There are plenty of things to do in Austin throughout the year, but deciding on what live music to see is a whole different conundrum. In the Live Music Capital of the World, there are literally dozens of gigs happening each night, including plenty of touring artists plus more must-see local acts than the average concertgoer knows what to do with (we’ve got a ton of talent here, ya’ll). To help you out, we’ll be taking the liberty of putting together monthly lists of the top 10 concerts you’ve got to see. In chronological order, here are our November picks.
November 3: Lizzo at Emo’s, 8pm
If you somehow managed to miss Lizzo during her sprawling SXSW run (she was everywhere), now’s your chance to witness the Houston-bred, Minneapolis-based femmeC slay it during her triumphant return to ATX. Insane choreography, quick-witted raps and enough sass to satiate the snarkiest among us—Lizzo’s got it all.
Nov. 5: The Halfways, Pearl Earl, Food Group and Go Fever at Cheer Up Charlies, 9pm
Here’s a chance to catch up on a few of Austin's best local bands in one swoop: show up early for some serenades courtesy of Acey Monaro and her group Go Fever, then stick around all night for a lineup of good-vibes psych from Food Group and the Halfways, plus Denton, TX, brethren Pearl Earl.
November 7: The Jesus and Mary Chain at Emo’s, 8pm
Since reuniting in 2007 after an 8-year hiatus, the Jesus and Mary Chain have only played in Austin twice (most recently at Levitation in 2015 and during SXSW at the Belmont). The latter show was pretty dang intimate for such an influential alt-rock outfit; don’t miss out on the Scottish group’s third show in a decade at Emo's, an (almost) equally close-quarters locale.
November 8-10: Sound on Sound Fest makeup shows
The 2nd annual Sound on Sound Fest was canceled due to unfortunate circumstances, but the resilient folks at Margin Walker Presents aren’t giving up so easily. Throughout the weekend of Nov 8-10, they’ve rebooked a slew of would-be fest performers at some of Austin’s most notable venues. The obvious downside: you won’t get as much bang for your buck (or see ‘em within the wacky confines of a Renaissance fest site), but at least you’ll be among the superfans. There are too many to list here, but a few essentials include Grizzly Bear at ACL Live (Nov 8), Japandroids and Cloud Nothings at Emo’s (Nov 9), and Ariel Pink and Girlpool at Cheer Up Charlies (Nov 10).
November 15: Twin Peaks with A Giant Dog at Mohawk, 7pm
This one’s technically a Sound on Sound makeup show as well, but it’s far enough removed and such a badass bill that we’re recommending it as a must on its own. If you’re local, chances are you’ve witnessed the powerhouse punk-inspired stylings of A Giant Dog (if not, what gives?), and with the rowdy Chicago-bred boys of Twin Peaks leading the charge, this is sure to be one of the most memorable gigs this fall season. If you were at TPs’ Mohawk show last year, then you already know (if not, watch the video).
November 15-16: Alt-J with Marian Hill at ACL Live, 7pm
Ease into your Thanksgiving season chill at one of two headline shows from experimental rockers Alt-J at ACL Live. The boys from Britain are mostly mellow on stage, but their tour production behind aptly titled third album, Relaxer, is a feast for the eyes. You'll want to show up early for opening act Marian Hill, set to get the party started with their seductive singing, bangin’ beats and (occasional) souped-up sax solos.
November 17: Wonderbitch (vinyl release) with Palm Daze at the Mohawk (inside), 9pm
If local band Wonderbitch hasn’t yet drawn you in with the strength of their name alone, let them do it with their pysch-infused yacht rock during this hella-fine Friday evening bill (also featuring dreampop passionists Palm Daze). It should be a particularly celebratory occasion as the headliners are set to release the (limited color) vinyl version of their new album, Oceansoft.
November 18: Synth City featuring Octopus Project, SORNE, Night Drive, Keeper and more at Spiderhouse, 7pm
Get a sonic history lesson in keeping Austin weird with old-schoolers the Octopus Project, witness the enigmatic makings of Tallahassee transplant SORNE, get your ’80s on with Night Drive and indulge in our city’s most transcendent hip-hop-infused R&B vocal trio Keeper—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg on this super-stacked roster!
November 19: 4 Year Funkiversary featuring George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic with Alesia Lani, Jackie Venson, Mama K & the Shades and more at Empire Control Room, 4pm
If you’ve attended this P-Funk party over the past few years, you know it’s an essential tradition to keep your blood pumping as fall weather descends into chilling winter (we know it’s not that cold here, but this is Texas, y’all). George Clinton and his gang are well worth the ticket price, but you’ll get more bang for your buck as this year’s nearly all-day bash features some of best among Austin’s R&B and soul-influenced auteurs.
November 20: Beach Slang with Dave Hause & the Mermaid at Barracuda, 7pm
Philly rock trio Beach Slang has consistently hosted some of the rowdiest shows in Austin, and this one is guaranteed to be extra amplified with another Philadelphia rock gem, Dave Hause (and the Mermaid), kicking things off at Barracuda. Here’s your last chance to burn a few extra calories by moshing like nobody’s watching before giving yourself over to the food coma culture of Thanksgiving.