Austin may be home to some world-class venues that will pack in hundreds or even thousands of concertgoers, but it’s the smaller venues that really make this city the Live Music Capital of the World. You can’t go to the Moody Center every night—that would be expensive—but you can certainly go to a Continental Club or Hole In the Wall to catch an up-and-comer or local legend.

Here are seven of Austin’s smaller music venues worth visiting for a show.

Cactus Cafe

The tiny club in the University of Texas Union has hosted some big names on its small stage—The Chicks, Robert Earl Keen, Patty Griffin, Lyle Lovett, Townes Van Zandt, and on and on. The Cactus Cafe opened in 1979 and has become a legendary intimate venue to catch an acoustic set. 

2247 Guadalupe St. 

Hole In the Wall

Just steps from Cactus Cafe on the Drag sits Hole In the Wall, which has endured decades of change on the strip. Founded in 1974, it’s one of Austin’s oldest music venues and has hosted many a celebrity that has passed through town and helped local acts such as Spoon, Gary Clark Jr., and Shakey Graves get their start.

2538 Guadalupe St. 

The Continental Club

The Continental Club has earned legend status since it first opened its doors in 1955 as a supper club. The small club on South Congress has hosted music heavyweights like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robert Plant, and more. You’ll find live music there every night.

1315 South Congress Ave.

Donn’s Depot

An old train depot and caboose make up this dance hall/piano bar well-loved by locals who love to two-step. Plus, you can still catch Donn Adelman himself playing at Donn’s, which he opened in 1972.

1600 W. Fifth St.

Elephant Room

Austin jazz enthusiasts flock to this downtown underground club to hear music every night, where early shows start at 6 p.m., and headliners go on at 9 p.m. Expect to pay a cover Thursday–Saturday.

315 Congress Ave.

The White Horse

The East Austin honky tonk from former owners of Hole In the Wall has music every night, often featuring the same artists each week on a rotating schedule, and other country artists will make stops. Come here to two-step (or watch the experts) on White Horse’s lively floor.

500 Comal St.

Saxon Pub

Saxon Pub’s intimate space has become a favorite for locals and performers alike, especially for its free happy hour shows. It’s hosted more than 30,000 shows since it opened in 1990, and according to Kris Kristofferson, playing there was like playing in his own living room.

1320 South Lamar Blvd.