Live Music in Austin During Covid-19
August 1, 2021
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Austin live music venues have reopened, free summer concerts have returned, and things are looking up for Austin’s live music scene. New shows are being announced daily. Here are the Heywood Hotel picks for live music in Austin for summer through fall, 2021!
As every Austinite knows, nothing is as cathartic as catching some live music. Austin’s live music scene is what attracted so many of us to the city in the first place. Under normal circumstances, live music can be found on nearly every corner of the Live Music Capital of the World. But amid lockdowns and Covid-19 safety measures, our stages were forced to go dark — just when we needed them most.
The silence of Austin’s live music venues was deafening, and the impact to Austin’s musicians and clubs due to Coronavirus-related closures and restrictions was simply devastating.
But, finally, there is good news to report! Landmark venues like Stubb’s, Mohawk, ACL Live and the Continental Club have reopened and are welcoming back top local and national acts. Free summer concerts have returned, and big concerts and festivals are coming back this fall.
It is once again possible to safely see live music in Austin during Covid-19 and we couldn’t be happier. Hooray!
Photo courtesy of The White Horse
Reopened Live Music Venues In Austin, Texas
As of Summer 2021, many of Austin’s live music venues have reopened and are welcoming back top acts.
The White Horse
If you’re ready to enjoy a night on the town, look no further than just up the block from the Heywood Hotel. The White Horse, our favorite neighborhood honky tonk, is once again featuring live music seven nights a week, from 3:00pm to 2:00am.
July marked the highly anticipated return of two-step lessons every Thursday and Friday at 7:00pm. Cover is only $5 to $10 per night to see some of Austin’s best roots country, blues, funk and western swing acts, including Armadillo Road, the Pearlsnap Playboys, and Devin Jake.
Photo courtesy of the Long Play Lounge. Welcome to the neighborhood, y’all!
Long Play Lounge
Just a couple of blocks east of the Heywood Hotel, the new Long Play Lounge – East has recently opened. Expect a chill vibe and a retro feel at this cocktail lounge and live music venue that also boasts a vinyl collection of 400+ albums! Long Play features live music most nights of the week.
See Daniel Dufour every Tuesday for a weekly jazz night, and catch Candler Wilkinson every Thursday for a swingin’ good time. On August 14, catch Monteko, a local R&B and 1960s Motown-inspired quartet. With ample patio seating, this is a great place to see live music during Covid-19, and is also perfect for an afternoon happy hour before the show.
Nevil photo by David Brendan Hall
Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge
Also in East Austin, Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge is open with patio shows. Catch some local punk rock, hip hop, stand up comedy, Drag Queen BINGO and more. Grab a burger and a frozen habanero margarita or a Lone Star beer and get ready to have a socially distanced good time.
The first weekend of August, Hotel Vegas and Volstead celebrate their 10-and-a-half year anniversary with a great lineup of bands. On August 6, see OSEES, Amplified Heat, Christian Bland and the Revelators, Magic Rockers of Texas, Being Dead and more. On August 7, see OSEES, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, The Bad Lovers, Con Man, Nevil and others.
For Covid safety, face masks are currently required indoors except when eating and drinking.
Photo courtesy of Scoot Inn
Scoot Inn
The Eastside’s historic Scoot Inn has reopened its doors and features some noteworthy performances beginning in September. The Scoot Inn was established in 1871 and has been an East Austin landmark destination since!
On September 4, Scoot will host a great show featuring promising local band Nané with Medicine Man Revival, Animals On TV and Quentin Arispe. The Dead South take the stage on September 13 and Lucy Dacus on September 19. In October and November, Austin welcomes The Tallest Man on Earth, Mayer Hawthorne, Olivia O’Brien and more.
Photo courtesy of Leon Bridges
Stubb’s
In Austin’s Red River Cultural District, just a mile from the Heywood Hotel, Stubb’s has long been one of Austin’s most famous music venues. Home to live music and and barbecue alike, (and a killer Sunday gospel brunch), Stubb’s outdoor amphitheater is open!
The Stubb’s event calendar is chock-full of big events, such as Jason Mraz on July 30, Rise Against on August 14, Leon Bridges on September 12 and four-nights with Khruangbink, September 15-18. Don’t miss the Monkees on September 23, Bad Religion on October 19, and Idles October 25!
