The video above takes you on a walking tour of South Congress, Austin during South by Southwest, and it's one of the best captures of what this strip actually feels like when the city is at full tilt. South Congress — or SoCo, as locals call it — runs south from the Colorado River, and you can look straight down the road and see the Texas State Capitol building framed at the end. That view alone is worth the walk. The area dates back to the 1850s as one of Austin's first paved roads, and while Interstate 35 pulled traffic away starting in the 1960s, the corridor held onto its character. Today it's packed with quirky storefronts, antique shops, vintage clothing, boot stores, restaurants, and bars — all of it walkable.
What Live Music Can You Find on South Congress in Austin?
Even on a regular afternoon, South Congress has live music happening in multiple spots. During SXSW, it goes to another level entirely. Here's what the walking tour turned up on a single day:
- Sé Boys — A spot where the SoCo Stomp was already going strong early in the day, with Dale Watson and his Lone Stars drawing a big crowd of folks drinking and caffeinating before noon. David Bucks Keeler from Yan Wado was also spotted there.
- Tejas — A handmade western boot shop that had Katrina Kane playing live music inside for shoppers browsing boots. A cool combination of retail and live performance you don't get many other places.
- Guero's Tacos — A longtime SoCo restaurant that regularly features live music, especially afternoons. They have an Oak Garden area outside where Cory Quinn was performing on this particular day.
- Continental Club — One of Austin's most iconic live music venues, right on South Congress. Mojo Nixon was on the bill that day. The line was too long to get in, which tells you everything about the Continental's pull during SXSW.
- South by San Jose — A free outdoor concert event near Hotel San José with a full stage and a big crowd catching sets in the sun.
On top of the proper venues, there were buskers scattered along the sidewalks — one posted up in front of Allen's Boots, a couple more on street corners adding to the soundtrack of the walk.
Food, Shopping, and the SoCo Atmosphere
Beyond the music, South Congress delivers on food and browsing. Torchy's Tacos, Magnolia Cafe, and Home Slice Pizza are all along the strip. The burrito from Guero's was a solid call. For shopping, you've got Allen's Boots for cowboy boots, plus stores selling jewelry, candles, vintage clothing, candy, and plenty of weird stuff you didn't know you needed. Bars like White Tiger are scattered in between.
The day wrapped up with David Bridwell heading to northwest Austin for a gig at Slackers Brewery, playing original music — including the song "Things Ain't So Straight in George Strait Country" — for a crowd of friends and beer drinkers. A pretty ideal Austin day: walk SoCo, eat well, catch some music, then go play some.