Forget Memorial Day — the first Blues on the Green lineup just dropped, so we can declare summer officially here. Austin's free annual concert series returns to Zilker Park for another year of live music on the Great Lawn.
Blues on the Green is now presented by the newly minted ACL Radio, which took over KGSR in September 2018 and moved the station to 97.1. Despite the change, the format for Blues on the Green remains the same. First, grab your blanket and picnic basket, and then join friends, family, and dogs for an evening of free jams.
The season's first show is slated for May 22, with Jamestown Revival and Sir Woman, according to the ACL Radio website. Music begins at 8 pm and runs until about 10 pm. In case of rain, the show will be held on June 5.
Additional summer 2019 dates are June 12 (rain date June 19), July 17 (rain date July 24), and August 7 (rain date August 14), according to the City of Austin. Per usual, bands for the remaining three shows will be announced as summer rolls along.
Considering Blues on the Green does occur in the heart of Austin, the city suggests walking, biking, or taking CapMetro rather than driving. (And forget about parking in the nearby neighborhoods.) CapMetro's trip planner can be found here.
2025 is fast coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of great local shows still on the calendar. See here for recommendations.
Mean Jolene at Hotel Vegas – Friday, December 19 Indie rockers Mean Jolene will celebrate their 10th anniversary at Hotel Vegas this Friday, December 19. Support for the evening is set to be provided by Pelvis Wrestley and Tearjerk. Cover will be $12 at the door.
Walker Lukens’ The Last Walt at the Paramount Theatre – Saturday, December 20 The Paramount Theatre will host the third iteration of Walker Lukens’ annual variety show The Last Walt this Saturday, December 20. Aside from Lukens, the list of performers for the evening also includes Zella Day, Ben Kweller, Matthew Logan Vasquez, and plenty more. Tickets for this “all-star night of music, surprises, and unforgettable moments” range from $28.70-71.93.
Dale Watson at the Continental Club – Thursday, December 25 Shake off your family (or perhaps bring them with you) on Christmas Day proper to the Continental Club for Dale Watson’s Annual Christmas Show & Dance. Cover to see this “honky tonk hero” will be $15 at the door.
Everyone Knows Everyone Holiday Bash at the Mohawk – Saturday, December 27 The Everyone Knows Everyone Holiday Bash will take place at the Mohawk on Saturday, December 27. Topped by a pair of reunited bands – Recover and Slowreader – the show will also feature Shaft El Grupo De Rock, Narrow Haunts, Total Diamonds, and more. Tickets are $25.50.
NYE Block Party at the 29th Street Ballroom – Wednesday, December 31 Get yourself to 29th St. Ballroom and Tweedy’s Bar for their New Year’s Eve Block Party. The lineup is filled out by Holy Wave, Porcelain, Almost Heaven, Haha Laughing, J’cuuzi, a slew of DJs, and lots more. You can also expect a Bad Larry’s Burgers pop-up. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of.
NYE Party at the 13th Floor – Wednesday, December 31 The 13th Floor will host a New Year’s Eve Party with a stacked bill that includes Daiistarr, Christian Bland & The Revelators, Witches Exist, and Permanent Shadows. Cake Burger Light Show will be on hand as well, and there will be a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $33.
Next Of Kin at Antone’s – Wednesday, December 31 After a busy year in which they released an EP and played ACL Fest, the alt-country trio Next of Kin will ring in 2026 at Antone’s. Nane (featuring Quentin Arispe), TC Superstar, KindKeith, and “other special guests” will perform as well. Tickets are $34.
Golden Dawn Arkestra at Radio East – Wednesday, December 31 If you’re looking for something trippy on NYE, then head on over to Radio East for Golden Dawn Arkestra’s second annual Interstellar New Year's Eve. The psych-funk band will be joined by Superfònicos and Hard Proof. Tickets are $26.99.
