Discover Texas through its music — from historic dance halls and roadside venues to small-town festivals and local legends. This is the soundtrack of the Lone Star State, beyond the big cities.
Experience the heart of Texas music in its historic dance halls. In New Braunfels, Gruene Hall, the state's oldest dance hall, has hosted legends like George Strait and Willie Nelson. Nearby, Luckenbach offers a laid-back vibe where everybody's somebody. Anhalt Hall, nestled between Canyon Lake and Boerne, hosts monthly dances and celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
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Celebrate Texas’s diverse musical landscape at its vibrant festivals, such as the he Tejano Conjunto Festival, an annual celebration of Texas-Mexican conjunto music taking place in San Antonio. North of the city, the legendary Kerrville Folk Festival offers days of live acoustic music and storytelling in a relaxed, campfire setting. In Brady, the Heart of Texas Country Music Festival showcases classic country artists in an intimate setting.
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Discover venues where music history was made. In Tomball, Main Street Crossing offers an intimate setting for singer-songwriters and bands. Spicewood's Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse, once managed by Willie Nelson’s stage manager, continues to host live country music. In San Marcos, Cheatham Street Warehouse launched the careers of legends like George Strait and still hosts rising stars on its storied stage.
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Delve into Texas's musical roots at these insightful museums. In Carthage, the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame honours legends like Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves. Brady's Heart of Texas Country Music Museum showcases memorabilia from classic country artists. And if the festival in San Antonio got your toes tapping, check out the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum in San Benito.
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Hit the highway and discover places where music legends got their start. In Lubbock, walk the streets that shaped Buddy Holly and visit his statue and museum. Check out Janis Joplin’s hometown of Port Arthur, where you can see a replica of her psychedelic painted Porsche at the Museum of the Gulf Coast. And in Mineral Wells, uncover the town’s jazz-era roots at the restored Crazy Water Hotel, once a stop for touring musicians.
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Don’t just listen — join in, whatever genre you love. The AgriCultural in Boerne hosts Bluegrass Jams fortnightly on Saturdays, while the American Legion Hall in Port Arthur welcomes Cajun and Creole musicians. In Mineral Wells, check out Rickhouse Brewing and if you prefer dancing over playing, Luckenbach is the place to be. In the main cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Houston, a jam session or open mic night can always be found in the downtown areas.
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