Austin is internationally renowned for its diverse and long-standing live music tradition. The most famous venue, Austin City Limits, carries an extensive list of performers who have graced the South’s most iconic stage from Ed Sheeran to Neil Young. Austin’s nightlife is more than the famous concert hall, with small establishments entertaining crowds up to 7 nights a week! The different neighbourhoods of Austin each provide a distinct style of nightlife so there’s always plenty to choose from. Here is our take on what Austin has to offer…
1. Sixth Street
Sixth Street is the usual haunt for sororities and Fraternities from the University of Texas at Austin. Youthful clamour, cheap drinks, music and dancing fill the street through the night. This is the place to go if you want to experience the American college scene, get down with the kids and let loose.
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2. East Austin
The weird and wonderful district that is East Austin, contains a treasure trove of delightful establishments to eat, drink and be merry. The younger crowd cultivates a diverse experience, bringing the music, foods and drinks of global cultures together in one place. The artistic murals that line the streets bring colour and expression to the indie-bar laden streets. A particular favourite spot is the Ah Sing Den, named after the famous East London establishment that catered to the creatives of yesteryear such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens. The opium-den inspired bar is designed intimately to make you feel snug and settled whilst you drink the night away.
Credit: Austinchronicle.com
3. Rainey Street
Architecturally different, this district has retained the aesthetic of an Austin of the past. The converted townhouses have been transformed into bars packed with expression of an authentic Austin. Like everywhere in Austin, you’re sure to find live music here with the smaller establishments able to raise the roof as much as the large concert halls. This district is perfect for a more relaxed social evening with friends. Banger’s, a self-described sausage house and beer garden, has a beautiful outside space that is filled with jolly music lovers throughout the summer.
Credit: Austin Culturemap (Austin.culturemap.com)
4. Warehouse District
Repurposed industrial warehouses attract a more affluent, mature crowd not for the architectural aesthetic but for the quality of the nightlife. These establishments offer great street-food style food outlets, sumptuous cocktails and quality live entertainment. Cedar Street Courtyard is a fond favourite that champions live music 7 nights a week with jazz, blues, cover bands and plays host to the perennial South By SouthWest (SXSW) festival. The sunken courtyard is filled with merry revellers enjoying the late warmth of a Texan summer evening.
Credit: Light Sound Journal (Lightsoundjournal.com)
5. Second Street District
With a large selection of shops, cafés, food outlets from street food to established restaurants and music venues. Located right in the midst of downtown, almost like a central hub destination, the nightlife on offer here is upmarket, sophisticated and chic. Like most city centres it is more expensive and draws a more upscale crowd as a result. So if you enjoy sipping your cocktail and talking about a recent cultural endeavour, this is where to be found. The Austin City Limit is located here so come for the warm October evenings and see some of the world's biggest bands!
Credit: Visit Austin (Austintexas.org)
6. Market District
This area is closer to the qualities of Sixth Street but without the shouts of ‘Kappa Delta’ and college bravado. Rather, this area is often referred to as ‘West Sixth’ and consists of a more mature crowd, enjoying the rooftop views with live music and pricey cocktails. At Guero’s Taco bar, the food is OK, but really locals go for the atmosphere. Free chips and salsa washed down with tart, salted but wholly refreshing margaritas and a garden nestled amongst old oak trees present a jolly atmosphere at which to listen to live music and chat amongst friends
Credit: Lost In Austin (Lostinaustin.org).
7. Red River
This is the place to go for music fanatics. The whole street comes alive with the dulcet tones of bass drums, snares, trumpets, guitars and people engaging with the diversity of sounds on offer. Stubbs BBQ, a local establishment is a favourite with Austinites for its rich history of artists such as Johnny Cash performing for a brisket dinner and the love of music.
Credit: Lost In Austin (Lostinaustin.org)Enjoy all that Austin has to offer with its laid-back, music-oriented after hours schedule and find your perfect place with Propeterra.
