Austin's music scene didn't stop in 2025. We lost 4 venues, but 6 more opened
Equipped with a wireless system and an electric bass, James Kuykendall wades through the tables at Skylark Lounge as his band, the Texas East Side Kings, backs him up on stage on Saturday, July 19, 2014. (Austin 360)
Austin has built its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World," but - mirroring the city's restaurant scene - the shifting tides of a changing music landscape and evolving economy were apparent in 2025.
This year brought heartbreaking closures of beloved live music venues, even as new ones popped up in their wake. While some spots went dark temporarily or disappeared for good, nothing will ever fully stop the party in a city like Austin.
Waterloo Records at 600 N. Lamar Blvd. on Jan. 2, 2025 in Austin. (Jay Janner/American-Statesman)
Here's a look back at the music establishments that were lost, opened or reimagined in 2025.
Closings
Coral Snake
Coral Snake on East Cesar Chavez Street closed in January 2025, abruptly canceling concerts and events. The venue had earned notoriety for chaotic moments, including a December 2024 performance in which noise artist Danny Tantrum reportedly ate his own excrement onstage. On Reddit, some said the act, staged as a gag, involved a candy bar, while others speculated the incident contributed to the venue's closure. According to the Austin Chronicle, the bar shut down after owner Will Tanner opted not to renew the venue's liquor license.
Outer Heaven
Outer Heaven Disco Club closed in March after the landlord, with an eye toward redeveloping the site, declined to renew the bar's lease. During the pandemic, owner Sean Daigle took over the former Dozen Street space on East 12th Street and transformed it into a word-of-mouth dance destination. Daigle has said he is unsure whether Outer Heaven will reopen in a new location, but told the Austin Chronicle the club will continue to "pop up at parties."
Parish
Duckwrth performs with Blk Odyssy at All American Freak Show, a South by Southwest showcase, at Parish in Austin, March 15, 2025. (Sara Diggins/American-Statesman)
In May, Parish announced it would relocate from its East Fifth Street location. Despite what the venue described as a "fantastic landlord" and fair rent for the area, operating costs remained too high for a venue of its size to break even. Parish cited the inability to provide fair wages for staff while keeping ticket and drink prices accessible as reasons for the closure. The team is currently searching for a new location.
The Skylark Lounge
The Skylark Lounge closed its doors on May 4 after 12 years at 2039 Airport Boulevard. Before Skylark, the space was known as Bernadette's and Airport Bar and Grill. The venue's stage hosted many of Austin's top contemporary blues musicians, including legendary residencies including Soul Man Sam, Gene "Birdlegg" Pittman, Miss Lavelle White and the late Margaret Wright. Money was not the deciding factor in the closure. Owner Johnny LaTouf chose to retire and pursue other ventures. LaTouf said what matters most to him is that people remember the Skylark Lounge and his role in supporting music in the city where he was born.
Openings
Brushy Street Commons
Once known as North Door, then Parish and now Brushy Street Commons, this historic East Fifth Street music venue has seen more than a few transformations. The two-story indoor space continues to host local concerts while maintaining its reputation as a go-to destination for mid-size touring artists passing through Austin. Italian eatery Mariana Miracles has also opened a second location inside the venue. The original location is upstairs at Red River Street metal hangout Valhalla. At Brushy Street Commons, Mariana Miracles offers a late-night menu for post-concert munchies.
East End Ballroom
Previously home to Koko's Bavarian and Brewer's Table, East End Ballroom now features a covered stage that hosts live bands and DJs. The bar offers cocktails and wine, while food options include light bites, pasta, smashburgers and a Thursday steak frites special. Stop by on Sundays for local rock band Nether Hour's weekly residency.
Four Five Six
Four Five Six brings a vintage lodge aesthetic to the former Coral Snake space. The venue continues to host live music on its indoor stage and is home to a Tommy Want Wingy food truck. Beyond concerts, Four Five Six also hosts co-ed motorcycle meetups, vintage markets and pool tournaments.
The Lost Well
Many thought the Lost Well was gone for good after the metal bar was priced out of its longtime home on Webberville Road in August 2024. However, just over a year later, the dive announced it had found a "forever home" at 1141 Airport Blvd. It appears owner Marcello Murphy has struck gold after a series of setbacks. The Lost Well continues to roll out a steady slate of punk concerts and events. Keep an eye on its Instagram for updates and grab a bite from Badd Burgers, the food truck parked outside.
Nica on 4th
Downtown Austin's newest upscale jazz bar, Nica, comes from Kris Kimura and Aaron Frescas, the duo behind Parker Jazz Club and the Elephant Room. The venue is named after British-born jazz patron and Rothschild baroness Kathleen Annie Pannonica de Koenigswarter, nicknamed "Nica." The moody, Prohibition-style space hosts live jazz inspired by legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker. Guests can enjoy table service with a curated wine list or handcrafted cocktails for a suave downtown evening.
The new Waterloo Records location on N. Lamar Blvd. on Aug. 27, 2025 in Austin. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)
In January, Waterloo Records announced it would change ownership and relocate from its longtime home at 600 N. Lamar Blvd. after 35 years at that location. The store was founded by Louis Karp in 1982, with John Kunz joining as co-owner that same year. Kunz became the sole owner in 1987. In 1989, Waterloo moved to its iconic corner at West Sixth Street and North Lamar Boulevard.
Ownership has since passed to Gold Rush Vinyl founder Caren Kelleher and Armadillo Records CEO Trey Watson. Despite the move, Waterloo Records continues to serve as a symbol of Austin's enduring cultural identity. Waterloo Records' new storefront, just down the street from its former location, is an impressive upgrade. The larger space features a new audio mixing studio, an in-house lacquer-cutting display, a podcast production room, and an indoor bar and lounge area. The store has also installed a particle deposition and vaporization machine capable of producing custom 24-karat gold and platinum records. Its new stage for in-store performances boasts upgraded tech and historic flooring from the original "Austin City Limits" Studio 6A.
