While Texas is known for its two-stepping honky-tonk of a good time, there are a few places that are known for their unique and impressive live performances.  If you haven't experienced any of the following, it's time you "went on tour" to these music and performance venues!

1. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The Woodlands, TX

Located just north of Houston, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion outdoor amphitheatre was rated the second most popular amphitheater worldwide in 2012.  Performances of the past have brought the arts to the masses, with productions by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera.  Popular touring artists of the past include Frank Sinatra, Bette Midler, Van Halen, Rod Stewart, Britney Spears, and more recent names including Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, One Direction, Kelly Clarkson, and Train.  From performances in the arts to popular contemporary artists, the pavilion offers an array of entertainment in a unique outdoor atmosphere. 

 

 

2. Billy Bob’s – Fort Worth, TX

A list of music venues in Texas would never be complete without mentioning one of Texas’ largest and most popular country entertainment locations: Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas.  With 30 individual bar locations, live and mechanical bull riding, an enormous dance floor, country music’s biggest stars and the ability to accommodate up to 6,000 people, Billy Bob’s can definitely be considered a “Texas-size” venue.  After being named “Country Music Club of the Year” eleven times since its opening in 1981, you can be sure that Billy Bob’s will not disappoint.

 

3. Gruene Hall – Gruene, Texas

If you are looking for a historic atmosphere to enjoy your tunes, Gruene Hall should be at the top of your Texas bucket list.  Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is the oldest continually running dance hall in Texas. It is also the birthplace to a number of musicians including George Strait, Lyle Lovett, and Hal Ketchum among others.  With old wood floors, an authentically rustic Texan atmosphere, and live music by popular country artists, Gruene Hall beckons you to throw on your cowboy boots and two-step the night away.

 

 

4. Palo Duro Canyon Park – Amarillo, TX 

Located in Amarillo, Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is a breathtaking 60-mile long and 800-foot deep canyon recognized for its spectacular hiking, birding, camping, fishing, and mountain biking.  One of the coolest experiences at Palo Duro Canyon, however, is the live performance of the outdoor musical drama, “TEXAS”.  With over 60 performers, singers, and dancers and set in one of the most unique and authentic performance locations, TEXAS has attracted millions of fans from all over the world since its first production almost 50 years ago. 

 

5. Stubbs – Austin, TX

If you’re a beer-drinking, Bar-B-Q eating, not-just-country-music-loving kind of Texan, Stubbs Bar-B-Q in Austin, Texas may be your new favorite venue. Located in downtown Austin at the corner of 8th Street and Red River, Stubbs occupies a prime location in the heart of the music capital of the world.  Though smaller than some of the other names on our list, Stubbs holds its own with a variety of big names in music today.  Artists scheduled on the list for 2013 include Dropkick Murphys, Coheed and Cambria, Slightly Stoopid, Needtobreathe, and numerous others.