Capital of the World (yep, the city has its nickname trademarked), Austin pulses with sound across more than 250 venues. 

Every imaginable genre has a home here, from late-night blues joints and authentic honky-tonks to tucked-away basement lounges with jazz ensembles and backyard stages hosting swamp pop, folk and psychedelic rock acts. 

While you’ll find music venues lining entire blocks like 6th Street and Rainey, as well as internationally renowned festivals, including SXSW in March and Austin City Limits Music Festival in October, Austin’s real heartbeat lies in the city’s unsung reaches, beyond the popular hubs.

This guide is by no means exhaustive – with all those venues plus festivals and pop-up shows, how could it be? It instead offers a glimpse into the stunning diversity and culture of Austin's live music scene. 

How Austin became a music center

Decades of rebellion, reinvention and raw talent shaped Austin’s eclectic music scene. Many people, locals included, associate the city with Texas country music, but the roots run far deeper, tracing back to German beer and dance halls in the 1870s, followed by an early 1900s blues and soul movement.

Live music in Austin gained its footing in the 1970s, when “cosmic cowboy” counterculture arrived with a wave of musicians, including Austinite Willie Nelson, who fled the polish and sophistication of Nashville and Los Angeles. A shared passion for defying the Man (and yes, psychedelics, too) kick-started crossover genres like outlaw country, alt-rock and punk. The progressive, unprecedented blend of styles broke every rule, paving the way for a wildly diverse music culture. 

Since then, multitudes of artists, including Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Strait and Shakey Graves, have cut their teeth on Austin stages. 

The Continental Club

Vibes: Despite its reputation as the granddaddy of live music venues, The Continental Club is surprisingly casual and small, accommodating fewer than 200 patrons. The South Congress building’s iconic neon sign and shiny 1950s hot rods parked out front give a sneak peek into the retro interior, where diverse crowds drinking Lone Star beer watch shows seven nights a week. Upstairs, The Continental Gallery holds just 40 people in a speakeasy-like setting.  

Bands to expect: The Continental Club hosts everything from roots rock and rockabilly to blues and swing. The key is who you might see that wasn’t announced; celebrities including Leon Bridges and Jack White often throw surprise shows or sit in on sets. Catch jazz, soul and jam bands in the Gallery. 

Make it happen: Many shows charge a cover, and higher profile shows are ticketed. Buy tickets online and check in at will call; the venue doesn’t issue actual tickets. All patrons must be 21 or older. Abundant metered street and garage parking is nearby. 

Detour: C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, another fabulous Austin music venue, is just a few blocks down SoCo. Steve Wertheimer owns both clubs, and this is his tribute to mentor Louis Charles "C-Boy" Parks, a prominent fixture on the city’s blues scene from the 1960s through the 1980s. The self-proclaimed “swankiest club on South Congress” hosts R&B and soul music on the main stage (and Ginny's Chicken $#!+Bingo! country on Sundays); grab cocktails upstairs at The Jade Room. 

Antone’s

Vibes: Synonymous with the blues, Antone’s is the venue for that distinctive soulful, melancholy music. The late Clifford Antone, a self-described melomaniac influenced by a vast range of music genres, including zydeco, soul and swamp pop, opened the club in 1975, pioneering Austin’s blues scene. Despite several location changes in its 50-year history, Antone’s remains true to its roots, with an old-school feel (don’t miss the photo booth) and acts spanning every imaginable blues iteration. 

Bands to expect: Legendary artists such as BB King, Muddy Waters and Stevie Ray Vaughan put Antone’s on the map, but the venue has also always attracted burgeoning artists on the verge of making it big. Regardless of who’s playing, you’re in for a treat. Antone’s talent booker Zach Ernst was proclaimed 2023's best live music booker at the prestigious Austin Music Awards. 

Make it happen: Antone’s is on 5th St across from the Westin Hotel downtown, with street and garage parking available. Purchase tickets on the website, via Ticketmaster. All patrons must be 21 or older. 

