When German immigrants settled in Fredericksburg more than 160 years ago, they brought with them a love of music and the arts. That devotion to culture is still apparent today, from polka and Cajun festivals to jazz clubs and honky tonks. In fact, there are more than 30 venues across Gillespie County that regularly host live performances.
Perhaps the most famous is Luckenbach, which has been a staple of the local music scene for decades. The 1970s hangout of country music's original outlaw artists still features live picker circles every day of the week, with dances and concerts on the weekends. Established and up-and-coming Americana groups are regularly on the bill, and open mic nights always stir promise of discovering the next big talent.
Another long-time influence on the local music scene is Hill Top Cafe, where owner and Grammy nominee Johnny Nicholas not only plays, but brings in amazing musicians to join him onstage at the restaurant on a regular basis.
With the association of the Gatlin Brothers, the show format at Rockbox Theater has evolved. Not only are there tribute shows, but also a growing number of artists who are touring through the area and stop in to perform at the downtown venue.
With the recent acquisition of Fritztown Cinema and The Backyard Amphitheater by EVO Entertainment Group, expect a more active concert schedule in the coming months. This stage has featured performances by Dennis Quaid and the Sharks and the Marshall Tucker Band, to name just a few.
Numerous downtown restaurants offer entertainment with their entrees, including Hondo's on Main, The Auslander, Silver Creek, Navajo Grill, Western Edge Cellars, El Milagro, West End Pizza, Altdorf Biergarten, and more. Get your dancing shoes ready if you visit Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse, as the indoor dance floor heats up with some great show bands on Fridays and Saturdays.
Just at the edge of town, the Club at Barons CreekSide offers up an eclectic schedule of blues and jazz music each weekend. It's not the only one either: The Officer's Club at the Hangar Hotel, Lincoln Street Wine Market, 78624 The Bar, Altstadt Brewery, Pecan Grove Store, and the Albert Dance Hall all present live entertainment throughout the week.
For thespians, the award-winning Fredericksburg Theater Company is in its 23rd season, bringing to life classic and modern plays and musicals for appreciative audiences.
For over 80 years, the Fredericksburg Music Club has produced a season of great concerts that span choral groups to musicians from around Texas, the nation, and the world.
Of course, Fredericksburg just wouldn't be the same without its roster of annual festivals and events, which book musical groups that range from Zydeco to polka, Cajun to jazz, and even traditional country western.
Wondering how you could ever possibly stay on top of it all? The Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau assembles a weekly schedule of live music and entertainment in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County, meaning you'll never be left wondering what to do in the evening. View the schedule here.
Luckenbach has been a live music staple since the '70s.
