The video above walks through 10 different music venues spread across Austin, giving you a real feel for the variety of spots where live music happens in this city. If you've been wondering where to see live music in Austin, this is a solid starting point — it covers everything from intimate songwriter rooms to packed outdoor stages, and it moves through different neighborhoods so you can get a sense of the geography too.
What Are the Best Areas for Live Music in Austin?
The video breaks Austin's music scene into two main zones. North of the river, you've got the Red River Cultural District, which is home to venues like Mohawk. South Austin has its own personality entirely, with spots like Buzzmill, Radio Coffee and Beer, and Sam's Town Point scattered across the area. Each neighborhood has a different energy — Red River tends to lean louder and more rock-oriented, while South Austin has a mix of everything from folk showcases to open mic nights with hosts dressed as Peanuts characters.
Venues Covered in This Video
- Mohawk — A Red River Cultural District staple that regularly gets voted one of Austin's best venues, hosting a wide range of genres and events
- Waterloo Records — Austin's most iconic record store, open since 1982, with free in-store live music; David Bridwell caught Jamie Harris with Michael O'Connor performing there
- New World Deli — An intimate, songwriter-focused room with solid deli food; featured here during a Townes Van Zandt tribute with Chrissy and Whan performing
- Kick Butt Coffee — A coffee shop with a surprisingly diverse live music calendar, including the Fem Rock Showcase featured in the video
- Buzzmill — A South Austin spot with great energy, known for its open mic nights and a laid-back, creative atmosphere
- Radio Coffee and Beer — Coffee, food trucks, and regular music events; the video captures 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 closed-off room for live music inside; featured performances from Amanda Kitchens and Dylan Goodhue
- The Far Out Lounge — A popular South Austin hangout with a big back patio, food trucks, fire pits, and a solid outdoor stage
- Armadillo Den — A large multi-story venue with food trucks and picnic tables; parking is notoriously tough, so rideshare is the move
- Sam's Town Point — A classic South Austin honky tonk shown here during South by Southwest, with bands rotating between inside and outside stages and surprise late-night appearances from Ray Wylie Hubbard and Charley Crockett
What Should You Know Before Going Out to Austin Venues?
A few practical things come through in the video. Parking at Armadillo Den is a known headache — plan on taking an Uber or Lyft. During South by Southwest, venues across the city pack out and schedules get chaotic, so double-check what's actually playing before you show up. And some of the best music experiences in Austin happen at places you wouldn't necessarily expect — a record store, a coffee shop, a deli. Keep your expectations open and you'll find something worth hearing almost anywhere you go.