The video at the top of this page walks through 10 different music venues across Austin, giving you a real feel for where to see live music in Austin and what each spot is actually like when you show up. It covers everything from intimate songwriter rooms to packed outdoor stages, spanning both North and South Austin. Whether you're planning a trip or just trying to find somewhere new to catch a set, this is a solid starting point.
What are the best areas for live music in Austin?
Austin's live music is spread across the city, but two areas stand out in this video. North of the river, the Red River Cultural District is home to venues like Mohawk that regularly land on local "best of" lists. South Austin, below the river, has its own personality — more relaxed, patio-heavy, and full of spots where coffee shops and lounges double as serious music venues. You don't have to stick to Sixth Street to find great music. In fact, some of the most interesting shows happen well outside that tourist corridor.
10 Austin music venues featured in this video
- Mohawk — A live music and event venue in the Red River Cultural District, consistently voted one of the best venues in Austin, with a wide range of genres
- Waterloo Records — A legendary record store dating back to 1982 that hosts free live music in-store, widely considered one of the best record shops in the country
- New World Deli — An intimate songwriter-focused room that also serves solid deli food; the video captures a Townes Van Zandt tribute night featuring Chrissy and Whan
- Kick Butt Coffee — A coffee shop with a surprisingly diverse music calendar and high-energy events, including the Fem Rock Showcase shown in the video
- Buzzmill — A South Austin hangout with a laid-back, creative energy and a fun open mic night
- Radio Coffee and Beer — A coffee spot with food trucks and multiple live music events; the video shows a packed showcase for the Kerrville Folk Festival featuring The Good Looks and Lay Line
- Captain Quackenbush's Coffee House — A coffee shop and bakery by day with a dedicated live music room inside; the video features Amanda Kitchens and Dylan Goodhue performing
- The Far Out Lounge — A popular spot with a big back patio, tables, food trucks, fire pits, and a proper outdoor stage
- Armadillo Den — A large multi-story venue with picnic tables and food trucks, known for being tough to park at — rideshare is recommended; during South by Southwest the video caught a surprise comedy show instead of music
- Sam's Town Point — A beloved Austin honky tonk that gets packed during SXSW with bands rotating between an inside and outside stage; surprise appearances by Ray Wylie Hubbard and Charley Crockett are captured in the footage
Tips for exploring Austin's music scene
A few practical takeaways from the video: parking can be a real challenge at places like Armadillo Den, so plan on using a rideshare. During South by Southwest, schedules shift constantly and lineups aren't always what you expect — stay flexible. And don't overlook the smaller rooms. Some of the best moments in this video happen at places like New World Deli and Captain Quackenbush's, where you're sitting close to the performer and the music feels personal. Austin rewards you for wandering beyond the obvious spots.