Kerrville Live: Discover 5 Hill Country Outdoor Music Experiences

Located at 1521 Junction Highway, Lakenvelder at the Pier offers one of the most scenic spots to enjoy live music in Kerrville. This family-run bar and grill sits directly on the Guadalupe River, providing stunning views while you enjoy local musical talent.

Arrive before sunset and request a table on the outdoor deck overlooking the river. As a local family-run bar and grill with amazing views of the beautiful Guadalupe River, Lakenvelder creates a welcoming atmosphere and the intimate setting allows you to engage with both the musicians and fellow patrons in a way that larger venues can't match.

Order one of their signature drinks and a bite to eat as the music begins. The sound of the river provides a natural backdrop to the performance, and as evening falls, the venue takes on a magical quality with string lights reflecting off the water. The musicians often interact directly with the audience between songs, sharing stories and taking requests in this close-knit setting. It's not uncommon for impromptu jam sessions to develop, with local musicians joining in for a song or two, creating those one-of-a-kind moments that make live music so special.

At the end of the Kerrville River Trail and in the heart of Schreiner University, Trailhead Beer Garden has quickly become a favorite spot for enjoying live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Here you can enjoy local craft beer, wine, and mocktails as well as live music events on their outdoor stage.

Thanks to the Kerrville River Trail you get to Trailhead by walking or biking along the scenic Guadalupe River for a true Hill Country experience. The venue opened in 2021 and features an outdoor stage named after Schreiner University Vice President and music lover, Bill Muse. Performers of various genres showcase their talents against a backdrop of trees and open sky.

Grab a locally or area crafted beer or glass of wine and find a spot to settle in for the performance. The crowd is typically a friendly mix of university students, locals, and visitors, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere. With "a packed schedule for 2025-2026 with performances from top artists," there's always something new to discover at this venue. Between sets, you can explore the grounds, which include pickle ball and sand volley ball courts as well as food truck options. The combination of university energy, natural setting, and quality beverages makes this a uniquely vibrant spot to experience live music in Kerrville.

Just a short drive from Kerrville in nearby Ingram, the Lazy Days Canteen & Starry Nights Amphitheater at Roddy Tree Ranch offers a unique outdoor concert experience surrounded by Texas Hill Country beauty. This venue is a multi-stage music venue located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country adjacent to the beautiful Guadalupe River, on a family owned four-star resort.

Get there early enough to explore the scenic grounds of this four-star resort before the concert begins. The amphitheater is designed to showcase not just the musical performance but also the stunning natural surroundings. For outdoor concerts here, you'll want to "bring lawn chairs and blankets" to make yourself comfortable under the expansive Texas sky.

As darkness falls and the stars appear overhead (hence the venue's appropriate name), the stage lights create a dramatic contrast against the night sky. The acoustics are designed to carry sound perfectly through the outdoor space, creating a concert experience that feels both intimate and grand at the same time. The venue hosts live entertainment from some of the country's best musicians from spring through fall, making it a seasonal destination for music lovers of all genres. After the show, take a moment to linger and look up at the stars—the rural location away from city lights makes for exceptional stargazing, adding an extra dimension to your musical evening.

Right in the heart of Kerrville flows the beautiful Guadalupe River, and alongside it sits Louise Hays Park, co-home to the popular "Concerts by the River" series with Kerrville-Schreiner Park. These free concerts invite you to "enjoy evenings filled with jams along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Don't forget to bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs!"

Arrive early so you can and spread your blanket out on the gently sloping lawn facing the river. The Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department organizes these concerts throughout the year, bringing together community members of all ages. As the music begins, you'll notice families settling in with picnic baskets while children play nearby. The concerts feature "a variety of different styles of musical entertainment in an atmosphere the entire family can enjoy," making each event unique.

The sun setting behind the hills creates a natural light show that complements the musical performance, with the sound of the Guadalupe River providing a gentle background rhythm. In 2025, the park celebrates its 75th anniversary, adding an extra layer of significance to these community gatherings.

Just nine miles south of Kerrville on Highway 16 you will find Quiet Valley Ranch, home to the legendaryKerrville Folk Festival, which has been running for over 50 years. The 53rd Annual Kerrville Folk Festival in 2025 continues the tradition of this 18-day celebration of songwriting and folk music. The Festival offers concerts and activities for all ages that are focused on nurturing and developing artistic expression, especially the art of songwriting.

For the ultimate experience, plan to stay overnight during the festival, which runs from May 22 to June 8, 2025. This 50-acre ranch transforms into a musical community that becomes the second largest gathering in Kerr County during the festival, with approximately 30,000 attendees throughout the event. The heart of the Kerrville Folk Festival experience happens after the main stage performances end. As night falls, campfire circles form throughout the campgrounds, where professional musicians and amateurs alike gather to share songs until dawn. These impromptu jams create some of the most intimate and memorable musical moments you'll ever experience.

During the day, you can participate in workshops, songwriting schools, guitar classes, and other activities that celebrate the craft of music-making. The festival's emphasis on songwriting makes it a pilgrimage destination for musicians and music lovers alike, with its New Folk Competition discovering promising new talent each year.