Music Lover's Guide to Austin's Live Music Venues
Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World isn't just some slogan; it's a reality that lives, breathes in its veins every single night. In proud partnership that keeps Austin's venues clean, Sparkly Maid Austin has witnessed, over time, so many of these iconic stages host so many memorable performances.
Historic Venues That Have Shaped the Music Scene in Austin
Since 1955, the Continental Club has been a bastion for Austin's illustrious musical history, hosting a continuous stream of legendary performances. This South Congress landmark, replete with an iconic neon sign and intimate surroundings, remains at the heart of all things rock, country, and blues in Austin. Red curtains and retro touches transport visitors back to the good old days, but this is a good place that boasts a first-class sound system.
A few blocks away from it stands Antone's Nightclub, since 1975 considered the "Home of the Blues." Blues legends have appeared there, like B.B. King and Muddy Waters, securing this music venue in the lore of Austin's musical landscape. Photos of the performers line its walls and whisper about innumerable magical nights that shaped the Austin music scene.
Modern Music Spaces
For those needing larger venues, Emo's East has indoor and outdoor stages that can accommodate over 2,000 people. This is the place for anything from punk rock to hip-hop and is considered one of the staples of Austin's contemporary music scene. Need help keeping your venue pristine? Our partners at move out cleaning services make sure your space stays as impressive as the performances.
The famous Austin City Limits television show calls ACL Live at The Moody Theater home, which is really the epitome of modern venue design. With perfect sightlines from every seat in the house and state-of-the-art acoustics, it's where local talents and international stars alike come to shine.
Hidden Treasures and Local Favorites
The White Horse morphed from a dinky dive into one of Austin's hottest music spots, a place-from indie rock all the way out to Latin jazz-that perhaps is an ultimate Austin experience: rickety, worn-to-a-splinter wood floors support many partners in two-step synchrony, if those floors can talk.
Mohawk, founded in 2006, represents the next generation of live music venues to take hold of Austin. A multi-stage environment with an incredible outdoor space has developed into a locals' favorite for shows by acts of all sizes and genres. And the design works just right for Austin's aesthetic-industrial-meets-rustic vibe.
Outdoor Music Experiences
Austin's perfect weather makes outdoor venues all the more special. The Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park is incomparable under the Texas sky, while Stubb's Bar-B-Q melds great music with authentic Austin flavor. In the spring and fall, these outdoor venues really come alive, from intimate acoustic sets to major festival events.
Essential Tips for Venue-Hopping
Here are a few venue-specific tips to think about while exploring the Austin music scene:
Get to smaller venues such as the Continental Club and White Horse early for good viewing positions
Check out venue websites for happy hour specials and free shows, especially common during weekdays
Join venue mailing lists to get presale codes and hear about most shows before they go on sale.
Consider investing in venue memberships to get first dibs on tickets.
Follow the venues on social media for the latest show additions and special events.
Best Times to Visit Each Venue
Continental Club: 10 PM to 1 AM, though happy hour shows start at 6:30 PM
Antone's: Typical evening shows @ 9 pm but depending on the performance special events may have earlier start times
Emo's East: Show times vary, but doors usually open an hour before the first act
ACL Live: Most shows start exactly at the listed times because of broadcast schedules.
Stubb's: Outdoor shows start at sundown and indoor shows start at 9 PM
Making the Most of Your Music Experience
Planning your musical journey through Austin takes a modicum of strategy. The weekends will, of course, have the most varied set of acts, but do not discount weekday concerts, where one can see frequently very small, intimate shows with locals and even touring artists in surprise appearances. Many venues have food and drink available; some, like Stubb's, are destinations for Austin's famous barbecue even when no show is booked.
Note that different venues may have different policies when it comes to photography and recording. For example, some of the historical places have a very strict no-photography policy to preserve the natural experience of visiting the place, while others would love to see shares on social media.
Keep in mind when planning that Sparkly Maid Austin is who helps keep such iconic music venues clean and special for fans to visit as often as you do. Whether you've never been in town or consider yourself a regular out on the scene, these hotspots simply don't take a backseat when it comes to having a truly Texan experience-in every sense of that word.
