@TXEmoClub
The summer after my freshman year at UT-Austin, I obtained a fake ID realistic enough to only once get shut down by a discerning door guy at the Liberty. After turning 21, I passed it along to a younger roommate, who promptly lost it at Barracuda (R.I.P.). A friendly bartender messaged my boyfriend: “Found this on the ground. I didn’t know Rachel was from Connecticut!”
For those uninterested in illegality, all ages are regularly welcome at the Ballroom, Far Out Lounge, and the Mohawk. Empire Control Room and Parish also upped majority any-age offerings under new booking by Resound Presents. Breweries and eateries are also reliable picks for catching under-21 shows, including the ABGB, Kick Butt Coffee, Meanwhile Brewing, Radio Coffee & Beer, Independence Brewing, and food-truck-surrounded Kenny Dorham’s Backyard. If you’re solely looking to dance, 18+ nights run at Mala Vida (Thursdays) and Rain on 4th (some weeknights).
Naturally, the biggest touring venues like ACL Live, Emo’s, the Long Center, and Stubb’s are also all-ages to host thousands for, say, Harry Styles at the new on-UT-campus Moody Center. All of the above are certainly worth a follow, but if you’re seeking curation of the indie-leaning, locally sourced, or undergraduate-oriented kind, scroll the following Instagram accounts.
To Follow if You’re Looking for Substantive Live Music Under 21 …
@BallroomTX
Formerly known as the Spider House Ballroom, the Ballroom offers the closest just-next-to-UT room and disco ball, booking all-ages and often via Texas’ Spune Productions (@spune).
@ResoundPresents
@KVRXAustin
The student radio frequency, 91.7FM, regularly picks Austin acts collegiate and beyond for 18+ shows at venues around town, alongside their on-air programming.
@ResoundPresents
Austin’s biggest independent concert promoter consistently invites all ages across incoming rising stars and legacy alt-standards from Stereolab to Girlpool.
@ThisIsAustin.NotThatGreat
This dependably interesting collection of Austin punk gigs prioritizes no age limits, including for Acaustix, Algara, Damak, and more at Mohawk on Aug. 30.
@TXEmoClub
Not always all-ages, Texas Emo Club launches a new 18+ Tear Drop emo/rap night this evening, August 18, with emotive sounds like Lil Peep, SZA, and $uicideboy$ at Parish. Unfortunately, their crown jewel, Jimmy Eat Wednesday, is 21+.
@UT_Headliners
Headliners – UT’s student-run planning committee – throws free-with-student-ID concerts like 24th Street Festival and springtime centerpiece Forty Acres Fest, featuring Coin earlier this year.
@UTUnions
UT University Unions’ page is the best place to find announcements for on-campus listening room the Cactus Cafe, legendary stage for stars like Lucinda Williams, with open mics every Tuesday.
@FREQSystem
@XplodedDrawing
Always $5 and all-ages, the 11-years-running Exploded Drawing party gathers electronica, beatmaking, hip-hop, and more in an artsy warehouse space, sans elevated stage. See Crucial Concerts for Friday’s lineup.
More U-21 Mentions: West …….