Photo courtesy of the Mohawk
The Mohawk
Another Red River institution and one of the city’s best live venues, Mohawk Austin is back and, as their motto says, “All are welcome.”
Catch indie Folk-rock icons, The Mountain Goats August 10 and 11, The Story So Far August 17, Alex Maas and Night Glitter on August 20, and Moving Panoramas with Suzanna Choffel on August 22. In September, the Mohawk welcomes Turnstile, White Denim, Molly Burch and Waxahatchee. Then get ready for October 6, when Bob Mould floods the Red River District with massive waves of alt-rock nostalgia for the 40-and-over crowd (represent!)
Photo courtesy of Gary Clark Jr.
Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
August marks the long-awaited reopening of the 11-acre Waterloo Park in downtown Austin and debut of the new 5,000-seat Moody Amphitheater.
On August 14, catch free performances throughout the day from local musicians and dance troupes, including Ballet Folklorico de Austin, the Huston-Tillotson University President’s jazz ensemble and more. In the evening, enjoy some of Austin’s top musical talent on the new Moody Amphitheater stage, including Gina Chavez, Mélat, Tameca Jones and Riders Against the Storm. All free!
August 20 and 21, celebrate Austin’s newest live music venue with two nights of rollicking rock ’n’ roll and blues, courtesy of Grammy-Award winning Austinite Gary Clark Jr. These will be shows to remember! Tickets available here.
We look forward to seeing many, many more live music performances at this new landmark stage in the months and years to come!
Jontavious Willis photo courtesy of Antone’s
Antone’s
On East 5th St., the world famous Antone’s Nightclub has also reopened! This is the iconic Austin venue where so many famous Texas musicians got their start, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Schneider and Gary Clark Jr. For more than 40 years, Antone’s has been a destination for all things blues.
August 13, don’t miss Ian Moore’s birthday bash featuring Zac Wilkerson. Austin legend Bob Schneider plays August 27 with Micky and the Motorcars. In September, catch local duo The Peterson Brothers on September 3, then the opening night of the Eastside Kings Festival (more info below!) featuring Jontavious Willis, Cookie McGee and the Moeller Brothers on September 10. Los Amigos Invisibles hits the stage on September 17, prepping us for the return of Los Lobos on October 21!
Photo courtesy of Tameca Jones
ACL Live – Moody Theater and 3TEN
Located downtown on Second Street, ACL Live has recently released an exciting set of shows for late summer and fall 2021 at their main Moody Theater venue and the smaller 3TEN location.
The August event calendar features Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with special guest Lucinda Williams (August 7), Steve Earle and the Dukes (August 12), three nights with Widespread Panic (August 13-15), Kesha (August 18), Tameca Jones (August 21 at the intimate 3TEN venue), Soul Asylum (August 30) and more! In September, we look forward to seeing Sixteen Deluxe, Primus, Big Thief, Dinosaur Jr. and Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Stay tuned for more exciting announcements for October, as the big acts from ACL Fest (more below!) often play additional ticketed shows here.
Photo courtesy of Lambert’s
Lambert’s Barbecue
For a perfect date night downtown, we suggest checking out Lambert’s. This lovely restaurant known for their “fancy barbecue” is pairing dinner with safely distanced, intimate musical performances by some of Austin’s top musicians. Tables can be reserved for two, four or six guests.
August 7 features an acoustic set by Del Rio Americana singer-songwriter William Beckmann. On August 14, Lambert’s welcomes The Peterson Brothers, a not-to-miss local act. And on August 21, the extremely talented Aaron Stephens brings his soulful sound to the Lambert’s stage.
Heartless Bastards photo by David Brendan Hall
The Continental Club
When the pandemic started, the owners of the Continental Club made the difficult decision to close the legendary music venue until this spring, when they felt it was safe for staff and patrons to return. The great news is, the Continental Club is officially opened and back to hosting the renowned performances that’s made it famous since 1955.
