Inside Austin's Vibrant Music Scene
The past and present of the Live Music Capital of the World.
By Patricia Harrison
The many cultures that have called central Texas home for generations contributed to the development of Austin's energetic music scene. In fact, there are more than 100 venues in the metropolis, where stages showcase a bounty of genres, from blues and rock to Latino and punk. Read on to learn more about the city's past and find out where to experience the scene for yourself.
A Brief History
Austin is rooted in folk music—storytelling via ballads, tunes and songs brought to Texas by European immigrants who settled in the area. In 1866, German immigrant August Scholz opened Scholz Garten, now the oldest operating business in Texas and America's oldest beer garden. Since then, hundreds of artists playing a wide variety of genres, including folk, have graced the biergarten's stage.
While blues—a genre that emerged in African American communities of the South after the Civil War—can be traced back to the 1900s in Austin, the sound became more well known in the 1960s and 1970s. During that period, many creatives contributed to the scene's growth, including W.C. Clark, a guitarist, bassist and vocalist known as the "Godfather of Austin Blues," and the late Clifford Antone, the music promotor who opened Antone's Nightclub, where legends like James Brown and Ray Charles have rocked the house.
In the early '70s, the now-defunct Armadillo World Headquarters music venue opened in Austin, bringing a new crowd of influential rock 'n' roll and country musicians to the city. Those singer-songwriters include Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughan—and Willie Nelson, who is credited for pioneering a hybrid genre of music called "progressive country" or "cosmic cowboy." The mix of traditional country and urban blues and rock became one of Austin's most iconic sounds. Then in 1976, Nelson became one of the first musicians to play on "Austin City Limits," which is now one of the longest running music programs on TV.
Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue in Front of Downtown Austin and the Colorado River
8 Not-to-Miss Venues
Antone's Nightclub
Dubbed the "Home of the Blues," this legendary hot spot on Fifth Street has hosted the likes of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Clark, Jr.
Skylark Lounge
The Skylark on Austin's East Side is an intimate place to listen to sets by local blues and soul giants such as Soulman Sam Evans and D-Soul Davis.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Enjoy dinner and a show at Eddie V's in downtown Austin, where a menu of seafood, steak and cocktails is paired with live jazz (Bonus: happy hour is Sunday through Thursday, 4–6 p.m.).
The Continental Club
Established as an upscale private supper club in 1955, the Continental Club has evolved into a haven for lovers of rockabilly, country, swing, rock, blues and more.
Broken Spoke
If boot scootin' is your forte, venture to the Broken Spoke, a beloved honky-tonk that's entertained audiences since 1964 (it even offers dance lessons Wednesday through Saturday).
Historic Scoot Inn
Like Scholz Garten, the eclectic Historic Scoot Inn is another outdoor biergarten that's remained a fixture in Austin's music scene.
Elephant Room
Descend into the basement of the historic Swift Building on Congress Avenue to catch nightly live jazz in this underground watering hole, whose walls are covered in dollar bills.
Mohawk
Mohawk stays true to its motto—"All Are Welcome"—by hosting a wide assortment of local and touring acts on two indoor and outdoor stages.
Texas Flag Over Congress Avenue
Where to Stay
Tru by Hilton Austin NW Arboretum
Convenience is part of the draw at Tru by Hilton, which just opened this past December 2022 and offers a complimentary daily breakfast, pet-friendly rooms and a 24-hour fitness center. Located in northwest Austin, the property is about 15 minutes from downtown Austin and 10 minutes from shopping and dining at The Arboretum.
Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin
Newly opened in February of this year, the design of this colorful hotel is inspired by Austin's musical past. Rooms are furnished with guitar amp nightstands and vintage concert posters, while live bands play at the rooftop bar. The property is also centrally located on Congress Avenue, home to several live music venues and a bounty of places to eat and shop.
Origin Hotel Austin
Tucked in the growing Mueller neighborhood east of downtown Austin, Origin Hotel is an ideal home base for those who want to reside in a quieter area that's within proximity of all the action. Enjoy rooms decked out in urban-chic accents and grab a bite at Blue Lacy, which serves modern twists on diner-style fare.
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
This Omni property has all the ingredients for a Lone Star State retreat, from a rooftop pool to prime placement in the Sixth Street Entertainment District. The hotel unveiled a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2021 and the rooms and suites were updated with luxe features, including mid-century modern design elements and Texas-forward décor.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
