Love live music? Get ready: 2023 is shaping up to be a huge year for concerts in Austin.
The new Moody Center is on track to produce 90 arena shows, and calendars at other clubs and venues around the city are filling fast. As always, the South by Southwest Music Festival anchors the spring music calendar, and Austin City Limits Music Festival holds down the fall. In between, long-running local fests like Austin Reggae Fest and Old Settler's Music Festival return, and new events like the Two Step Inn in Georgetown, the Austin Blues Festival and the Country Music Television Awards saddle up for their first go-round.
Here's what's on the books so far.
JANUARY 5-7
Free Week in the Red River Cultural District
Scenario 1: You just moved to Austin and are curious about the local music scene, but don’t know how to start exploring. Scenario 2: You used to go out all the time, but life happened and also, you’re on a budget. Scenario 3: You and your homies rule these streets. If any of these scenarios describe your life, we have good news. Over a three-day period, a dozen venues in the Red River Cultural District will throw open their doors to present no-cover shows by more than 100 local acts. Clubs on the roster include staples like Cheer Up Charlies, Mohawk and Empire, as well as Flamingo Cantina (on Red River-adjacent Sixth Street). Latin dance club Mala Vida, vampire hangout Elysium and the 13th Floor will also be in the mix, and there will be food and drink specials at restaurants and bars throughout the district. Bands on the roster include rising soul artist Chief Cleopatra, Sweet Spirit’s Sabrina Ellis and the Bright Light Social Hour. redriverculturaldistrict.org. — D.S.S.
More:Your guide to Austin's Free Week, when over 100 artists play no-cover shows
JANUARY 13
Shwayze, Audic Empire, David Shabani at Empire ($17)
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, the Isley Brothers at H-E-B Center ($59 and up)
JANUARY 14
Alejandro Escovedo and the Rant Band at the Paramount ($20 and up)
JANUARY 27
Ginuwine, Max Frost at ACL Live
Grab your tickets for the Ginuwine express. The “Pony” singer will be joined by Austin-born musician Max Frost for a fiery night at ACL Live on Jan. 27. The two artists will serenade a crowd of fans with pop bangers and slow songs at the downtown venue. $39-58. acllive.com. — E.H.
Drycleaning, Nourished by Time at Mohawk ($20)
JANUARY 28
Noah Kahan the Stick Season tour at Emo’s (technically sold out)
JANUARY 31
Rubblebucket at Mohawk
Melt through the floor with Rubblebucket. The musical group, led by Annakalmia Traver and Alex Toth, will bring the vibes to Mohawk on Jan. 31. Expect to hear fan favorites like “Donna,” “Bikes” and some of the duo’s newest tracks, like “Morning in the Sun” and “Cherry Blossom,” from their fourth studio “Earth Worship.” The Brooklyn duo will be joined by psychedelic rock band Spaceface, who will make the downtown Austin venue flutter with mind-bending tunes. $20. mohawkaustin.com. — E.H.
Nick Hakim at Parish
Real talk: The airy seductions on Hakim’s latest, “Cometa,” don’t hit as hard as the lush portraits of yearning on the “Where Will We Go” suite. But on “Happen,” when he drizzles the phrase “she pours honey down my throat” over steady rocking guitar strums in a whisper that feels like it wants to shout, you might feel some kind of way. $17. parishaustin.com. — D.S.S.
FEBRUARY 2
Flogging Molly with Anti-Flag and Skinny Lister at ACL Live ($39.50 and up)
FEBRUARY 3
Margo Price at Scoot Inn
From breakout album "Midwest Farmer's Daughter" in 2016 to the classic-rock tinged 2020 release "That's How Rumors Get Started," the friend-of-Willie country music phenom has become the favorite artist of people prone to say "I like country, but like, country country." She has a new album out in January, "Strays." $27.50. scootinnaustin.com. — E.W.
More:Margo Price travels long road to 'overnight success' in memoir; see her in Austin
FEBRUARY 3-4
Subtronics at Stubb’s
Hey ravers, come out and play — Subtronics is bringing the noise to Austin for two nights. The dubstep DJ and producer will light up Stubb’s with synth-soaked EDM hits like “Griztronics” and “Gassed Up." And with the release of his new album, “ANTIFRACTALS,” fans will have more than enough fist-pumping tracks to dance to. $55 and up. stubbsaustin.com. — E.H.
