The video at the top of this page walks you through 14 bars and venues across Austin, giving you a real feel for what the live music scene in Austin looks and sounds like on any given day or night. From jazz brunches to honky tonk dance floors to a record store hosting a release party, this is a ground-level tour of the city's music culture across multiple neighborhoods. It's a great watch whether you're planning a trip or just curious about what Austin actually has to offer beyond the hype.
What are the best areas for live music in Austin?
Austin's live music is spread across several distinct neighborhoods, and the video covers most of them. East Austin along César Chávez Street is home to newer venues with independent bookings. The East 6th Street area leans toward neighborhood spots with jazz and cocktail bar vibes. Rainy Street has its well-known strip of bars with daytime music. The area around the UT campus has historic venues dating back decades. South Austin — especially along South Congress and the brewery-heavy stretch further south — is packed with options ranging from dance halls to distillery taprooms. You don't need to stay in one area to have a great night, but South Austin and East Austin tend to offer the most variety.
14 Austin Venues Featured in the Video
- Coral Snake — East Austin music venue and cocktail bar on César Chávez featuring independent artists most nights of the week
- High Hat Public House — Neighborhood jazz bar near East 6th with upscale food, beer, wine, and a popular Sunday Jazz Brunch
- Central Machine Works — Brewery in a converted metal fabrication warehouse on East César Chávez with a huge outdoor space and live stage
- Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden — Rainy Street spot with daytime live music, a big menu of sausages, and a lively patio
- Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches — North Austin hangout with hot coffee, cold beer, fresh kolaches, and regular live music including the golden hour jazz jam
- Cactus Cafe — Intimate listening room and bar inside the UT Student Union, open since 1979, known for songwriter nights and open mics
- Scholz Garten — Historic beer garden near campus dating back to 1866, close to the Capitol building, with outdoor live music
- Continental Gallery — Upstairs room above the Continental Club on South Congress, perfect for catching a set before or after a show downstairs
- Sagebrush — South Austin live music venue with a big dance floor and stage plus a smaller, more intimate indoor room
- Still Austin Whiskey Co. — Grain-to-glass distillery in South Austin's brewery district with live music on the grounds
- Independence Brewing — South Austin brewery with regular live music on its outdoor stage
- Giddy Ups — Classic country dive bar with live music most nights and a strong local following, including Tuesday sets by W.C. Clark
- End of an Ear Records — South Austin record store that hosts live music events and record release parties
- Evangeline Cafe — Cajun restaurant with a Hank Williams Sr.–inspired menu and live music multiple nights a week, home stage for the Austin Cajun Aces
Artists and Performers Featured
The video captures performances from Faith Kelly, Kwin Moon, Grant Itle, Buenos Diaz, Donovan Keith, Marina Rocks, Croy and the Boys, Dale Watson, Michael Hale Organ Trio, Alrass, Ben Balmer Band, Dorothy's, and the Austin Cajun Aces. Songwriter open mic night at Cactus Cafe was hosted by Jake Farr. The range of music runs from Cajun and bluegrass to jazz, classic country, and singer-songwriter — a pretty honest snapshot of what you'll actually hear on any given week in Austin.