Live music is everywhere in Austin and with hundreds of music venues featuring everything from rock and blues to country and hip-hop it can be difficult to narrow down exactly where to see a live show. That’s why we created this list of music venues with regular live music schedules, guaranteed to help you catch outstanding live performances any night of the week.
Nightowls at Antone's. Courtesy of The Nightowls.
Antone’s Nightclub
One of Austin’s most legendary venues of historic significance, Antone’s is known as the house of blues in Austin. Home to such greats as BB King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton an Stevie Ray Vaughan, Antone's continues to bring in big touring acts as well as local talent to the same stage almost nightly. Peep their events page on their website for more information on shows and tickets.
Armadillo Den
This double decker neighborhood bar off South Manchaca has everything you need for an afternoon of fun. Located on a sprawling three acres, Armadillo Den has craft beer and cocktails on tap, an indoor and outdoor stage with regular live music, two beloved Austin food trucks: Pueblo Viejo and Ranch Hand, Celtic axe throwing and a dog park for your furry friends. Ready to plan your visit? Take a look at their live music schedule.
Kalu and the Electric Joint at C-Boys Heart & Soul. Credit Visit Austin.
C-Boys Heart & Soul
Just down the street from the iconic Continental Club lies neighborhood juke-joint C-Boys. This swanky South Congress establishment features classic soul and R&B music nightly, a breezy outdoor patio and a cozy Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge upstairs called “Jade Room”. See for yourself at one of their upcoming shows.
The Continental Club
Austin’s longest continuously running club, Continental Club has been situated in the same location along South Congress since 1955. First opening as a swanky private supper club, the venue has since transformed into a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country, jazz and soul music. Hosting nightly music on their main stage and accompanying speakeasy-style gallery area, it continues to host only the highest caliber of local acts like the Heartless Bastards, Dale Watson, and Tomar & the FCs. To find a show, check out their music calendar.
Elephant Room
Open since 1991, this cozy basement bar is the place to go for nightly jazz music. Located in the heart of downtown, the Elephant Room's intimate listening room is the perfect place for date night or a relaxing evening with friends, any night of the week. See their full calendar and plan your visit.
Cilantro Boombox at Empire Control Room. Credit Nicola Gell.
Empire Control Room & Garage
In the heart of the Red River Cultural District is Empire Garage, an auto shop turned club, boasting three unique stages (one indoor + two outdoor) with regular lineups featuring everything from hip-hop to soul to EDM. To catch an upcoming show, visit their website.
Voted “Best New Venue” at the Austin Music Awards, The Far Out Lounge in South Austin is easily the most impressive and spacious outdoor venue in Austin. Equipped with a food truck park, watering hole and multiple stages for live music, the Far Out is always a guaranteed good time. Check out their daily events calendar and never miss a show.
Guero’s Taco Bar
Few things are better than listening to live music outside with a hand-shaken margarita in your hand. You can do just that at Guero’s on South Congress. First enjoy the handmade corn tortillas and specialty dishes inside at the restaurant, then head outdoors to their Oak Garden for live music every Wednesday-Sunday. See their upcoming line-ups to plan your next visit.
A Giant Dog at Hotel Vegas. Credit David Brendan Hall.
Hotel Vegas & The Volstead
Located in the heart of East Sixth Street arts + entertainment district, Hotel Vegas offers its patrons live music, DJs and events every night of the week. The venue’s vintage, Louisiana-meets-Texas inspired furnishings make for a unique experience to accompany the rockin' performances. And if that isn’t enough, its neighboring sister bar The Volstead Lounge serves up great drinks and even more live music right next door.
Meanwhile Brewing
On the southeast side of town, Meanwhile Brewing is easily one of the best backyard sound stages in town. This 3.7 acre brewery has a wide variety of offerings including: a taproom, expansive beer garden, four food trucks, a turf soccer field, children’s playground and live music and events every night of the week. See why this is the new South Austin hotspot by checking out their events page.
Mozart's Holiday Light Show. Credit Carlos Hernandez.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
In West Austin, there’s not a cozier place than Mozart’s Coffee Roasters to enjoy sweet treats and coffee while you listen to instrumentalists and singer-songwriters such as Spanish guitarist Daniel Young or modern harpist Sarah Hall perform on their wide, multi-level lake-side patio. Each weekend, Mozart’s posts their live music schedule on their Facebook page. Be sure to check the times of the performances and make a plan to reserve a table to see their annual holiday light show beginning November 10.
Radio Coffee & Beer
If you find yourself deeper in South Austin, Radio Coffee & Beer will serve you the perfect cup of coffee while you enjoy live music under the shady oak trees. Known for showcasing some of Austin’s best folk and bluegrass music (and for having a well-curated selection of Austin’s best food trucks) we recommend checking out their Bluegrass Night held every Monday. For more shows and events, check out their website.
The Golden Roses. Credit Heather Mason.
Sagebrush & White Horse
Seasoned venue owner and Austin music fixture Denis O’Donnell of East Austin honky-tonk White Horse, opened another South Austin live music joint, Sagebrush. Both venues have live country music seven nights a week and two step dance lessons every Thursday night. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, check out their full music calendar on the Sagebrush and White Horse websites.
Speakeasy
Located downtown, Speakeasy, a three-level venue, complete with a performance space, a bowling mezzanine that overlooks the stage and a rooftop lounge for occasional live music performances and open mics. Check their Facebook page for a full list of events.
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Stubb’s on Red River Street is more than just a BBQ joint. Home to an impressive amphitheater stage as well as a more intimate sound space indoors, you can always rely on Stubb’s to have live music that’s just as good as its brisket and beer. A local favorite, it’s here where you can catch not only the big name headliners, but the up and coming local talent as well. Check out their Gospel Brunch on Sunday’s and see their full calendar for more info.
Check out our map below to map out your live music crawl to some (or all!) of these venues.
