5 of the BEST Music Venues In Downtown Austin

Live music is finally back, and we can’t hold in the excitement that is amazing music, great drinks, and fun crowds. As things begin to pick back up and doors start swinging open, we’ve been on the hunt to find out exactly what music venues in Downtown Austin are open for business. Here are 5 of the best already blaring their speakers.

See you guys out there!

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1. Antone’s Nightclub

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The newer Antone’s (yep, it actually used to be on 6th street way before!) is still the blues spot to go. The establishment has always been known to host blues artists traveling through Texas and holds to that tradition today in their 450-capacity venue.

“Over the past 40 years, Antone’s has brought Austin a variety of blues and musicians from across the country, including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Ray Charles, and James Brown helped develop local talents like Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bob Schneider, Gary Clark Jr., and others,” Antone’s said.

It’s intimate, dark, and the sounds are out of this world. You feel like you and the artists are truly vibing while the rest of the audience disappears.

Location

?305 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

Schedule

2. Stubb’s BBQ

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In the heart of the Red River District, you’ll find Stubb’s, an 1,800-capacity venue that is too popular to keep up with. If you hear of a show coming here, book asap. They are quick to sell out of all major shows.

Stubb’s is a grand setup on a smaller scale. The sound in their outdoor amphitheater is surrounded for sure, and the lights make it feel like you’re at a stadium concert.

The legendary bbq to music joint came to Austin from Lubbock, wherein the 1970’s Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, George Thorogood, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds would play for a supper. Today, big-name artists like the Black Pumas and Shakey Graves frequent it.

Location

?801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Schedule

3. Mohawk

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Also located in the Red River District is Mohawk, which is versatile to the max. You’ll find a wide range of artists of come through, playing a wide range of genres. The crowds are also a great mix of people, just out there to hear some dang good music come from either the outdoor or indoor stage.

Though iconic like the rest of the venues on this list, Mohawk is considered one of the newer venues, having opened in 2006. It also serves four levels of views so that you can pick which area suits your vibe more. We recommend you go higher if you want a more chill space and definitely ground level if you want to get rowdy.

Location

?912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Schedule

4. ACL Live

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This 2,500-capacity music venue just might be the most popular of the bunch. They’re on a street called Willie Nelson Blvd–of course, locals and tourists know of this gem!

ACL Live at Moody hosts about 100 concerts per year, and of those, there are tons with big-name artists. They also have the “longest-running music series in American television history,” with their tapings of live shows played on PBS. They’ve hosted everyone from Belle & Sebastian to ZZ Top and Coldplay.

Location

? 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Schedule

5. Speakeasy

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Speakeasy is the spot to go if you’re in search of the most Austin experience. It’s in the heart of downtown, the shows are local and intimate, and you get amazing views of the city from their rooftop.

Also, another location with levels of entertainment (3 to be exact), this nightclub and bar has vintage bowling lanes, a music lounge, and a rooftop lounge. They also host Pop Punk Nite, where bands play covers of nostalgic pop-punk bands.

Though the acts are more local, big-name celebrities have dropped in to catch the vibes. Bono, Dennis Quaid, George Clooney, Gwen Stefani, and John Legend to name a few of their extensive list. It’s the ultimate celeb spot.

Location

? 412 Congress Ave D, Austin, TX 78701

Schedule

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Top 5: Music Venues in Downtown Austin

1. Antone’s Nightclub

2. Stubb’s BBQ

3. Mohawk

4. ACL Live

5. Speakeasy

Stay Connected!

Follow us

Curated by

Poonam Patel

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Top 5: Music Venues in Downtown Austin

1. Antone’s Nightclub

2. Stubb’s BBQ

3. Mohawk

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4. ACL Live

5. Speakeasy

Stay Connected!

Follow us

Curated by

Poonam Patel