FEBRUARY 4
Kool & the Gang at ACL Live
Known for feel-good, cookout classics like “Get Down On It,” the R&B and soul band Kool and the Gang are giving Austin fans something to celebrate on Feb. 4. While the Grammy Award-winning group is down to only original members Robert “Kool” Bell and drummer George “Funky” Brown, the Jersey City soul men still know how to bring the funk. $59.50 and up. acllive.com. — E.H.
FEBRUARY 9-10
Death Cab for Cutie at ACL Live
Perhaps you, like other heartbroken millennials, somehow missed Ben Gibbard and co. at ACL Fest 2022. (Hey, they were slotted opposite Lil Nas X.) The emo gods have smiled kindly, because Death Cab will bring their tour for latest album “Asphalt Meadows” to Austin for two, count ‘em, two nights. If their ACL Fest setlist is any indication, you’ll still hear some of the best mid-2000s sob-fuel fuel off albums like “Plans” and “Transatlanticism.” Speaking of the latter, Gibbard will tour in the second half of 2023 for the album’s 20th anniversary and that of his beloved side project, The Postal Service’s “Give Up.” One: You’re old. Two: There aren’t any Austin dates (yet), which is rude. February it is, then. L.A. indie-rock band Momma supports the Austin dates. Technically sold out. acllive.com. — E.W.
More:Death Cab for Cutie possesses aging emo hearts at ACL Fest
FEBRUARY 10
Cécile McLorin Salvant at Bass Concert Hall ($10 and up)
Amy Ray at Stubb’s ($22)
FEBRUARY 14
J.I.D., Smino at Stubb’s
Right on time, the J.I.D. and Smino-led Luv Is 4ever Tour will make a stop in Austin on Valentine’s Day. After collaborating on singles “Baguetti” and “1993,” the two rappers came together for a 32-city campaign, and fans can expect the pair to meld their sounds for a night fit for lovers. General admission technically sold out; VIP $145. stubbsaustin.com. — E.H.
FEBRUARY 15
Big Thief at ACL Live ($35 and up)
FEBRUARY 16
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at the Moody Center
Holed up in his studio in the early days of the pandemic, Springsteen began recording covers of influential but often forgotten soul songs. He collected his faves on his 2022 release “Only the Strong Survive,” a buoyant, 15-song nostalgia bomb. This is the Boss at his most romantic, which is fitting, as love will be in the air as the tour hits Austin. Responding to fans who were shocked at the exorbitant ticket prices for this tour, Springsteen will release a live recording from each show. Technically sold out. moodycenteratx.com. — D.S.S.
Photos:Bruce Springsteen at BookPeople in 2016
Los Lonely Boys at the Paramount ($35 and up)
FEBRUARY 18-19
Poi Dog Pondering at ACL Live ($27.50)
FEBRUARY 21
Ari Lennox at Emo’s
In the music industry, they call it an underplay when you book an artist with a huge draw into a smaller venue. The first lady of J. Cole’s Dreamville Records is playing Emo’s in peak “Shea Butter” season, just months after releasing the impeccable collection of sparkling gems and sex bombs that is her second album, “age/sex/location.” Let’s go ahead and call this 2023’s first big underplay. $124.50. emosaustin.com. — D.S.S.
FEBRUARY 22
Journey Freedom Tour 2023 at the Moody Center ($92 and up)
Show Me the Body featuring Jesus Piece, Scowl, Zulu, Trippjones at Mohawk ($25)
FEBRUARY 23
John Cougar Mellencamp at Bass Concert Hall ($49.50 and up)
FEBRUARY 25
Cody Johnson at the Moody Center with Randy Houser and Jesse Raub Jr ($63 and up)
FEBRUARY 28
Muse, Evanescence, One OK Rock at the Moody Center ($79.50 and up)
Emotional Oranges at Emo’s ($25 and up)
MARCH 3
Betty Who, Shea Coulee at Scoot Inn
Start Pride a few months early with the gayest night in Austin. Indie-pop darling Betty Who, she of viral hit “Somebody Loves You” and many pride parade bookings across the land, will keep it ebullient with bops from latest LP "Big!" like “Light My Candle.” The Aussie import has tapped “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 5 champ Shea Coulee to open. And shady Miss Coulady is no one-lip-sync pony — her futuristic R&B-pop songs, like swoony “Feeling So” and steamy “Collide,” give Betty a run for her money. $30 general admission, $205 meet and greet package. scootinnaustinaustin. — E.W.
