About Austin, TX
Serving as the capital of Texas, Austin lies where the Colorado River drains from the Edwards Plateau and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It’s home to the University of Texas flagship campus and Formula One's Circuit of the Americas, as well as the red-granite State Capitol building. Its diverse neighborhoods range from the Rainey Street Historic District with its early-20th-century bungalows to the food trucks and quirky cafes of South Congress.
Austin’s eccentricity and diversity are celebrated with its motto, “Keep Austin Weird,” and it’s considered live music capital in the Lone Star State. It’s long been a hub for country, blues, and rock musicians to establish their name and now hosts internationally renowned music festivals that draw audiences from near and far. Austin’s live music reputation means it boasts an abundance of concert halls and experienced crews, as well as energized audiences looking for a good time.
Concert Venue Options in Austin, TX
Live music venues in Austin range from purpose-designed event spaces to leisure cruise boats, allowing you to host your performance in style.
Homes
From light-filled creative apartments to stunning cliff top homes, there’s a wide variety of residential spaces where you can host live concerts in Austin. You can find Victorian mansions or contemporary farmhouses, many of which offer outdoor spaces and fully-equipped kitchens for you to use.
River Boats
Ever considered a water-based concert? You can rent a riverboat to cruise the waters of Lake Austin, with full-service meals also available. There are sweeping decks from where guests can enjoy the views as the luxury mansions roll by.
Event Spaces
Purpose-designed for hosting live concerts and events, Austin’s event venues include both wellness spaces and old industrial warehouses. Some come as a blank canvas for you to create the performance space you’re after, while others are equipped with attractive decor, sound, and lighting equipment.
Studios
Austin’s studios are ideal for hosting intimate concerts without having to worry about carting in sound and audio gear. Aside from purpose-built production studios, you can also find beautiful dance studios with natural light pouring through the windows. Studios in East Austin often provide a vibrant and eclectic setting, perfect for a unique performance experience.
Bars and Clubs
With its reputation as a live music hub, Austin has no shortage of bars and clubs that are equipped to host concerts. Most come with full-service bars and optional catering services, as well as all the licenses and permits you need. The variety includes well-known spots in downtown Austin, which are often at the heart of the city's energetic nightlife scene.
Concert Companies in Austin, TX
If you need help finding your dream concert venue in Austin, the city’s experienced performance and event planning companies can help.
Pearl Events Austin
Pearl Events Austin in Austin, TX, is a distinguished event planning company renowned for its creative and meticulous approach to event coordination. Specializing in weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings, Pearl Events Austin offers personalized services that transform clients' visions into reality. With a team of experienced planners dedicated to delivering flawless events, they handle every detail from concept to execution, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Specializing in weddings, corporate, and social events, this award-winning Austin event management company delivers events that are uniquely Austin, from refined and classic to edgy and eclectic.
Kennedy Creative Events
With a focus on corporate, social, and non-profit clients, Kennedy Creative Events provides full-scale support from the initial idea to execution. They can assist with everything from finding a concert venue in Austin to arranging street closures to bring your concert vision to life.
Events Unleashed
Events Unleashed is a boutique event planning company that does everything from corporate events to social engagements. They can help with brainstorming and vision development, finding experienced vendors, and event day management services.
Pros and Cons of Concert Venues in Austin, TX
Austin is arguably one of the best places in Texas to host a live music performance, but there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
Advantages
The Music Scene
Austin’s music scene is pulsing, to say the least, with world-renowned festivals taking place throughout the year and live music events almost every night of the week. This means you’ve already got engaged audiences and tourists looking to attend live concerts at your fingertips.
Diversity of people
Austin’s increasing ethnic diversity is a “plus” when it comes to hosting cultural music events and concerts that might not always appeal to a more homogenous population. Whether it's jazz, blues, or hip-hop, there's a niche for everyone.
Outstanding venues
Because of its exceptional live music scene, Austin has an abundance of concert venues that are equipped and ready to go, as well as more eclectic spaces for you to add your creative touch.
Experienced crew
A buzzing live music scene means you’ve got an experienced crew waiting in the wings, from sound engineers to stage managers and bar staff.
Favorable weather
Austin experiences around 300 sunny days each year, with its favorable climate drawing many residents to the city and making it ideal for hosting outdoor concerts and festivals. An outdoor stage can be a fantastic option for events, leveraging the beautiful weather.
Disadvantages
Traffic is terrible
With the city’s rapidly increasing population and heavy dependence on cars, traffic in Austin can be an issue. That being said, public transport infrastructure is improving in the city, with an extensive bus and light rail network.
Property prices are high
Austin has a flourishing real estate market, which means that property prices are relatively high, and venue rentals may be more than if you looked elsewhere in Texas.
Summers can be scorching
Texas gets incredibly hot in summer, and Austin is no exception. Hosting an outdoor event at the height of summer might not be the best idea, and air-conditioning is a “must” for indoor concerts.
The mosquitoes can be fierce
There’s no denying it - the bugs and mosquitoes can be unbearable at times in Austin, which doesn’t always bear well for outdoor gigs.
Competition
With so many live music events taking place in Austin, you’ll have to get your marketing right to ensure you attract a crowd and can compete with other music venues.
Famous Locations in Austin, TX
Broken Spoke
The Broken Spoke is an old-fashioned honky-tonk that’s been entertaining country music enthusiasts since 1964. The likes of Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton have appeared on its iconic music venue stage, and it hosts dance classes during the week. Located in South Austin, it's a staple for both locals and tourists alike.
ACL Live at The Moody Theater
With a statue of Willie Nelson out the front, ACL Live at The Moody Center is famed for its live tapings of America’s longest-running television music series, “Austin City Limits.” Some of the industry’s biggest and best have performed in the 2,750-capacity venue, including the likes of Belle & Sebastian and ZZ Top. Its indoor stage has seen unforgettable performances from numerous artists. Just a short distance away, the Continental Club and Continental Gallery provide additional venues for diverse musical experiences, solidifying the area’s reputation as a hub for live music.
Antone’s Nightclub
This legendary concert venue in Austin is considered the home of the blues and has provided a setting for legends such as Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton. It’s recently moved to a new location on Fifth Street in the Red River Cultural District but continues to host live music throughout the week, featuring genres from blues to hip hop. Austin native Gary Clark Jr. has also graced its stage.
