The Texas Hill Country is known for its sprawling ranches, rolling hills, and serene scenery, but it’s also the heart of the Texas music scene. Wherever you go — from wineries to restaurants, even the flea markets — you’ll often be treated to live music by a local singer-songwriter. There are also well-known venues that attract national acts. If you're looking for a good time and some toe-tapping tunes, be sure to check out one of these spots:

Whitewater Amphitheater

Address: 11860 FM306 Suite 1, New Braunfels, TX 78132

Great music in a beautiful outdoor venue on the banks of the Guadalupe River, just 11 miles North of the Gruene Historic District and 13 miles South of Canyon Peaks. It’s a fun outdoor venue featuring live concerts from late spring to early fall. National acts such as Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Midland, Ryan Bingham, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Charley Crockett, Slightly Stoopid, Kevin Fowler, Eli Young Band, Maren Morris, Parker McCollum, Turnpike Troubadours, John Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Booth. Slade Coulter, Randy Rogers Band, Whiskey Myers, Corey Kent, and more.

CMT awarded Whitewater Amphitheater one of the top 5 Outdoor Music Venues in the USA in 2022. Beer, mixed drinks, no food so be sure to eat in Gruene, New Braunfels, or Canyon Lake area before arriving.

To view Whitewater Amphitheater's hours and contact information, please visit: https://www.whitewaterrocks.com/

Gruene Hall

The famous Gruene Water tower! Great place to relax, drink a beer and listen to live country music.

Address: 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Texas’ Oldest dance hall with live music every day. Free music during the day, paid shows at night featuring an assortment of artists —The Marshall Tucker Band, Wade Bowen, Kody West, Casey Donahew, Shinyribs, Stoney LaRue, and more. A person watching a show never knows if the artist they see at the Hall today will be a star tomorrow, but they can know that the music they hear will always be top-notch.

Free shows most Saturday and Sunday afternoons. They will have bands Saturday and Sunday nights, and tickets are between $12-$15. CASH ONLY.

Recommended restaurants are the River Grill and the famous Gristmill. Lots of unique shops as well! We listen to music there often and enjoy the restaurants we listed.

To view Gruene Hall’s hours and contact information, please visit:https://gruenehall.com/calendar/

Devil’s Backbone Tavern

Address: 4041 Farm to Market 32, Fischer, TX 78623

Bar, live music, shuffleboard, pool, and all the local flavor just 5 min from Canyon Peaks! Best to eat before the show, there is a popcorn machine inside. Live bands, we’ve recently seen Max and Heather Stalling, Blue Water Highway, Thomas Michael Riley, Two Tons of Steel, Tish Hinojosa, Toni Price, Said Cleaves, Monte Good, Dale Watson, and more.

To view Devil’s Backbone Tavern’s hours and contact information, please visit: https://www.devilsbackbonetavern.com/

The Pour Haus

Address: 343 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Right in downtown New Braunfels, this is one of the easiest places to catch local, live music. There’s almost always something going on, especially on weekends. Big outdoor courtyard, drinks flowing, people bouncing between bars. You’re not here for a quiet listening room, you’re here for energy, drinks, and a rotating lineup of local bands.

To view Pour Haus’ hours and contact information, please visit: https://www.pourhausnb.com/

Cheatham Street Warehouse

Address: 119 Cheatham St, San Marcos, TX 78666

This is where a lot of Texas artists got their start (George Strait + Randy Rogers just to name a few) and it still leans into original music instead of cover bands.

To view Cheatham Street Warehouse's hours and contact information, please visit: http//cheathamstreet.com/

Riley’s Tavern

Address: 8894 FM 1102, New Braunfels, TX 78132

Out past New Braunfels, Riley’s feels like a step back into an older version of the Hill Country. It’s been around forever, and it hasn’t tried too hard to modernize. Most of the action happens outside, with a stage set up in the beer garden and a crowd that’s there for the music, not just the scene. People still smoke inside, so don’t wear your finest garb.

To view Riley Tavern’s hours and contact information, please visit: https://www.rileystavern.com/

The Villa

Address: 1190 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130

The Villa sits in a different lane than most of the others on this list. It’s more of a restaurant first, with live music built into the experience rather than taking it over. The setting is quieter, the crowd is a little more relaxed, and you’re just as likely to be there for dinner as you are for the band. It works well when you still want live music, but don’t feel like dealing with a packed bar or standing around all night.

To view the Villa’s hours and contact information, please visit: https://www.drinklokal.com/

Hays City Store & Ice House

Address: 8989 FM150 W, Driftwood, TX 78619

Some of the best homestyle cooking in the area, plenty of outdoor seating, and usually a good band! What more could you ask for?

Hay’s City Store has it all — great food reasonably priced, thank you, beer wine, mixed drinks, and local live bands provide music almost every day. Very popular, so very busy, but a lovely place to sit outside listening to music while you wait for your table.

To view Hays City Store & Ice House’s hours and contact information, please visit: https://hayscitystoretx.com/

Luckenbach, Texas

Address: 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

The old Texas town in so many country songs is worth a visit, especially on weekends when a band is playing most of the time. Multiple stages, music is free during the day, paid admission at night depending on who is playing. All outdoors except for the general store and hat shop and the Dancehall featuring weekend concerts.

To view Luckenbach’s hours and contact information, please visit: https://www.luckenbachtexas.com/

Willow Lake Watering Hole

Address: 110 Old Kyle Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676

Nestled in the heart of downtown Wimberley, Texas, Willow Lake Watering Hole & Mercantile is a vibrant bar and live music venue. Located at 110 Old Kyle Road, this iconic establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a diverse lineup of live performances. The venue is pet-friendly, and has ample parking. it's a convenient spot to unwind and experience the rich musical heritage of the Texas Hill Country. Whether you're seeking a lively night out or a laid-back evening with friends, Willow Lake Watering Hole & Mercantile provides an authentic Wimberley experience.

To view Willow Lake Watering Hole’s hours and contact information, please visit: https://willowlakemerc.com/

Gruene Grove

Address: 1263 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Tucked away in the heart of historic Gruene, Gruene Grove offers a laid-back, open-air setting perfect for soaking in live music under the Texas sky. With a spacious patio, craft cocktails, and an inviting atmosphere, this venue regularly hosts local and regional artists, making it a must-visit for music lovers looking for an authentic Hill Country experience. Hidden within Gruene Grove is The Speakeasy, an intimate space where music takes on a more personal feel. Every Thursday night, the Speakeasy comes alive with Songwriter Night, showcasing talented artists sharing their original songs in a listening-room setting. Whether you're a songwriter yourself or just a fan of raw, heartfelt music, this is the place to be.

To view Gruene Grove’s hours and contact information, please visit: https://www.gruenegrove.com/

Redbird Listening Room

Address: 1260 Elliot Knox Blvd, New Braunfels, TX 78130

For those who appreciate the art of the song, Red Bird Listening Room is a true hidden gem. This intimate venue in New Braunfels is dedicated to showcasing singer-songwriters in a space designed for attentive listening. With a cozy, no-frills setup, Red Bird fosters a connection between artist and audience, making every performance feel personal and unforgettable. Every Thursday night, the venue hosts a Songwriter Night, providing a stage for up-and-coming and established artists to share their original music in a setting where the lyrics take center stage.

To view Redbird Listening Room’s hours and contact information, please visit: https://www.redbirdlisteningroom.com/

The 12 Best Texas Hill Country Live Music Venues