For a slightly slower paced, more sophisticated environment, head a couple of blocks over to the Warehouse District. Spanning along Fourth Street from Guadalupe to Congress, you’ll find a vibrant yet still laid-back selection of cocktail lounges, wine bars and tap houses. Looking for ultra hip? Check out SoCo, an eight-block strip of South Congress that nurtures and fosters the funky little bohemian spirit in every Austinite. Whatever you’re doing for the evening in Austin, get into the vibe and find some great music. Just duck into the nearest dive – you might very well discover the next big act coming out of Austin… or is that the phantom wail of Janis echoing off those weathered walls

You might have heard a little something here or there about the music scene in Austin. Chances are, if you aren’t in town for business, your trip has something to do with one of our famous music festivals. If not, you can be fairly certain that the music will touch your visit in some form or fashion while you’re here. Wander the streets of downtown during the day, and you will likely encounter bands unloading equipment for a gig or rehearsing in garages cubbied between old stone buildings. As the evenings descend, the city comes alive and the music takes over, buoying its inhabitants on sweet guitar riffs. Imbued as it is in Austin’s history, music leaves an indelible mark on today’s culture – one that bleeds into the streets of the city and hearts of the people.

Austin’s great musical heritage is not a tale told by museum portraits or untouchable artifacts. It lives in the landmark performance venues that gave the city and the musicians a name; it haunts the nighttime establishments packed throughout downtown. From legendary artists like Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, and Stevie Ray Vaughan who got their start back in the early Austin scene, to relatively new or up-and-coming musicians, the spirit of music is a continuous presence in all aspects of life here. It is this deep dedication that has gained Austin the worthy title of “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Austin’s inherited namesake is supremely invoked during any one of its yearly music festivals, including South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and Fun Fun Fun. Lasting anywhere from a couple of days to an entire week, thousands of music makers and lovers alike flock to the streets of downtown for nonstop aural stimulation and other forms of revelry. The excitement often lasts long into the night, spilling over into the numerous bars, clubs and lounges of Austin in the form of after-parties and impromptu jam sessions.

The best aspect of Austin nightlife is that there is always something happening. In any given night you can find a wide variety of energetic live music shows, bumping night clubs and cool cocktail lounges. The most popular is Sixth Street where venues range from cozy pubs to raucous dance clubs, music from raw alternative rock to sweet, soulful blues. Want to hang like a local? Head over to the Red River district to hear the best indie band you’ve never heard of.

For a slightly slower paced, more sophisticated environment, head a couple of blocks over to the Warehouse District. Spanning along Fourth Street from Guadalupe to Congress, you’ll find a vibrant yet still laid-back selection of cocktail lounges, wine bars and tap houses. Looking for ultra hip? Check out SoCo, an eight-block strip of South Congress that nurtures and fosters the funky little bohemian spirit in every Austinite. Whatever you’re doing for the evening in Austin, get into the vibe and find some great music. Just duck into the nearest dive – you might very well discover the next big act coming out of Austin… or is that the phantom wail of Janis echoing off those weathered walls?