Where to See Live Music in Austin, Texas

Outside The Continental Club, which opened in Austin in the 1950s. Photo by Lars Ploughmann.
IndexAnnie Werner

The best live music venues in Austin, Texas, from honkytonks to historic blues clubs.

Hannah Hagar is the Music Director for Austin’s Hotel Van Zandt (aptly named after famed musician Townes Van Zandt)—a job she got through her earned spot in the local Austin music scene as a singer-songwriter. She brings in the best of the best for the hotel’s own live music venue at Geraldine’s, including the likes of Willie Nelson and Bob Schneider.

“The artists in Austin are all so creative and genre-bending, and continue to redefine the rules of commercial success,” says Hagar. “Willie Nelson, Daniel Johnston, Janis Joplin, Spoon…they’ve all stayed true to their craft and broken through the noise. You can’t help but be drawn to that energy—that’s what makes the experience.”

Naturally, Hagar gets her expertise doing field research in Austin—in other words, checking out the Music Capital of Texas’s best live music venues. 

“On any given night, you can find so many different styles of music, from two-stepping country at the Broken Spoke, to body-shaking bass at Empire, to soulful songwriters at the Cactus Café,” says Hagar. 

Below, she shares her favorite live music venues in Austin and what you can expect from each.

A woman with short blonde hair in a black shirt and denim jacket smiles in front of a white wall decorated with birds
Hannah Hagar, the Music Director at Austin’s Hotel Van Zandt. Photo by Kirsten Holliday Photography.
Tables sit in front of an enormous dark stage illuminated with red and blue lights
ACL Live at the Moody Theater is arguably Austin's most iconic venue, hosting nearly 100 concerts each year.
a red and white neon sign reading "The Continental Club"
Austin's Continental Club began as a supper club in the 1950s.
A blue neon sign reading "Antone's"
Also known as Austin's "Home of the Blues," scores of legendary musicians have played Antone's.

The Best Live Music Venues in Austin, Texas

ACL Live at the Moody Theatre

“Home to the longest-running music series in American television history, Austin City Limits (KLRU-TV), ACL Live hosts nearly 100 concerts per year. While you’re there, be sure to check out the gallery (levels 2-3) featuring iconic photographs showcasing the taping’s history.”

Antone’s

“Antone’s is Austin’s ‘Home of the Blues.’ Since its founding in the mid-70s, they’ve hosted the likes of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Ray Charles and helped develop icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Gary Clark Jr.” 

The Continental Club

“What began as a supper club in the 1950s has evolved into one of Austin’s premier live music venues—a must for any fans of roots, country, blues, and rock n’ roll.”

two red guitars sit beneath a neon sign resembling a martini glass inside a dark music venue
Inside The Elephant Room, an intimate jazz bar in downtown Austin.
A singer illuminated in blue performs onstage for a crowd in front of a brick wall painted with the phrase "Geraldine's"
Located inside the Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine's hosts performances 7 days a week. Photo by Nathaniel Rateliff.
A farmhouse-like building with a red exterior sits on a corner, decorated with a small brown sign reading "Historic Scoot Inn"
The Historic Scott Inn has been open for over 100 years.
A performer with black hair and illuminated by green light performs for a dark crowd in front of a painted sign resembling a scroll that reads "Historic Scoot Inn"
One of the city's oldest venues, the Scott Inn hosts both local and touring artists.
A man in a hoodie standing on a stage illuminated by purple light looks out into a crowd
Lil Dicky performing at Stubb's.

Elephant Room

“An underground jazz bar in downtown Austin—need I say more?”

Geraldine’s

“Nestled on the fourth floor of the Hotel Van Zandt, Geraldine’s features live music seven days a week. Grab a cocktail and listen to your new favorite artists in an intimate, rooftop setting.”

Historic Scoot Inn

“Established in 1871, The Scoot Inn is one of Austin’s oldest venues. The space has changed over the years, but it’s now a destination for local bands and touring acts alike.”

Stubb’s

“Known for beer, brisket, and music, this indoor/outdoor venue in the heart of the Red River Cultural District features local and national acts nearly every night of the week (plus a gospel brunch on Sundays!).”