Austin, Texas, and live music bars go hand in hand. Dubbed the "Live Music Capital of the World,” this dynamic city pulses with live performances every night, featuring a wide variety of artists and genres to delight all music lovers.
Famed for its music-driven nightlife, Austin’s downtown Sixth Street transforms after dark. As the streets close to traffic, this entertainment district becomes a lively pedestrian haven for concertgoers, bar hoppers, and diners alike.
Discover the best live music bars Austin has to offer—from the newest hotspots to legendary mainstays that helped pioneer its musical identity. Don’t forget to pack dancing shoes and bring along your favorite two-step partner!
Austin’s music scene is forever reinventing itself—with new venues opening their doors, and long-standing haunts attracting a new generation of fans, artists, and bands alike.
The Continental Club is a slice of Austin’s history. Established back in 1955, this award-winning music venue first opened as a supper club, catering to an upscale crowd at the heart of South Congress. But over decades that followed, this swanky club evolved into one of the city's most iconic bars for roots, rockabilly, blues, country, and swing music enthusiasts.
To visit this legendary venue, stroll down South Congress Avenue until you spot its iconic, red-and-white neon sign. Step inside for wall-to-wall retro charm and an intimate atmosphere, centering on a stage that has been graced by such greats as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Roosevelt "The Grey Ghost" Williams, and Robert Plant.
Weekly events: Experience live music every night until 2 a.m., except on Sundays when The Continental Club closes at 12:30 a.m. Check their monthly schedule for upcoming themed nights—and keep an eye out for surprise guest appearances while you’re there. You never know who might swing by!
As its outdoor signage proclaims, Antone’s Nightclub is “home to the blues” in downtown Austin. First opened in 1975 on Sixth Street by the late-great Clifford Antone, this beloved club recently packed up and moved to the corner of Fifth and Lavaca streets, bringing new life to the brand.
Since its establishment, Antone’s two stages have hosted soulful crooners and legendary performers like Ray Charles, B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, and James Brown. Known for its continued commitment to local talent, the venue is also credited with nurturing the budding careers of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Schneider, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Attendees must be over 21 to catch a show, unless otherwise specified. The venue is licensed and offers a small-but-tasty food menu, featuring beer-steamed hotdogs and po’ boy sandwiches in five mouth-watering varieties.
Planning a private event in Austin? Reserve the club’s 5,800-sq-ft Downstairs Concert Hall or opt for the cozier Upstairs Event Space for your next shindig.
Weekly events: Blue Mondays is Antone's dedicated blues night, while weekends often showcase an upbeat mix of local rock and Americana bands. The club is open daily from noon until midnight.
Downtown’s Mohawk Austin proudly ascribes to the creed, “All are welcome.” Indeed, since admitting its first patrons in 2006, this multi-level venue and watering hole has hosted all genres of music—plus, offered a safe space for those that enjoy them.
Belonging to the Red River Cultural District, Mohawk Austin delivers a fan-centric experience through well-stocked merch tables, three on-site bars, and indoor and outdoor stages, including the roof deck that overlooks Austin’s bright skyline.
Swing by for Happy Hour, happening from 5 to 8 p.m. daily, and stay late to dance your heart out to prog-metallers, indie rocker, or up-and-coming pop princesses. The venue is also available for private events, from corporate parties to air guitar rock offs.
Weekly events: Live music is served hot (almost) every night from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday indie nights are a local favorite, and Saturdays are reserved for high-energy punk or metal shows.
Austin is home to legendary music bars with glowing reputations that precede them. These establishments offer rich, storied histories and act as pillars to the city’s live music scene.
Parish is embarking on an exciting new chapter in Austin’s East Cesar Chavez neighborhood. Once standing on Sixth Street, this popular music venue relocated to 501 Brushy Street, breathing new life into the former North Door space. Revamped by indie promoters Resound Presents and HEARD Presents, Parish now maintains its original charm within a fresh locale.
As part of Parish’s metamorphosis, My Oh My, was also opened on site. Delivering mid-century Palm Springs vibes, this trendy bar and listening lounge offers a menu of classic and batch cocktails, beer, and wine with scrumptious food pairings.
Both Parish and My Oh My are open seven days a week, each featuring their own diverse programming and special events. All ages are welcome to attend.
Weekly events: Fancy a slice with your tunes? Parish’s Show Me Pizza event kicks off Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 p.m., serving up pepperoni and cheese ‘za alongside live music. Browse their calendar for the full lineup of upcoming shows and entertainment.
Situated at 7th and Red River, Empire Control Room & Garage embodies the city’s diverse musical tastes. Known for its eclectic lineup of live performers, ranging from EDM to underground hip-hop, Empire covers a sprawling 15,000 square feet of space in the Red River Cultural District.
This downtown venue holds three stages: the versatile indoor/outdoor Garage, the more intimate Control Room, and the outdoor Patio standing creekside. Empire’s flexible layout caters to all types of music lovers—whether you’re swaying to a mellow acoustic set or moshing at a packed punk show.
The East 7th neighborhood itself is undergoing a cultural renaissance, brimming with street murals, food trucks, and indie bars. A visit to Empire Control Room & Garage puts you at the center of Austin’s creative energy.
Weekly events: Empire Control Room & Garage welcomes music lovers from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day. Flip through their event calendar for upcoming concerts and dj sets, album releases, and dance parties.
Exploring Austin's live music venues—from brand-new clubs to long-standing gems—should be near the top of every newcomer’s itinerary. Book your downtown stay at Placemakr’s Austin property and boogie your way over to popular live music bars, located just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
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