Where to eat: Antone’s serves beer-steamed, all-beef “Cliffy dogs” and five types of Antone’s famous po’boys. Order one fresh or grab and go from the attached Big Henry’s Vinyl & Gifts. 

The Far Out Lounge & Stage

Vibes: Picture hanging out in your friend’s backyard, taking in an epic live concert. In this scenario, you're also enjoying multiple food trucks, craft cocktails and 30-plus draft beers among a bunch of cute dogs (and often, kids; it’s family-friendly). Although The Far Out Lounge & Stage is one of the city’s biggest outdoor music venues, it delivers a welcoming, come-as-you-are vibe. Inside feels just as homey, with another stage and bar, living-room-style lounge areas and a pool table and giant TV for movie and game nights.  

Bands to expect: The Far Out’s eclectic lineup includes indie alt-rock, jazz fusion, punk, hip-hop and R&B, synth rock, T-Swift and Selena Gomez tribute bands…the list goes on. The venue also hosts festivals such as the Austin Psych Fest and heavy metal RippleFest Texas. 

Make it happen: The Far Out hosts free and ticketed shows, and most ticketed shows offer both online and day-of sales. In what’s known as Way South Austin, traffic generally isn’t a problem, and parking is relatively easy. It is limited, though, so for bigger events, arrive early or by rideshare. Do not park at neighboring businesses; they tow without hesitation. 

Where to eat: If you’re not feeling the food trucks at The Far Out, head across the street to Torchy’s Tacos for some of the most beloved queso in Austin. 

Elephant Room

Vibes: A bona fide basement jazz bar, the narrow, dimly lit Elephant Room would be right at home in New Orleans or Chicago. Only established musicians play here, no up-and-coming artists, so expect a packed house every night. Elephant Room is well-known for its strong, inexpensive cocktails, especially the dirty martini, made with house-made brine, and the Brewed in the Basement, its take on an espresso martini. The bar is a hub of conversation; nab a table closer to the stage if you’re here for the music.

Bands to expect: Sultry, funky jazz in its many forms rules the calendar. The Monday night Jazz Jam series is especially popular, often featuring Michael Mordecai. Other crowd-drawing regulars include the Sarah Sharp Quintet and Boss Street Brass Band. 

Make it happen: The club is situated downtown in the historic Swift Building, and parking is plentiful. Lines start to form about 1 hour before headliners start, even on weekdays, so arrive early. Seating is strictly first come, first served, and all patrons must be 21 or older. Cover charges range from 5–10 US dollars (US$) and are added to your tab (no paying at the door), and you get in free if you arrive before 8pm.  

Where to eat: Elephant Room doesn’t serve food, but guests are welcome to take a BYO approach. Order from one of the two upstairs restaurants: Swift’s Attic or Sushi Junai Omakase.

Broken Spoke

Vibes: Broken Spoke is exactly what you expect and want in Austin’s oldest honky-tonk, opened in 1964: neon-lit beer signs, a pool table and old-fashioned jukebox, taxidermied deer heads, chicken fried steak featured prominently on the menu and a mini museum of country music memorabilia, lovingly called the Tourist Trap. And of course, there's a lively dance hall out back. 

Bands to expect: As the last of the true Texas dance halls, Broken Spoke lines up a slate of country and occasionally swing acts. The likes of Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have all graced the Spoke’s stage. Most famously, the King of Country Music, George Strait, got his start here, playing the venue weekly for seven years. Today, popular residencies include Alvin Crow, Dale Watson and Ian Stewart. 

Make it happen: The restaurant features free live music (bring cash to tip the band) from 6–8pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Dance hall acts start between 8pm and 9pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and charge US$10–20 at the door. 

Planning tip: This is one of the best places to two-step in the city, but there is unequivocally no line dancing. If you’re a first-timer or need a refresher, drop in for free lessons nightly from 8–9pm, Wednesday through Saturday. 

