Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Austin’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget. They don’t call us the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — 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.
Capacity: ~200
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.
Capacity: ~1,270
This downtown theater has been an Austin icon since 1915, and has hosted celebrities including Harry Houdini, Miles Davis, and Katharine Hepburn. The theater often hosts musical acts, live talks, comedy stand-up sets, and also serves as a primary screening location for SXSW.
Historic Victory Grill | 1104 E. 11th St.
Capacity: ~250
This site on the National Register of Historic Places — which opened in 1945 — has hosted B.B. King, W.C. Clark, and Bobby Bland, in addition to countless other musical artists.
Historic Scoot Inn | 1308 E. 4th St.
Capacity: ~800
Founded in 1871, the Historic Scoot Inn is considered one of the oldest bars in Central Texas. Now, catch well-known names on its packed concert lineup.
Broken Spoke | 3201 S. Lamar Blvd.
Capacity: ~600
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 this year.
Carousel Lounge | 1110 E. 52nd St.
Capacity: ~120
With multiple “Best of Austin” awards under its belt, the family-owned Carousel Lounge celebrated 60 years this year.
Little Longhorn Saloon | 5434 Burnet Rd.
Capacity: ~70
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.
Capacity: ~15,000
Austin’s new $338 million state-of-the-art arena opened in 2022 and 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.
Capacity: ~2,750
ACL Live is the permanent home for “Austin City Limits,” the longest-running music series in US history, and frequently hosts big-name artists, like the upcoming Bonnie Raitt, Kesha, and Nick Cave.
Germania Insurance Amphitheater | 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
Capacity: ~14,000
This racetrack venue will host The Killers and Queen + Adam Lambert for the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix this month.
Bass Concert Hall | 2350 Robert Dedman Dr.
Capacity: ~2,900
See Lila Downs, Casting Crowns, and a Johnny Cash tribute show at Bass Concert Hall this month.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts | 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Capacity: ~2,440
This fixture on Lady Bird Lake just celebrated 15 years of operation and offers live outdoor music on the world’s first 3D-printed stage, in addition to frequent shows indoors.
Emo’s Austin | 2015 E. Riverside Dr.
Capacity: ~1,700
Upcoming shows at this eastside venue include Jeremy Zucker, The Japanese House, and Peter McPoland.
Intimate Spaces
Cactus Cafe | 2247 Guadalupe St.
Capacity: ~150
This space, tucked away on the UT Austin campus, has been hosting musical artists including Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, and Robert Earl Keen since 1979.
Hole in the Wall | 2538 Guadalupe St.
Capacity: ~200
Don’t miss the karaoke bar, outdoor space, and stage at this venue, which recently secured a 20-year lease on The Drag.
Sahara Lounge | 1413 Webberville Rd.
Capacity: ~150
This 21+ space is known for a 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.
Capacity: ~650
This nightclub first opened on 6th Street in 1975, but now operates out of a different Downtown location. Upcoming acts include Sungazer, Two Lanes, and Hojean.
C-Boy’s Heart & Soul | 2008 S. Congress Ave.
Capacity: ~200
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.
Capacity: ~900
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.
Capacity: ~1,800
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.
Capacity: ~3,000
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.
Capacity: ~5,000
Depending on the day, you could find sell-out shows for artists like Mt. Joy or Janelle Monáe, free morning yoga, or festivals at this parkside amphitheater.
Hotel Vegas and The Volstead | 1502 E. 6th St.
Capacity: ~1000 (including Hotel Vegas, Volstead, and patio)
The local favorite bar in East Austin offers live music several times a week, in addition to 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.
