Austin, TX
The Best Live Music Venues in Austin
If people outside Texas know two things about Austin, it’s probably SXSW and low-and-slow barbecue, but it would be an oversight not to acknowledge the city’s year-round live music scene. Their reputation as the live music capital of the world has been built over decades by a diverse set of musicians and the community that supports them.
Over the years, the city has become home to destination music festivals like Austin City Limits, but it’s the thousands of concerts that take place throughout the year that make the city truly great, hosting local bands like White Denim to household names like Willie Nelson and Alejandro Escovedo. The city’s musical landscape spans indie rock, country, jazz and more, never falling short to audiences of different musical tastes.
Of course, live music wouldn’t be possible without the actual spaces that make it all happen. From intimate, underground bars to legendary honky-tonks, here are seven live music venues in Austin to visit for an unforgettable show.
There’s no venue more legendary than James White’s dance hall. Since opening its doors in 1964, Broken Spoke has welcomed country music legends such as Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, Tex Ritter and Kitty Wells. Even icons like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton have graced the stage, etching this honky-tonk-style space into the history books. Today, it’s considered a Texas historical marker. If you plan to visit, a word of advice: bring your cowboy boots and be prepared to dance your socks off.
3201 S Lamar Blvd
The story begins with civil engineer and real estate investor Bob Ogden, who wanted a place where he could listen to live music, dance with his wife and hang out with friends. His purchase of Donn’s Deport, a piano bar that’s set in a former depot and old rail cars, fulfilled that vision. Donn, a former salesman, was hired to play piano. Fast forward 50 years, Donn still plays. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot him behind the keys and get a chance to two-step to his music.
1600 W 5th St
Both local and visiting jazz enthusiasts flock to this underground jazz bar. Beyond the musical talent that performs — think Diego Rivera Quartet, The Brew, John Fremgen Trio — the dim lighting, attentive staff and good drinks are what keep people coming back every night. Seating is limited, so arrive early to get a spot.
Swift Building, 315 Congress Ave
Hole in the Wall has maintained its status as a beloved music venue amid decades of change and the city’s rapid growth. This no-frills bar has been the launching pad for artists like Spoon, The Gourds, Black Joe Lewis and many others. Situated across the street from the University of Texas campus, Hole in the Wall is one of Austin’s oldest music venues. It is where incredible talent, Austin regulars and friendly staff come together.
2538 Guadalupe St
Lady Dan at Radio East
Magen Buse
At Radio East, you can enjoy performances ranging from folk and hip-hop to jazz and punk. This laid-back, outdoor venue provides ample seating, and you have the option to choose from a selection of beer, wine or cocktails. Located on Montopolis Drive (their original space, Radio Coffee & Beer, is on Menchaca Road), this informal space regularly books local, regional, and national acts, including Broncho, Magna Carda, Latasha Lee, Lady Dan, Nuclear Daisies and more.
3504 Montopolis Dr.
After opening in 2011, Sahara Lounge has become a live music mainstay, and for good reason: this chill venue always has an eclectic lineup, with indie, African, blues, rock, country, Brazilian, swing and funk artists playing beats that you can shake your hips to. You can chill on the outdoor patio, play billiards and sip on a refreshing Sahara Sunrise or another signature cocktail when you’re not jamming out.
1413 Webberville Rd
Established in 1955, the Continental Club began as a private supper and burlesque club before earning its legendary status as one of Austin’s premier music venues. Since then, the South Congress venue has become a mecca for rock, country and blues music, hosting iconic artists such as Junior Brown, Link Wray and Robert Plant. It offers an intimate experience, feeling more like a live concert from the comfort of your living room.
1315 S Congress Ave
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AUSTIN, Texas — Austin city leaders gathered on East 11th Street on Juneteenth to celebrate the “Black Artists Matter” mural before it must be removed under an order from the Texas Department of Transportation. The mural and the city’s rainbow crosswalk are slated for removal in compliance with a Texas Department of Transportation directive requiring cities to remove political ideologies from roadways. Last October, Gov. Greg Abbott directed TxDOT to enforce the policy.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson stood on the blocked-off street where the yellow letters spelling “Black Artists Matter” are painted on the roadway’s surface. “We will never forget that when the state decided to target our murals, the community stood together to celebrate our city’s diversity, spirit, and creativity,” Watson said.
