National Tourism Week: Jax’s Top 5 Austin Music Venues
In honor of National Tourism Week, we’re highlighting our team’s favorite spots that truly make Austin an international destination. Every day this week, we’re bringing you ways to enjoy the Live Music Capital of the World.
Jax Washington, our Super Senior Experience Guide and music expert, was given the impossible task of picking out her top music venues in Austin. We say this is hard for her because she goes out almost every night to catch live music. From collecting set lists to making SXSW spreadsheets, Jax is a hotbed of music knowledge (and we are so lucky to have such an expert curate our Live Music Crawls with such precision and care).
Without further ado, here are Jax’s picks:
My Top 5 Favorite Austin Music Venues
5 – Saxon Pub
Feels like old Austin and it’s so beloved by locals, a documentary was made about it that premiered at SXSW in 2019. This venue truly is a listening room where guests know good music and every act that takes the stage is amazing. Most acts are local, blending Blues, Country, Roots, Rock and Americana.
4 – Sahara Lounge
A hidden gem in the Northeast that specializes in World music from Latin to African and every band will make you wanna get up and shake it out on the dance floor.
3 – ACL Live
Stellar acoustics and none of the 2,750 seats are more than 75 feet away from the stage. A truly ideal place to catch bigger touring acts in all genres or attend a live taping of Austin City Limits.
2 – Hotel Vegas
Very authentic Eastside Austin vibe and shows on their patio always feel like a festival. They host mostly local acts in all genres, including regular cumbia nights.
1 – Mohawk
Intimate rock venue w/two stages, a tiered balcony for better viewing and a capacity of 900 guests. My advice is always to get there early so you can snag a space on the first row of the balcony and enjoy the clearest view.
My Top 5 Favorite Local Bands:
5 – Star Parks – Experimental Pop
4 – Black Pumas – Psychedelic Soul
3 – The Octopus Project – Indietronica
2 – Spoon – Indie Rock
1 – The Black Angels – Psychedelic Rock
Thanks to Jax for putting together these lists, and keep posted on what else we have lined up for you this National Tourism Week!
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