Texas Hill Country — Live Music, Dance Halls, Honky Tonks & Small Town Guides
24 videos · Video guides to live music venues, dance halls, and things to do across the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country stretches between Austin and San Antonio and fans out west through a string of small towns built by German immigrants in the 1800s. The region is defined by rolling limestone hills, rivers like the Guadalupe, Comal, Blanco, and San Marcos, and a density of live music venues that rivals any metro area in the state. From the historic stage at Gruene Hall to the dance floor at Mercer Dancehall in Driftwood, from piano bars in downtown New Braunfels to songwriter rounds at tiny wine bars in Blanco, Hill Country towns punch out live music nearly every night of the week.
The videos on this page cover individual towns across the Hill Country — Gruene, Wimberley, Driftwood, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Comfort, Blanco, Johnson City, and Dripping Springs. Each video walks through the downtown areas, names the venues hosting live music, shows where to eat, and gives a feel for what each town is actually like to visit. You'll find specific venue names, restaurant recommendations, and details on the outdoor recreation that makes the Hill Country a destination beyond just nightlife.
Whether you're planning a Hill Country road trip with multiple stops or targeting a single town for a weekend, the guides on this page give you a ground-level look at what to expect. The region shares a common thread of German-Texas heritage, walkable town squares, wineries along Highway 290, and a deep connection to live Texas music — but each town has its own personality and its own set of places worth checking out.
Videos
What These Videos Cover
Gruene, Tx walking tour | German heritage and riverside town
In Gruene, Tx walking tour, the video walks through this small town located next to New Braunfels on the Guadalupe River. Live music is found at Wichita Reds (formerly Cactus Jacks) where Colleen Michelle Miller was performing, at Green Grove where Grant Eeling was playing, and at the historic Gruene Hall. Food is covered at Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, and the video ends with a gig at Lazy J Cajun where the crowd was ordering crawfish.
A walk around Wimberley, Texas (downtown square and live music)
A walk around Wimberley, Texas covers this Hill Country town of about 3,000 people, walking through its downtown strip of antique shops and stores. Live music is found early in the day at Los Olivos Market where Bob Slaughter was performing, then at Creek House Kitchen and Bar where Hannah Rose was playing in their open-air seating area. The video wraps up at the Wimberley Inn and Bar where locals and visitors gathered for the evening gig.
Driftwood, TX Road Trip: BBQ Dreams, Live Music at Mercer & Ghost Note Brewing
Driftwood, TX Road Trip covers this tiny unincorporated town located between Austin, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley. The video visits the old Texaco store from the original settlement, attempts the long wait at Salt Lick Barbecue, and stops at Ghost Note Brewing during the Texas Homegrown Market where the Texas String Assembly performed. The video ends with a visit to Mercer Dancehall, showing the interior with old photos and the atmosphere inside.
Fredericksburg, Tx: German Heritage in the Texas Hill Country
Fredericksburg, Tx: German Heritage in the Texas Hill Country walks the notable Main Street of this town of about 10,000 people, located 80 miles west of Austin. The video identifies 16 live music venues along the main strip including Hondo's on Main, Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse, Silver Creek Beer Garden and Grill, The Oslander, Hidden Hideaway on Main, Becker Vineyards, 78624 The Bar, Social House, Hitchin Post Steakhouse, Fat Ass Ranch and Winery, Fiesta Winery, and Western Edge where the gig took place. The concentration of wineries along Highway 290 and the proximity to Luckenbach are also highlighted.
A Tour of Downtown Boerne, Texas (a Texas Hill Country neighborhood)
A Tour of Downtown Boerne, Texas walks the Hill Country Mile, a walkable stretch of restaurants, shops, breweries, and storefronts in Boerne's old town area, located about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio. Live music venues covered include Richter Tavern inside the Richter Building, Botero Tapas and Wine Bar, Tusculum Brewing Company, Free Roam Brewing Company, Dodging Duck Brew House along River Road, and the well-known Salvador Dobbs. Food is found at the Richter Bach House where kolaches reflect the town's German heritage, and the gig takes place at Brantley's Bistro.
