Red River Cultural District (RRCD) crackles with feverish energy and a bone-deep appreciation for live music. Discover local artists or catch a touring band on the verge of breaking through. There's a little something for everyone in the Red River Cultural District - from vegan-friendly spots to tasty barbecue joints, and dance clubs to punk venues.
Grab a Bite Before or After a Show
Back to Top of ListOn this street that never misses a beat, here you can have a love affair with a plate of brisket, enjoy vegan comfort fare and take a cultural culinary trip from continent to continent. Refuel during your night of music and dancing at one of these favorite spots.
For a hefty pre-show dinner, fill up on comfort food like the cornflake-fried chicken will give you a Southern drawl especially when paired with a whiskey cocktail on one of the relaxing patios at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill. For a healthier option, Asian-inspired Koriente is family-owned and health-forward, with selections for any dietary need or preference. Try the clear sweet potato noodles with vegetarian curry.
Vaquero Taquero. Credit Silvia Garcia.
Pelon's Tex Mex serves up sizzling fajitas and signature margaritas, perfect to fuel up before or after a show. Next door, Bar 508 Mezcalerita focuses on fresh mezcal cocktails and street tacos in a funky wood-clad space. Brothers Dani and Miguel created Vaquero Taquero out of a homesick feeling for the food they grew up eating in Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley. Now, their brick-and-mortar restaurant serves trompo, carne asada and fresh, handmade tortillas in a space designed for live music and dancing.
Finish off the night with a Jersey-style pizza from Hoboken Pie — cracker-thin crust, oozing cheese and open late. Grab a slice after your concert. Both vegans and meat lovers can find something delightful at Ditty Dog. You've never had a hot dog like this before... choose your frank (all beef, vegan or pork sausage link) and get it "fully loaded" with toppings like cream cheese, crunchy mix, Asian ketchup and caramelized onions. Don't miss out on the bulgogi fries (they have a vegan version of those too!).
See Live Music at Iconic Venues
Back to Top of ListFor the ultimate music fan, the Red River Cultural District is your scene. From big-name acts to local newbies, this street blares with the sounds of live bands at a variety of bars and clubs along the block. Here, the Live Music Capital of the World® successfully showcases its refreshing appreciation for diversity through sound. This crowd is a toss-up of people there to listen to artists and is located northeast of the Sixth Street district.
Cilantro Boombox at Empire Control Room. Credit Nicola Gell.
Auto shop-turned-club Empire Control Room & Garage hosts shows of all types, from hip-hop to soul to EDM. Rock venue and bar Mohawk welcomes acts to indoor and outdoor stages. Renovated with recycled materials, this venue has a unique vibe and great views of the stage no matter where you're hanging, plus there’s a rooftop patio with an inviting vibe. Stubb's Bar-B-Q has a small indoor stage, plus a 2,000-person outdoor amphitheater that attracts popular bands and stand-up comedians. While you're there, grab a bite of legendary barbecue or stop by on Sundays for their gospel brunch.
Dance at a Themed-Music Night
Back to Top of ListFor those who love to dance, Red River is notorious for themed DJ and dance nights. Pick your favorite category (Disney bops, decade hits or genre mixes) and party till late night at one of these RRCD music venues.
Melat at Cheer Up Charlies. Credit Renee Dominguez.
Every Tuesday night Barbarella hosts TuezGayz but, if you're not around on a Tuesday, don't worry. Stop in Thursday for Y2K night or Friday for '80s night. Neighboring Swan Dive joins in on the fun, often hosting themed DJ nights on their shared patio. DJs, local up-and-coming bands, theme nights and neon lights against a natural limestone backdrop are all part of the weirdness and charm at Cheer Up Charlies. This lesbian-owned bar is open to all. You never know what you might find at Elysium. It could be a neo-goth band, ‘80s night or a horror-themed drag show. No matter what's going on, it's bound to be a good time.
Attend a Free Music Festival
Back to Top of ListRed River Cultural District hosts two major music festivals each year... and they're FREE! Don't miss Free Week the first week of January. Catch performances by local and regional talent across 10+ venues, all with no cover. Hot Summer Nights is also a free annual three-day, district-wide music and arts festival. Catch over 100 artists from some of the top venues from Sixth Street, through Red River Cultural District and up to Tenth Street. Since it's all for your enjoyment, don't forget to tip your bartenders and musicians well!!
Looking for more live music? Check out our Music Events Calendar for upcoming shows to catch during your visit.