Around Town: Downtown/Red River Cultural District LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE Crowds flock to the outdoor amphitheater at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q to catch today’s favorite bands and tomorrow’s stars. Rock club Mohawk keeps the energy high at indoor and outdoor stages, with views from every angle. Former auto shop Empire Control Room & Garage is now a three-stage venue welcoming everything from noise rock to pop-punk. Counterculture reigns supreme at Swan Dive with burlesque, live bands and themed dance parties. Elysium Nightclub defies classification with weekly ‘80s and ‘90s nights, K-pop parties and goth bands. The neon lights of LGBTQ+-friendly Cheer Up Charlies call to all, hosting local bands and DJ nights. Barbarella ’s midweek dance parties are legendary — check out Tuezgayz, Jimmy Eat Wednesdays and Y2K Thursdays. Latin dance club Mala Vida pulses with regional Mexican music across three dance floors. A small music room with big sound, Chess Club hosts rock bands of all stripes. Divey Valhalla brings the fun with pool tables and arcade games centered around a unique circular bar top. Boundary-pushing rock bands find a home at The 13th Floor , where vintage posters are a throwback to Austin’s psychedelic past. At the heart of Waterloo Park , the 5,000-person Moody Amphitheater hosts concerts and community festivals year-round, along with daytime events like yoga and pop-up picnics. Cheer Up Charlies CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: INTI ST. CLAIR; SILVIA GARCIA; ISMAEL QUINTANILLA III Blue Tongue at Stubb's Bar-B-Q Vaquero Taquero 31
Austin Insider Guide 2026: Page 31