We are excited to see a jam-packed calendar that includes residencies with many of our favorites like the glorious Heartless Bastards (every Saturday in August), Ephraim Owens (Tuesdays starting August 10 in the Gallery), The Blue Moon Jazz Quartet with Rosie Flores (Wednesdays starting August 4 in the Gallery), plus catch one-off shows in August with the likes of Dale Watson, The Derailers and Money Chica.
The Continental Club is operating at 75% capacity as part of their Covid protocols, so it’s a great time to see a show with less of a crowd.
Testament photo by Markus Felix | PushingPixels
Emo’s
Located on East Riverside Drive, a few miles from the Heywood Hotel, Emo’s has booked a healthy lineup of nationally known rock acts for the summer and fall 2021.
See Tune-Yards August 14, PVRIS August 21, The Offspring on September 1, Mammoth WVH (featuring Wolfgang Van Halen) on September 2, and The Struts on September 29. Big shows coming in October include a melt-you-face-off thrash metal show with Testament, Exodus and Death Angel, plus the more subdued sounds of the The Psychedelic Furs and Soccer Mommy.
Maroon 5 photo by Justin Higuchi
Circuit of the Americas – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Some of the world’s biggest acts are coming to Circuit of the Americas in Austin this summer and fall.
At the newly named Germania Insurance Amphitheater, see Alanis Morissette with Garbage and Cat Power August 12 on the open-air stage. The Black Crowes will play on August 15, Megadeth on August 20, and The Outlaw Music Festival will take place on August 22 (more info below!). In September, Austin welcomes Kings of Leon with Deerhunter on September 15, Maroon 5 on September 27 and KISS on September 29. Then make way in November for The Rolling Stones on the COTA Super Stage stage — tickets are available now.
The Heywood Hotel is conveniently located under 20 minutes from Circuit of the Americas.
Photo courtesy of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Nutty Brown Amphitheater
And just 20 minutes west of the Heywood is the Nutty Brown Amphitheatre. This outdoor, fresh-air venue provides seating for all shows and has a lot of great live music acts scheduled in 2021.
Upcoming events now through October include Del Castillo, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Dwight Yoakam and more!
Photo courtesy of Austin Symphony
Free Summer Concerts in Austin
Summer is the season for free concerts in Austin, and we are thrilled to report that this longtime tradition lives on in 2021.
Austin Symphony
Enjoy relaxing Sunday evenings with the Austin Symphony’s free Concerts in the Park series. In its 19th summer season, these free ensemble concerts take place at the Hartman Concert Park in front of the Long Center.
August 1, enjoy the Woodwind Quintet and August 8, see the Chamber Ensemble. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. During Covid-19, masks are required for entry but can be removed once seated with your group.
Peterson Brothers photo by Erika Rich, courtesy of ACL Radio’s Blues on the Green
Blues on the Green
Austin’s beloved Blues on the Green has returned with a limited set of shows this summer. One of Austin’s longest-running concert series, the free concerts take place in Zilker Park.
On August 10, celebrate 30 years of Blues on the Green with Grupo Fantasma’s handpicked lineup featuring Third Root, Kalu James, Tomar Williams and more. On August 11, enjoy a night of free music starting with Sir Woman and Zach Person. Update: As of August 9, these shows have been postponed. Stay tuned for reschedule information.
The Drop-In photo courtesy of the Long Center
The Drop-In
ACL Radio and the Long Center present The Drop-In every Thursday through September 9th. This 16-show, free concert series takes place on the grassy lawn of the Long Center terrace with shows starting at 8:00pm. Tickets can be reserved online, with priority given to Long Center members.
Catch the likes of Bob Schneider, Gina Chavez, Jonathan Terrell, Kalu & the Electric Joint, Riders Against the Storm, Walker Lukens, and more!
For Covid safety, wellness checks are done upon entry of the venue, areas are socially distanced, masks are required, and sanitization stations are available.
Austin Sound & Cinema
Starting August 20, Do512 and Yelp will present the return of Sound & Cinema at the Long Center. These free events combine live local music with classic and cult films projected onto a giant, inflatable outdoor screen.
Bands and films are soon to be announced for the following confirmed dates: Friday August 20, Wednesday August 25, Friday September 3 and Wednesday September 8.
Willie Nelson photo by ChunkyGlasses
The Return of Music Festivals in Austin, Texas
As you may know, Austin is kinda famous for its music festivals and so it’s with great pride and huge relief that we welcome them back in 2021!
