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If you love live entertainment, Austin is a great place to live. This city is filled to the brim with musical venues to suit every taste, whether you are a lover of the classic live music joints or would rather spend your time in one of the up-and-coming hot spots that can be found all over the city. All in all, within the best neighborhoods in Austin, there are almost 300 live music venues to entertain you in Austin and they feature everything from country to rock to jazz every night of the week.

From the very fist moment you step off of the airplane, you may find yourself listening to live music as you walk through the terminal at Austin’s airport. But that’s not all, live music, and music in other forms is everywhere in Austin. For instance, it is not uncommon to find musicians playing in popular grocery stores (like Whole Foods and Central Market) or city council meetings. You will find musicians playing outdoors at the Blues on the Green Series as well as a number of Austin’s popular festivals that include but are not limited to:

  • South by Southwest
  • Austin City Limits
  • Pachanga Latino Musical Festival
  • Fun, Fun, Fun Fest
  • Urban Music Festival
  • Chaos in Texas

With so many options for live entertainment, it can be hard to know where to start. Check out the following list to learn more about the quintessential music experiences in Austin:

1. Threadgill’s Restaurant – When you walk into this venue, the first thing that you will notice are the photos and posters on the wall that depict a mini-history of Austin Music but you will stay for the talented stylings of the live local acts.

2. The Continental Club – Considered one of Austin’s top venues, the Continental Club features quintessential live music experiences that features retro and rootsy American music from both local and touring acts like James McMurtry and the White Ghost Shivers. The upstairs venue, called the Continental Gallery, is the perfect place for a more intimate feel.

3. Auditorium Shores – This is the spot for any fan of Stevie Ray Vaughan to come and pay homage to the Austin Music legend and listen to music.

4. The Broken Spoke – The Broken Spoke is a classic country dancehall and is considered to another one of Austin’s top venues. They mostly book local acts, like Jesse Dayton and Alvin Crow, two unbelievable performers who keep the boot-scooters circling the dance floor.

5. Saxon Pub – The Saxon Pub is an eclectic little venue that offers mostly regions acts like Bob Schneider and the Resentments.

Austin’s celebrated live music scene is continuously evolving and has developed a life of its own. As venues come and go, there is one important thing to remember, no matter your tastes there is a venue for every music fan to enjoy.