Our Guide to San Antonio Music Find music in this diverse megalopolis at every turn!

Surround sound

Most Texas residents know about the abundant variety of music found around the Hill Country towns and cities outside of Austin, including San Antonio. Fredericksburg is known for its elegant outdoor wineries, luxury shops, and festivals such as Oktoberfest. Kerrville hosts an annual folk festival that boasts a twenty-four-hour event.

Centered around some of the state’s most well-known places celebrating live music, San Antonio offers innumerable opportunities to attend live music shows within city limits, no matter which highway you travel. Further south through one of the newer and premier communities, Fair Oaks Ranch, residents enjoy open mic nights at Vine in the Village in Bulverde. This outdoor beer garden is a great place to spend the day or night listening to local entertainment on the big city’s outskirts. The opportunity to hear original music in and around town is widespread in San Antonio. Let the Tinsley Realty Group share what this musically rich region has to offer.

Country tunes

In the quaint community of Helotes close to San Antonio, John T. Floore’s Country Store is a historic café. This iconic concert venue with over 75 years of live music tickets is a honky-tonk eatery with famous acts like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Little Richard, setting the stage for its popularity. The rightfully-dubbed “King of Country,” Willie Nelson started his days in country music performing at Floore’s. He was such a fan that he shouted out the establishment in “Shotgun Willy” after spending nearly twenty years performing on stage here. Big names in the music world continue to book outdoor shows at this well-known spot.

As you travel deeper into San Antonio, the music scene becomes exceptionally grand and deserves expansive exploration. A favorite dancehall known for top country performers is Thirsty Horse Saloon, a bar off the beaten path. Country fans come from all over to flood their dance floor with well-conditioned leather boots, Texas-sized belt buckles, and sharp-brimmed hats. Cowboys and cowgirls line the dance floor, two-stepping into the night up close and personal with performers just a few feet away.

Country music has deep roots in Texas, and San Antonio holds one of the biggest shows for fans in February at the annual Stock Show & Rodeo. Country stars come to perform and offer an intimate experience for those who want to get closer to the action with a first-class private dinner and dining section within the first two rows around the stage.

Rock the night away

Some of the best live music in San Antonio can be found in restaurants. The County Line is known for their concert series, which gives back to the San Antonio Food Bank. This city has countless opportunities to dine on oversized patios that offer an incredible ambiance of warm lighting, excellent margaritas, and local musicians. Sam’s Burger Joint is a spot in Central San Antonio for phenomenal cover bands with quality tribute shows and rock and roll greats. New talent frequently joins the docket since this establishment hosts a calendar full of performances.

A historic brewery that has been renovated and turned into a local shopping center with charm and elegance, The Pearl hosts day and night markets with an eclectic spot to mingle and relax while listening to live music in the green space between tables and luxury shops. Jazz TX is a swanky jazz bar with a dance floor that mixes the best of Texas flair with jazz blues, Texas bluegrass, and salsa hits. The intimate dance tunes played here will engage and excite even the most humble visitors. Just south of the brewery, you’ll find a contemporary hotspot where food trucks and music come together to exhibit the best of San Antonio culture at El Camino Food Truck Park.

Funk and a good time

Closer to the city’s center, San Antonio bars with music line St Mary’s Strip. The Mix is an excentric spot for artists to meet and perform original music unlike any other, from live swing revival shows to indie and pop-funk. Also on the Strip, Paper Tiger is home to big-name bands and independent artists traveling to grace locals with their talent.

In the heart of San Antonio, you’ll find opportunities to celebrate an abundance of culture and heritage in buildings lining the river running through downtown. Anyone looking to experience Oktoberfest without driving out to Fredricksburg can head to the Bier Garten and enjoy authentic German songs and chords just off the River Walk. This romantic conglomeration of hotels, high-end shops, and boutiques offers cultural sounds of mariachi and harmonious ballads pouring out from establishments along the river. Another favorite establishment offering exciting melodic events on the water path is Howl at the Moon. This venue is well-known for its dueling piano act, which is sure to delight any guest. Downtown is also known as Southtown, where there’s a strong artistic influence s intertwining with mellifluent music during First Fridays. Blue Star Arts Complex hosts many events that combine the best in fine dining and sweet-sounding blues during this monthly celebration.

Fiesta is a festival that takes place each April to celebrate independence from Mexico. The city takes part in fiesta-themed activities and celebrations during this eleven-day jamboree. One of the main events is Oyster Bake, which showcases live music on a grand display with over 35 bands on one stage.

From the small towns surrounding San Antonio to the deepest part of the city, this area of the Texas Hill Country is no stranger to the celebration of music and always offers an opportunity to engage in the commemoration of art, history, and culture. Take a weekend trip to this melting pot and experience new music in a new environment.

Take it from us at the Tinsley Realty Group —you won’t be disappointed!