6 recurring jazz jam sessions in Austin, sorted by night. We checked each one against the venue’s own website, calendar or ticket page on October 10, 2026. Jam nights move, so open the venue’s listing before you head out. New to jams? Read how to sit in. Another city? Search the whole map.
Monday jazz jams in Austin
Every Monday
Elephant Room Jazz Jam
9:00 PM
Elephant Room · 315 Congress Ave, Downtown
- Host: Rotating hosts: Kris Kimura (first Monday), Gil del Bosque, Freddie Mendoza, Kevin Hrabak
- How it runs: Each week's host leads a house rhythm section.
- Cover: $5 on Mondays, no cover before 8 PM
- For bass players: The calendar names the house bassist on some nights: Ben Triesch with Kris Kimura, Chris Jones with Gil del Bosque.
- Good to know: 21 and over. On the first Monday of the month it starts at 8 PM.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Wednesday jazz jams in Austin
Every Wednesday
Monks Wednesday Jazz Jam
9:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Monks Jazz Club · 310 E Saint Elmo Rd, St. Elmo Arts District
- Host: Daniel Dufour
- How it runs: A late-night jam. Bring your instrument and sit in, or just grab a drink and listen. Doors open at 9 PM.
- Cover: No cover if you're 21 or over, one drink minimum. $10 under 21.
- Good to know: Under 21s must come with a parent or guardian. The jam is live-streamed on the club's YouTube channel.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Thursday jazz jams in Austin
Some third Thursdays (not every month)
Community Jazz Jam
7:00 PM
Barrel O' Fun · 1911 Aldrich St, Ste 120B, Mueller
- Host: Creative SEA
- How it runs: All levels of players are welcome, and so are spoken word artists and dancers.
- Good to know: No October date was posted as of 10 Oct, so check the Creative SEA events page before you go.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Sunday jazz jams in Austin
Second and fourth Sunday of the month
Golden Hour Jazz Jam
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches · 3220 Manor Rd, East Austin
- Host: The Goulds
- How it runs: Bring your axe and sit in, or just hang out and listen.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Third Sunday of the month
Django Djams
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches · 3220 Manor Rd, East Austin
- Host: Johnny Serrano
- How it runs: A rotating cast of Austin regulars and surprise guests, Hot Club style.
- Style: Gypsy jazz
- Good to know: The listing doesn't say how sitting in works, so check with the host when you arrive.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Second Sunday of the month
Industry Eastside Jazz Jam
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Industry Eastside · 1211 E 5th St, Ste 150, East Austin
- How it runs: All jazz musicians are welcome.
- Good to know: October's jam moves to Sun Oct 18 for ACL weekend. It's back on the second Sunday from Nov 8.
Venue listing Checked October 10, 2026
Before you sit in
Jam etiquette
- A1Use the sign-up sheet if there is one, and ask to sit in. If a bassist is already on the stand, ask: “Hey, is it cool if I play?”
- A2Don’t push to the front. In Will’s words: “Don’t try to always be the first one to play. Don’t kick anybody off especially if nobody knows you.”
- A3Time your walk. When Will hears the band “playing the head out of the song,” that’s when he starts making his way up.
From lesson 5 of From Unknown to Unavailable. All five tips
Go deeper
From Unknown to Unavailable
A field manual from NYC bassist Will Lyle for bassists who can play but aren't getting the call, and don't know why.
FAQ
Which nights have jazz jams in Austin?
As of October 10, 2026, our list has jams on Monday (1), Wednesday (1), Thursday (1) and Sunday (3). Check the venue listing on the day you go, since nights change.
How do I sit in at a jazz jam as a bass player?
Put your name on the sign-up sheet if there is one. If a bassist is already playing, ask if you can take a tune. Don’t try to go first every time, and don’t bump anyone. New York bassist Will Lyle starts walking toward the stand when he hears the band play the head out.
Other cities
Browse every city on the Jam Finder
Better Bass Lessons isn’t connected to any venue on this page. Listings checked October 10, 2026.