There may not be a better place to spend August than at a Texas dance hall, amphitheater, or hometown music festival. 

While national tours continue to make their way through the Lone Star State, this month belongs to the artists who have spent decades building the soundtrack of Texas. From Red Dirt favorites to legendary rock icons, August is another reminder that nobody does live music quite like Texas.

Ella Langley

One of country music’s fastest-rising stars will make three Texas stops this month as Ella Langley brings her Dandelion Tour to the Lone Star State. Fresh off the release of her new album “Dandelion,” earlier this year, Langley has quickly become one of the genre’s most talked-about artists thanks to her gritty vocals, honest songwriting, and energetic live performances. Texas fans will have three opportunities to catch her this month with shows in Austin on August 13, Corpus Christi on August 14, and Fort Worth on August 15.

Randy Rogers Band

Few bands have defined Texas country over the past two decades quite like the Randy Rogers Band. Their shows have become a staple of the Texas music scene, mixing fan favorites, plenty of fiddle, and the kind of atmosphere where the crowd sings every word from start to finish. They’ll make a stop at Round Rock Amp on August 15 before heading to Kansas City. Texas fans won’t have to wait long to see them again, though, as the band returns for several shows across the state in September and October.

Cory Morrow

Cory Morrow has been a cornerstone of Texas music long before Red Dirt became a national conversation. His blend of humor, heart, and Texas storytelling continues to resonate with fans, and his live shows still capture the feel of the dance halls where he built his career. Morrow kicks off August at the Beer by the Bay Music Festival in Horseshoe Bay alongside William Clark Green, Wade Bowen, and Kevin Fowler. From there, he’ll make a stop at the historic Coupland Dancehall before wrapping up the month with a show in Cleveland, Texas.

Josh Abbott Band

The Josh Abbott Band has spent years earning its place among the biggest names in Texas country. Their mix of rowdy anthems and heartfelt ballads has built a loyal following, and their concerts are known for packed crowds and fans singing every word. They’ll bring that energy to Houston on August 6 before returning to Central Texas for a performance at Haute Spot in Cedar Park on August 21.

ZZ Top

No list of Texas artists would be complete without ZZ Top. More than 50 years after forming in Houston, Billy Gibbons and the band continue to prove why they’re Texas rock royalty. Their signature mix of blues, boogie, and hard rock has stood the test of time, and there’s still nothing quite like seeing them perform in their home state. ZZ Top opens its Texas run in Eagle Pass before heading to Austin for back-to-back nights at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on August 22 and 23.

One of the things that makes the Texas music scene special is that it has never been about chasing trends. These artists built their careers one dance hall, county fair, and honky-tonk at a time. The venues may have gotten bigger, but the connection between the artists and their fans has remained the same.

Who’s on your must-see list this month? Whether you’re spending an evening with Ella Langley or  Randy Rogers, singing every word with the Josh Abbott Band, catching Cory Morrow in a dance hall, or watching ZZ Top remind everyone why they’re Texas legends, August is shaping up to be another great month to support live Texas music.

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Brian Maass is a native Austinite, writer and photographer covering live music, travel, and culture, with a passion for storytelling through the lens of his camera. He lives in Round Rock with his wife, Dr. Dana Kent Maass, and their rescue dog, Chester. Instagram @brian_maass_adventures.