Austin Live Music Week: May 18–May 24
Austin is stacked this week with everything from blues heritage jams and indie-classical festivals to metal shows, R&B karaoke nights, and stadium-sized pop concerts. Whether you're chasing late-night dance floors or intimate listening rooms, every night brings a different side of the city’s music culture.
Monday, May 18 — Blues, Bluegrass & Deep Austin Tradition
Monday kicks off strong with three distinct Austin staples.
At Radio Coffee & Beer, Bluegrass Night with The Bluegrass Outfit keeps the long-running tradition alive with free-flowing pickin’ and classic Austin porch energy.
Over at Kenny Dorham's Backyard, Blue Monday Blues Jam brings a 25+ year East Austin legacy to life—where musicians, dancers, and listeners all share the stage in an open, community-driven jam session.
And for late-night energy, Remedy Drum and Bass Mondays at POP Austin Night Club runs from 8PM–2AM with nonstop DnB, no cover, and dancefloor-heavy momentum.
Tuesday, May 19 — Blues Icons, Indie Jazz & Throwback Karaoke
Tuesday leans into both legacy and experimentation.
At Antone's, Blues for Clifford celebrates a special House Band Reunion featuring Derek O’Brien, Sarah Brown, Mike Buck, and surprise guests in a members-only tribute to Austin blues history.
Meanwhile, K Flatt & Friends bring genre-blending jazz, R&B, and neo-soul to Monks Jazz Club in a live-taping listening room experience.
For something more playful, That’s My Jam R&B Karaoke takes over Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge with a free throwback night of smooth R&B hits and crowd singalongs.
Wednesday, May 20 — Metal, Polka & Indie-Classical Range
Midweek brings one of the most stylistically diverse lineups.
Bleed and Nihilistic Easyrider deliver a heavy indoor night at Mohawk Austin, while The Wyatt Weaver Band keeps things soulful and roots-driven at Antone's.
Polka fans can head to Krause's Cafe & Biergarten for the Pivo & Polka Band’s beer-fueled dance floor energy.
And indie-classical takes center stage at Radio/East with Here Be Monsters, a two-night festival featuring 27 acts, premieres, and experimental programming.
Thursday, May 21 — Indie, R&B, Rap & Pop Energy
Thursday starts strong with The Octanes at The Little Longhorn Saloon bringing classic honky-tonk vibes.
Later, Blk Odyssy delivers smooth, genre-blending R&B at Central Machine Works Brewery & Beer Hall in a free RSVP show.
Over at Emo's, Justin Bieber Night turns into a full-on pop celebration dance party.
And Yot Club’s Simpleton Tour with Zzzahara lands at Historic Scoot Inn for indie dream-pop fans.
Friday, May 22 — Sunset Sets, Tours & Live Experiments
Friday highlights include a sunset Lake Travis dinner set with The Human Circuit at Oasis Texas Brewing Company blending electronic and organic soundscapes.
Leanna Firestone’s Victory Lap Tour brings indie-pop storytelling to Brushy Street Commons.
Meanwhile, PRADABAGSHAWTY’s “The 5 Problems Tour” also hits Brushy Street Commons with an all-ages rap showcase and meet-and-greet energy.
Saturday, May 23 — Pop Icons, Indie Rock & Experimental Nights
Saturday is one of the biggest nights of the week.
Demi Lovato brings the “It’s Not That Deep Tour” to Moody Center, while We Are Scientists celebrate 20 years of With Love and Squalor at Mohawk Austin.
Indie rock fans can also catch Bleed or other underground acts around the city, while indie-classical and experimental sets continue across multiple venues.
Sunday, May 24 — Genre Spanning Finale
The week closes with major variety.
Blood Club and Future Nobodies bring post-punk intensity to Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, while We Are Scientists continue anniversary celebrations at Mohawk Austin.
And at Brushy Street Commons, PRADABAGSHAWTY wraps The 5 Problems Tour with an all-ages final stop.
Pop fans also get a stadium-level finale with Demi Lovato at Moody Center.
Final Takeaway
This week shows off Austin’s full range: historic blues at Antone’s, experimental jazz at Monks, underground punk at Mohawk, and arena pop at Moody Center. Whether you’re looking for something intimate, loud, nostalgic, or brand new, every night has a different version of Austin’s music identity.