Canyon Lake, Tx: Discovering Live Music Venues, Canyon Lake Beach & More!
Canyon Lake, Tx covers this reservoir community located midway between San Antonio and Austin with a population around 20,000. The video visits Canyon Lake Marina and the nearby Baja Ice House and Grill (noted as temporarily closed), Canyon Lake Beach, and Brookshire Brothers grocery store which hosts live music. Other music venues featured include Goofy's during a Texas Music Radio Sundays live podcast with Javier Joseph and J.R. Herrero, Mavens where Lily Milford was performing, and River Rose Tavern where Brayden Zinc was playing his 300-gig-a-year Texas circuit.
A tour of downtown New Braunfels, Texas (Texas Hill Country vlog)
A tour of downtown New Braunfels, Texas explores the historic downtown square of this growing city approaching 100,000 people, located 30 miles northeast of San Antonio. The video visits Phoenix Saloon where Andy Hollman was performing, and covers nightlife spots including Moonshine and Ale piano bar and Poorhouse. Other live music venues mentioned along the square include Water to Wine, Muck and Fuss where Jess and Dave were playing, the Sidecar speakeasy, Lonar Lounge, and Brauntex Theater. The video notes Wurstfest, Comal River tubing, and Schlitterbahn water park as major draws.
Things to do in San Marcos, Tx
Things to do in San Marcos, Tx explores this college town of about 30 miles southwest of Austin, home to Texas State University. The video captures the seventh annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest with the Mermaid Promenade and downtown street fair. Food is found at The Root Cellar Cafe, and the video walks from downtown to the San Marcos River, passing mermaid statues and tubing areas. The gig destination is Middleton Brewing, and the video explains the history of the Aqua Maids who performed at Aquarena Springs in the 1950s.
A tour of Comfort, Texas (Texas Hill Country vlog)
A tour of Comfort, Texas covers this unincorporated community of just over 3,000 people, located about 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio near Fredericksburg, Boerne, and Kerrville. The video walks through the historic downtown, regarded as one of the most well-preserved historic business districts in Texas with buildings dating to the 1900s. Live music is found at Remedy Hall, Hill Country Distillers, Nome Vineyards, and Comfort Meat Market. Food is covered at High's Cafe and Store, and the gig takes place at La Calabria overlooking the trees.
A tour of Blanco, Texas (Texas Hill Country Road Trip Vlog)
A tour of Blanco, Texas walks through this town of about 2,000 people located 50 miles southwest of Austin. The video covers the historic square with its impressive courthouse (once the Blanco County seat, and a filming location for True Grit), the Blanco River and Blanco State Park, and the town's identity as the lavender capital with an annual Lavender Festival. Live music venues named include Red Bud Cafe, Uptown Blanco Restaurant, Tenuta Bianco Wine Bar, Herb's Hat Shop, Old 300 Barbecue, Chess Club Cafe, and Iron Horse Saloon. Breakfast is found at the Red Bud Cafe.
Johnson City, Texas: Texas Hill Country Tour - Lyndon B. Johnson's Hometown & Wine Trail
Johnson City, Texas covers this small town of about 2,000 people that calls itself the heart of the Texas Hill Country, located 50 miles west of Austin. The video walks through the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park with his childhood home, birthplace, ranch, and grave alongside Ladybird Johnson. The drive along 290 from Johnson City to Fredericksburg is noted for its concentration of wineries. Live music venues include Fatboy Burgers, Ream Right Brewing Company, and Pecan Street Brewing. The gig takes place at Proof and Cooper, and food is found at Elcho Mexican Restaurant.