From 2014:Sing the body electric with internet sensation Betty Who
Pup and Joyce Manor at Stubb’s
Canadian punk band Pup, born from childhood collabs, has built a fervent fan base since their self-titled debut album came out in 2013. One time, I was walking to my car from Distribution Hall, and a guy who was just beaming shouted across the street to ask if I had come from the Pup show. I said no, but he said it was awesome. That seems like a great endorsement. They co-headline with California’s Joyce Manor, fellow pop-ish-punks who hail from California and will inspire singalongs to jackhammers like “Constant Headache.” Pool Kids opens. $32 and up. stubbsaustin.com. — E.W.
Kimbra at Empire ($25 and up)
MARCH 3-4
Buddy Guy at ACL Live
ACL Live was designed with impeccable sight lines, and most seats in the downtown venue are good seats. But this is doubly true at a Buddy Guy show. The 86-year-old blues artist has been known to surprise fans in the mezzanine with a seat-side serenade as he wanders the concert hall during his shows. Guy is a true guitar hero who has influenced everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Gary Clark Jr. He’s billing this run as his Damn Right Farewell tour, so this is your chance to send him off right. Eric Gales and Ally Venable open. $69 and up. acllive.com. — D.S.S.
MARCH 4
Magic City Hippies with Capyac at Stubb’s ($25)
MARCH 5
DVSN at Stubb’s ($32.50 and up)
MARCH 9
SZA, Omar Apollo at the Moody Center
For years, Solána Imani Rowe has used her art to wrangle insecurities and dissect heartbreaks in a way that speaks to the underdog in all of us. Consequently, on her new album, “SOS,” it’s a real treat to hear her casually muse about killing her ex on “Kill Bill,” set explicit guidelines for her sneaky link on “Low,” cast unapologetically bad vibes on “I Hate U” and get grimy as she burns some bridges on “Forgiveless.” moodycenteratx.com. Technically sold out. — D.S.S.
More:Vulnerability is her superpower: SZA's lighthouse guides wayward souls Friday at ACL Fest
MARCH 10
Los Temerarios at the Moody Center ($53)
MARCH 13-18
South by Southwest Music Festival
Even before the pandemic, the sun had set on the March music fest’s celebrity heyday. In the past few years, SXSW organizers have refocused on the event’s original purpose as an international discovery fest. Will your wristband include Lady Gaga playing Stubb’s or a Megan Thee Stallion pop-up at a parking lot in East Austin? Probably not. But you might catch this year’s Wet Leg, a sensation in the making who uses the spring fling to catapult themselves into the spotlight before summer touring season. There will be plenty of other opportunities to catch talented up-and-comers from around the globe, including a new Future of Music series that aims to peg breakouts, produced in partnership with Rolling Stone. $695 badge; wristbands will go on sale this year. sxsw.com. — D.S.S.
From March 2022:After two years of pandemic quiet, a smaller SXSW looks to turn the music back up
MARCH 21
Vance Joy at ACL Live (technically sold out)
MARCH 23
Elle King at ACL Live ($35 and up)
From 2014:Our interview with SXSW artist Elle King
MARCH 24
Drive-By Truckers at Paramount ($25 and up)
MARCH 30-APRIL 2
HonkTX! Community Street Band festival
Locations and lineup for the scrappy street band festival are not yet available, but ragtag bands of brassy merrymakers will be marching through the city all weekend long. HonkTX! events are free, family-friendly jams that celebrate street music traditions from N.O.L.A. second lines to European klezmer acts. Last year’s event included a Friday evening show behind Jo’s Coffee on South Congress and daylong parties at Mueller Lake Park on Saturday and Pan Am Park on Sunday. honktx.org. — D.S.S.
