What are Austin's hottest summer concerts? Lorde, Bob Dylan, Wu-Tang, Willie and more.
As Austin's summer heats up, so does the city's music scene. From indie darlings like Tennis on their bittersweet farewell tour, and the soulful grooves of Durand Jones & The Indications, to the return of the Marias and Kali Uchis, and the raw power of Ethel Cain and Hiatus Kaiyote, Austin's venues are buzzing with anticipation.
Plus, get ready for an unforgettable Fourth of July as Willie Nelson's iconic picnic brings a reunion with Bob Dylan to the stage. Whether you're seeking a major headliner like Lorde or Tate McRae, an epic return from Alabama Shakes, or simply soaking in the sounds at one of Austin's many beloved free concert series, prepare to turn up the volume on your summer soundtrack.
June 7: The Black Keys at Waterloo Park
The world is due for a garage rock revival. Enter the Black Keys. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are back on tour for their new album “No Rain, No Flowers” coming August 8. So far, they’ve put out three singles this year: “The Night Before,” “Babygirl” and the title track for the new release. This year is a fresh start for the Black Keys following a turbulent 2024. Last year, the band put out their 12th studio album “Ohio Players,” but canceled an entire North American arena tour and parted ways with their management. No sweat, all the Keys fans are still “Howlin’ for You.” If you’re an alt-rock fan looking for plans this summer— don’t be a “Lonely Boy,” go spread out a blanket at Waterloo Park and give some love to the Black Keys. — Mars Salazar
Info: All ages, $112 and up, moodyamphitheater.com
June 11: Tennis at Stubb's BBQ
After 15 years of enchanting us, beloved duo Tennis is set to play what could be their final Austin show. Following the release of "Face Down in the Garden" earlier this year, the band announced an indefinite hiatus. This might be your last chance to catch the husband-and-wife pair playing synth pop-rock live. — Ana Gutierrez
Info: All ages, $30 and up, stubbsaustin.com
June 14: Big Dumb Fest at Mohawk
Austin’s premier rock band Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol are back with the third rendition of their annual Big Dumb Fest. The lineup features a fine assortment of local talent, including Gus Baldwin & the Sketch, the Grasshopper Lies Heavy, Gran Moreno, Bat Lips, Glime, and Subpar Snatch. Bad Larry’s Burger Club and Sucio Boy Burgers will be popping up to serve burgers, alongside hot dogs from Grandpa’s Glizzys. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $28, mohawkaustin.com
June 15: Wu-Tang Clan at Moody Center
"Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber" will celebrate the group's three-decade run that changed hip-hop forever. Fans can expect Wu-Tang Clan songs that have never been heard before and iconic hits from their expansive catalogue, including tracks from their 1993 debut album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" and their Grammy-nominated 1997 release "Wu-Tang Forever." This tour comes just after the group completed their first-ever residency in Las Vegas, which brought together all members sans GZA. They are warmed up to leave fans with a lasting impression of the group's legacy. Need a refresher? Take a listen to “Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman,” their collaborative album with Mathematics that came out in April. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $82 and up, moodycenteratx.com
June 27-28: Phish at Moody Center
Is it just me, or does something smell Phish-y? The rock band has garnered a cult-like following since their ’90s heyday. Folks were shocked that the jam-band kings were snubbed for a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2025. Like fans of Ween, dedicated Phishheads aim to see the band play live at over 50 shows. This has spawned an ongoing documentary series called “The Humans of Phish,” which chronicles the nomadic fanbase that follows the band from venue to venue across the country. Decades in, Phish is still going strong. They put out a new album in 2024 called “Evolve,” inspired Ben & Jerry’s flavor (Phish Food) and Bernie Sanders even called them “one of the great American rock bands.” Who knew the Vermont senator got down like that? — M.S.
