Austin Live Music Capital: Where to See Shows

Austin has more live music venues per capita than any other city in the United States. The city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird," extends to its music scene, which embraces everything from country and blues to electronic and experimental. With nearly 900 upcoming events, there is something playing every single night.

Sixth Street

The stretch of East 6th Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35 is Austin's answer to Nashville's Broadway. Bars and clubs line both sides, each with live music pouring onto the street. On weekends, the street closes to traffic and becomes a pedestrian music festival. Most venues have no cover charge.

ACL Live at The Moody Theater

Home of the iconic "Austin City Limits" TV show, ACL Live seats 2,750 and hosts major touring acts alongside the television tapings. The intimate theater design means there are no bad seats, and the sound quality is exceptional. Attending a taping of the TV show is a bucket-list experience for music fans.

Stubb's Bar-B-Q

Part restaurant, part concert venue, Stubb's is an Austin institution. The outdoor amphitheatre holds 2,100 and has hosted acts from Willie Nelson to Radiohead. The indoor stage, Stubb's Inside, is a more intimate 350-capacity room. And yes, the barbecue is excellent.

Continental Club

The Continental Club on South Congress Avenue has been the heart of Austin's roots music scene since 1955. The small, no-frills venue books rockabilly, country, blues, and soul acts nightly, and happy hour shows start as early as 3:30pm.

Mohawk

This indoor-outdoor venue in the Red River Cultural District holds 800 and is the centre of Austin's punk and indie rock scene. The outdoor stage, with the downtown skyline as a backdrop, is one of the best places to catch emerging artists.

SXSW

Every March, South by Southwest transforms Austin into the world's largest music industry showcase. Over 2,000 acts play across hundreds of venues during the week-long festival. While the official badges are expensive, dozens of free unofficial showcases pop up across the city.

The Red River Cultural District

This stretch of Red River Street between 6th and 10th is the epicentre of Austin's independent music community. Venues like Mohawk, Cheer Up Charlies, and Empire Control Room cluster together, making it easy to venue-hop between acts.

Browse Austin events and experience why it really is the Live Music Capital of the World.