The video above takes you on a walking tour through the Clarksville Austin neighborhood, one of the most historically significant areas on the west side of downtown. Located just north of 6th Street and east of the Mopac Expressway, Clarksville has a genuine neighborhood feel — bungalow homes, small grocery stores, coffee shops, parks, and an elementary school. The hilly streets here are steeper than you'll find in most other parts of the city, and the whole area represents what people mean when they talk about Old West Austin.
History of the Clarksville Neighborhood
Clarksville's roots go back to slave quarters in the mid-1800s. After emancipation, a freedman named Charles Clark founded the community in 1871 so that formerly enslaved people could live independently, reunite with family, and practice their religion. It was one of the first freedmen's towns established west of the Mississippi. You can still visit the Haskell House, a restored original home from that freedmen's community that has been preserved in the neighborhood. Another piece of history standing right in Clarksville is one of Austin's 15 remaining moon towers. These tall structures date back to the early 1900s and were used for street lighting in hilly areas that were otherwise hard to illuminate. Austin is said to be the only city in the world that still has its moon towers intact.
What Live Music Venues Are Near Clarksville Austin?
As you move from the residential streets down toward 6th Street, the neighborhood transitions into more of a contemporary entertainment district with restaurants and nightlife. Here are a few spots worth knowing about in and around Clarksville:
- Don's Depot — A classic Austin music spot housed in an old train depot, with live music all nights of the week
- Waterloo Records — A beloved record store at the edge of the neighborhood that hosts free live music performances on their in-store stage
- Meany Cat — A DIY-style bar next to Don's Depot that has hosted live music in the past, though they may not be booking shows consistently right now
- ACL Live at the Moody Theater — Located in the nearby Second Street District, this is a major concert venue and easy to reach from Clarksville
From Clarksville you can also walk down to Town Lake for a great view of the Austin skyline at night, or explore the Second Street District's row of restaurants and bars.
The Tuna Bop Campfire Series
One reason to keep Clarksville on your radar as a music fan is the Tuna Bop Campfire Series, a house concert that features multiple artists performing in an intimate setting. David Bridwell played a set here and stuck around to listen to the other performers. House shows like this are a big part of what makes Austin's music scene feel personal and connected — no cover charge drama, no velvet ropes, just people playing songs for each other in someone's yard. If you want to dig deeper into Austin's neighborhoods and music culture, the video description has links to more walking tours and neighborhood guides.