The Best Austin Music Venues for Live Music
Pull on your boots and hit the dance floor, because these top Austin music venues are sure to get you moving and grooving.
Austin didn’t earn its reputation as the live music capital of the world by singing the same tune as everyone else. The city is filled with a distinct mix of historic honky tonks, jumping jazz clubs, and scenic outdoor venues. Whether you want to pull on your boots and find a dance floor or let loose and rock out, we’ve rounded up some great live music venues in Austin.
The Best Austin Music Venues:
THE HISTORIC SCOOT INN
1308 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
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Whoever said dive bars aren’t the place to be has never been to The Historic Scoot Inn. This iconic red building is a staple of East Austin — for good reason. The indoor and outdoor music venue, complete with two bars, cropped up on the dusty plot of land way back in 1871. As the oldest continuously running spot to grab a beer in Central Texas, they’ve mastered the art of pouring brews and welcoming bands. There’s a dance floor with plenty of space to pull out your moves, a large backyard patio to relax on, and a stage both indoors and outside (the same is true for their bars). Keep in mind, you’ll need to buy a ticket in order to access the bars on days when there is a concert scheduled.
ACL LIVE AT THE MOODY THEATER
310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
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ACL is synonymous with the Austin music scene. A radio program, concert venue, television show, and festival are all part of the Austin City Limits’ musical legacy. A truly massive space, this official South by Southwest venue is a uniquely Austin institution that’s nestled in the heart of downtown. A sure sign that great music happens here is the Willie Nelson statue out front that serves as a reminder of the historic acts that have played here. The venue and ACL brand are big names in Austin, and Willie was the first performer on the Austin City Limits television program for PBS. Today, visitors can catch a wide variety of concerts (they hold more than 100 a year) and tour the venue.
ANTONE’S NIGHTCLUB
305 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
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The late Clifford Antone was a true blues man who left his mark on the city. He’s best known for being a mentor to some of music’s greatest artists, like Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Gary Clark, Jr., and more. When you see the name Antone’s in Austin, you’re in for some incredible blues. In addition to his independent record label and shop, he also founded the now classic Antone’s Nightclub. After shutting down for a short period of time and a few moves, blues has a home in the Austin music scene once again just three blocks from the original venue.
EMO’S
2015 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
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The name might bring to mind images of angsty bands, but that’s the point. Originally a Houston punk club in the ‘80s, they made the move to Austin in ‘92. They’re an easily recognizable facet in the Riverside neighborhood, and the blazing red logo is hard to miss. They bill themselves as the premier destination for live music in Austin, and they are one of the best places in town to enjoy some classic rock ‘n’ roll and alternative indie acts. Though they proudly started out a bit rugged, the venue boasts a slick state-of-the-art light and sound system.
MOHAWK
912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
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Operating under the slogan, “All Are Welcome,” this venue is located in one of the epicenters of Austin’s live music scene, the Red River Cultural District. Down here, there’s always music happening on a rooftop—and Mohawk is no exception. They’ve got multiple floors, a rooftop deck, indoor and outdoor stages, and a bar that’s known for good pours. Looking for a place to thrash around a bit and whip your hair back and forth? Mohawk has you covered. And if you’re trying to embrace all things hardcore, they also host horror movie nights and punk rock yoga.
STUBB'S BAR-B-Q
801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
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The recipe for a perfect day in Austin includes just three things: live music, great barbecue, and cold beer. Sticking around in the Red River District, Stubb’s is a go-to destination for all of those. Texas-born Christopher B. Stubblefield, or “Stubb” grew up cooking great food and jamming out to blues on the juke, and the venue holds true to those classic elements. Many musicians have played for a meal at Stubb’s as the Austin scene took off, including the likes of Johnny Cash. They’re also well-known for their Sunday Gospel Brunch, a celebration of all things food and music in their large backyard space.
THE CONTINENTAL CLUB
1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
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Lovingly known as the “granddaddy” of local Austin music venues, this venue has flourished on bustling South Congress since 1955. While it may be hard to picture just a few buildings dotting the street and old-school Cadillacs cruising around, stepping into The Continental Club is like teleporting back to the ‘50s. This iconic spot was lovingly restored in the ‘80s to keep it as true to its roots as possible. And when it comes to roots, their rockabilly, blues, and classic country ones run deep. Stop in to peep the neon signs by local artist Todd Sanders, gaze at vintage photos, and enjoy the unpretentious atmosphere.
SWAN DIVE
615 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701
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Part of what makes so many Austin music venues incredible today is their history of shaping and influencing the music scene. That’s what Swan Dive, little sister to popular nightclub Barbarella, is doing right now. They focus on fostering the Red River District scene and ensuring all artists have a space to make their mark. This intimate venue is perfect for those that want to have their hand on the pulse of up-and-coming acts. And for the karaoke fan, this spot is the perfect place to belt out with the best of them at Queeraoke.
THE BROKEN SPOKE
3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
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Sometimes you need a good old-fashioned dance floor where you can boot-scootin’' boogie. In that case, two-step your way through one of the last great dance halls in Texas, The Broken Spoke. Founded by the late James White, this slice of honky-tonk heaven is flanked by Austin classics like The Alamo Drafthouse and Kerbey Lane. These are the walls that saw Willie Nelson’s career flourish (make sure to see the picture of him clean-shaven in the back of the building) and the same ones that grace the cover of George Strait’s album, "Honky Tonk Time Machine”. There’s a kitchen and restaurant area that serves up Annetta White’s world-famous fried chicken, and the back dance floor where you can learn to dance like a country star.
VICTORY GRILL
1104 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
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Originally a stop on the “Chitlin' Circuit,” the name given to a group of venues that embrace the excellence of Black food and music, this spot is famous for serving up soul food and hosting incredible blues and jazz acts. Since its founding in the ‘40s, this historic Austin music venue on Austin’s East Side flourished at the height of blues, and Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, and Billie Holiday all performed at this neighborhood club. It has long been at the foreground of Austin’s music scene, and a recent mural by artist Chris Rogers features some of the musicians who have played here. Though it can only host around 250 people, it’s a great spot to hang out, listen to music, and enjoy some delicious chicken and waffles from their on-site restaurant, The Rolling Rooster.
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