10 Best Places to See Live Music in San Antonio

The Aztec Theatre has been one of San Antonio’s entertainment hubs since 1926. As the name suggests, its interior has many ornate sculptures, relief carvings and murals with Meso-American influences. The concert venue is on San Antonio's famous River Walk, which puts you within walking distance of many riverfront bars, restaurants, and shops. You’ll also find Agave Bar, one of the city’s best tequila bars, on the Riverwalk level of the theatre.

The Aztec Theatre serves as downtown’s multipurpose entertainment and events venue. Concerts and stand-up comedy take place throughout the year, so check the official website for the latest updates.  

Sam’s Burger Joint is one of the best places for live music in San Antonio. During the day, this casual dining spot attracts locals with its delicious hamburgers (with fried pickles) and beers. But stay past sunset to enjoy a wide range of live music, from country to alternative rock.

The space is rather intimate and quirky, featuring neon lights, an elevated stage, and 7 seating booths. It gets packed on days when touring bands are scheduled to play, so call ahead to reserve a spot. Sam’s Burger Joint is at the corner of Broadway and Grayson Street, about 1.4 miles northeast of The Alamo.

502 Bar is a great after-dinner spot in San Antonio, especially if you’re looking to catch a show by local bands. This dive bar has great acoustics and atmosphere, always drawing a huge crowd on weekends. Drinks-wise, it specialises in craft beers, but you can also enjoy a range of bottled brews and cocktails (their Bloody Mary is a must-try).

502 Bar usually doesn’t have a cover charge on weekdays, but expect to pay around $10 if there’s a gig on the weekends. If you want to showcase your singing skills, visit 502 Bar on Sundays for open mic night. It’s located inside the Embassy Oaks Shopping Center, around 4 miles northwest of San Antonio International Airport.

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class multipurpose venue that dates back to the 1920s. It was reopened in 2014, now serving as the home of Opera San Antonio, Ballet San Antonio, and San Antonio Symphony.

The theatre’s main venue accommodates over 1,700 people across 4 levels, on the grand tier boxes, orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. You can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere in the 295-seat Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater. The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is within a 10-minute walk of the San Antonio Riverwalk and The Alamo.

John T. Floore's Country Store is a historic honky-tonk in Helotes, about a 30-minute drive north of downtown San Antonio. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this venue is worth visiting for its history alone. It has hosted some of the country’s best musicians, including Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams.

John T. Floore's Country Store has all the typical features of a Texas honky-tonk, including cowboy hats, neon lights, and excellent stage production. You can enjoy a wide range of cold beers and local grub while enjoying quality live country music until late. The concert venue is around 8 miles west of the Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park.

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre is one of the oldest performance venues in San Antonio, having opened its doors in 1913. The 4-storey theatre was designed after a European palazzo, serving as a vaudeville house and movie theatre during its early years.

Thanks to its excellent acoustics and lighting systems, you can enjoy quality live productions throughout the year. Its diverse lineup consists of nationally touring musicians, comedians, and Broadway productions.  There’s also a children’s theatre for families looking to catch a kid-friendly show in San Antonio.  

La Hacienda de Los Barrios specialises in authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, but it’s also a great place for live music in San Antonio. When the weather is fine, opt for a table on its sizable outdoor patio – you’ll be surrounded by a lush garden with trees decorated with fairy lights.

Food-wise, you can enjoy home-style dishes like slow-cooked beef cortadillo (Mexican stew), fajitas and enchiladas. La Hacienda’s happy hour runs from Tuesdays to Fridays, between 2 pm and 6 pm. Try any of the margaritas while enjoying eclectic live music performances, which take place from 6 pm onwards.

Fitzgerald's Bar & Live Music Venue gets packed with local music fans, especially at the weekends. This community bar has excellent acoustics, with an outdoor bar and a large stage. During spring and summer evenings, you can unwind and enjoy live music on its open-air patio.

A mix of local and national acts perform at Fitzgerald's throughout the year. Visit on a Friday or Saturday to enjoy a great atmosphere with fun-loving locals. The bar offers open mic sessions on Mondays for those who want to showcase their talent.  

The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue is a prominent entertainment hub in Boerne. Surrounded by natural attractions like Guadalupe River State Park and Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area, it’s a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts to unwind at the end of the day.

The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue hosts live music on its outdoor and indoor stages, both of which have spacious dancefloors. It also has a 3-acre playground, bounce houses, and yard games for the little ones to enjoy. The bar stocks over 100 wines and liquors, as well as beers by the bottle and on tap.

The Aquaduck Beer Garden is a convenient place to unwind after a day of exploring the San Antonio Mission Trails and Espada Aquaduct. Sitting on a sprawling green space, it has plenty of tables on an elevated patio that overlooks a concert stage. Inside, you can find a smaller indoor stage, pool tables, and bar area.

Drinks-wise, The Aquaduck Beer Garden specialises in margaritas and micheladas, along with beers like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Lonestar. Live bands play a variety of genres, from country to rock.