A Guide to Austin's Best Music Venues
As the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin is home to a vast number of music venues, from massive arenas to intimate dive bars. Here's a guide to 15 of the best Austin music venues to help you navigate the city's vibrant music scene.
The Big Stages
- Moody Center: A state-of-the-art, 15,000+ capacity arena for major touring acts. One of the premier Austin music venues.
- Germania Insurance Amphitheater: A 14,000-capacity outdoor venue for large summer tours.
- Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater: An iconic 2,200-capacity outdoor venue in the Red River Cultural District.
- ACL Live at The Moody Theater: Home of the "Austin City Limits" TV show, this 2,750-capacity theater is known for its pristine acoustics. A must-visit for live music fans.
Medium-Sized Clubs
- The Continental Club: A legendary South Congress club that has been hosting live music since 1955.
- Antone's Nightclub: A downtown institution known as the "Home of the Blues." One of the most famous clubs in Austin.
- The Mohawk: A quintessential Austin rock club with a multi-level outdoor stage.
- The Parish: An intimate, 450-capacity room on Sixth Street with an incredible sound system.
- Emo's: A high-energy venue for alternative, rock, and hip-hop shows.
- Scoot Inn: A historic East Austin landmark with a large outdoor stage.
Intimate Venues
- The Elephant Room: An underground jazz club in a downtown basement.
- The Saxon Pub: A listening room on South Lamar that's a haven for singer-songwriters.
- The White Horse: A modern honky-tonk in East Austin, perfect for two-stepping.
- Cheer Up Charlies: An LGBTQ+-friendly cornerstone of the Red River district.
- The Hole in the Wall: A legendary dive bar near the UT campus that has launched countless bands.
These Austin music venues are just a starting point for exploring the city's incredible live music scene. From arenas to clubs, there's a stage for every sound. You can't go wrong with any of these live music venues.