Music Notes

Good Looks to play free show, plus more Austin music picks

Good Looks to play free show at 29th St. Ballroom

Photo Courtesy of Good Looks

The month of May offers a busy start for Austin’s music scene with various free shows and release parties, plus Austin Psych Fest, all jammed into the first 10 days. Highlights and details await you here.

Heavy Meddo at Tweedy’s Bar – Saturday, May 2
Tweedy’s Bar will host Heavy Meddo this Saturday, May 2, as the rock act rings in the release of their new single, “Treadmill Pilgrimage,” off their impending album, Spiritual Stripmall. Prehuman and Liz Burrito will open things up. This is a free show.

Good Looks at 29th Street Ballroom – Monday, May 4
Indie rockers Good Looks will close out a three-show residency at the 29th Street Ballroom on Monday, May 4. This free event will also feature Redbud, Important Group, and DJ Baby Jake. Be sure to RSVP here.

Guero’s 40th Anniversary Party – Tuesday, May 5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Guero’s 40th anniversary on Tuesday, May 5, with a free show in the restaurant’s Oak Garden. Psych soul rockers Los Coast and Selena tribute act Bidi Bidi Banda are set to play, and a portion of the proceeds will go to HAAM.

Garrett T. Capps at Sam’s Town Point – Friday, May 8
I Still Love San Antone is the title of Garrett T. Capps’ new album, and you’ll be able to experience tracks off it live at Sam’s Town Point on Friday, May 8. The psych rocker will be joined by Los Texmaniacs and more.

Portrayal Of Guilt at the Mohawk – Saturday, May 9
If you’re into heavy music, then make sure you head to the Mohawk on Saturday, May 9, to see Portrayal of Guilt, who will be celebrating the release of their well-received new album, Beginning Of The End. Pageninetynine, Taraneh, and Street Sects round out the bill. Tickets are $33.50.

Austin Psych Fest at the Far Out Lounge – May 8-10
Austin Psych Fest returns to the Far Out Lounge from May 8-10. The Black Angels will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Passover, and the noteworthy lineup also features plenty of other locals, such as Grocery Bag, Annabelle Chairlegs, Holy Wave, Strange Lot, Como Las Movies, and more. Single-day, two-day, and three-day passes are available here.

live music concerts venues

Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend

Photo by Zachary Gray

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There are some plans that you just can’t miss, and our recommendations are the local-approved activities that deserve priority space on your agenda. Experience musical artists like Haley Williams, Ari Lennox, Kid Cudi, Kane Brown, and Shaboozey live in concert. Enjoy the spirit of community at the first-ever May Day Festival or at the rescheduled Earth Day ATX. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, click over to our calendar.

Thursday, April 30

Stubb's Bar-B-Q presents Ari Lennox in concert
R&B artist Ari Lennox serenades an audience live at Stubb's Bar-B-Q. The singer is best known for her romance-laced lyrics and sultry baritone voice. Lennox’s top hits include “Pressure” and “Shea Butter Baby.” She visits Austin in support of her new album, Vacancy. Get more information on Ticketmaster.

Photo by Zachary Gray

Hayley Williams plays live for two nights back-to-back at Austin City Limits Live.

Friday, May 1

The KUT Festival
The University of Texas at Austin hosts a two-day event of community engagement at the return of the KUT Festival. Highlights include live music performances, panel discussions, a free street fair with food trucks, children’s activities, and more. Get a full schedule of events and tickets on the festival website. Note: The festival is orchestrating a last-minute venue change after University of Texas leadership determined the evening of April 28 that the festival could not be held on campus.

Germania Insurance Amphitheater presents Kid Cudi in concert
Rapper Kid Cudi stops in Austin as part of his The Rebel Ragers 2026 Tour. The artist will perform music from his 2025 album, Free. Kid Cudi is best known for his introspective lyrics and top songs such as “Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)” and “Day ‘N’ Nite.” M.I.A. Big Boi and A-Trak will perform as special guests. For more information, visit Ticketmaster.

Saturday, May 2

Manor Road Coalition presents May Day Festival
The Manor Road community welcomes guests to its neighborhood shops as part of the inaugural May Day Festival. Programming includes an aerial performance, a cumbia party, line dancing lessons, a bug parade, and live music. Visitors can also enjoy specials at various participating restaurants on Manor Road. May Day admission is free and open to the public.

Earth Day ATX
Huston-Tillotson University hosts a day of outdoor activities for the public in celebration of community and the planet. Rescheduled Earth Day ATX highlights include an electric vehicle ride & drive, storytelling, face painting, upcycled fashion, art, food, and more. Guests can also participate in an interactive history exhibit and get insight from a world-renowned bat expert. Admission is free.

iHeartCountry Festival
The iHeartCountry Festival is back at Austin’s Moody Center for a night of star-studded country music moments. This year features performances by Kane Brown, Shaboozey, Luke Bryan, Gretchen Wilson, Riley Green, Dylan Scott, and many others. iHeartCountry radio personality Bobby Bones will host the evening. Get more details on Ticketmaster.

Austin City Limits Live presents Hayley Williams in concert
Singer and frontwoman of rock band Paramore Haley Williams performs live in concert for back-to-back nights at Austin City Limits Live. Williams comes to Austin in support of her first solo tour, Good Dye Young Presents: Hayley Williams At A Bachelorette Party. She will perform her new album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, in its entirety. Tickets to both shows are available now.

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