Can you remember your first-ever concert? We can, and we’re not even a little embarrassed to say it was Shaggy. We love getting a fresh perspective, and Austin’s Top Teen-Friendly Music Venues comes to you from Austin teen, Cameron Howe. Whether your teen has been going to concerts for years, or they’re ready for their very first one, Cameron nailed it with her top picks for where to see live music for teens. Enjoy!
About our contributing author, Cameron Howe: As a music enthusiast teen and an Austin local for the past 14 years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience many great concerts and venues. I am a high school student at Acton Academy West, a budding guitarist, and a self-declared vinyl store addict.
While these venues all cater to teens, not every show is teen-friendly by default. Be sure to double-check before you go!
—The Moody Amphitheater
1401 Trinity St.
The newly opened Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park has quickly become a favorite amongst Austinites. With a wide open lawn and a beautiful view of downtown, it can set you up for a great night out. The venue offers seating closer to the stage as well as more affordable lawn seating, where you bring your own picnic blanket. All shows are for all ages, making Moody Amphitheater perfect for families and friends of any age group.
— Mohawk Austin
912 Red River St.
Located on East Riverside, Mohawk is a casual, come-one-come-all venue that consistently showcases local and national acts. Featuring two stages, an outdoor patio, and a shaded inside area, Mohawk is dedicated to making its environment open to all ages. Additionally, the venue caters to a variety of musical genres, from rock and indie to hip-hop and electronic. So whatever your music taste might be, Mohawk will not disappoint.
— Radio Coffee
4204 Menchaca Rd.
Radio Coffee is more than just a place to get your caffeine fix. It also serves up the perfect mix of food trucks, an open-air patio, and – you guessed it – live music. From Bluegrass Nights every Monday to a variety of acoustic acts, Radio offers something new with each visit. And the best part? Dogs are welcome, which means you can soak up your favorite music with your favorite furry friend.
— ACL Live at Moody Theater
310 W Willie Nelson Blvd.
Not only is Moody Theater one of the most famous venues in Austin, it’s also a favorite among teens. It serves as the home for the taping of Austin City Limits, the longest-running music series in American television history. Whether you’re dancing to your heart’s content on the floor or seated in the upper balcony, the space will never fail to match your energy.
— Stubb’s BBQ
801 Red River St.
My first Stubb’s experience was seeing pop artists Claire Rosinkranz and Alec Benjamin. The stage has a large cover that reflects the light making the production feel very intimate. What’s more, the venue is outside, so you can enjoy your favorite music while taking in the beautiful downtown Austin scenery.
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