Music is life in Austin, TX, and it’s incredibly easy to weave catching a show into a visit to the city that calls itself the live music capital of the world. In fact, many of Sofar’s Austin venues double as awesome places to hang out — think art galleries, wine shops, and yoga spaces. With so many things to do in Austin, it’s great when you can combine seeing live music (an absolute must) with checking out local-favorite spots like the ones below.
Cape Bottle Room
Wine bars are a dime a dozen, but a wine bar inspired by and totally dedicated to celebrating the wines of South Africa? That’s definitely different. Cape Bottle Room is a beautiful little space with zero pretension, fun wines, and it’s the perfect backdrop for a Sofar show. Cases of wine and amps mingle side by side and clusters of string lights and rows of wine bottles create the ultimate alternative to a traditional stage.
Aviator Nation
Aviator Nation may be a clothing store, but it’s got a serious vibe. Handmade 70s-inspired clothing fills the shop, bringing a sort of dreamy California beach cool to the streets of Austin. The brand is a fave of musicians including Selena Gomez, and music is a part of its core philosophy, so it makes perfect sense that it would be a Sofar venue. Retail therapy and music therapy have never been such an easy pair.
Wild Heart Yoga
If you’re the kind of music-loving traveler who brings their yoga practice with them, you’ve got two reasons to head to Wild Heart Yoga. Do your sun salutations under the oaks on the yoga deck, or head inside for some slow flow. And if you’re looking for the perfect way to build a bridge between yoga and music, head to the studio’s hip hop vinyasa class. When it’s time for the show, you can settle into a new kind of mindful practice: enjoying the sounds of a Sofar show in this beauty of a space.
Blue Norther
The Blue Norther space knows its way around a good time. This local-made hard seltzer tasting room is run by a father-and-son team named Austin (yup, both of them), and it comes complete with a modern-Texas-inspired space with a stage ready for the live musicians that make nights out in this town so unforgettable. The laid-back space is the perfect spot to grab a drink and discover some new music, Sofar style.
Texas Sake Company
When you’re looking for things to do in Austin, a sake tasting might not be the obvious choice. But who wants obvious? Texas Sake Co adds a hyperlocal twist with its signature mix of Calrose rice, home-grown koji, classic Japanese sake yeast, and filtered Austin water. Go deep in the tap room with anything from tasting flights to sparkling sakes and frozen sake drinks (margarita, anyone?) to rice beer. And when it’s time for the Sofar show, the cool warehouse space gets really vibey with mood lighting and a crowd of like minded music lovers.
The Austin Winery
The Austin Winery really is fueled by the spirit of the city. In its South Austin warehouse, this small urban winery has a playful and bold approach to winemaking, with a list that includes pet-nat, piquette, and aromatized wines. Lots of big barrels inside remind you that you’re never far from that fermentation magic, and comfy spaces outdoors let in plenty of that Texas sunshine. Music is the perfect pairing here, making this an ideal spot for a Sofar concert.
Ready to explore shows in Austin and beyond? See concerts near you.
Words by Sofar Editorial Team
