Austin’s music roots run as long and deep as the history of Texas itself. Classic country music is revered here in the honky-tonks and dance halls (Willie Nelson owns an area ranch and holds a much-loved annual July 4^th country concert). But emerging artists representing a variety of musical styles, from electronic to rock and blues, are just as welcome. And besides playing in Austin’s many nightspots, you’ll hear them everywhere from the airport to alfresco coffeehouses to grocery stores. Austin isn’t kidding when it calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World®. Read on for the scoop on some great spots the locals like to go to hear musicians all around the city.

Austin Music Tours

For the ultimate Austin music tour, visit Austin City Limits (ACL) Live at the Moody Theater and get a behind-the-scenes look at the venue where the famed Austin City Limits television show is taped. Celebrating 50 years in 2024, it's the longest-running music series in American television history. See photographs of past ACL performers by noted music photographers Jim Marshall and Scott Newton, and check out the statue of Willie Nelson on the aptly named Willie Nelson Boulevard out front. ACL Live hosts some 120 concerts a year!

Grab a group and sign up for the Austin Live Music Crawl with Austin Detours. It's one of the best ways to hit popular music venues all in one go.  See up to three shows across three hours and find your next favorite artists.

The downtown Austin Music Scene Walking Tour is another way to see venues and iconic places where iconic and local musicians show off their chops. Learn about Austin’s music past and present through stories of the history and legacy of musicians who have shaped this city's music culture. 

During ACL Music Festival, book a ride on Barton Springs Bike Rental and Tours. You'll take a tour of the city past popular murals, Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake and more. The best part? The tour drops you at the festival grounds as a perfect kick-off to your festival activities. 

Austin Music History & Museums

The Texas Music Museum collects and preserves artifacts that document the diverse traditions of Texas music. Here, you'll find exhibits that focus on Tejano music and the contributions of East Austin’s African-American musicians, the museum also hosts regular live performances. Check out their Facebook page for a schedule of events. Learn more about Austin's music history. 

"Hi, How Are You" is a famous slogan painted alongside a frog in 1992 by Austin’s own Daniel Johnston. You can find this mural north of downtown at the intersection of West 21st and Guadalupe Streets. If you’re interested in learning about Austin’s music history, you won’t get by without learning about Johnston’s historic legacy. As legend has it, he first visited Austin as a working carnie and decided to stay. He loved the city so much that he self-proclaimed he would one day be a famous musician. That became true when Kurt Cobain appeared on MTV wearing a Daniel Johnston shirt and Johnston’s music became popular. Learn more about Johnston and his contributions to Austin's music scene. 

Vic Mathias Shores (also known as Auditorium Shores) is a popular park location for outdoor concerts and festivals. Before or after a show, visit the Stevie Ray Vaughan memorial statue, located along the south bank of Lady Bird Lake on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. The statue pays tribute to the influential blues guitarist who played many shows in Austin and was a native Texan.

Daytime Patios with Live Music

Güero’s Taco Bar is known for its icy cold margaritas, fresh Mexican dishes (including handmade corn tortillas and mole) and the live music performed in its next-door Oak Garden. Kick back and enjoy the music performances held Wednesday through Sunday.

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q was founded in Lubbock in 1968, but its legacy continues in Austin, where Stubb’s is a music institution that serves up lip-smacking barbecue along with some of the best live bands around. Sit down for the Sunday Gospel Brunch and enjoy live music with your Southern comfort food.

Meet the locals at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden, where the tables are communal, 100+ craft beers are served and the menu consists of sausages (ranging from wild game to veggie) cooked on a sizzling grill. Come on Sundays for brunch, with live music from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Keep caffeinated with an iced Turbo from the see-and-be-seen Jo's Coffee and snap a souvenir selfie with the “I love you so much” mural painted on the coffee bar’s wall. Jo’s House Band performs with special guests during the Sunday afternoon alfresco Sinner’s Brunch.

Lamberts, located in the historic Schneider Brothers Building in the 2ND Street District, serves up its live music with slow-smoked barbecue and modern Texas cooking. Their bar is stocked with local beers, classic cocktails and new world wines, and the restaurant regularly features live music in its upstairs bar and lounge. 

At Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. (ABGB), the guiding philosophy is “Beer Makes It Better!” The venue is known to have top-notch pies, sandwiches, and salads, in addition to its unbeatable selection of craft beers. Check out their events calendar for more information on their weekly lineups of some of Austin’s best local artists.

Radio Coffee & Beer will serve you the perfect cup of coffee while you enjoy their frequent live music events and a well-curated selection of some of Austin’s best food trucks: Veracruz Tacos, Briscuits and more. A local favorite, Radio has been a favorite hang spot since 2014 and is known for its specialty espresso, craft beer selection, cocktails, and shady live oak trees. Check out their newly established east side location which features live touring national and local acts. 

Iconic Music Venues

You can catch six acts in a single night at The Saxon Pub, a haven for singer-songwriters since 1990. See a free weekday happy hour show, a weekend matinee or a late-night performance. Some of the biggest names in music have played the small Saxon, including Kris Kristofferson, who likened the experience to playing in his own living room.

The Little Longhorn Saloon has served as the center of Austin’s honky-tonk country music scene for more than four decades. At least 10 bands perform each week and there’s never a cover charge. Little Longhorn is also known for happy hour Tuesday-Friday, from 5-6 p.m. Pull up a barstool and sip on an ice cold Lonestar 12 oz. draft for just $2.50 or visit for its popular Sunday Chicken S**t Bingo.

Do some Texas two-stepping at Broken Spoke, an old-fashioned honky tonk that's been around since 1964 and has hosted country legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Dance lessons are offered Wednesday through Saturday nights. 

Open since 1979, Cactus Cafe is known for showcasing top international acoustic acts. Musicians like Lyle Lovett and Lucinda Williams played here early in their careers. Today, the venue offers all-ages shows from Tuesday-Friday evenings and on occasional Saturdays. 

Located across the street from the University of Texas since 1974, the storefront Hole in the Wall stage has hosted everyone from newer bands like Spoon (who shot the video for their song "Jealousy" in the men’s room) to Don Henley of the Eagles, who dropped in to sing background vocals for Mojo Nixon’s MTV-era hit "Don Henley Must Die." 

To learn more about Austin’s iconic music venues and where to catch a show, check out our full guide to 20 Iconic Austin Music Venues.

Local Music Shops

Search for hard-to-find vinyl and see an in-store music performance at Waterloo Records, a local music icon that showcases all musical styles, with a soft spot for Texas musicians. Open since 1982, Waterloo has seen a lot of changes in Austin’s music scene, supporting all of the artists along the way and helping music lovers discover them. Find more record and vinyl stores.

Staffed by musicians, South Austin Music is the place in town to buy new and vintage instruments, as well as accessories. You can also pick up fun gear like colorful hats, sunglasses and t-shirts. South Austin Music has been a local staple for more than 25 years.

Antone’s Record Shop was founded by the owner of the legendary Antone’s Nightclub, Austin’s home of the blues. Just north of the University of Texas campus, Antone’s Record Shop specializes in blues and Texas artists, with a huge selection of used vinyl that includes many out-of-print recordings.

Wild About Music is an art and gift gallery dedicated entirely to music. The shop represents more than 100 international artists and carries thousands of music-themed items, from guitars to holiday ornaments. Musicians play live in the gallery. Visit its sister store, Austin Rocks, for souvenir t-shirts from Austin City Limits and edgy rock-inspired apparel.

If you’re looking at purchasing your first guitar or adding to your collection of musical instruments, look no further than Straight Music. Founded in 1963 as a Baldwin Piano shop, the store expanded when the rock 'n' roll boom created a surge in demand for string instruments and related gear. Today in Austin, Strait Music has become one of the country's largest independent music retailers.

The gift shop at the Austin Visitor Center offers unique items crafted by Texas artists, along with official Live Music Capital of the World® merchandise. Here, you'll find everything from postcards, hot sauce and food from your favorite Austin brands, t-shirts, hoodies and everything in between, It's the perfect first or last stop when visiting the city.