Austin, Texas is home to some of the best live music and festivals in the country. Whether you’re just getting started as a fan of music or you’re an experienced music lover, you’re bound to find something to love in Austin. This guide will help you navigate some of the best places to live for music lovers in Austin and all the great music and festivals the city has to offer.
- The Austin Music Scene
- Festivals
- Best Areas to Live
- Live Music Venues
- Dining and Nightlife
- Live Music Events
- Local Music Shops
- Outdoor Music Venues
1. The Austin Music Scene
The Austin music scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the country, boasting a wide range of genres, bands, and artists. Whether you’re looking for an upbeat country band or an indie rock group, you’ll find it in Austin. The city also features festivals like SXSW, ACL, and Fun Fun Fun Fest that bring in big-name acts from all over the world and help make Austin an international hub for music.
In addition to these amazing events, Austin is home to a variety of different music venues. From the iconic Stubb’s BBQ to the classic Continental Club, there’s something for every music lover in this city. If you’re looking to catch a new up-and-coming act, the city’s many dive bars and small clubs are the perfect place to explore.
Of course, Austin is more than just music. The city is home to the University of Texas and the Capitol, making it a great place to live for students and professionals alike. With a buzzing downtown, plenty of outdoor activities, and a thriving arts and culture scene, there’s something for everyone in Austin.
If you’re a music lover looking for a great place to live in Austin, you’re in luck. With so many great venues, festivals, and music-related events, there’s something for everyone in this city. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or somewhere to spend your weekends, the music scene in Austin is sure to have something for you.
2. Festivals
- Explore the festivals Austin is home to some of the biggest festivals in the country, such as South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and Fun Fun Fun Fest. But the city also hosts plenty of smaller festivals that are worth experiencing. These hidden gems offer music lovers the chance to discover new artists and attend intimate, one-of-a-kind events. For example, the Levitation Festival in Red River Cultural District showcases underground and experimental music, and the Austin Reggae Festival is a celebration of authentic Jamaican culture. No matter what kind of music you love, there’s a festival for you in Austin!
- Experience the culture Austin is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, and this is reflected in the wide array of festivals that take place in the city. From the Austin International Drag Festival to the Afro-Latino Music Festival, there are events that celebrate a variety of music genres and cultures. Music lovers can use these festivals as an opportunity to explore different cultures and discover new music. There’s always something new to experience in Austin!
- Find your favorite festival No matter what kind of music you’re into, there’s sure to be a festival in Austin that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re a fan of indie rock or EDM, there’s a festival dedicated to the music you love. And if you’re looking for something more unique, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind events that celebrate specific genres or cultures. With so many different festivals to choose from, music lovers are sure to find something that speaks to them in Austin!
3. Best Areas to Live
As one of the most vibrant cities in Texas, Austin is the perfect place to explore music in all its forms. With a thriving music scene and a plethora of live music venues, it can be hard to know where to start looking for the best places to live for music lovers. Luckily, Austin has plenty of great neighborhoods that offer both affordability and proximity to music venues.
The downtown Austin area is a fantastic area for music lovers. With a plethora of venues, including the historic Moody Theater, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, and the Continental Club, music lovers will always find something to love. Additionally, it’s within walking distance of the Austin Convention Center, where many of the city’s biggest music festivals and events take place. The downtown area is also home to a number of great restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to explore after the music stops.
The East Austin area is also a great place to live for music lovers. With a vibrant nightlife and a wide variety of venues, it’s one of the best places to see live music. From the iconic The White Horse to the beloved Cheer Up Charlie’s, East Austin is a great place to explore music. Plus, it’s home to some of the city’s most affordable housing options, making it a great option for budget-minded music lovers.
For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, the South Austin area is the perfect spot. With a variety of venues to explore, such as the historic Cactus Café and the Saxon Pub, music lovers can find whatever they’re looking for. Additionally, South Austin offers some of the most affordable housing options in the city.
Whichever area of Austin you choose, there’s no doubt that you’ll find something to love. From affordability to proximity to music venues, Austin has something for every music lover. With its vibrant music scene and variety of venues, it’s no wonder why Austin is one of the best cities for music lovers.
4. Live Music Venues
The live music venues in Austin are some of the best in the country. From the iconic venues like The Moody Theater and Antone’s Nightclub to more intimate spots like White Horse and the Continental Club, there is something for every music lover. Each venue has its own unique atmosphere and sound, so you can find the perfect place to get your live music fix.
The Moody Theater is known for its historic sound and grand atmosphere. It’s the home of the legendary Austin City Limits TV show, and it hosts many of the biggest names in music. It’s a great spot to catch a high-profile show or a festival.
Antone’s Nightclub is a legendary blues and rock venue in Austin. This club has hosted some of the most iconic names in music, and it’s known for its intimate atmosphere. It’s a great place to catch a show if you’re looking for a more intimate experience.
White Horse is a newer live music venue, but it has quickly become a favorite spot for music lovers. This spot specializes in honky-tonk and western swing music, and it has a great dance floor. It’s a great place to get your two-step on!
The Continental Club is an Austin classic. This venue has been hosting live music for over 25 years, and it’s known for its great sound and atmosphere. It’s a great place to catch a show if you’re looking for an old-school vibe.
