Austin isn’t dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing. From classic music clubs to honky-tonks, there’s live music on every street corner. We’ve rounded up some of Austin’s very best places for live music.
ACL Live at the Moody Theater | With state-of-the-art lighting and sound, every show at the Moody Theater sounds crisp, looks spectacular, and feels epic.
310 W Willie Nelson Blvd | 512.225.7999
Broken Spoke | The place to go if you want to Texas two-step. This dance hall is internationally known as an authentic honky-tonk with live music & boot-scootin’.
3201 S Lamar Blvd | 512.442.6189
Carousel Lounge | Away from the crowds and traffic of Downtown sits the Carousel Lounge, a true beacon of Austin weirdness since 1963. Just remember, the bar sells beer and wine but is BYOL.
1110 E 52nd St | 512.452.6790
C-Boy’s Heart and Soul | Downstairs, C-Boy’s feels like a classic neighborhood bar. Upstairs, however, is inspired by Japanese GI bars from the 1950s, complete with sake and bottles of Japanese beer.
2008 S Congress Ave | 512.215.0023
Cheer Up Charlie’s | Booking mostly local acts, this venue is next-door to the Mohawk and is an ideal space to experience a more contemporary, bohemian side of Austin’s music culture.
900 Red River St | 512.431.2133
The Continental Club | This South Congress venue should be at the top of any list for both visitors and locals. The tiny stage and small room make any show intimate and electric, a crown jewel of the Live Music Capital of the World.
1315 S Congress Ave | 512.441.2444
Elephant Room | In the heart of old Downtown, sidle down a few steps into this underground bar and breathe in jazz. The candlelit venue features the best in jazz and is open seven nights a week.
315 Congress Ave | 512.473.2279
Empire Control Room | If kitschy spaces and trippy light shows are your thing, be sure to check out this venue. Come for the live music, and stay for the DJ-fueled dance parties on the patio.
606 E 7th St
Hole in the Wall | Hole in the Wall remains a holdout, a home for UT students looking for cheap beer, a study break, and some great live music.
Mean Eyed Cat | Set away, yet close, to the activities of downtown Austin, this dive bar is dedicated to all things Johnny Cash with a full bar and a large outdoor patio.
1621 W 5th St | 512.920.6645
Mohawk | This joint is a top destination for musicians and a favorite spot among live music fans. Rowdier fans flood the ground level while others seeking a laid-back feel choose a balcony level.
The Parish | Despite its location amidst the hustle of 6th Street, this venue feels like an intimate safe-haven with its cozy, wood-floor interior and tiny stage that features all types of musicians.
Saxon Pub | Established in 1990, this popular concert space offers free weekday happy hour shows, a listening room, and an intimate atmosphere.
1320 S Lamar Blvd | 512.448.2552
Scoot Inn | Established in 1871, historic Scoot Inn serves as the oldest continuously running beer joint in central Texas. This compact dive bar offers two bars, eclectic indie bands, and a dance floor.
Skylark Lounge | This East Austin joint is a little hidden, but that only adds to its speakeasy feel. Make the right turn and you’ll find soul, jazz, blues, R&B, and more on the intimate stage.
Stubb’s | In the 1970′s, Stubb’s restaurant became the heart of an explosive music scene and it is still home to some amazing live music. This no frills venue isn’t trying too hard, it just knows it can deliver.
801 Red River St | 512.480.8341
The White Horse | Live country music is served up in this hip, upbeat, sprawling East Austin honky-tonk.
500 Comal St | 512.553.675