10 Amazing Outdoor Arts Venues in Austin, Texas

If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor concert experience, Austin, Texas is the place to be. With its mix of renowned artists and local talent, there's something for everyone. We've put together a list of our 10 favorite outdoor arts venues near Austin that will make your visit to the city truly special. The Nutty Brown Amphitheater is located midway between Dripping Springs and Austin, and is surrounded by majestic oak trees. Built in the 1950s, this venue has gone through many transformations, from a car dealership to a clothing store before it was bought in 2000 to be used as a concert hall.

Gruene Hall is located in New Braunfels and has been home to Texas music legends since the late 19th century. This historic venue still preserves its original design with side flaps to let in the cool night breeze of Texas, a bar on one side and a modest stage on the other. One World Theater operates as a nonprofit organization with a mission to “promote peace and unity through the exchange of music and other art forms around the world”. Located in the hills of west Austin, this venue hosts a variety of artists. Haute Spot in Cedar Park is one of the few locations that continued to operate during the pandemic.

This intimate venue offers amazing acoustics while at the same time giving guests the feeling of watching a private show in their living room. The Art in Public Places (AIPP) program of the Department of Economic Development is the public art program of the city of Austin. Created in 1985 by decision of the Austin City Council, this program commissions artists or purchases works of art for city-owned properties and installations. The Mohawk is one of Austin's most popular outdoor venues. With a full-service menu and shaded outdoor event space, this venue hosts a wide variety of artists and is always ideal for enjoying a great evening in Austin's summer. Enjoy an excellent lineup of cutting-edge bands or see a live DJ in the backyard of this venue in Austin's East Sixth Street entertainment district. The Long Center for Performing Arts is located on Lady Bird Lake and offers breathtaking views from its terrace.

This venue hosts some of Austin's most popular events such as musicals, plays, concerts, and more. The Moody Theater is located downtown and is home to the popular television show Austin City Limits. This venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music such as Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and more. The Paramount Theatre is located on Congress Avenue and has been hosting events since 1915. This historic theatre has seen some of the biggest names in music such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and more. The Backyard at Bee Cave is located just outside of Austin and offers an amazing outdoor experience with its large stage and seating area. This venue hosts some of Austin's best local talent as well as nationally renowned artists.

Diane Willibrand
Diane Willibrand

Extreme zombie aficionado. Professional web buff. Incurable introvert. General music expert. Hipster-friendly zombieaholic. Passionate coffee nerd.