A Local's Guide to Live Music on Red River

You can walk the entire Red River Cultural District in about ten minutes, which is exactly the point — on a good night you'll duck into three different clubs before midnight.

Mohawk

A two-story indoor/outdoor club that’s been a Red River anchor for touring and local acts alike.

The anchor of the strip. Indoor stage downstairs, outdoor stage on the upper deck — check both before you commit to a spot for the night.

Stubb's Bar-B-Q

Legendary barbecue joint with an amphitheater out back that’s hosted everyone from local bills to arena-level headliners.

Technically barbecue first, venue second, but the amphitheater out back has hosted everyone from local openers to arena headliners.

Antone's

"Austin’s Home of the Blues" since 1975, still one of the city’s premier listening rooms.

"Austin's Home of the Blues" since 1975. Still the best sound in the neighborhood, and still books blues seven nights a week.

Empire Control Room & Garage

A two-room complex with an indoor stage and an outdoor garage that turns into a dance floor.

Two rooms, two vibes — an indoor stage for touring acts and an outdoor garage that turns into a dance floor after 11pm.

Cheer Up Charlies

A queer-friendly dive bar with a shaded patio, DJ nights, and a loyal local following.

The scrappy, queer-friendly dive at the end of the strip. Come for the DJ nights, stay for the shaded patio.

Start early, wear comfortable shoes, and don't plan too rigidly — the best nights on Red River are the ones where you just follow the sound.