Austin calls itself the "Live Music Capital of the World," and with good reason. "Home to both huge festivals, like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, and many smaller venues, music is a huge part of what keeps Austin weird — and what makes it such a huge vacation spot for millennials," Smith said.
In addition to ACL and SXSW, there is an insane local music scene that goes way beyond the country, honky tonk music you'd expect (but they have that too!).
The Guild's Red River location is a great place to stay to experience Austin and its music (not to mention each room is outfitted with a record player and the team can customize a personal playlist to have going the second you walk in the door). Nearby venues include Mohawk, Stubbs BBQ, The Elephant Room (hidden gem of a jazz bar with live local music every night), Beerland (anchor of the Austin punk scene for decades and essential touring stop for bands and local artists), Cheer Up Charlies (vegan- and LGBTQ-friendly venue hosting punk, electronic, hip-hop artists, storytelling nights, and karaoke), Empire Control Room (EDM/dance music), and more.
Hotel San José hosts the annual South x San Jose each year, the hotel's free music festival that takes place in the hotel's parking lot, while Hotel Saint Cecilia was inspired by the patron saint of music and features Rega turntables and Geneva sound systems in its suites, along with amenities such as a lending library of vintage LPs, a guitar loan program with Gibson, and private vintage vinyl shopping services. The Foo Fighters even named their latest EP after Saint Cecilia, having recorded the album while staying at the property.
