Austin, Texas is home to some of the best live jazz and blues music venues in the country. From dive bars to rooftop lounges, this city has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best spots for live music in Austin and give you an inside look at what makes each venue so special.
- Austin City Limits
- The Elephant Room
- The Continental Club
- The White Horse
- The Highball
- The Continental Gallery
- The Skylark Lounge
- The Saxon Pub
1. Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits (ACL) is a staple of the Austin music scene and renowned worldwide. This 3,500-seat outdoor amphitheater has been hosting the biggest names in jazz and blues since 1975. Its iconic Americana-style building and lush grounds make it an unforgettable experience.
ACL offers an eclectic mix of music from big-name headliners to up-and-coming local acts. With its expansive stage, top-notch sound quality, and its commitment to the preservation of jazz and blues, ACL stands out among its peers. It has hosted the likes of B.B. King, Etta James, Herbie Hancock, and many more!
The venue is also known for its friendly staff, comfortable seating, and wide variety of concessions. With its convenient location in Zilker Park, ACL provides a truly unique experience. It has become a destination for music fans from all over the world.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable live jazz and blues experience, Austin City Limits is an absolute must! With the best of the best in jazz and blues, you’ll be sure to find something that speaks to your soul. From its iconic building and amazing lineup of music acts, Austin City Limits is an Austin music experience like no other.
2. The Elephant Room
The Elephant Room is one of Austin’s oldest and most beloved jazz and blues venues. Located downtown, this cozy club is an excellent choice for an intimate evening of music. The wood-paneled walls create a warm atmosphere, and the stage is just the right size to provide an up-close-and-personal experience with the performers.
The Elephant Room is renowned for its high-quality jazz and blues music. The club hosts a variety of local, national, and international acts, all of which bring their unique flavor to the stage. From traditional jazz to modern blues, this venue is the perfect place to experience the best of Austin’s live music scene.
The Elephant Room also offers a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends. The venue has a full bar and a menu of delicious bar snacks, so you can enjoy a tasty beverage and a savory snack while listening to some of the best music in town.
The Elephant Room is a classic Austin venue that offers a unique and intimate experience for jazz and blues fans. If you’re looking for an excellent night out with some of the best music in town, this is the spot for you. Whether you’re a fan of classic jazz or modern blues, the Elephant Room has something for everyone.
3. The Continental Club
The Continental Club is one of the most iconic jazz and blues music venues in Austin, Texas. This classic venue has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz and blues for decades, and today it continues to deliver the best live music any night of the week.
The Continental Club is renowned for its intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting, comfortable leather booths, and plush seating. The club is also renowned for its inviting, laid-back atmosphere, where fans can take in the music and enjoy a cold beer.
The club’s stage is always full of some of the best local and international jazz and blues talent, and it’s also known for its occasional surprise guest performers. The club has seen the likes of legends such as James Brown, Ray Charles, and John Lee Hooker grace its stage.
The Continental Club is a legendary venue that has been delivering the finest live jazz and blues music for decades. Whether you’re a local looking for a great night out or a tourist who wants to experience some of the best music Austin has to offer, the Continental Club is the place to be.
4. The White Horse
The White Horse is a honky tonk-style bar featuring some of the best live jazz and blues music in Austin. Located in the heart of downtown, the White Horse is the perfect spot for a night out with friends. Whether it’s a casual evening after work or a late night party, this venue has something for everyone.
The atmosphere at the White Horse is lively and upbeat. The walls are adorned with vintage posters and the bar is stocked with an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails. The room is filled with a mix of young and old, making it the perfect spot for a night of live jazz and blues.
The White Horse is known for its amazing live music. The venue hosts a wide range of local and touring acts, including blues, jazz, and soul. The music is always fresh and entertaining, making it a popular spot for music lovers.
The White Horse also offers plenty of unique events, including dance parties, open mic nights, and live music. Each event is well-attended and always a good time. The venue is also known for its friendly staff and low prices, making it one of the best spots for live music in Austin.
The White Horse is the perfect spot for a night out on the town. With its lively atmosphere, amazing live music, and unique events, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. So, if you’re looking for the best live jazz and blues music in Austin, The White Horse is the place to go.