Hole in the Wall

Vibes: This is a classic college dive, with dark wood paneling, a bar running the length of the front room, graffiti-covered bathrooms, a cigarette machine and cheap beer. Hole in the Wall is practically on the University of Texas campus, right on The Drag, but the cast of characters spans all ages (as long as they’re at least 21) and walks of life. In fact, A-list celeb sightings aren’t uncommon. Natalie Portman once shot pool here, and John Stamos casually joined a band onstage as their drummer – have mercy.

Bands to expect: Since opening in 1974, Hole in the Wall has consistently brought in acts that later become super famous. Fastball, Gary Clark Jr, Spoon and Shakey Graves are just some examples, offering a glimpse into the variety of music you may hear. Add to those genres, Cajun, classic rock 'n' roll, punk, DJ nights and even the occasional rave. The venue has two stages, the tiny one up front and the main stage in the middle room. 

Make it happen: Shows range from free to US$15, and you can pay at the door or buy tickets online. RSVP online even to free shows to guarantee you get in. Parking can be challenging, but there’s usually street and garage parking on surrounding blocks. A rideshare may be the smartest move, especially with other nearby bars to check out.

Planning tip: Hole in the Wall hosts free karaoke in its back bar, which can only be described as 1970s living room meets disco hall, Tuesday through Sunday from 10pm–2am. 

Saxon Pub

Vibes: Solidly Old Austin, Saxon Pub is reminiscent of a listening room you’d find in Nashville. The intimate South Lamar venue seats just shy of 200 people and opened in 1990, steadily drawing locals and music-loving celebrities alike. The venue and its staff show musicians the utmost deference while they’re on stage, so don’t come here to catch up with old friends or a first date – this isn’t the spot for lively conversation. 

Bands to expect: Saxon Pub is especially beloved for its folk and Americana acts, but other genres grace its calendar, including rock, country and indie pop. Local Austinites Lonelyland, fronted by Bob Schneider, packs the house on Monday nights. Don’t miss free weeknight happy hour shows from 6–7:30pm. 

Make it happen: Most shows are standing-room only as it is, so it’s smart to buy tickets in advance. Parking out front is equally limited, but you can usually find something within walking distance.

Detour: Before your show, walk 3 minutes down South Lamar to Odd Duck for one of the undisputed best espresso martinis in the city. It’s a nitro variation with dry vermouth, cinnamon and real vanilla.

Donn’s Depot

Vibes: Donn’s Depot is quintessentially Austin. Set in a historic train depot replete with decommissioned railcars, year-round Christmas lights and customers ranging from 21 to 91, and accurately described as a dive, piano bar, dance hall and neighborhood pub, Donn’s has had a fiercely loyal following since 1978. That goes for both patrons and staff – the newest bartender started more than 10 years ago, while a handful of regulars have held court at the same high-top round table for upward of 40 years. It’s like Austin’s Cheers, where everyone (including the band on stage) shouts hello when you walk in. 

Bands to expect: The energetic sounds of swing, Americana, jazz, folk and country regularly fill Donn’s, and longtime residencies include Chris Gage of Austin City Limits Hall of Fame and Grouchy Like Riley. Owner Donn Adelman takes the stage three or four times per month, playing a baby grand with a custom bar table built around it. The free Double or Nothing Two-Step Tuesdays are especially popular.

Make it happen: Donn’s charges a cover only on the weekends and for special events. When it’s in effect, simply pay at the door. The venue doesn’t serve food (unless popcorn counts), but patrons are encouraged to order in or grab takeout from the Juan More Taco truck at the car wash across the street. 

Planning tip: A former caboose, now painted with red-and-white circus stripes, serves as the women’s restroom (and coveted photo op, obvi). The original footholds leading up into the cupola create vibey, tucked away lounge seating where you can watch the band.