The live music venues in Austin are some of the best in the country. No matter what type of music you’re into, you’re sure to find something you love in Austin. From iconic venues to more intimate spots, there’s something for every music lover. So, get out there and explore the best places to live for music lovers in Austin!
5. Dining and Nightlife
If you’re a music lover looking for the perfect place to live in Austin, you’ll have plenty of options for places to eat and drink. Some of the most popular local favorites include Austin’s iconic Franklin Barbecue, where you can enjoy some of the best smoked meats and sides in the city. For a true taste of Texas, The Salt Lick serves up some of the best barbeque around, and Stubb’s Bar-B-Q is a must-try for music lovers.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore. For instance, East Side King serves up some of the most delicious Asian-fusion street food around. And for a taste of something truly unique, Bufalina serves up incredible Neapolitan pizza.
Of course, no night on the town in Austin is complete without some drinks. Craft breweries like Austin Beerworks, Pinthouse Pizza and Hops & Grain provide a great selection of craft beer. Meanwhile, Whisler’s and The Roosevelt Room are some of the best places for craft cocktails.
No matter which type of food and drinks you’re looking for, Austin offers a great selection for music lovers. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that fits your taste.
6. Live Music Events
Austin’s live music scene is renowned for its diversity and quality. From big music festivals to more intimate venues, there’s something for everyone. The city is renowned for its big events like Austin City Limits, the largest music festival in Texas, but there are plenty of smaller events that are just as exciting. The Mohawk is an iconic music venue in the city and is known for hosting an eclectic range of live music acts. The outdoor venue at Stubb’s BBQ is a great spot to catch up-and-coming bands, while the White Horse has a great country vibe and is filled with bluegrass, folk, and country tunes.
The city also has plenty of smaller, more intimate venues, such as Beerland, which hosts a wide variety of punk, rock, and metal music. The Continental Club is a great option for lovers of rock and blues, while The Sidewinder is a great spot for indie music fans. There are also plenty of open mic nights around the city, such as The Blackheart, which hosts weekly open mic nights that are always packed with talent.
No matter what kind of music you’re into, you’re sure to find something to love in Austin. The city has a diverse range of live music events, from big festivals to more low-key shows. Whether you’re looking for a place to dance and party or a more relaxed atmosphere, Austin has something for everyone. So grab your friends, grab some tickets, and get ready to explore the best live music events Austin has to offer!
7. Local Music Shops
As a music lover and enthusiast in Austin, you’re sure to appreciate all that the city has to offer in terms of music, and one of the best things you can do to support the local music scene is to head to one of the many music stores in the area. Whether you’re looking for instruments to learn or to purchase, or just to browse, there are plenty of options.
For example, Austin Music Exchange is a great spot for all types of music lovers. They specialize in used instruments, but also carry some new items. You can also find a wide selection of vinyl records, vintage and modern, as well as CDs and DVDs. In addition, they offer guitar and amplifier repairs, and they host a variety of events such as open mics and live performances.
For those who prefer to shop online, there are also plenty of options. Austin Vintage Guitars is one of the best places to find rare and vintage guitars and other instruments. They also offer repair services, and they’re always willing to help you if you’re looking for something specific.
Austin is also home to a number of local music stores that specialize in different types of music, such as folk, blues, jazz, and country. For instance, Waterloo Records is a great spot to find a wide variety of music, from rock and pop to classical and world music, and they offer a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs.
No matter what kind of music you’re into, you can find it in Austin. Whether you’re looking for instruments, music to buy, or just a place to hang out and listen to some tunes, the city has something for everyone. With so many great local music stores and online shops, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.
8. Outdoor Music Venues
Austin is no stranger to outdoor music festivals and concerts. The city is home to some of the best outdoor music venues in the country, ranging from small park shows to large-scale festivals. Music lovers can enjoy everything from classic country to modern hip-hop concerts in the open air.
The annual Austin City Limits Music Festival is one of the most popular outdoor music events in the city. With more than 140 different acts over the course of two weekends, there is something for everyone. Music fans can enjoy performances from some of the biggest names in music while they take in the beautiful views of Austin’s skyline.
For a more intimate outdoor experience, The Long Center for the Performing Arts offers a variety of concerts and shows in their outdoor venue. From jazz to blues, and from classical to folk, there is something for every music lover. The venue also offers a variety of food trucks, allowing guests to enjoy a meal while they listen to their favorite music.
The city also offers other outdoor music venues, including the Zilker Park Concert Series and the Levitation Festival. The Zilker Park Concert Series is a great way to spend a summer evening, with a variety of musical performances from local artists. The Levitation Festival is an annual event that hosts some of the best psychedelic and alternative rock bands from around the world.
Those looking for a more relaxed evening can also head over to the Barton Springs Pool, where they can enjoy live music performances while lounging in the pool. The Barton Springs Pool also hosts regular events, such as the “Dive-In Movies” series, where guests can watch movies while they swim.
No matter your musical tastes, there is something for everyone in Austin’s outdoor music venues. With a variety of concerts, festivals, and events, music lovers can experience the best of Austin’s live music in the great outdoors.