Info: All ages, $82 and up, moodycenteratx.com
July 4: Willie's Fourth of July Picnic at Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Like a well-worn pair of cowboy boots, Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic has been a Texas institution for decades, though sometimes it kicks up dust in other states. Last year, Willie and Family even moseyed on over to New Jersey. This year, the star-spangled shindig is returning home to the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. The Austin homecoming promises a truly historic lineup. Not only are Willie Nelson and Family headlining, with support from the likes of the Avett Brothers, the Mavericks, Asleep at the Wheel, and Tami Neilson, but for the first time in 12 years, Bob Dylan will be gracing the Picnic stage. Tickets start at $77. — A.G.
Info: All ages, $77 and up, germaniaamp.com
July 13: The Marias at Moody Center
After navigating a year of intense personal and creative upheaval, The Marias are making a triumphant return. Following a near-split sparked by the romantic breakup of frontwoman Maria Zardoya and Josh Conway, the band found solace and renewed purpose through therapy, culminating in the 2024 album "Submarine." This year, their new singles continue to evoke those raw, "text-your-ex" emotions that have captivated their fanbase. Resale tickets are available on Ticketmaster. — A.G.
Info: All ages, $238 and up, moodycenteratx.com
July 15: The Psychedelic Furs at ACL Live
The tide is turning and a “new wave” is washing some retro relics onto the shoreline. Remember the Psychedelic Furs? They took over MTV in the ’80s with their pop hits “Love My Way” and “Pretty in Pink.” The veteran band is teaming up with synth pop legend Gary Numan, who led the band Tubeway Army (cue “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?”) and cemented himself as a bonafide tastemaker with “The Pleasure Principle” (1979). The Psychedelic Furs put out an album in 2020, “Made of Rain,” marking an end to their nearly 30-year hiatus. The latest album came out just as concerts shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a five year delay for the big tour they had planned to support the release. After the unexpected wait, the Furs have publicly shared that they are eager to finally play the new material for live audiences. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $50 and up, acllive.com
July 24-26: Red River Cultural District's Hot Summer Nights
Red River Cultural District's free music festival Hot Summer Nights is making its triumphant annual return with over 150 Austin bands playing shows at more than 10 local music venues for three nights on July 24 to 26. This year will also feature new daytime programming for families, food and drink specials, vendor markets, wellness activities and more. While we are still waiting on this year's music and venue lineup to drop, you can RSVP and make a small donation in advance for a chance to win a special skip-the-line homie badge. — M.S.
Info: All ages, free, redriverculturaldistrict.org
July 29: Wiz Khalifa at Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Even at 37 years old, Wiz Khalifa is still “Young, Wild & Free.” The second leg of Wiz's “Good Vibes Only” tour, deemed the “Smoker’s Edition,” kicks off in Austin with Dom Kennedy, Earl Sweatshirt, Curren$y and AB-Soul. The rapper released his eighth studio album “Kush + Orange Juice 2”, which features the likes of Gunna, Smoke DZA and Ty Dolla $ign, in April. This new project is a sequel to “Kush + Orange Juice,” which came out in 2010. The album reflects 15 years of growth for the Pittsburgh-raised rhymesmith, who now prioritizes his two young children. We may be shifting into a “Wiz Khalifa, the dad” era, but here’s to keeping your nose perked for earthy smells emanating from the stage during his show. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $43 and up, germaniaamp.com
Aug. 6: Teddy Swims at Waterloo Park
Not long after his performance at Austin City Limits Music Festival last October, Teddy Swims is paddling back into town. Since we saw him last, the genre-bending singer has taken a deeper dive into the pop culture zeitgeist. He recently broke a Billboard Hot 100 record with his single “Lose Control,” which spent 92 weeks on the chart, marking the longest time a song has stayed on the chart since its inception in 1958. Teddy Swims was also just presented with BMI’s “Pop Song of the Year” award at Radio City Music Hall for the same smash hit. You may hear his voice in commercials soon as he was named KAY Jewelers' first ever “chief love officer” and will be recording his own version of the company’s iconic jingle. “Every kiss begins with Kay?” more like “Every kiss begins with Teddy.” — M.S.
