Austin has earned its title of  “The Live Music Capital of the World.” The city has some of the greatest live acts in the country, from hometown celebrities like Bob Schneider, to international icons like Willie Nelson. Austin’s music industry was established on a strong music foundation of clubs such as Antone’s Nightclub and Stubb’s Barbeque. Venues like these are famous worldwide and have elevated many a band to stardom.  The following venues are some of the greatest places to see live music in Austin. 

Red Eyed Fly715 Red River St.The Red Eyed Fly is a rock club by all accounts, and usually books heavier acts than some other venues. Featuring everything from indie rock to heavy metal, the Red Eyed Fly is sure to leave your ears ringing and your head banging.Tickets at the Red Eyed Fly are, comparatively, pretty cheap, so it’s a great place for the cash-strapped college rocker. All shows are 18+, and there is no cover for those over 21.

Emo’s 603 Red River St.Emo’s was founded in the early ‘90s, but quickly took its place among Austin’s greatest venues. You can even tell by the lingo on their Web site, Emo’s is “cool.” Perhaps the best “small venue” in Austin, Emo’s holds shows for all ages, except for a few 21+ nights. Emo’s has an indoor and an outdoor stage and tends to book punk rock and heavier bands on the outdoor stage and softer bands on the indoor one. Although it is relatively new so far as live venues in Austin go, Emo’s has already made a name for itself and is sure to offer great music for years to come. 

Stubb’s Barbeque801 Red River St.If there’s a famous band in Austin, they’re usually playing at Stubb’s Barbeque. The venue has hosted such acts as Metallica, the Rolling Stones, B. B. King and Willie Nelson. Founded by C.B. “Stubbs” Stubblefield in the early ‘70s, Stubb’s Barbeque quickly garnered a nationwide reputation for its Blues acts and famous barbeque. Stubbs passed away in 1994, but the club remains a staple of Austin’s music scene. The food is pretty great, too. 

The Continental Club1315 S. Congress Ave.The Continental Club tends to feature genres more akin to Texas Blues and Rock. Founded in 1957, the club was instrumental in establishing Austin as a center for punk rock in the ‘70s. A particularly great tradition at the Continental Club is the birthday parties held annually for past musical legends. The Club holds parties for Elvis Presley, Buck Owens and Wanda Jackson. Since the Continental Club is an establishment with a full bar, many of the shows are 21+, so make sure to check before buying tickets. 

The Broken Spoke3201 S. Lamar Blvd.For the country music and dance aficionado, The Broken Spoke is one of Austin’s few remaining dance halls and is probably the most famous. Having featured such acts as Bob Wills, George Strait, Jerry Jeff Walker and Kris Kristofferson, the Broken Spoke boasts itself as “the last of the true Texas dance halls.”The establishment is open to patrons of all ages and features a famous room full of great country memorabilia. It is also purportedly one of Willie Nelson’s favorite hangouts, and a lucky person might be able to catch him there once in a while.

Antone’s Nightclub213 W. 5th St.Antone’s was the first club on Sixth Street, founded in 1975 and later moved to the corner of Fifth and Lavaca. It got its name as a Blues club, featuring Muddy Waters,         B. B. King and Buddy Guy, but now features everything from Jazz to Classic Rock. Inside, Antone’s is a huge concrete room with relics of its musical past adorning the walls. The stage at the front, bar at the back and seat-less pit of music-lovers in between have produced countless memories of great music and fun. All ages are admitted.