The video above takes you on a walking tour of Music Lane in South Congress, Austin — a large mixed-use development that opened in 2020 just south of the Congress Avenue Bridge. The tour covers what you'll actually find at Music Lane itself (spoiler: not a lot of live music despite the name) and then explores the real live music spots nearby along South Congress Avenue. It was filmed on a hot Thursday in July, and along the way, the host stops into Guero's Taco Bar to catch a set by Sarah Rowe, a rockabilly artist out of New Mexico who invited him up to play a few songs.
What Is Music Lane in Austin?
Music Lane is a retail and mixed-use development on South Congress Avenue, positioned between downtown Austin and the traditional South Congress strip. It opened in 2020 and includes office buildings, boutique shopping, restaurants, cocktail bars, a hotel, a coffee shop called Two Hands Coffee, and health and fitness spots. The developers market it as "the gateway between downtown and South Austin" with an "elevated shopping and lifestyle experience." Once you walk off the main South Congress sidewalk and into the development, there's a landscaped lane with trees and greenery that gives it a distinct feel — almost like its own little district. People do shop here, and it draws a crowd that skews trendy and well-dressed. But as the video points out, the name "Music Lane" leans heavily on the musical reputation of South Congress without actually offering much live music on-site. The real music is happening just steps away at the long-established venues down the road.
What Live Music Venues Are Near Music Lane on South Congress?
If you're walking South Congress and want to find actual live music near the Music Lane development, here's what's within easy reach:
- Continental Club — A legendary Austin venue with blues, honky tonk, and rockabilly acts performing many nights of the week. They also have an upstairs gallery space with its own separate music programming.
- White Tiger — A cocktail-focused bar right next to the Continental Club, featuring live music on the patio and DJ sets inside.
- Austin Motel — A retro motel with a pool area where they host live music. You can pay to use the pool and grab drinks — it has a real throwback feel.
- Jo's Coffee — Home of the famous "I Love You So Much" mural. They run a Sinners Brunch on Sundays and are well known for their breakfast tacos.
- Guero's Taco Bar — A South Congress staple with regular live music. On the day of filming, Sarah Rowe was performing her rockabilly set in the outdoor area.
Making the Most of a South Congress Music Day
The best way to experience this stretch is on foot. Start at Music Lane if you want to browse shops or grab a coffee, then walk south along South Congress to hit the venues listed above. Weekday evenings and weekends both have live music options, though the specific lineups rotate. Check venue calendars ahead of time, especially for the Continental Club and Guero's, since sets can start as early as the afternoon. And if you're visiting in a Texas summer like the video shows — hydrate. It's no joke out there in July.