Looking for the best live music in Austin without straying far from home? Want to skip the tourist traps and hear music where locals actually go? Austin hums with legendary stages, tucked-away jazz basements, and open-air spots alive with sound every night of the week. With so many choices downtown, the hardest part is knowing where to begin.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 12 of our favorite live music venues, from iconic theaters to tucked-away bars, all just minutes from Paseo.
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1. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden
Address: 79 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Paseo: <1 min drive
If you’re looking for something more laid-back, Banger’s offers live local music every weekend starting Fridays. Think bluegrass, Americana, and acoustic sets that pair perfectly with their huge beer list and house-made sausages. With its spacious outdoor patio, it’s a fun Rainey Street staple for groups.
2. Geraldine’s (at Hotel Van Zandt)
Address: 605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Paseo: 1 min drive
Right around the corner, Geraldine’s blends fine dining, craft cocktails and nightly live music in a chic rooftop setting. It feels like having your own rooftop lounge, music, cocktails and skyline included.
3. Historic Scoot Inn
Address: 1308 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
Distance from Paseo: 5 min drive
Originally built in 1871, Scoot Inn is one of the oldest bars in Texas, and now it’s one of Austin’s most electric music spots, always open-air and full of life. Expect outdoor shows, vibrant energy and a local crowd.
4. Elephant Room
Address: 315 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Paseo: 5 min drive
Tucked underground, The Elephant Room is a low-lit basement bar with nightly sets, perfect for slipping underground after dinner, where the only thing on the menu is jazz.
5. Antone’s Nightclub
Address: 305 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Paseo: 6 min drive
Known as the “Home of the Blues,” Antone’s has hosted legends like B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Today, it continues to spotlight both blues greats and fresh talent.
6. ACL Live at the Moody Theatre
Address: 310 W Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Paseo: 6 min drive
If you’re after a show that feels larger than life, ACL Live is it. Home of the iconic Austin City Limits TV show, this world-class venue hosts top-tier artists across genres in a beautifully designed space with unbeatable acoustics.
7. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Address: 801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Paseo: 6 min drive
Nothing says Austin like live music and BBQ. Stubb’s hosts everything from indie up-and-comers to major headliners in its backyard amphitheater. Grab a plate, and stay for the sound.
8. Hotel Vegas
Address: 1502 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Distance from Paseo: 6 min drive
Hotel Vegas is where you can find the best of Austin’s rising artists. You’ll find cumbia, indie, alt and rock performances almost every night of the week. The energy is raw and electric, a smaller stage where new sounds cut through first.
9. Austin Garden & Studio + IYKYK
Address: 1209 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Distance from Paseo: 6 min drive
Looking for a late-night spot with room to spread out? Austin Garden & Studio is a go-to for groups chasing local country sounds. And if you’re ready to switch gears, head upstairs to IYKYK, where DJs spin house and EDM beats into the early hours.
10. The Continental Club
Address: 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Distance from Paseo: 7 min drive
A true Austin classic, The Continental Club is known for its intimate vibe. This spot has been a Rainey-era classic since 1955, still buzzing with roots, rock and blues.
11. The Paramount Theatre
Address: 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Paseo: 7 min drive
Looking for a historic venue with killer acoustics? The Paramount Theatre offers a mix of concerts, comedy, film and more, all in a century-old theater where the walls still carry every note.
12. C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
Address: 2008 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Distance from Paseo: 8 min drive
From the same owner as The Continental Club, C-Boy’s is all about soul, blues and R&B nearly every night. There’s even an upstairs Japanese-inspired lounge called The Jade Room, complete with cocktails, shuffleboard and a side of soul.
With so many stages to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to find your sound. That’s why we pulled together this list of top-rated venues, all walkable or a short drive from Paseo.
If you’re ready to explore what life at Paseo could sound like, check out our floor plans, browse our amenities or schedule a tour. We are here to help you find your rhythm in the city!
Nirosha Perera
Nirosha is the general manager at Paseo, with eight years of experience in property management. She spent 24 years living in Dubai before moving to the U.S. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her kicking off the day at the gym, exploring new restaurants, or playing fetch with her cat, Shadow.
September 17, 2025