Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Austin’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget. After all, they don’t call us the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing.
The concert scene in our area is truly unmatched — from 100-year-old spaces to award-winning arenas, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things: put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Historic venues
The Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave.
Considered one of Austin’s most iconic venues, this neon-lit South Congress spot has periodically offered burlesque shows, supper club service, drinks, and live music since 1955.
The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
An Austin icon since 1915, this Downtown theater has been visited by celebrities like Harry Houdini, Miles Davis, and Katharine Hepburn. Today, the venue hosts musical acts, live talks, stand-up comedy sets, and SXSW screenings.
Historic Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11th St.
This site — which opened in 1945 — on the National Register of Historic Places has hosted B.B. King, W.C. Clark, and Bobby Bland, among countless other musical artists.
Historic Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.
Founded in 1871, the Historic Scoot Inn is considered one of the oldest bars in Central Texas. Now, you can catch well-known names on its packed concert calendar.
Broken Spoke, 3201 S. Lamar Blvd.
This iconic south Austin venue for dancing and country music has hosted big names like Willie Nelson and The Chicks, been featured in the hit Netflix series “Queer Eye,” and earned Historic Landmark status in 2023.
Carousel Lounge, 1110 E. 52nd St.
With multiple “Best of Austin” awards under its belt, the family-owned Carousel Lounge has been creating good times in Austin for more than six decades.
Little Longhorn Saloon, 5434 Burnet Rd.
Enjoy a casual show at this honky tonk, which is also known for its 40-year-old Chicken Sh*t Bingo tradition.
Large venues
Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr.
Austin’s $338 million state-of-the-art arena opened in 2022, then it was named Best New Concert Venue, hosted the CMT Music Awards, and sold out seats for Austin’s first-ever San Antonio Spurs games all in its first year.
ACL Live at the Moody Theater, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd.
ACL Live is the permanent home for “Austin City Limits,” the longest-running music series in US history. You can take a backstage tour of the venue, which frequently hosts big-name musicians and comedians.
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
This outdoor venue is surrounded by a racetrack and will be the backdrop of Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic this summer.
Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr.
See Broadway musicals, musicians, and comedians onstage at the flagship theatre of Texas Performing Arts.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
This fixture on Lady Bird Lake offers orchestral concerts, ballet, and more inside, plus live music on the world’s first 3D-printed stage outdoors.
Emo’s Austin, 2015 E. Riverside Dr.
This eastside venue opened its doors in 1992 and allows graffiti artists to practice their craft on its back wall.
Intimate spaces
Cactus Cafe, 2247 Guadalupe St.
Tucked away on the UT Austin campus, this space has hosted musical artists since 1979, including Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, and Robert Earl Keen.
Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe St.
Don’t miss the karaoke bar and outdoor stage at this venue, which secured a 20-year lease on The Drag in 2023.
Sahara Lounge, 1413 Webberville Rd.
This 21+ space is known for its laid-back atmosphere. While Sahara Lounge didn’t open until 2011, the building has hosted venues for 50+ years, including the now-closed Lincoln Drive Inn, RC’s, and TC’s Lounge.
Antone’s Nightclub, 305 E. 5th St.
This nightclub first opened on 6th Street in 1975, but now operates out of a different Downtown location. Fun fact: You can pick up its famous sandwiches in H-E-B.
C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, 2008 S. Congress Ave.
Head to South Congress for some soul and R&B tunes. Don’t miss the patio and the “Jade Room”-styled lounge upstairs.
Outdoor settings
Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St.
This space has both indoor and outdoor stages and is one of the most popular concert venues for festivals and Downtown visitors.
Enjoy a concert outdoors at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater.
Photo by @CodyRossCowan
Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, 801 Red River St.
This venue is named for Christopher B. Stubblefield, or “Stubb,” who developed Stubb’s Bar-B-Q in the 1970s.
The Far Out Lounge & Stage, 8504 S. Congress Ave.
Enjoy a relaxed show at this outdoor venue, which is shaded by large trees and offers multiple bar areas.
The Moody Amphitheater sits inside Waterloo Park, in the heart of Downtown.
Photo by @teamscreamy
Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St.
Depending on the day, you could find sold-out shows from musicians, free morning yoga, or festivals at this parkside amphitheater.
Hotel Vegas and The Volstead Lounge, 1502 E. 6th St.
The local favorite bar in east Austin offers live music several times a week + occasional film screenings.
Festivals
Just can’t get enough? Check out our guide to every festival happening in Austin this year to add more to your live music lineup.
