Driving down Main Street in Boerne on any Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday evening almost guarantees you will be serenaded by live music. It may still be under the radar to those music aficionados in Austin, but Boerne and the surrounding Texas Hill Country are actually home to many spectacular venues offering a taste of everything from country to folk to classic rock. In this array of atmospheres and music genres, there are multitudes of artists and venues to keep the feet of both residents and visitors tapping. But what makes a music venue great? According to Texas country sage Corey Morrow, it’s simple: "Great stage, great sound, great staff, and crowd interaction." Well, Mr. Morrow, you’re welcome to come try out Boerne any time.
Throughout the week, you can find live music at any of sixteen different venues in town and in the surrounding Hill Country. Here’s a tour through some of the Boerne-area venues that check all of Morrow’s boxes.
259 Brantley’s Bistro boasts a large outdoor area with a stage and outdoor bar where bands entertain guests most weekend evenings. This location is dog-and-kid-friendly, meaning the whole family can get in on the fun. In fact, Rick Uzzi of The Derringer Band who recently played at 259 Brantley’s, says his band enjoys playing in a family-friendly environment. “The reason we enjoy playing in Boerne is the small town, family atmosphere where the whole family, including the pets, can enjoy our music.”
A block south in downtown Boerne, Free Roam Brewery hosts live music at their kid-and-dog-friendly “Biergarten” every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening using an old flatbed truck as a stage. Jeremy Affeldt, one of Free Roam’s owners, said he wanted to make sure to offer live music because of the people. “I think it’s important because it offers community. And music hits people in different ways. It can be the same song but you could have different feelings. But in the end, it’s all about community and togetherness and music. I believe it brings people together.”
Tusculum Brewing Company makes its home in of the oldest buildings in Boerne. Opened in 1911, the H.O. Adler Building was once home to Bergmann Lumber Company. Today, you’ll find freshly-brewed beer and great tunes every Friday and Saturday evening. Sometimes, musical artists are hosted inside the beautifully renovated interior; others, the bands and fans cut it up in the back barn area where the lumber was once stored.
For an elevated but no less historic experience, you’ll find it at Salvador Dobbs. Situated on beautiful River Road, this adults-only venue has a lovely patio with swings, a fire pit, and cornhole to pass the time between sets. Owner Veronica Brown knew it was vital to have live music as part of the atmosphere she wanted to create. “To me, it was very important to set up a venue with live music where you could enjoy the music,” Brown explains. “A lot of bars add music later, it’s a second thought. I created Salvador Dobbs with a stage from the initial plan. I chose the section of the bar with the highest ceilings for the best sound and seating arrangement. It’s important to have live music to involve the guests and to share experiences that you can’t have without live music.”
Cibolo Creek Brewing Company boasts another family-friendly outdoor music space. Tunes can be heard on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons rising from their laid-back backyard stage. They offer a relaxed, patio atmosphere and a full menu that makes you want to stay awhile.
Feel like taking a relaxing drive out of town? There are plenty of live music options just outside Boerne too. The Roundup near Bergheim, hosts musicians in their large outdoor stages most Friday and Saturday evenings. Even more recognized artists make the drive like REO Speedwagon, The Spazmatics, and The Josh Abbot Band.
A short drive up I-10 to Comfort will put you in of the most beautiful music venues nearby, Singing Water Vineyards. With breathtaking views, great wine, and food options, their space is a relaxing place to spend the weekend afternoon relaxing while listening to talented local artists. Don’t forget to say “howdy” to the adorable llama that lives onsite.
No matter where you go, you don’t have to go far to enjoy live music. It’s long been a staple of life in Texas, and Boerne and the surrounding Hill Country offer ample opportunities to find a spot you love. Summer is a fabulous time to get out and about and discover all of the talented local artists in some of the best music venues in Texas. And when he does come for a visit, Mr. Morrow is sure to agree.
To find out which artists are playing where and when find “Boerne Live Music Calendar” on Facebook.
I think it’s important because it offers community. And music hits people in different ways. It can be the same song but you could have different feelings. But in the end, it’s all about community and togetherness and music. I believe it brings people together.