Nothing says summer like catching an outdoor concert, and the music venues in Austin, Texas provide ample opportunities for locals to catch a great show any night of the week. No matter your music preference, there is something for everyone. We’ve rounded up a list of our top 10 favorite concert venues near Austin.
1. Nutty Brown Amphitheatre
What better place to go for a true Texas concert than a venue in the hill country set among large oak trees? Located halfway between Dripping Springs and Austin, The Nutty Brown Amphitheatre hosts a mixture of nationally known artists as well as Texas locals. Built in the 1950s and originally used as a flour mill, this venue has been everything from a car dealership to a clothing store and even had plans to become a zoo before being purchased in 2000 to be used as a music venue.
Upcoming Shows
8/21 – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
2. Haute Spot
Haute Spot, in Cedar Park, is one of the few venues that continued to operate throughout the pandemic. Now back in full swing, they have a robust lineup for the summer. Offering a full-service dining menu and a shaded outdoor event space, this venue hosts a wide variety of artists and always makes for a great evening out in the Austin summer.
Upcoming Shows
7/24 – Wynonna Judd with Big Noise
3. LifeAustin Amphitheater
Built as an extension of LifeAustin Church to expand the church’s ministry, LifeAustin Music Amphitheater hosts a variety of Christian musicians and worship events throughout the year. With both covered and open-air seating, the venue sits off highway 71 just south of Austin.
Upcoming Shows
8/14 – Matt Maher and We Are Messengers
8/29 – Dailey & Vincent with Jillian Edwards
4. Whitewater Amphitheater
Spend a summer day tubing down the Guadalupe River and then head to Whitewater Amphitheater for an evening performance. Located in Gruene, Texas the venue is surrounded by Cypress trees with the river on each side. Plenty of picnic tables, a Biergarten, and torch lighting make for a relaxing night of music.
Upcoming Shows
5. Stubbs BBQ
Originally famous for the bbq sauce created in 1968 by Christopher B. Stubblefield, “Stubbs” earned his place in Austin history when he opened this restaurant/venue combo in 1970. More than just a BBQ joint, Stubbs has hosted an array of local and national talent over the years with regular performances by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash.
Upcoming Shows
8/28 – Rod Wave
6. Empire Control Room & Garage
The Empire Control Room & Garage derives its name from its history as an auto shop. This venue boasts three unique stages each offering an intimate concert experience. Just four blocks from downtown Austin, Empire hosts a variety of SXSW concerts each year as well as modern acts throughout the year
Upcoming Shows
7. Waterloo Park
Waterloo Park, located downtown just two blocks from the state capital, is set to reopen on August 14. This 11-acre park will be the largest green space in Austin and has an exciting musical lineup set for late summer and early fall. The reopening will be celebrated with an all-day event featuring live music performances in the 5000-seat Moody Amphitheatre.
Upcoming Shows
8. The Oasis on Lake Travis
Sitting 450 feet above Lake Travis, the Oasis on Lake Travis is not to be missed. Dubbed as the “Sunset Capital of Texas” this famed venue is the perfect spot to enjoy instagrammable views while catching some live music. In 1982 it was originally purchased by a Houston resident as a 500-acre ranch before becoming Texas’ largest outdoor restaurant. Over the years it has gained popularity with visitors and locals. Check their website for weekly events, or just pop by and see what’s on tap!
9. One World Theatre
Tucked in the hills of West Austin, One World Theatre functions as a non-profit organization with the mission to “to promote peace and unity through sharing music and other art forms from around the globe.” This intimate venue provides amazing acoustics, while still giving guests the feeling of watching a private show in their living room. Previous acts include Kenny G. and The Guess Who.
Upcoming Shows
10. Gruene Hall
While Gruene Hall isn’t technically in Austin, it is in close enough proximity that no Austin venue list would be complete without it. Located in New Braunfels, historic Gruene Hall has been hosting Texas music legends since the late 1800s. Originally built as a dance hall, it still features the original layout with side flaps for bringing in those cool Texas night breezes, a bar on one side, and a modest stage on the other. Over the years Gruene Hall has become internationally known as a tourist destination hosting big names in country music such as Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks.
Upcoming Shows
8/5 – The Marshall Tucker Band
Living Lakeside at Tessera
No matter your musical preference, Lakeside at Tessera, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, is just a stone’s throw away from some of the best music venues in the country. Come visit us and discover all the benefits of living in Lakeside at Tessera.