Spend a Weekend Soaking Up Austin’s Music Scene

Austin is a Texas anomaly: simultaneously it is both true Texas at its finest and not even a bit like its boot-scootin’ neighbors Houston or Dallas. It’s the state capital of Texas, the location of renowned music festivals Austin City Limits and South By Southwest and yet, it doesn’t have a professional sports franchise to call its own. It is home to one of the largest universities in the US, University of Texas at Austin, and a growing tech hub in a warm climate with a reasonable cost of living and yet, it is still only the fourth-largest city in the state of Texas. There is definitely a reason people say “Keep Austin Weird.”

Whether you visit for a week or a weekend, Austin is an excellent place to vacation any time of the year. Because Texas winters are relatively mild, Austin is a good idea no matter the season. With a myriad of music venues offering up everything from country to rap, Austin is especially appealing to the melomaniac in all of us. If you are ready for a weekend filled with dining, dancing and live music, look no further than Austin, Texas, “The Live Music Capital of the World.”

Six great spots to listen to live music in Austin

• Stubb’s BBQ– This popular venue combines two beloved Texas pastimes: live music and barbeque! Originating in Lubbock, Stubb’s Austin location is a local hot spot for live music and good food. Don’t skip Gospel Brunch on Sundays, a great, laidback, music-filled activity for the whole family. 

• Elephant Room– Love jazz? Then you’ll love Elephant Room! The atmosphere is chill- this spot is in a basement, after all!-  but exciting and the drinks top-notch. There is no cover Sunday through Thursday, and this cool spot derives its name because it is on the spot of the largest archeological discovery of mastodon bones west of the Mississippi. 

• Speakeasy– An “Austin Original Since 1997,” Speakeasy is a fun spot for live music and more. Stop by here on Monday for Open Mic Night or check out the website for the month’s line-up of exciting musicians. You can also catch comedy at this hot spot or book a private party here for ultimate fun. 

• Cheer Up Charlies– A favorite among locals, Cheer Up Charlies consistently gets named The Best of Austin by The Austin Chronicle. And for good reason! This space is known for being open and inclusive for everyone and has delightful decor and a fun indoor space to catch live music across a variety of genres. 

• Empire Control Room & Garage– With three different stages, there is always something exhilarating happening at Empire in the Red River Cultural District of Austin. Up-and-coming shows include offerings such as Broadway Rave: A Musical Theater Dance Party and a Taylor Swift Rave. 

• Antone’s– Dubbed “The Home of the Blues,” Antone’s is a great place to catch the blues. This spot has seen its share of famous musicians, including Ray Charles and B.B. King. Restored in 2015, Antone’s has been an Austin original since 1975. Buy some merch or catch a livestream if you can’t make it to this legendary Austin staple. 

Austin lodging

“Stay awhile under the big, blue Texas skies” at Great Escapes RV Resorts. New in 2024, Great Escapes is the RV resort in the Austin area you’ve been waiting for. The sparkling pool is just the place to cool off for a few hours after you’ve enjoyed all the live music Austin has to offer. Don’t miss the camp store, the dog park, the shaded pavilions and more. You can even cast a line and see what you can catch at this RV park. Happy trails!