Dripping Springs, Tx Tour: Live Music & Hill Country Charm Near Austin
Dripping Springs, Tx Tour covers this town of about 6,000 people located 30 minutes west of Austin along Highway 290. The video walks the small central strip along Mercer Street, naming live music venues including Hudson's on Mercer, Barber Shop, Acopon Brewing Company, and Growx. A Saturday live music hop covers Dreamland Dripping Springs where John Taylor was playing, Dripping Springs Distilling where Jamie Weston was performing, and Bell Springs Winery. The town's Hamilton Pool swimming hole and dark sky ordinance are also mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best live music venues in Fredericksburg, Texas?
Fredericksburg has one of the highest densities of live music venues in the Hill Country. Along the main strip alone, there are at least 16 places featuring live music, including Hondo's on Main, Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse, Silver Creek Beer Garden and Grill, The Oslander, Hidden Hideaway on Main, Becker Vineyards, 78624 The Bar, Social House, Hitchin Post Steakhouse, Fat Ass Ranch and Winery, Fiesta Winery, and Western Edge. Many more extend beyond the main strip into the surrounding area.
Where can I find live music in Boerne, Texas?
Boerne has several live music venues concentrated in and around the Hill Country Mile downtown area. Richter Tavern inside the Richter Building hosts music, and next door Botero Tapas and Wine Bar features performances. Tusculum Brewing Company and Free Roam Brewing Company both have live music, Dodging Duck Brew House sits along River Road, and Salvador Dobbs is well known for booking popular acts. Brantley's Bistro also hosts musicians.
What is there to do in Gruene, Texas besides Gruene Hall?
Beyond Gruene Hall, you can find live music at Wichita Reds (formerly Cactus Jacks) and at Green Grove, a more secluded area with a stage and a food truck serving brats. There's a public picnic area with live music, the Guadalupe River for relaxing by the water, and Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar for food — though expect a wait. Lazy J Cajun is another nearby spot for live music and crawfish. The area is walkable with interesting storefronts and a strong German heritage feel.
Which Texas Hill Country towns have German heritage?
Several Hill Country towns were established by German immigrants in the 1800s and retain that heritage in their architecture, food, language, and festivals. The most notable are Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Gruene, Boerne, and Comfort. New Braunfels hosts Wurstfest annually, Fredericksburg's Main Street showcases German-influenced architecture, Boerne has kolaches at the Richter Bach House, and Comfort's downtown is regarded as one of the most well-preserved historic business districts in Texas with buildings going back to the 1900s.
What live music venues are in downtown New Braunfels?
Downtown New Braunfels has a concentrated cluster of live music spots around the square. Phoenix Saloon is a key venue with a stage for touring and local artists. Moonshine and Ale is a piano bar, Poorhouse is a late-night destination, Water to Wine serves food with music, Muck and Fuss is popular for burgers and live acts, Sidecar is a downstairs speakeasy with occasional piano performances, Lonar Lounge features music, and Brauntex Theater hosts larger shows. The nearby Herald newspaper publishes live music listings for the area.
Where can I find live music in Blanco, Texas?
Blanco has a surprising number of live music spots for a town of about 2,000 people. On the historic square, you can find music at Red Bud Cafe, Uptown Blanco Restaurant, and Tenuta Bianco Wine Bar. Herb's Hat Shop has been known to host live music alongside their cowboy hat sales. Just south of the square, Old 300 Barbecue advertises live music, and nearby are Chess Club Cafe and Iron Horse Saloon.
What is the best route for a Texas Hill Country live music road trip?
A strong route starts in Dripping Springs (30 minutes west of Austin) where you can hit Dreamland Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs Distilling, and Bell Springs Winery in a single afternoon. Head southwest through Wimberley for shows at Creek House Kitchen and Bar or the Wimberley Inn and Bar, then to New Braunfels for the downtown square scene at Phoenix Saloon and Muck and Fuss. From there, drive west along 290 through Johnson City and its wineries to Fredericksburg where 16 venues line Main Street. Side trips to Mercer Dancehall in Driftwood, Luckenbach, and Gruene Hall round it out. Most of these towns are within an hour of each other.