Outlaw Music Festival
On August 22, the Outlaw Music Festival is on the road again, celebrating musicians who make music outside of the mainstream. The Germania Insurance Amphitheater at Circuit of the Americas is the first stage of the 14-stop tour and features local hero Willie Nelson and Family, Sturgill Simpson, Ryan Bingham and Yola.
Photo by Thomas Moore Photos, courtesy of The Toadies
Bat Fest
On August 26, the 16th Annual Bat Fest returns to the Congress Ave. “Bat” Bridge. Along with our city’s famous 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bat colony, you can see the Toadies, Kevin Fowler, Fetty Wap, Chamillionaire and others perform on two outdoor music stages. Plus there will be arts and crafts vendors, food and drinks, and even a bat costume contest.
Eastside Kings Festival photo courtesy of KUTX
Eastside Kings Festival
Eastside Kings Festival has been an Austin tradition for nearly a decade, celebrating the rich history of Texas blues music, which got its start right here in our East Austin neighborhood. Welcoming more than three dozen performers of blues, jazz and gospel, this year’s event takes place September 10-14 in various locations around town, but centered near 12th Street and Chicon in our East Austin community.
Stay at the Heywood and be just blocks from legendary performers, including Ernie Johnson, Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Lucious Spiller, Cookie McGee, Jontavious Willis, Terry Hermonica Bean, Rip Lee Pryor and many, many more.
Phantogram photo by Alicia Armijo, courtesy of Do512
ILLfest
September 17, ILLfest brings some of the world’s best electronic musicians to Austin. This two-day festival takes place at the Travis County Expo Center. Headliners include Phantogram, Rezz and RL Grime.
Photo courtesy of Austin City Limits Music Festival
ACL Fest
The first two weekends in October mark the triumphant return of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. One of Austin’s largest annual events, ACL Fest welcomes top national and international musicians to Zilker Park for two weekends, October 1-3 and October 8-10.
This year’s festival features more than 80 acts including George Strait, Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks, Miley Cyrus, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Machine Gun Kelly, Black Pumas, St. Vincent, Phoebe Bridgers and Erykah Badu.
Photo courtesy of Waterloo Records
Where to Shop to Support the Austin, Texas, Music Scene
Waterloo Records
Austin’s longtime and most famous music store, Waterloo Records is open. Support local musicians and a venerable Austin institution by taking home music, merchandise and the best Austin souvenirs, like a cool Waterloo Records T-shirt. Waterloo Records has a large selection of CDs and vinyl, and is a great place to pick up music by Texas artists.
As Coronavirus safety measures, masks are required to be worn by all shoppers and employees.
BLK Vinyl
In East Austin, just a few blocks from the Heywood Hotel, peruse the vinyl collection of Brookbank, Lough and Kuntz, the founders of BLK Vinyl. Although BLK Vinyl specializes in used and collectible records from the 1960s and 1970s with a leaning toward psych, garage and prog rock, they have phased in carefully curated contemporary and local artists. It’s a short walk from the Heywood, so why not stop in and pick up some new discoveries?
End of an Ear photo by Ashante Greenlee
End of An Ear
For those of us who came of age shuffling through stacks of vinyl and CDs at a our local record store, End of an Ear feels like a return to youth. This independent music store is located in South Austin and has a wide variety of new and used records, with an emphasis on vinyl. You’ll find indie, esoteric and local bands along with the more familiar mainstays.
During Covid-19, End of an Ear is providing online and curbside pickup along with in-store shopping.
Band Merch
Another good source for local Austin band merch is the Fine Southern Gentlemen online shop. This screen printing shop prints and carries the merchandise of Austin’s coolest bands and live music venues, and they have been incredible supporters of musicians and small businesses during Covid-19. P.S. You can find the Heywood Hotel online store there too.
The Heywood Hotel is an award-winning Austin boutique hotel located near all of the action. Walk to downtown Austin, live music venues and hip East Austin indie businesses, then retreat to the quiet and comfort of your luxury room. Learn more about our East Austin boutique hotel!
Stay at the Heywood Hotel!
Featured image by Alicia Armijo, courtesy of Do512