Austin, Texas is home to a vibrant live music scene that attracts music lovers from all over the world. From iconic venues to world-renowned festivals, the city has something to offer music fans of all kinds. Read on to learn more about Austin’s live music venues and festivals!
- Historic Venues
- Festival Listings
- Nightlife Hotspots
- Outdoor Venues
- Supporting Local Bands
- Booking Shows
- Venue Reviews
- Getting Around
1. Historic Venues
Austin, Texas is home to some of the most iconic and historic music venues in the world. From the historic Moody Theater to the legendary Continental Club, these venues have been around for decades and have seen some of the biggest names in music. The Moody Theater was built in the 1930s and has been host to some of the most legendary performances in music history. The Continental Club, meanwhile, has been a staple of Austin’s live music scene since the 1950s. It has seen some of the most influential musicians in history take its stage, from Stevie Ray Vaughn to Janis Joplin.
These venues provide a unique atmosphere and are still thriving today. The Moody Theater has been host to some of the most iconic performances in recent years, such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the South by Southwest Conference. The Continental Club, meanwhile, still attracts some of the most talented musicians in the world and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a piece of Austin’s musical history.
From the vibrant atmosphere of the Moody Theater to the intimate setting of the Continental Club, Austin’s historic music venues are an essential part of the city’s music scene. Whether you’re looking for a place to catch a classic show or to soak in the atmosphere of an iconic venue, Austin has something for everyone.
2. Festival Listings
Austin, Texas is known for its range of music festivals that draw in music fans from all over the world. From the iconic SXSW to the beloved Austin City Limits Music Festival, there is something for all different music tastes.
SXSW, or South by Southwest, is a film, music, and technology festival held in March every year. The festival features hundreds of bands, exhibitions, and interactive events, making it a great place to experience the best of Austin’s music scene.
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is held every October. This three-day event is one of the largest music festivals in the United States and features performances from some of the biggest names in music. The festival also includes food vendors, art installations, and other entertainment.
The Levitation Festival is an annual event that celebrates psychedelic rock music. The festival features performances from established and emerging acts, and also has a carnival, art installations, and interactive activities.
The Fun Fun Fun Fest is a three-day music festival held every November. This independent festival features a wide range of genres including indie rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. The festival also has skateboarding and comedy performances.
Finally, the Old Settler’s Music Festival is held every April and is one of the longest-running music festivals in Texas. The festival features performances from Americana, bluegrass, and folk musicians, as well as food and craft vendors.
If you’re looking to explore Austin’s music scene, these festivals are a great place to start. From legendary venues to world-renowned festivals, Austin has something for music fans of all kinds.
3. Nightlife Hotspots
Austin is a city that never sleeps, especially when it comes to nightlife. While there are plenty of bars and clubs to explore, the live music scene is what really sets the city apart. No matter the genre, there is something for everyone in terms of music and dancing.
One of the most popular places for music lovers is the Sixth Street area. This vibrant stretch of downtown Austin has a wide variety of bars and clubs, all featuring live music of different genres. From honky-tonk country to indie rock, the music never stops on Sixth Street.
For those looking for a more upscale night out, the Warehouse District is a great option. This area is home to several of Austin’s trendiest bars and lounges, where you can enjoy a live show in an intimate atmosphere. This is the perfect spot to catch local bands, as well as international acts that come through town.
If you’re looking for an even more unique experience, Austin has several venues that specialize in dance music. Venues such as the Empire Control Room and Garage and Kingdom are the perfect places to dance the night away. They feature EDM, techno, and house music all night long, and the atmosphere is always electric.
Finally, no trip to Austin would be complete without experiencing one of the city’s many music festivals. SXSW, Austin City Limits, and Fun Fun Fun Fest are just a few of the popular festivals that take place in the city every year. The music and atmosphere at these events are truly unforgettable, and they draw crowds from all over the world.
So whether you’re looking for a wild night out or a more relaxed atmosphere, Austin’s live music scene has something to offer everyone. From Sixth Street to the Warehouse District, and all the way to the city’s music festivals, there is no shortage of nightlife hotspots in the Live Music Capital of the World.
4. Outdoor Venues
- Discover Austin’s outdoor music venues Austin, Texas is home to many great outdoor venues for live music and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for an intimate outdoor acoustic performance, a lively outdoor concert, or a unique outdoor venue to host your own music event, Austin has something to offer. A few of the most popular outdoor venues include The Backyard at Bee Cave, The White Horse, and Levitation Fest at Carson Creek Ranch. Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere, so be sure to explore them all to find the one that suits your needs.
- Enjoy nature while listening to music One of the great things about outdoor music venues in Austin is that you can enjoy the beauty of nature while listening to great music. Whether you’re listening to bluegrass during the spring, or a rock concert during the summer, Austin’s outdoor venues offer a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area while enjoying some of the best music around. A few of the most popular outdoor venues are Zilker Park, The Mohawk, and Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for a unique music experience in Austin.
- Experience outdoor music festivals For the ultimate outdoor music experience, Austin is home to some of the best music festivals in the world. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day event like South by Southwest, or a more intimate festival like Levitation Fest at Carson Creek Ranch, there’s something for everyone in Austin. From great music to good food and drinks, Austin’s outdoor music festivals offer an unforgettable experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Support local music outdoors One of the best ways to experience live music in Austin is to attend one of the city’s many local outdoor music events. From local concerts in parks to street festivals, there are plenty of great opportunities to support local musicians while enjoying some of the best music in Austin. Be sure to check out some of the city’s local outdoor music events to get a taste of Austin’s vibrant music scene.
