If you’re looking for the best places to experience Austin’s nightlife, look no further. Here we’ve put together a list of the best music spots in the city for music lovers of all kinds. From live music venues to dance clubs and bars, there’s something for everyone in the city of Austin.
- Bars and Clubs
- Music Venues with a View
- Dance Clubs
- Jazz Clubs
- Live Music Bars
- Outdoor Music Venues
- Live Music Venues
- Rooftop Bars
1. Bars and Clubs
Austin’s bars and clubs offer a long list of options for music lovers, no matter what your taste is. For a classic music experience, there’s the historic Continental Club, known for its live country and blues music. If you’re seeking a more modern sound, nearby Maggie Mae’s has been a go-to spot for live rock and pop performances for decades. For a more laid-back atmosphere, check out Donn’s Depot, a quirky and relaxed bar with live music from local artists.
If you’re looking for a more upbeat atmosphere, head over to Rainey Street. This street is home to some of Austin’s most popular bars, including Stay Gold, an outdoor patio bar with great cocktails and live music to match. If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, check out the speakeasy-style Half Step. This intimate bar has an eclectic range of music, including jazz and funk, and a unique craft cocktail menu.
For an unforgettable night out, be sure to check out The ABGB. This popular hangout spot has some of the best craft beer in town, along with live music from local bands. The atmosphere is always lively, and it’s the perfect spot to have a few drinks and dance the night away.
No matter what kind of music you’re into, there’s something for everyone in Austin’s bars and clubs. From laid-back lounges to upbeat bars and live music venues, explore the city’s nightlife and enjoy a unique experience for music lovers.
2. Music Venues with a View
Austin is a city known for its diverse music scene and there’s no better way to experience it than with a view. From rooftop bars to lakeside venues, here are a few of Austin’s best music spots with a stunning backdrop.
For one of the best views in the city, head to Horseshoe Bay Resort. This spot offers a stunning view of the lake and is a great spot to take in some live music. Take a seat on the patio and enjoy the sounds of local and national acts taking the stage.
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, The Oasis is the spot for you. This rooftop bar sits atop the Oasis restaurant and offers stunning views of Lake Travis. Enjoy some of the best live music Austin has to offer and take in the breathtaking views.
For a unique experience, check out Float. This venue is located on a floating stage on Lady Bird Lake. Get a seat up close or hang back and enjoy the view from the shore. This is the perfect spot for a romantic evening out or a night filled with live music and dancing.
Finally, check out the Skylark Lounge. Situated on South Congress Avenue, this spot offers a lively atmosphere and a great view of the Austin skyline. Enjoy some of the city’s best jazz and blues acts on the outdoor terrace and take in the beautiful views of the skyline.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a night filled with live music and dancing, these music venues with a view are sure to make your experience in Austin an unforgettable one. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and explore Austin’s nightlife.
3. Dance Clubs
There’s nothing like dancing the night away at one of Austin’s top dance clubs. Whether you’re a fan of EDM, hip-hop, or Latin beats, you can find it all in the city. You don’t need to be a seasoned dancer to have a great time either; many of the clubs feature lessons and workshops to help you get into the groove.
One of the best-known dance clubs in the city is Kingdom. Located in downtown Austin, this club offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere where you can dance your heart out all night long. The club features regular performances from local and international DJs, who play a wide range of genres from house music to Latin beats.
If you’re looking for an even more unique experience, try out The Highball. This club is known for its unique and creative approach to nightlife. From bowling to karaoke and even a photo booth, it’s the perfect place to let your hair down and enjoy some time with friends. The club also features live music performances and special events throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, check out one of Austin’s top dance clubs. From hip-hop to salsa and everything in between, you can find it all in the city. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer looking for a great night out, or a beginner looking to learn something new, Austin has something for everyone. So grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of fun and music in the city of Austin!
4. Jazz Clubs
When it comes to jazz music, Austin is the place to be. The city has a rich history of jazz music, and it has produced some of the best artists in the genre. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back evening with a glass of wine or an all-night jam session, Austin’s jazz clubs have something for everyone.
One of the most popular jazz clubs in Austin is Elephant Room. This cozy venue features live music seven nights a week, with an eclectic mix of traditional jazz, bebop, and modern jazz. The club also features a full bar and a delicious food menu.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, check out The Roosevelt Room. This chic lounge offers live music every night of the week, along with a full bar and delicious small plate dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated, and it’s the perfect place to spend an evening listening to jazz.
For a more laid-back experience, The White Horse is the perfect spot. This dive bar has been a staple of the Austin music scene since it opened in 2005. The venue offers live music seven nights a week, featuring everything from blues and rock to Texas country.
Finally, The Continental Club is the place to go for an old-school jazz experience. This historic venue has been a part of Austin’s music scene since 1957 and features live music every night of the week. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, and the music is always on point.
No matter what kind of music you’re looking for, Austin has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a lively nightclub or a cozy jazz club, Austin has it all. So grab a drink and get ready to experience the best of Austin’s nightlife.
5. Live Music Bars
Live music bars in Austin are a great way to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. From the classic dive bars to upscale lounges, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a night of live music in Austin.
