Hot Summer Nights is bringing three packed days of music to Austin's own Red River Cultural District this July 24 -26, 2025. Created to bring awareness to local businesses and artists during the slower summer months, Hot Summer Nights has grown to be a marquee event for locals and visitors alike. Along with the District's annual Free Week festival in January, Hot Summer Nights is a rocking annual event that hosts thousands of attendees and tons of amazing talent in the Live Music Capital of the World®.

Crowd of people near a bar under blue and lime colored lights.Hot Summer Nights. Credit Renee Dominguez.

When is Hot Summer Nights 2025?

Hot Summer Nights will take place July 24-26, 2025 with music starting around 7 p.m. nightly. Stay the whole weekend to experience a killer lineup of talented musicians in over ten of Austin's most popular music venues. Admission is FREE! Check their website for more details.

Featured Artists

Catch a free show with over 100 local and national artists, including some of Austin's top talent. The lineup for the 2025 event has yet to be released, so stay tuned to redriverculturaldistrict.org for updates as they're released.

Past years have included artists like The Tiarras, Crocodile Tears, AL West, David Shabani, Foxtales and more.

Barefoot man on stage holding a microphone stand, with blurry lighting in the background.Acid Carousel at Stubb's during Hot Summer Nights. Credit Renee Dominguez.

Participating Venues

Hot Summer Nights 2025 will be taking place at a record-breaking 18 venues in and around Downtown Austin and the Red River cultural district. You won't want to miss the oppourtunity to catch a show at some of the city's best venues. Listed below are a few iconic venues where shows will be taking place this year, but to see the full list, visit the Hot Summer Nights website. 

13th Floor
Frequented by locals and visitors alike for the killer music and great drinks, 13th Floor is a staple on Red River.

Cheer Up Charlies
Cheer Up Charlies is an everybody-friendly space, usually playing hot dance hits and electronic music in their kaleidoscopic canopied backyard. Their vegan bar offers kombucha on tap and organic juice-blend cocktails. 

Chess Club
Get cozy at Chess Club, an intimate rock and alternative music venue in the heart of the Red River District.

Elysium
Elysium Nightclub is one of the longest-standing residents to serve as a venue for Austin's alternative nightlife. 

Empire Control Room & Garage
Empire's modern space boasts three unique stages and has hosted some of the greatest local and international acts. 

Flamingo Cantina
If you're looking for "good vibes music", Flamingo is the place to be. Usual beats include reggae, Latin, hip hop and world music.  

Mohawk Austin
If you want to see emerging creative talent (from Austin and beyond), you'll need to catch a show at Mohawk. Renovated with recycled materials, Mohawk has two stages, a rooftop, multiple bars and killer live music.

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
More than just a famous barbecue joint, Stubb's is a favorite local entertainment venue that hosts local and national acts. From hip hop to country, rock to electronica, shows at Stubb's are sure to have you headbanging.

Swan Dive
Known for its dance parties and drag shows, Swan Dive is sure to showcase artists that will have you dancing all night long.

Valhalla
Truly a neighborhood bar, you can listen to live music and challenge your crew to games of pinball, pool and air hockey in between sets.

Ready to plan your trip? Find places to stay near Red River Street.