3 Best Performing Arts Venues in Austin, Texas

Eight classical concerts, four pops concerts, a holiday-favorite performance, a children's Halloween presentation, and many free events are performed by the Austin Symphony, Austin's oldest performing arts organization, throughout the year. Performances are held at the Long Center.

The flagship theater of the Texas Performing Arts is the largest of its kind in Austin and attracts visitors from near and far for special symphony, orchestra, choral, ensemble, and concert band performances. The 2,900-seat auditorium is world-class in every way. Also inside, the smaller, more intimate Bates Recital Hall features performances by both students and faculty of the University of Texas as well as professional visiting musicians.

On the western outskirts of town, The Backyard offers a modern stage setting beneath the starlit sky featuring a similar line up of classic rock bands, singer-songwriters, country musicians and more during the spring, summer and fall. (Open from March through October.) Each season opens with an annual performance from the Hill Country's adopted son, Willie Nelson.