5. The Highball
The Highball is a popular bar and bowling alley in Austin, Texas that is home to some of the city’s jazz and blues music. Every night, music lovers are treated to an eclectic lineup of local and touring acts, from soulful jazz to bluesy rock. The atmosphere is upbeat and lively, with a full bar and a range of food options to choose from, while the bowling alley provides a unique backdrop for the live performances.
The Highball is known for its commitment to music and culture, hosting weekly events such as open mic nights, jazz jams, and blues parties. This is a great opportunity to check out some of the city’s finest talent in an intimate setting. Additionally, the bar features trivia nights, karaoke, and other entertainment, so you can always find something fun to do.
A standout feature of The Highball’s music programming is its commitment to showcasing local talent. Every Thursday night, the venue hosts a live jazz and blues showcase, allowing new and veteran artists to showcase their work. The night is a great chance to discover new music and support the Austin music scene.
The Highball is the perfect place to experience the best of Austin’s jazz and blues music. From its vibrant atmosphere and weekly events to its commitment to local talent, this venue is a must-see for music lovers looking for a great night out.
6. The Continental Gallery
The Continental Gallery is one of the most sought-after live music venues in Austin, Texas. It features a unique blend of art and music, with changing art installations adorning the walls and some of the best jazz and blues musicians in the city performing live music.
The venue has a great atmosphere for music lovers, with seating options ranging from the main floor to the upper-level balcony. The Continental Gallery also features a full bar with a range of craft beers and cocktails. Plus, the venue has an outdoor patio which is perfect for enjoying a drink on a warm night.
The live music calendar at The Continental Gallery is always packed with talented performers, from local up-and-coming acts to established artists. It’s the perfect spot to catch the city’s best live jazz and blues music, and the intimate atmosphere allows you to truly enjoy the music.
The Continental Gallery also hosts art exhibitions, showcasing local and international artists. The exhibitions are always changing and provide an interesting backdrop to the live music events.
The Continental Gallery is one of Austin’s best kept secrets, and it’s definitely worth checking out. Whether you’re looking for a great night out or a unique art and music experience, The Continental Gallery is the perfect spot.
7. The Skylark Lounge
The Skylark Lounge in Austin, Texas is one of the best spots to experience live jazz and blues music in the city. This laid back lounge features some of the best jazz and blues music in Austin and a great selection of craft cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out, or a lively night with friends, The Skylark Lounge is an ideal spot to visit.
The interior of the lounge is made up of deep red walls and cozy couches perfect for sinking into while you enjoy the music. The stage is nestled in the corner and features some of the best jazz musicians in the city. On any given night, you can hear the sounds of classic jazz and blues standards or a modern take on the genre.
The Skylark Lounge also features a full bar and menu full of craft cocktails and delicious bar snacks. You can sip on a classic Old Fashioned or try a unique signature cocktail crafted by the bar’s talented mixologists. The Skylark Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy a unique craft cocktail and listen to some of the best live jazz and blues music in Austin.
The Skylark Lounge is the ideal spot to experience a laid back evening of live jazz and blues music. Not only is the atmosphere cozy and inviting, but the music and craft cocktails are top notch. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a lively night with friends, The Skylark Lounge is the place to be.
8. The Saxon Pub
The Saxon Pub is an Austin institution, and rightfully so. Located in the heart of downtown, this classic pub has been serving up some of the best live jazz and blues music in Austin for years. Although the building has been around since 1990, it has been in the hands of the same owner since it opened, creating a sense of familiarity that can’t be found anywhere else.
The atmosphere at The Saxon Pub is classic and cozy, with plenty of seating and an intimate dance floor. It’s a great spot for any music fan, whether they’re looking to listen to some of the best local talent or just relax and enjoy a beer. The venue also hosts some of the biggest names in jazz and blues, so you never know who might show up.
The Saxon Pub is a great place to experience some of the best live jazz and blues music in Austin. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, and the music is always top-notch. The venue has something for everyone, and it’s a great spot to discover new talent or catch some of your favorite musicians. If you’re looking for a place to experience the best of Austin’s live music scene, The Saxon Pub is definitely worth checking out.