MARCH 31
Weyes Blood at Stubb’s ($25)
MARCH 31-APRIL 1
Morgan Wade with Kaitlin Butts at Scoot Inn. G.A. Technically sold out.
APRIL 1
Austin Urban Cultural Fest at Auditorium Shores
Scheduled to coincide with the Texas Relays track meet at the University of Texas, the event formerly known as Urban Music Fest has become the premier annual R&B happening in Central Texas. In recent years, organizers have expanded the event’s vision. Beyond music, the celebration spotlights Afro-centric food, clothing, dance and visual art from the Austin area. Seventies electrofunk influencers Zapp take top billing on a musical roster that also includes Mint Condition’s Stokley Williams,Lyfe Jennings, Chrisette Michelle and more. $75-$150. urbanmusicfest.com. — D.S.S.
Eric Johnson at the Paramount (originally scheduled for April 8, 2022) $25 and up.
APRIL 2
CMT Music Awards at the Moody Center
For the first time in history, the only fan-voted country music awards show is leaving Nashville. A few thousand tickets to the Kelsea Ballerini-hosted ceremony will be released to the general public soon. But even if you don’t manage to snag a seat, you might be able to boot up and boogie with the Country Music Television crew.“It's the first major award show in our city, and beyond what happens at the arena through the actual show and the red carpet ceremony, CMT is planning a citywide takeover,” Moody general manager Jeff Nickler told the Statesman in December. CMT live shows will broadcast on location from Austin, and Nickler said to expect pop-up parties and other events leading up to the show.moodycenteratx.com. — D.S.S.
APRIL 8
Dawes at ACL Live ($30)
APRIL 14
Keshi with No Rome, James Ivy at Waterloo Park ($37.50 and up)
APRIL 15
T.I. at Round Rock Amp
Beyond his step into reality TV and movies and a surprising career in comedy, T.I. is one of the most prolific rappers of his era. From his debut, “I’m Serious,” he’s been a marquee name in hip-hop, with region-defying hits that placed trap music on the national map and turned him into an industry legend. Over two decades, the “U Don’t Know Me” artist has built a musical catalog few rappers can match, and it will be on display at the Austin suburb's amphitheater. $40 and up. roundrockamp.com.— E.H.
APRIL 15-16
Two Step Inn at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown
Brought to you by the team that produces ACL Fest, this new fest in the northern 'burbs has a mission: to unite “old school and new school country" and "everything in between." Headliners Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers represent the new school, while veterans like Wynona Judd, Tanya Tucker and Travis Tritt hold it down for the old school. I suppose in this analogy, country-inspired sets from T-Pain and Diplo fall into the category of “everything in between.” Technically sold out. twostepinn.com. — D.S.S.
APRIL 20-23
Old Settler’s Music Festival in Dale
After significant restaffing during the pandemic shutdown, organizers say the 36-year-old roots-and-Americana music celebration will return to its, well, roots as a family-friendly campfire jam. In this case, it’s a jam that includes one of the most powerful voices of her generation, British singer-songwriter Yola, alongside top pickers the Wood Brothers. Americana duo Shovels and Rope and Austin fave Shinyribs round out the top tier of the roster. Festival organizers are also scaling back to daytime acts on the campground stage only and removing fences so campers can bring their own beverages throughout festival grounds. Advance prices: two-day for $100; three-day for $175; four-day for $225.oldsettlersmusicfest.org. — D.S.S.
APRIL 21-23
Austin Reggae Festival at Auditorium Shores
The lineup has not yet been released for this mellow-groove bash, but let’s be real: Does it matter? Flamingo Cantina, the Sixth Street club that has been home base for reggae in Austin for over 30 years, helps with booking, and there will be at least one or two international reggae heavies on the roster. But the event, which misses the stoner holiday 4/20 by one day this year, is about more than music. It’s an old-school Austin vibe fest with an extensive multicultural vendor market, diverse food offerings and blatant public celebration of a certain plant that was recently decriminalized in the city of Austin. austinreggaefest.com. — D.S.S.
