Must-see entertainment in Texas

  • Hideout Coffee House & Theatre

    Austin

    The hipsters' Hideout is a small coffeehouse–theater space that rubs shoulders with the big theaters on Congress Ave. Shows here feature live improv with…

  • Hyde Park Theatre

    Austin

    This is one of Austin's coolest small theaters, presenting regional premieres of off-Broadway hits and recent Obie (Off-Broadway Theater Awards) winners…

  • Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

    Houston

    Home to the Theatre Under the Stars, which produces big-budget, Broadway-style musicals (actually inside and in air-conditioned comfort, despite the…

  • TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls

    Austin

    Get ready to rumble – it's roller-derby night and the Hellcat women skaters are expected to kick some Cherry Bomb ass. No matter who wins, the TXRD…

  • Sam's Burger Joint

    San Antonio

    More than just a burger joint, Sam's also has a hoppin' live-music venue with a full schedule of bands playing every night except Tuesday. Check online to…

  • American Airlines Center

    Dallas

    Located in Victory Park, this stadium hosts mega-concerts and is home to the Dallas Stars ice-hockey team and the Dallas Mavericks pro-basketball team.

  • McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater

    El Paso

    The Viva! El Paso musical plays in this scenic outdoor amphitheater on Friday and Saturday nights in June and July. It's located in Franklin Mountains…

  • Showtime! El Paso

    El Paso

    Stages five eclectic live shows per season at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. How eclectic? Well, you might see anything from a guitar-playing comedy trio to…

  • Fitzgerald's

    Houston

    When the Fitz first opened in the late '70s everyone from Stevie Ray Vaughan to the Ramones played here. Today you might catch a grunge-rock or heavy…

  • Dallas Stars

    Dallas

    No demerits if you've never heard of the Dallas Stars, the very mediocre hometown NHL hockey team. Getting near the ice for a game at the American…

  • Whataburger Field

    Corpus Christi

    Corpus Christi's minor league baseball team, the Hooks, are a AA affiliate of the Houston Astros. Games at Whataburger Field are fun-filled family affairs…

  • Hill Country Arts Foundation

    Hill Country

    Runs the Point Theater, which hosts performances year-round (on indoor and outdoor stages). Also the home of the concrete Stonehenge II.

  • Arneson River Theater

    San Antonio

    Catch a show or live music performance on this outdoor stage, which sits across the river from the audience. It's on the River Walk in La Villita Historic…

  • Austin Symphony

    Austin

    Founded in the early 20th century, the city's oldest performing-arts group plays classical and pop music at numerous venues throughout the city. The main…

  • Flamingo Cantina

    Austin

    Called 'the last place with soul on 6th,' Austin's premier reggae joint prides itself on its good rasta vibes and bouncy dance floor. Seat yourself on the…

  • Continental Club

    Houston

    You can't beat the top-notch rock, rockabilly and theme events at least five nights a week. It's got a good bar and patio; the performance hall has just…

  • Emo's East

    Austin

    For over 20 years, Emo's led the pack in the punk and indie scene in a crowded space on Red River St. Since 2011, it's been enjoying some shiny new digs …

  • Elephant Room

    Austin

    This intimate, subterranean jazz club has a cool vibe, and live music almost every night. The cover charge stays low, mostly free except on weekends, and…

  • Cactus Theater

    Panhandle Plains

    This handsome 1938 theater presents live gigs – it’s a major stop for touring country stars – and tribute acts to the likes of Elvis, Neil Diamond or…

  • Austin Film Society

    Austin

    Frequent classic and independent film screenings at venues around town. Slacker director Richard Linklater was an early promoter and Quentin Tarantino is…

  • Cine El Rey

    Rio Grande Valley

    An anchor of the 17th St nightlife district, the historic Cine El Rey has transitioned from from the Spanish-language films of the past to genre-crossing…

  • Will Rogers Memorial Center

    Fort Worth

    The 1936 Will Rogers Coliseum in the Cultural District hosts big-name concerts and other events, including the Forth Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

  • Music Hall at Fair Park

    Dallas

    Hosts summer performances of the Broadway blockbuster-style Dallas Summer Musicals (see www.dallassummermusicals.org). Also, larger special events and…

  • Alamo Drafthouse

    El Paso

    The popular Austin theater chain recently opened in west El Paso in the mixed-use Montecillo development. Come for craft beer, good food and a top-quality…

  • Firehouse Saloon

    Houston

    Live Texas music with a twang. Though you can catch the odd rock or rockabilly band playing at this big barnlike place, most of the acts are pure country…

  • Backdoor Comedy

    Dallas

    A short drive north from downtown, this is Dallas' original stand-up comedy venue, featuring several comics each night. The laughs will help you ignore…

  • Theatre Under the Stars

    Houston

    Stages big name musicals – many on tour from Broadway – indoors in air-con comfort at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

  • Dallas Comedy House

    Dallas

    Following in the footsteps of New York's UCB or LA's the Groundlings, this is Dallas' best place for improv comedy (and lessons). On student nights, the…

  • AT&T Center

    San Antonio

    The San Antonio Spurs basketball team plays home games at this indoor arena. It's also the setting for concerts and rodeos.

  • Toyota Center

    Houston

    Basketball fans can watch the NBA’s Houston Rockets (www.nba.com/rockets) at this huge, modern arena which also hosts big-name concerts.

  • Dallas Opera

    Dallas

    This top-notch arts organization performs at the Winspear Opera House in the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

  • El Paso Opera

    El Paso

    Performances at venues large and small around town. Recent productions include The Magic Flute and Hansel and Gretel.

  • Pocket Sandwich Theater

    Dallas

    This strip mall–located dinner theater hosts light and easy shows several nights a week. Also comedy shows and cabaret.

  • Basement Bar

    Fort Worth

    This dark, intimate bar tucked underneath the Stockyards hosts eclectic local music. Many nights deejays spin country.

  • Houston Symphony

    Houston

    Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada has won acclaim for his highly competent performances of mainstream classics.

  • Revention Music Center

    Houston

    This massive entertainment venue books big-name music performers and various acts that include local roller derby.

  • Alamodome

    San Antonio

    Convention center and arena hosting concerts, conventions and the Alamo Bowl, an annual college football game.

  • San Antonio Dance Umbrella

    San Antonio

    Supports and promotes dance performances across San Antonio. Visit the website for a list of regular shows.

  • AMC Dine-in Houston-8

    Houston

    Formerly Sundance Houston, this theater shows indie, foreign and art-house films in an upscale setting.

  • Frank Erwin Center

    Austin

    This arena hosts big-name concerts, UT men's and women's basketball games, and graduation ceremonies.