Watson criticized the state’s actions, saying, “The state government engages in negative rhetoric and threats, it targets communities that it disagrees with and seeks retribution.”
In response to the order, Watson formed the Public Spaces Task Force to identify other ways to celebrate diversity in Austin.
ALSO| Screwworm medications straining animal shelter budgets across Texas
KEYE
Daphne McDole, chief executive officer of the African American Cultural Heritage District and a member of the task force, said she wanted the event held on Juneteenth because of its significance. “I wanted to do it on Juneteenth, it was significant to me because I knew that that was the day my community would be in the district. We will be celebrating over here all day, so it was appropriate,” McDole said.
Task force members said they are exploring alternatives to honor East Austin’s history and diversity. They noted that city leaders in San Antonio created rainbow sidewalks after removing rainbow crosswalks, but said Austin will pursue its own approach.
Task force chair Steven Rivas said the community is focused on preserving the meaning behind the markings. “We chose to come together as a community and find a way to respect what these markings mean and build upon them. If we can’t have them in the street, we’re going to put them off the street,” Rivas said.
AUSTIN, Texas — The screwworm outbreak is having a major impact on animal shelter budgets across Texas. Instant kill and preventative medications for dogs and cats are an unprecedented expense.
Paul is a rescue dog from South Texas, where he was living on the streets and starving. He is now at Austin Pets Alive! getting Screwworm prevention medication and the treatment he needs to get healthy.
“Any dog that enters our shelter period, but especially if they look like this, we are going over them with a fine-tooth comb and looking for anything that might be a wound where a screwworm might have been able to gain access,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, CEO and President of Austin Pets Alive!
RELATED| FDA authorizes generic over-the-counter drug to treat New World screwworm in pets
Dr. Jefferson says dogs and cats need regular checks of their eyes, noses, ears, and underneath their fur. But Austin Pets Alive! says the best protection is a combination of Capstar, which is an instant-kill medication for existing active screwworm larvae, and prescription preventatives that provide ongoing protection when administered every 30 days.
“Just to buy the initial Capstar for our program, it was close to $10,000,” said Rebecca Giamona, Asst. Medical Care Director at Austin Pets Alive!
Giamona says preventative meds are also putting a heavy financial strain on the nonprofit’s budget at a cost of around $70,000.
“We need about 5,000 doses of the monthly preventative, and they are roughly $14 to $15 per dose,” said Giamona.
Products with the active ingredients ending in l, a, n, e, r are highly effective at preventing and treating infestations. But keeping Paul and every shelter animal up to date will take help from the public.
“Donations, and hopefully some more donations,” said Giamona.
An infestation of New World Screwworm can be painful, disfiguring, and potentially deadly for animals. Most cases involve livestock, especially cattle, but dogs and cats can also get infestations.
AUSTIN, Texas – Central Texans gather to celebrate Juneteenth or “Freedom Day” on June 19 and commemorate the end of slavery.
What you can do:
The Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA) is hosting the Central Texas Juneteenth Parade and Festival today (6/19).
It’s free and taking place at Rosewood Park in East Austin located at 2300 Rosewood Ave.
The schedule for the events is as follows:
- ACME Juneteenth FunRun – 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Juneteenth Historical Parade – 10 AM – 12 PM
- Park Celebration and Fireworks – 12 PM – 9:45 PM
Other events
On June 20, the Carver Kickback: Juneteenth Edition will be taking place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center located at 1165 Angelina Street.
It will be a day of celebration and remembrance and there will be BBQ plates and music as well as vendors and hands-on activations.
The backstory:
Juneteenth commemorates the end of formal slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and more than one month following the end of the American Civil War.
Colloquially known as “The Black 4th of July,” Juneteenth marks the beginning of an African American journey to carve a new place in society for free people to shape identities independent of racial caricature, eradicate slave culture, promote ethnic pride, and create economic prosperity.
The Source: Information from City of Austin and Greater East Austin Youth Association and reporting by Jessica Rivera.
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