APRIL 29
Austin Blues Festival at Waterloo Park
Back in 1999, Clifford Antone, founder of his famed namesake nightclub and the greatest blues patron in Austin history, launched a short-lived festival. Over three years, the Antone’s Blues Festival brought the likes of Ray Charles, Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker to Waterloo Park. Fast forward a few decades, and the team from his namesake club has joined forces with staff at Waterloo Greenway to revive the festival in the park’s beautiful new amphitheater. The festival traces the way the blues have moved through our culture, with a diverse lineup helmed by Latin-rock titans Los Lobos and Booker T’s Stax Revue, an ensemble led by the most famous Hammond B3 player in history. Adrian Quesada will bring a live rendition of his excellent new album, “Jaguar Sound,” to the stage, alongside BLK Odyssy, whose breathtaking expanded release, “BLK Vintage: The Reprise,” was one of the best albums of 2022.$50 and up. waterloogreenway.org. — D.S.S.
APRIL 27
Leo Kottke at the Paramount ($20 and up)
APRIL 29
Goth Babe with Yoke Lore at Stubb’s ($29.50 and up)
MAY 4
Tennis at ACL Live ($29.50 and up)
MAY 6-7
Pecan Street Festival
Celebrating its 48th year, the free event that sprawls down Sixth Streetis not only the largest arts and crafts festival in Central Texas, it’s one of the oldest events of its kind in the country. In addition to art vendors and street food, the festival operates multiple stages featuring live music from top local and regional acts. The fall edition of the fest takes place on Sept. 16-17.pecanstreetfestival.org. — D.S.S.
MAY 7
Placebo at Stubb’s ($35 and up)
MAY 8
Lizzy Alpine at ACL Live (technically sold out)
Lewis Capaldi at Waterloo Park ($23.50)
MAY 11
Yungblud with the Regrettes at Stubb’s ($39.50)
MAY 16
Ashe with Daniel Nunnelee at ACL Live ($35)
MAY 17
The Backseat Lovers at Waterloo Park ($33.50 and up)
MAY 18
HA*ASH at Waterloo Park
In 2022, the sister act from Lake Charles, Louisiana, celebrated their 20th anniversary in the music industry by releasing “Haashtag,” their first album in five years. They kicked off their Mi Salida Contigo tour in Mexico, where the run included four sold-out dates at Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional. They’ll be mixing new songs with old singalongs on this tour, which they described to Billboard magazine as their most ambitious outing to date.$32.50 and up. waterloogreenway.org. — D.S.S.
MAY 19
Hippo Campus, Gus Dapperton at Waterloo Park
Minneapolis indie-rock band Hippo Campus is a gentle storm; the childhood pals have made dents on the Billboard charts and filled hometown arena The Armory, a feat only matched by fellow citizen Lizzo, according to the Star Tribune. Fans of Dayglow and Vampire Weekend might vibe. For me, it's "LP3" single "Ride or Die" that first perked up my ears, a steady-clip indie morsel with a pretty fun video, too. Special guest Gus Dapperton makes a great playlist gem, too; check out 2020 album "Orca." $28 and up. waterloogreenway.org. — E.W.
MAY 19-20
Seismic Spring Lite Edition at Concourse Project
The little sister to Seismic’s fall event, one of the largest underground house and techno festivals in Texas. Two-day for $119 and up.— D.S.S.
MAY 21
They Might Be Giants at ACL Live (technically sold out)
MAY 24
Dermot Kennedy at Waterloo Park ($28 and up)
Plini with Sungazer, Jakub Zytecki at Mohawk ($25)
MAY 25-28
Hot Luck Fest in the Red River Cultural District
The food's the real draw at this event created by Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, James Moody of the Mohawk and Mike Thelin, co-founder of Feast Portland. But organizers generally provide a solid soundtrack to your noshing. The 2023 lineup has not been release but past artists include the Motts, Robert Ellis and DJ Jazzy Jeff. All access "whole enchilada" packages on sale for $450 plus fees. A la carte tickets will be available closer to the event. hotluckfest.com — D.S.S.