- Explore Austin’s live music scene Austin, Texas is home to a vibrant live music scene that offers something for music fans of all kinds. From iconic outdoor music venues to world-renowned festivals, the city has something to offer for everyone. Explore Austin’s outdoor music venues and festivals to get a taste of the city’s unique live music scene and discover something new about the city’s music culture.
5. Supporting Local Bands
Austin has an amazing music scene, and there are many ways to support the local bands and music venues. One way is to purchase merchandise from the bands. When you buy a band’s t-shirt, you’re not only showing your support for the music, but you’re also helping to fund their ability to make more music.
Another way to support local bands is to attend their live shows. Many venues in Austin have a “pay what you can” policy, which allows people to pay for the show based on their budgets. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you can still show up and show your support.
Social media is another way to support local music in Austin. Follow the bands you like on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and share their music with your friends. You can also share reviews and recommendations of their shows to help spread the word and increase their fan base.
You can also support local bands by tipping at their shows. If you can’t afford to purchase merchandise, tipping the band is a great way to show your appreciation for the music.
It’s also important to support the music venues in Austin. Buy tickets to the shows, and be sure to check out any local businesses near the venue. These businesses help to create a vibrant music scene in Austin.
Finally, you can volunteer at local music festivals or venues. Many venues and festivals have volunteer programs that need help with set-up, clean-up, and other tasks. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local music scene and help make the live music experience even better.
There are many ways to get involved in supporting local bands and music venues in Austin. Whether it’s by purchasing merchandise, attending shows, sharing music online, tipping the band, supporting music venues, or even volunteering, there are plenty of great ways to show your appreciation for the music.
6. Booking Shows
If you’re an up-and-coming musician looking to break into the Austin music scene, booking shows can be one of the most daunting tasks. However, with the right resources and knowledge of the local music industry, artists can easily find their footing in the live music capital of the world.
In Austin, there are numerous venues for performers to choose from, ranging from larger corporate venues to smaller, more intimate spaces. It’s important to research venues in advance to ensure that your performance will be seen by the right audience. Additionally, many venues have specific booking guidelines and requirements, so be sure to read them carefully and follow them to the letter.
The city is home to a number of booking agencies that specialize in helping local artists find their place in the music scene. These agencies often provide invaluable advice and resources that may be difficult to find elsewhere. Additionally, some agencies may even provide promotional support or other services to help launch your music career.
If you want to reach a larger audience, Austin is home to a number of music festivals each year. Many of these festivals are well-known and attract thousands of music fans from all over the world. If you’re looking to book a show at a festival, it’s important to do your research in advance and submit your application early.
No matter your genre or experience level, Austin’s live music scene has something for everyone. With the right resources and knowledge of the local music industry, you can easily find your footing in the live music capital of the world.
7. Venue Reviews
If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to live music venues in Austin, Texas, there are plenty of reviews to turn to for guidance. One of the most iconic and well-known music venues in Austin is Stubb’s BBQ. This venue has been hosting some of the top acts in music since the 1970s, and you’ll find everything from classic rock to country to indie music here. Antone’s Nightclub is another excellent venue that features legendary blues acts. This venue has been around since the 1970s and has seen some of the biggest names in blues music perform on its stage.
The Mohawk is a popular venue for indie and alternative music lovers. This outdoor venue is tucked away in the heart of Austin and hosts some of the most creative and unique acts in the city. The Mohawk also has a bar and a food truck, so you can grab a bite to eat or a few drinks while you’re enjoying the show.
The Continental Club is another great music venue in Austin. This venue has been around since the 1950s and has seen some of the biggest names in music play its stage. It is a great choice for fans of classic rock, country, and blues.
The Parish is an excellent venue for fans of indie and alternative music. This venue is located in the heart of downtown Austin and features an intimate setting and a variety of musical acts.
Lastly, don’t forget about Austin’s world-renowned festivals. SXSW and ACL are two of the most popular music festivals in the country, and they both take place in Austin. These festivals showcase some of the biggest and most creative acts in music, so if you are looking for a truly unique experience, these festivals are a must.
If you’re looking for a great live music experience in Austin, Texas, these venues and festivals offer something for everyone. From classic to modern, there is something for music fans of all kinds. So grab your tickets and head out to experience the best of Austin’s music scene.
8. Getting Around
Austin’s live music scene is easily accessible and convenient to explore. With ample transportation options, it’s easy to get to shows in the city. The Capital Metro public transit system provides reliable bus and rail service throughout the city. Additionally, there are rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, which are great for groups and those who don’t want to worry about parking. Bicycles are also a popular way to get around, with many bike lanes and paths throughout the city.
For those looking for a more unique experience, Austin offers a variety of options. Austin’s pedicab companies offer a fun way to cruise around town, while Segway tours offer an immersive experience. The city also has a number of scooter companies, including Bird and Lime, that offer low-cost rides.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, Austin offers plenty of options. The city has a number of parking garages and lots and the city’s streets are relatively easy to navigate. Additionally, there are a number of companies that offer parking passes for specific events, which can make it easier to find a spot.
No matter how you choose to get around, Austin is a great city to explore its vibrant live music scene. With its wide range of transportation options, you can easily get to and from shows in the city. Whether you prefer to take a bus, ride in a pedicab, or drive yourself, you can find a way to get around the city that works for you.
