Throw on your dancing shoes and get ready to jam, San Antonio, Texas is ready to party. With countless venues offering live music, visitors to the area will have a plenthora of music genres and atmospheres to choose from. From piono bars and honky-tonks, to rock-n-roll, hip-hop, jazz, blues, and much more, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to dance the night away. Join us as we break down five of the top live music venues in the San Antonio.
Sunset Station
This large outdoor venue is located at the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot Terminal, better known as Sunset Station, which also happens to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remembered for being the “building of 1000 lights.” With a capacity for crowds up to 4,000, Sunset Station is also home to the famous “Lonestar Pavilion,” which has been a host to numerous rock, pop, and Latin artists over the years. The venue also happens to be surrounded by a variety of restaurants and saloons that are popular stops for visitors before and after attending live music shows at the Pavilion.
In addition to being one of the best live music venues in San Antonio, Sunset Station is also used as a venue for weddings, corporate events, and other social events. For more information and to find out about musical performers and other artists coming to Lonestar Pavilion, visit Sunset Station.
Sam’s Burger Joint
Probably one of the most famous and well-known live music venues in San Antonio, Sam’s Burger Joint opened its doors in 1999 and has been rockin’ ever since. When it comes to music genres, Sam’s seems to have earned the nickname of “San Antonio’s Temple of Americana, blues and rock-n-roll,” while also rumored to have the best sound system in the area. The venue is also infamous for its 1lb mammoth burger, but not to worry vegetarians, Sam’s also offers a veggie burger. Between the burgers, the bar, and the roots music, concert-goers are bound to fall in love with this venue.
Most shows at Sam’s are opened to all ages, but there are some special circumstances where age restrictions do apply. Tickets can be bought online or at Sam’s Box Office. Pets are allowed on Sam’s outdoor patio; however, you’ll have to leave your beloved pup at home if you plan on entering into the restaurant or music hall. To find out more about upcoming artists and general information about the venue, visit Sam’s Burger Joint.
Luna
It’s been called the “swankiest live music club you will find in [San Antonio], hands down,” by local news affiliates. Since it’s opening in 2003, Luna continues to be a popular nightclub for flamenco, Latin dance music, jazz, and occasionally alternative art performers. Visitors love its cozy atmosphere and delicious, yet high priced, drinks. On the busiest nights, the cover charge tends to run around $10 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $5 on Thursdays. Parking can sometimes be somewhat of an issue—although, that’s not stopping music lovers from crowding into Luna to enjoy the sounds of the night. Artists also praise Luna for its optimum sound quality, as well as the décor. As far as food in concerned, Luna offers small appetizers, and they often feature some of the city’s popular food trucks on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information about this hot spot for soul, blues, jazz, salsa and more, be sure to visit Luna Music Bar & Lounge.
Gruene Hall
We couldn’t talk about live music in Texas without including one of the best honky-tonks in the United States. Located just a short 30 to 45 minute drive outside of San Antonio in the surrounding town of New Braunfels, Gruene Hall is known for being the oldest dance hall in the state of Texas. Since it was built in 1878, it’s been a center for country, conjunto/tejano, Americana, and blues music. Gruene Hall has even been a host to some of country music’s greatest stars, including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Strait, and the Texas Tornados. If you’re looking for a place where you can get down and boogy, Gruene Hall has a 6,000 square foot dance floor that will give you plenty of room to do so.
For Gruene Hall events, you can purchase tickets online or in person. No matter what day of the week you find yourself at Gruene Hall, there is always live music seven nights a week—Friday and Saturday nights often require an extra cover charge. For more information, visit Gruene Hall.
Howl at the Moon Dueling Piano Bar
Last but not least, is Howl at the Moon, the Dueling Piano Bar located near the Riverwalk. According to Howl, this venue is “Part bar and part concert, [which] creates a non-stop party with live music performed in a high-energy setting.” The signature drink specials include an 86oz bucket of booze, and there’s also daily specials including $1 beers on Thursdays as well as additional specials for college students and active military. While the highlight of Howl’s entertainment is without a doubt the dueling pianos, guests can expect to hear everything from classic rock to hip-hop and pop music, and much, much more. This is definitely a late-night venue that offers an energetic atmosphere for lively entertainment.
You must be at least 21 years of age to go to Howl, and there is also a nightly cover: $5 on Sunday through Wednesday, $7 on Thursdays, and $10 on Fridays and Saturdays. Howl is also a venue that is available to host bachelorette and bachelor parties, birthday parties, and corporate events. To find out more about these dueling pianos and all that venue has to offer, visit Howl at the Moon.