The White Horse is a classic dive bar in east Austin. It has a lively atmosphere with a great selection of local and touring musicians playing honky-tonk, country and western swing. The venue also hosts dance lessons and special events like karaoke nights.
The Continental Club is a classic Austin music venue located on South Congress Avenue. It hosts a variety of music styles such as rock, blues, country, and jazz. It’s a great place to catch both local and national acts.
The Highball is an upscale bar and music venue in Austin. It features an impressive stage with a full-service bar and multiple rooms for live music, dancing, karaoke and more. They host a variety of events such as DJs, live bands, and themed parties.
The Mohawk is an independent music venue on Red River Street in downtown Austin. It features two levels of live music, including a rooftop area. The venue hosts a wide variety of bands, DJs, and other acts.
The Belmont is a popular spot for live music in the heart of Austin. It offers an array of live music acts from local and national bands. The venue also hosts a variety of other events such as comedy shows, dance parties, and karaoke nights.
From the classic dive bars to the upscale lounges, there are plenty of spots to experience Austin’s nightlife after dark. Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, a great selection of music, or just a place to dance the night away, there are plenty of live music bars in Austin that are sure to fit your needs.
6. Outdoor Music Venues
Austin is known for its vibrant music scene and what better way to experience it than by visiting one of the city’s outdoor music venues? From the iconic Auditorium Shores to a variety of parks and amphitheaters, Austin has no shortage of outdoor music venues to choose from.
Auditorium Shores, located on the south side of Lady Bird Lake, is the perfect spot to catch some of the biggest names in the music industry. From Willie Nelson to The Decemberists, this iconic venue has been the site of some of Austin’s most memorable concerts. With sweeping views of the lake and the downtown skyline, Auditorium Shores is the perfect place to catch a show.
For a more intimate experience, you can visit one of Austin’s many parks or amphitheaters. Zilker Park, located in the heart of the city, is home to the Austin City Limits Music Festival. With two stages and a variety of genres, it’s the perfect spot for music lovers of all kinds. In addition to the festival, Zilker Park offers a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year.
For the dance music lovers, the Vulcan Gas Company offers a unique experience. Located on Red River Street, the Vulcan Gas Company features a variety of genres, from EDM to hip-hop. With its intimate atmosphere, the Vulcan Gas Company is the perfect spot to dance the night away.
No matter what type of music you’re into, Austin has something for everyone. From the iconic Auditorium Shores to a variety of parks and amphitheaters, Austin has no shortage of outdoor music venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a big festival experience or an intimate evening of music, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in the city of Austin.
7. Live Music Venues
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind experiences and an unforgettable night out, then head to one of Austin’s acclaimed live music venues. These venues are an iconic part of the city’s music culture and have been drawing in music-lovers of all genres for years. Whether you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere or a larger venue to dance the night away, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Continental Club is a classic Austin venue, and is the perfect place to spend a night out with friends. The intimate atmosphere allows visitors to get up close and personal with the musicians, while the jukebox and vintage decor add to the retro vibe. The club is also renowned for its diverse array of acts, from rock, folk, and country to blues and jazz.
The Saxon Pub is a great spot for music lovers who want to experience the best of local music. This venue offers nightly performances from some of Austin’s best musicians and bands. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and the music is always top-notch. Visitors can enjoy a pint of local beer or a craft cocktail while listening to the amazing live music.
If you’re looking for a larger venue, check out Stubb’s Bar-B-Q. This venue hosts some of the biggest acts in the music industry, but also books smaller bands and local artists. Visitors can enjoy some of the best barbeque in town while listening to the music. Stubb’s is also known for its great sound system and light show, making it the perfect spot for a night of dancing and partying.
No matter what kind of music you’re into, Austin’s live music venues have something for everyone. From cozy bars to larger venues, these spots are a great way to experience the best of Austin’s nightlife. So, if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, head to one of these venues and get ready for a night of amazing music.
8. Rooftop Bars
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Austin’s vibrant nightlife, make sure to check out some of the city’s rooftop bars. These bars offer stunning views of the city skyline, as well as unbeatable live music and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a memorable night with friends, the rooftop bars of Austin provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening.
One of the best rooftop bars in Austin is the Skylark Lounge. This popular spot is located on the top of the iconic Austin motel and offers 360-degree views of the city. It’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset, and the bar also features live music performances and DJs. On warm summer nights, the bar opens its rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the city.
The Cedar Street Courtyard is another popular rooftop bar located in the heart of Austin. This chic spot combines the best of modern and vintage design with a unique atmosphere. The bar offers an extensive drinks menu and live music performances throughout the week. On select nights, the bar hosts silent discos, where guests can dance the night away to their own curated playlist.
For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to Upstairs at the W. This modern rooftop bar is located on the top of the W Austin hotel, and while it offers an impressive selection of drinks, the real focus here is the views. With floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate evening with friends or an unforgettable night out, Austin’s rooftop bars are sure to provide the perfect setting. With views of the city skyline, live music performances, and plenty of drinks, these rooftop bars are the perfect way to experience Austin after dark.