Texas has a proudly developed culture that is quite distinctive, and many elements make up this culture. One example is the excellent dance halls and honky-tonks. Here are some of the best Texas music venues that should be on your list of places to visit during your stay!
Want to find out what other hidden gems you’ll find here in the Texas Hill Country? In addition to iconic Texas music venues, there are all kinds of attractions that make this state unique. Take a look at our free Vacation Guide to discover what else there is to do!
10 Legendary Texas Music Venues
There’s nothing quite like the dance halls and honky-tonks of Texas, and the best way to learn about them is to visit them!
1. Gruene Hall
Gruene Hall bears many distinctions. It’s the oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas, which is no mean feat. The 6,000 square-foot venue dates from 1878. Over the years, it has hosted dozens of now-legendary musicians, and it has not lost its spirit.
Today, Gruene Hall continues to act as a center for the Gruene and Central Texas social and entertainment scene while providing a place for both up-and-coming and established artists to perform. Take a look at upcoming acts on their calendar!
2. Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio
Blue Rock is first and foremost a high-end recording studio tucked away in Wimberley. However, they also host a concert series (among other things), which offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an intimate performance from excellent artists.
3. Whitewater Amphitheater
Whitewater Amphitheater brings world-class acts to you in a gorgeous natural setting characteristic of the Texas Hill Country. The Main Stage is mere steps away from the Guadalupe River, and sweeping cypress trees complement the view to create an immersive experience.
4. Luckenbach, Texas
While every venue on this list is unique, the dance hall in Luckenbach Texas is perhaps the most unique. It’s one of two buildings in the town by the same name, and yet it is one of the most famous and historic music venues in Texas, due in part to Waylon Jennings’ song, “Luckenbach, Texas.”
However, the dance hall has plenty of reason to visit beyond its immortalization via song. Make a visit and discover the magic that so many others have!
5. John T. Floore Country Store
Throughout the years, the John T. Floore Country Store has seen music greats like Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, B. B. King, Little Richard, and more.
This is another dance hall on our list to have gained some fame due to a song from a music legend, this time from Willie Nelson’s “Shotgun Willie.” Make sure to grab a plate of food while you’re here!
6. Broken Spoke
The unassuming Broken Spoke is considered one of the last true Texas dance halls. Several greats have played here since it’s inception in 1964, including the likes of Willie Nelson, George Strait, and several excellent local bands. It’s also drawn its fair share of celebrity visitors ranging from Dolly Parton to Fergie to Quentin Tarantino, so you never know who you might see when you visit!
7. Cheatham Street Warehouse
Cheatham Street Warehouse is yet another historic Texas music venue that provided a place for droves of burgeoning local musicians to perform. The grocery store warehouse turned venue soon became a place that would cultivate original, progressive country music and “the kind of ‘Texas Outlaw’ culture that was blending traditional country, rock, folk, and blues.”
George Strait played his first show with Ace in the Hole Band on the stage at Cheatham Street, and several other country music giants also played here.
However, a particularly special feature of Cheatham Street Warehouse was how Kent Finlay cultivated it to be a place where musicians could benefit from a laid-back, listening atmosphere similar to the one Finlay experienced at Luckenbach. Traditions like the Songwriter’s Circle arose from this aim and continue today.
8. The White Horse Austin
If you’re looking for live music during the week, the White Horse in East Austin is the place to go. This honky-tonk is open seven nights a week from 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., and many of their shows are free! Plus, they have other fun happenings, including free dance lessons from some of Austin’s finest. If you work up an appetite while you’re here, be sure to grab a delicious taco!
9. Austin 360 Amphitheater
This is where you’ll find the flashier shows. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a venue that draws big acts and bigger crowds. With the largest permanent stage in Central Texas and plenty of open space, you’re sure to have a good time. Come find out what makes Austin the live music capital of the world!
10. The Marc
The Marc is a bit unassuming from the outside, but inside you’ll discover a two-story, award-winning live music venue. Step inside the historic building in downtown San Marcos for a polished, dazzling experience that utilizes The Marc’s state-of-the-art stage production.
Relax in Luxury
You’ll find the Blair House Inn in Wimberley, nestled in the Texas Hill Country. We are in the perfect central location for you to venture out and explore the surrounding area, and we also embrace many elements that celebrate Texan culture.
This includes our excellent cooking school, our carefully curated art gallery that features the work of both talented local and international artists, and our beautiful decor.
Stay in a peaceful oasis surrounded by the distinctive natural beauty of the region!
Our palatial accommodations will indulge your every need with cozy beds fitted with sumptuous linens and spacious private bathrooms. Each guest room or cottage is individually designed, so you’ll find unique features from room to room.
Some amenities you can find at our inn include whirlpool tubs, private fireplaces, sitting rooms, and special touches like homemade dessert on weekday evenings. Outside of the individual rooms, you’ll discover several other fantastic, one-of-a-kind features, ranging from our world-class cooking school to the luxurious onsite day spa.
Be sure to take a look at all of our exquisite accommodations before you book your stay in the Texas Hill Country!
