Experience Austin's Vibrant LGBTQ+ Nightlife Scene
Austin is the soul of Texas, and we earn the title of Live Music Capital of the World® by showcasing bands seven nights a week in hundreds of venues across the city. We are home to world-class festivals such as Austin City Limits Music Festival, South by Southwest® and Carnaval Brasileiro, where we deliver the best in music, dance and culture.
Find some of the best LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs and spots for live music, dancing, DJs and drag shows.
Empire Control Room & Garage. Credit Cody Ross Cowan.
Music
C-Boy's Heart and Soul
Listen to classic soul and R&B music at this juke-joint with a spacious back patio. Insider Tip: Get cozy in their upstairs lounge styled after a ‘50s era Japanese GI bar.
Cheer Up Charlies
Listen to live music, dance under a parachute and drink specialty cocktails at this LGBTQ-run indoor/outdoor venue. Be sure to try the vegetarian tacos from onsite food truck Asador Tacos.
Empire Control Room
Self-described as a “modern music space and watering hole” Empire is a great setting for local live music of all genres.
Flamingo Cantina
Home to what they call “good vibes music,” you can see live reggae, ska, Latin and worldbeat music as well as rock, hip-hop, alternative and more.
The White Horse
Listen to live country music while you learn to two-step with free dance lessons every Friday and Saturday night at this young and welcoming honky tonk.
Family Friendly Live Music
The kids can experience the Live Music Capital of the World®, too! Take the whole family to all-ages venues like Radio Coffee & Beer or events like the Zilker Summer Musical in Zilker Park each summer. You can even find kids shows at Cherrywood Coffeehouse on Sunday mornings.
Check out our venue guide for a full list of places to see live music while you're in town.
Swan Dive. Courtesy of Red River Cultural District, credit Jay Ybarra.
Nightlife
Barbarella
Known by locals as “Barbs,” this dance club holds themed parties most nights and stays open until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Insider Tip: Don’t miss TuezGayz - a local LGBTQ tradition that takes place every Tuesday with happy hour until 11 p.m. and dance videos until 2:30 a.m.
Coconut Club
This tropical-themed dance club and lounge is sure to have you dancing the night away on their breezy rooftop.
Elysium Nightclub
You’re always in for a treat at Elysium. This warehouse nightclub has been hosting Austin’s alternative nightlife since 2001 and is home to a number of alternative shows.
Halcyon
Every Saturday, Halcyon hosts show-stopping performances at their weekly drag & burlesque brunch, 18+. Bring cash to show your favorite performers some love!
Highland Lounge
Hosting regular performances, DJs, ladies’ nights and themed events, Highland brings the best late night energy and a whole lot of party to downtown Austin.
Iron Bear
Have as relaxed or wild of a night as you want at Iron Bear. Grab a beer and make new friends or dance the night away to hits from the DJ. Check their site for regular special events like karaoke every Wednesday night.
Jo's
Stop by Jo’s Coffee on Second Street on the second Sunday of every month for Drag Brunch & Bubbles. This dog-friendly, local cafe hosts regular events throughout the month including makers events, live music brunches and more.
Neon Grotto
Connected to the Coconut Club, don your brightest apparel to fit right in at this neon night club. Enjoy stunning rooftop views, regular drag shows and top-notch DJs spinning into the night.
Swan Dive
This live music venue is connected to Barbarella through a not-so-secret passageway in the back and hosts everything from live indie rock to burlesque shows.
Rain
A staple of the Warehouse District since 2004, hosting live entertainment every night of the week. Regular events include Karao-Kiki, Martini Mondays and more.
For more live music venues and nightlife explore the Austin Insider Blog and our Events Calendar.
