Author: Eric BernsteinPublished:
Austin, Texas isn't just famous for its tacos and tech scene — it's world-renowned for its live music. Officially dubbed the "Live Music Capital of the World" in 1991, Austin's music culture goes back decades and thrives today across historic dance halls, underground clubs, and rowdy dive bars.
Austin is the hometown (or adopted hometown) of some of the most iconic musicians in American history. Janis Joplin first found her voice in Austin’s 1960s music scene before launching into global stardom. Willie Nelson moved to Austin in the early '70s, helping pioneer the city's outlaw country movement and cementing its status as a creative refuge for musicians.
Major music festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL) continue that tradition of discovery. SXSW has launched countless careers through its citywide showcase of emerging talent, while ACL Festival brings major headliners and local stars to Zilker Park every fall. Together, they help keep Austin at the center of the global music map.
Whether you're chasing blues, indie rock, honky-tonk, jazz, or something experimental, there's a stage for it here. This guide spotlights some of the top venues where you can catch unforgettable live performances almost any night of the week.
The Continental Club
Neighborhood: South Congress (SoCo)
Address: 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Open since 1955, The Continental Club is a staple of Austin's musical soul. Tucked into South Congress, this low-ceilinged, neon-lit venue has hosted legends like Robert Plant and Wanda Jackson, as well as local greats like Gary Clark Jr. The main room keeps it gritty and intimate, while the upstairs Continental Gallery adds a loungey vibe with jazz and soul sets. Expect a tight crowd, incredible acoustics, and vintage Austin energy every night.
Mohawk
Neighborhood: Red River Cultural District
Address: 912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
This Red River Cultural District venue is a modern-day classic. Since opening in 2006, Mohawk has been a go-to for lovers of indie rock, metal, hip hop, and experimental sounds. It boasts two stages — one indoor, one outdoor — and a multilevel layout that gives you great sightlines from almost anywhere. Artists from around the globe and the Austin underground share the calendar, making every show an unpredictable delight.
The Elephant Room
Neighborhood: Downtown Austin
Address: Basement of the Swift Building, 315 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Beneath a dress shop downtown lies one of the city’s most beloved jazz institutions. The Elephant Room feels like a throwback to a different era, with its brick walls, candlelit tables, and nightly live jazz. You might stumble in on a world-class ensemble or hear local legends playing classic standards. It's a place where you can sip a cocktail and truly listen.
The White Horse
Neighborhood: East Austin
Address: 500 Comal St, Austin, TX 78702
This East Austin honky-tonk is a cornerstone of the city's country and western swing scene. With its wide dance floor, nightly live bands, and affordable drinks, The White Horse has built a fiercely loyal local following. It's one of the few places in town where you can learn to two-step and catch a stellar live set on the same night. Grab a taco from the Bomb Tacos truck outside and enjoy a slice of real-deal Austin.
Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge
Neighborhood: East Sixth Street
Address: 1500 & 1502 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Hotel Vegas isn't just a bar — it's a buzzing, multi-stage music compound. Inside and out, you'll find stages filled with psych rock, garage, indie, and electronic acts, often running simultaneously. The adjoining Volstead Lounge adds even more space and dancing. Add in a taco truck and East Side vibes, and you've got a venue that feels like a mini music festival every night.
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Neighborhood: Red River Cultural District
Address: 801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Combining Texas barbecue with top-tier live acts, Stubb’s is both a music venue and an Austin institution. Its outdoor amphitheater has hosted major acts like Erykah Badu and The Roots, while the smaller indoor stage keeps the focus on local and touring talent. Sunday Gospel Brunch is a standout experience, blending soulful music with southern eats.
Sahara Lounge
Neighborhood: East Austin
Address: 1413 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78721
A melting pot of cultures and sounds, Sahara Lounge stands out with its immersive events and genre diversity. Saturdays feature Africa Night, complete with a live Afrobeat band and a complimentary buffet. Inside, the space glows with rainbow lights and communal energy. It's a gathering spot as much as a music venue, welcoming dancers and listeners alike.
ACL Live at The Moody Theater
Neighborhood: Downtown Austin / Second Street District
Address: 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Home to the long-running "Austin City Limits" TV show, this sleek, high-tech venue offers a big-concert experience with the intimacy of a theater. Seating 2,750, it regularly books top global acts and hosts tapings for ACL Live. Its downtown location and cutting-edge sound make it a go-to for fans who want a polished concert experience without losing Austin’s vibe.
Cheer Up Charlies
Neighborhood: Red River Cultural District
Address: 900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Colorful and inclusive, Cheer Up Charlies is a bar, music venue, and gathering place all in one. With indoor and outdoor stages, a dance floor under a parachute tent, and an ever-changing lineup of live bands and DJs, this venue thrives on spontaneity and queer-friendly energy. The front taco truck fuels the party late into the night.
Broken Spoke
Neighborhood: South Lamar
Address: 3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Dubbed "the last of the true Texas dance halls," Broken Spoke has been two-stepping since 1964. Country legends like George Strait and Willie Nelson have graced the stage here. The vibe is dusty, authentic, and timeless. You can grab a chicken-fried steak, take a dance lesson, and catch a western swing band all in one night.
Hole in the Wall
Neighborhood: North University / UT Campus
Address: 2538 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
This University of Texas-area dive bar has nurtured Austin's music scene since 1974. From Spoon to Shakey Graves, countless artists have had their start here. With cheap drinks, a gritty atmosphere, and two performance spaces, it remains a proving ground for fresh talent. The new addition of Amity's Coffee and Karaoke next door adds a quirky charm.
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
Neighborhood: Rainey Street Historic District
Address: 79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
A lively Rainey Street beer garden, Banger’s offers over 100 taps and a rotating schedule of live music. The vibe is more laid-back than rowdy, making it ideal for enjoying Americana or bluegrass with a pint and house-made sausage. It’s family- and dog-friendly, and perfect for afternoon hangs.
Victory Grill
Neighborhood: East Austin / East 11th Street
Address: 1104 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
This East Austin landmark was once part of the Chitlin’ Circuit, hosting legends like B.B. King and Billie Holiday. While its music schedule is more limited today, the spirit of soul and blues still echoes through the room. It also features a Southern food menu that pays homage to its historic roots.
The Saxon Pub
Neighborhood: South Lamar
Address: 1320 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
One of the best listening rooms in the city, The Saxon Pub offers an intimate setting for songwriters and acoustic acts. Locals love Bob Schneider’s long-running Monday night residency, and big-name artists occasionally drop by unannounced. It’s a no-frills venue where the music comes first.
Coconut Club
Neighborhood: Downtown Austin / Warehouse District
Address: 310B Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701
This downtown rooftop venue leans more into DJ sets than live bands, but it earns its place for its magnetic energy and unbeatable views. Coconut Club is a dance party above the skyline, often featuring local drag and electronic artists. Grab some jerk chicken downstairs and dance into the early morning.
Why Austin Still Rocks
Austin's music venues reflect the city's diversity, creativity, and love for a good time. Whether you want to sway to jazz, stomp your boots to honky-tonk, or lose yourself in a psychedelic soundscape, there's a stage waiting for you. So pick a night, pick a spot, and let Austin show you why it's still the live music capital of the world.
Just reach out by scheduling a call with me today or get in touch with me by completing this quick form, and I'll get you on the court.