MAY 28
Two Friends at Stubb’s ($35 and up)
JUNE 1
Rebelution with Iration, The Expendables, Passafire at Waterloo Park ($28 and up)
JUNE 2-3
Billy Strings at Moody Center ($49.59 and up)
JUNE 4
Janet Jackson with Ludacris at the Moody Center
The reigning member of the Jackson dynasty hits the road for her first tour in four years. When we caught her at the Erwin Center in 2017, her tightly choreographed set was loaded with chart-topping hits. She gave a performance that reminded us why her music continues to bump on dance floors around the world for decades after it drops. Ludacris, who’s been on a seven-year rap sabbatical while he focused on his acting career, opens. $49.95 and up. moodycenteratx.com. — D.S.S.
JUNE 16-18
Oblivion Access Festival in the Red River Cultural District
The cult fave festival has been steadily expanding and the 2023 edition will bring the noise to seven venues in the Red River Cultural District including both stages at Empire and the Mohawk. The lineup isn't out yet, but organizers present a well-curated mix of eardrum-shattering metal, hip-hop and experimental music. All-access passes are sold out, but tickets to individual events will come online this year. oblivionaccessfestival.com. — D.S.S.
JULY 7
Blink-182 at Moody Center
The boys — three grown men — are back in town. Pop-punk godfathers blink-182 will test Austin’s arena appetite for late-'90s/early-2000s mischief like “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?” (Mark Hoppus is 50; Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker are 47. FYI.) The show will be big business for fans, marking the reunion of the classic lineup after a decade. In fact, it’s their first Austin show with DeLonge since 2000. Baltimore punks Turnstile open. $179 and up. moodycenteratx.com.— E.W.
JULY 7
Louis Tomlinson at Waterloo Park ($41 and up)
JULY 9
Paramore at the Moody Center
When it rains, it Para-pours. Pours-a-more? The point is, after a dry stretch, fans of Tennessee-born alt-rockers Paramore have been fed. Hayley Williams, Zac Farro and Taylor York played both weekends of ACL Fest 2022. They will drop their sixth album, “This Is Why,” in February. And then their tour will take them to the Moody Center, where all will get another chance to pledge their fealty to Williams, perhaps contemporary rock’s greatest frontwoman. Let the streets run orange with pop-punk glory! Foals and the Linda Lindas will open. $150 and up. moodycenteratx.com.— E.W.
More:Behold the orange reign of Paramore, ACL Fest's greatest rock band
AUGUST 5
Thomas Rhett with special guests Cole Swindell and Nate Smith at Moody Center ($39 and up)
AUGUST 14
Foreigner with Loverboy at the Moody Center ($29 and up)
SEPTEMBER 15
Arctic Monkeys with Fontaines D.C. at Moody Center ($104 and up)
OCTOBER 5 and 7
Death Grips at Emo’s (technically sold out)
OCTOBER 6-8 and 13-15
Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park
The massive multistage blowout draws roughly 75,000 daily to the crown jewel of Austin’s parks system. The lineup won’t drop until late spring, but it’s safe to expect a cross-genre mix of chart-toppers playing songs you might have heard on the radio or at the gym, alongside up-and-comers playing songs you might hear at the gym in a few months. Also expect a few legacy rockers for the silver foxes, and a few TikTok stars the silver foxes have never heard of, in the mix. The first round of tickets went on sale and sold out in November. Three-day passes start at $300.aclfestival.com. — D.S.S.
More:48 never-before-seen portraits of stars at ACL Fest
OCTOBER 26-29
Levitation in the Red River Cultural District
The local experimental music festival returns with four days of boundary-pushing music. The lineup won't be out for a while, but past headliners have included Jesus and Mary Chain, L7, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and host band the Black Angels. levitation.fm. — D.S.S.
NOVEMBER 10-12
Seismic Dance Fest at Concourse Project
The lineup for the two-day, multi-stage house and techno festival in Southeast Austin won’t be out for a while, but past headliners have included international stars like Jamie XX, Black Coffee and Fatboy Slim. In addition to music, the event includes art installations, food trucks and more. Three-day $169 and up. concourseproject.com. — D.S.S.
UPDATE: This article has been updated to correct the date of Austin Blues Festival.
