Austin musicians are hometown heroes, and the city embraces each musical genre with more than open arms. In 1991, Austin learned that it had more live music venues per capita than any other U.S. city. So Austin officially dubbed itself the "Live Music Capital of the World."
Catering to serious music fans means surrounding the city with live music all the time. In fact, according to the Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Austin visitors and residents can catch a live performance at almost any time of the day, any day of the week.
Catch a live show while grocery shopping? Sure. Enjoy a concert while waiting for a flight at the airport? Why not.
Here are some of Austin's most unlikely but beloved places to listen to live music.
Central Market and Whole Foods Grocery Store Music
Need inspiration before checking off grocery list items? Central Market at Austin's Westgate and North Lamar locations feature live music every week with musicians playing everything from bluegrass to latin music. Find the music at the store's cafe section.
Whole Foods offers seasonal live music, so check their calendar.
Free Live Music at Austin City Hall
Enjoy tunes from local musicians at Austin City Hall's outdoor plaza. Bring a picnic or munch on the lunch specials sold by local restaurant vendors. There's plenty of room to dance or sit on the shaded building's front steps.
The "Live from the Plaza" springtime outdoor concerts are Fridays at noon and feature live music ranging from indie rock to jazz.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Music
Ticketed passengers in Austin are treated to live music Monday through Fridays at different locations throughout the airport.
The Austin-Bergstrom International airport's "Music in the Air" concerts can enjoyed at:
- A concourse-level stage next to Ray Benson's Roadhouse from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Waterloo Records' airport location also offers live music from 1 to 3 p.m. every Friday.
- Earl Campbell's Sports Bar at 3:30 to 5:30 p.m on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Lefty's Bar and Grille on 6th Street from 1 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Music at Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake)
Austin's most treasured hike and bike trail curls through the city's downtown and hugs Lady Bird Lake. On most mornings, local folk musician Woode Wood plays for free on the south bank of Lou Neff Point. He serenates walkers, joggers, and even the kiddie train that runs through Lou Neff Point. The Austin singer-songwriter has played his Lady Bird Lake gig about five years.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
