Whether you’re looking for live music, a live comedy show, or any other type of live entertainment, Texas has some great options. Of course, for those who like to get out of the house and enjoy it on any given day of the week, there are some places that are better than others.
While larger cities naturally offer more entertainment venues, you’ll find a wide range of places to move to if you’re a live entertainment enthusiast.
Austin
Austin is the self-acclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World” with over 250 music venues that range from small bars to the Frank Erwin Center on the University of Texas at Austin campus. It’s said to have more music venues per capita than anywhere else, with the slogan dating back to an ad in 1985. The Broken Spoke, Continental Club, Moody Theatre, and Carousel Lounge are just a few of the most popular.
The Texas capital also boasts a long list of venues for improv and standup comedy, including the Paramount Theatre and other performing arts venues for dance, plays, and more. So you’ll want to consider moving into one of the houses for rent in Austin, TX to get a taste of the scene here if you aren’t ready to buy just yet.
Dallas
There are so many venues for live entertainment in Dallas it would take years to experience them all. The historic Deep Ellum neighborhood is especially famous for its nightlife, including live music, often enjoyed in Art Deco-style venues. It started with the blues and the arrival of Western swing, followed by punk, hip-hop, and country.
There is a slew of trendy theaters, vast arenas featuring big-name artists, buzzing nightclubs, and coffee shops throughout the city for live entertainment.
Houston
From snug pubs with stages in the corner to sprawling set designs that could easily fill a football field, there are lots of options for live entertainment in Houston that come in all shapes and sizes. NRG Stadium at NGR Park hosts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Houston Texas, and attracts over 10,000 to the city’s biggest concert events. The Joke Joint Comedy Showcase is where to go for a night of fun, making Houston laugh since 1983. You can enjoy it with some tasty bites and refreshing beverages.
Lubbock
The northwest Texas city of Lubbock may be smaller than the others, with just over a quarter-million residents, but it’s jam-packed with entertainment options. Some say it has the state’s most underrated music scene. The birthplace of Buddy Holly, it’s home to the Buddy Holly Center, which celebrates his music and his life. The Cactus Theater, originally built in the 1930s as a movie theater, is an iconic venue that hosts a diverse array of shows, concerts, and performances.
You can check out many outstanding artists in the Depot Entertainment District downtown. A different musical act or talent can be enjoyed at bars throughout the area, complemented with a wide range of food and drink options.
San Marcos
Sometimes the very best live entertainment can be found far from big-city crowds. San Marcos is one of them. Tucked between Austin and San Antonio, it’s had an outstanding scene for decades. That includes the nearly half-century-old Cheatham Street Warehouse, famous as the spot where George Strait, the so-called king of country music, played his first few hundred shows.
Live music can be enjoyed every night of the week in this town, and it goes way beyond country. In fact, the rock band Blue October also has roots in San Marcos and is still based here today.