Info: All ages, $156 and up, moodyamphitheater.com
Aug. 26: Ethel Cain at Waterloo Park
Prepare for a captivating (and perhaps a little chilling) experience as Ethel Cain brings her haunting, gospel-infused sound to Waterloo Park. Her latest album, "Perverts," weaves a tapestry of dark, ambient soundscapes so potent, they could soundtrack your deepest fears. While her "Willoughby Tucker Forever" tour stop is officially sold out, resale tickets are available for those brave enough to step into her evocative world. — A.G.
Info: All ages, $50 and up, moodyamphitheater.com
Aug. 26: Hiatus Kaiyote at Emo's
This Australian quartet is bringing their neo-soul, jazz-funk sound to Emo’s in August. Celebrated for their "wondercore" sound and boasting multiple Grammy nominations, their live show promises an intoxicating blend of intellectual depth, undeniable groove, and profound emotional richness. — A.G.
Info: All ages, $55 and up, emosaustin.com
Aug. 31: Kali Uchis at Moody Center
Following the release of her deeply personal album "Sincerely," Kali Uchis is set to bring her enchanting sound to Austin with special guests Thee Sacred Souls. This highly anticipated show marks the acclaimed Colombian-American singer's first tour since abruptly canceling a 2023 ACL Fest appearance, then welcoming her child with Don Toliver. Expect a heartfelt performance. Resale tickets are available on Ticketmaster. — A.G.
Info: All ages, $79 and up, moodycenteratx.com
Aug. 31: Fitz and the Tantrums at ACL Live
I feel like I’ve been waiting “forty days and forty nights” to see Fitz and the Tantrums come back to Austin. In reality, they played ACL Live last August and are about to play the same venue again a year later. The band has released two new singles teasing their new album “Man on the Moon” coming July 25, “Ruin The Night” and the project’s title track. “FITZ” namesake Michael Fitzpatrick is helping craft the band's next run of dance floor anthems after putting out his own solo album, “Summer Of Us,” last November. The band also made an appearance at UT’s Longhorn City Limits last September after Texas football’s SEC opening home game. Fitz and the Tantrums may be from California but it’s clear they have a soft spot for Austin. We can give them a “HandClap” for that. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $40 and up, acllive.com
Sept. 5: Pixies at Waterloo Park
Pixies are real and they’re from Boston. They may not have wings and wands, but they’ve been making magic since 1986 and asking important questions like, “Where Is My Mind?” The group put out a new album “The Night the Zombies Came” in 2024 and a two-disc live recording on May 20 called “Bossanova x Trompe Le Monde.” Last August, they told Consequence that they are excited to be making new music because they “don’t want to be a Pixies cover band.” Pixies fans love the old stuff, but the band still has so much more to offer than their famous tracks from “Surfer Rosa” (1988) and “Doolittle” (1989). Pixies will be joined on tour by Austin’s Spoon in August and September. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $65 and up, moodyamphitheater.com
Sept. 14: Ice Cube at Moody Center
“It Was A Good Day” when I heard that Ice Cube is coming to Austin. O'Shea Jackson Sr. was previously a member of rap group N.W.A., and made his mark as an actor in classic films “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) and “Friday” (1995). Beyond his 2024 album “Man Down” and April single “She’s Sanctified” featuring Snoop Dogg, Cube is about to add a new professional basketball team, the Los Angeles Riot, to the three-on-three circuit he founded. He was also cast in Seth Rogan’s satire TV show “The Studio” for an episode where characters contemplated whether he'd be a problematic voice for the Kool-Aid Man. At this point in his career, Ice Cube is a performer basically playing the character Ice Cube, and we love him for that. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $75 and up, moodycenteratx.com
Sept. 16: Durand Jones & The Indications at Stubb's BBQ
As the Austin summer gently fades, prepare for a luscious wave of soul as Durand Jones & The Indications bring their silky sound to town. With their highly anticipated album "Flowers" set to bloom later this month, anticipate a record that evokes the golden era of '60s and '70s soul, drawing comparisons to legends like Curtis Mayfield and Al Green. — A.G.
Info: All ages, $40 and up, stubbsaustin.com
Sept. 16: Tate McRae at Moody Center
Here's an opportunity to see one of pop music’s fastest rising stars. Hits like "Sports Car," showcase her knack for catchy melodies, sharp songwriting and danceable bops. She’ll be bringing Zara Larsson as a special guest. (If you miss Larsson this time, she’ll be back Oct. 31 with Alessi Rose at the Moody Center. — A.G.
Info: All ages, $94 and up, moodycenteratx.com
Sept. 17: Lorde at Moody Center
You know the drill: tickets for Lorde's highly anticipated "Ultrasound" stop at the Moody Center vanished in a flash. But resale tickets are still available for what promises to be an electric evening. Her upcoming album "Virgin" is set to drop on June 27, and the anticipation is palpable, as Lorde's fans eagerly await what she's cooking post-"Solar Power." Attendees can expect a set list that weaves together her acclaimed earlier hits with thrilling new material. Also performing are the Japanese House as well as Chanel Beads. — A.G.
Info: All ages, $153 and up, moodycenteratx.com
Sept. 19: Benson Boone at Moody Center
It’s no small feat that Benson Boone’s “American Heart” tour tickets sold out in nine seconds (according to his Instagram post). His hype makes sense. The 22-year-old was on an upward trajectory long before he played Austin City Limits Music Festival last October. Since then, Boone has performed alongside Queen’s Brian May at Coachella and taken center stage at this year’s American Music Awards, where he racked up five nominations. Don’t “flip” out if you weren’t able to snag tickets to see him this summer. Resale tickets are steep, but still available if you want to see his glittering jumpsuits in person. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $155 and up, moodycenteratx.com
Sept. 25: Alabama Shakes at Moody Center
Hearts soared when Alabama Shakes announced that new music is in the works via a January 27 Instagram post. The band went on a hiatus in 2018, but surprised fans with a comeback show in 2024. While we enjoyed Brittany Howard’s two interim solo albums, it’s been way too long since 2015’s “Sound & Color.” In Alabama Shakes band member news: Howard was recently featured on Miley Cyrus’ May 30 record “Something Beautiful” on the song “Walk of Fame,” while longtime drummer Steve Johnson was left out of the band’s recent reunion show and publicity photos. I’ll be crying tears of joy when I see Alabama Shakes play for the first time in years, assured that everything’s “Always Alright.” — M.S.
Info: All ages, $77 and up, moodycenteratx.com
Sept. 25-28: Levitation Fest at Palmer Events Center
Levitation spawned in the tour van of Austin psych heavies the Black Angels. Starting in 2008 as Austin Psych Fest, musicians Christian Bland and Alex Maas and their friend Rob Fitzpatrick have made it their mission to put on a grassroots psych showcase with music from around the globe. Levitation has existed in several formats, and this year, organizers are shifting programming from a multi-venue structure to a centralized location at the Palmer Events Center. However, the fest will continue to host individually ticketed late-night shows in the Red River Cultural District during the four-day event. — M.S.
Info: All ages, $110 and up; tickets for night shows vary, levitation.fm
All summer: Free concert series
Austin offers an abundance of free live music throughout the summer, with several concert series providing musical experiences across the city. Kicking off the season, Zilker Botanical Garden hosts its "Bands in Bloom" series on Thursdays in June. Simultaneously, the Bullock Museum's "Music Under The Star" transforms the new Capitol Mall Amphitheater into an outdoor venue every Friday in June.
The Long Center also adds to the free music scene with its "Drop-In" series, running every Thursday from May 22 through August 14, showcasing local talents and stunning downtown views. Also at the Long Center, the Austin Symphony Orchestra presents "Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park" on Sunday evenings through June 29.
Independence Day brings the Star Spangled Fest back to Auditorium Shores, featuring the Austin Symphony Orchestra's free concert and fireworks display. Later in the summer, the long-standing Pan Am Hillside Concert Series will return in July.
Finally, the iconic Blues on the Green series will make its 34th return to Zilker Park on August 5-6, continuing its tradition of showcasing Austin-based musical acts for family and pet-friendly evenings on the Great Lawn. — A.G.