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Olivia Dean brings The Art of Loving Live tour to Austin for two nights at Moody Center ATX — Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 2026 — with Baby Rose in support. Off the back of her acclaimed second album, The Art of Loving, Dean has grown from a rising British soul-pop talent into one of the most talked-about live acts of the moment, with a warm, brass-backed show that fills a room with feeling. If you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to see her live — or to build an Austin trip around it — this is it. Here’s everything you need on tickets, the venue, where to stay, and how to plan the trip.
Why the two Austin nights are worth the trip
Olivia Dean’s rise has been one of the most quietly remarkable in recent pop. Blending soul, jazz and warm, lyric-led songwriting, she’s built a devoted following and moved from clubs to arenas in just a few years. The Art of Loving pushed her further into the mainstream without losing the intimacy that made people fall for her in the first place — and live, that combination of big-stage production and genuine warmth is exactly what makes the show special.
Baby Rose opens the night — a soul singer with a rich, distinctive voice whose sound sits beautifully alongside Dean’s, so it’s a bill worth arriving early for rather than a warm-up to skip.
And Austin is a fitting place to catch it. A city that calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World is the natural home for a show like this, and Moody Center is one of its best modern rooms. With two nights on offer, you can pick the date that suits your trip — or make a weekend of it.
Moody Center ATX: The venue
Moody Center ATX is Austin’s premier indoor arena, opened in 2022 on the University of Texas campus just east of downtown. With a concert capacity of around 15,000, it was purpose-built for live music, so the sightlines, acoustics and modern amenities are a step up from older multi-use arenas. It quickly became the city’s marquee venue for major touring artists.
Getting there: The arena sits at 2001 Robert Dedman Drive on the UT campus, within walking distance of downtown and easily reached by rideshare, bus or on foot if you’re staying centrally. There’s on-site and nearby paid parking, but campus traffic builds on event nights, so rideshare or walking from a downtown hotel is often the smoother option.
What to expect: Doors typically open around 60–90 minutes before the 8:00 PM start. Moody Center enforces a clear-bag policy and is a cashless venue, so bring a card or phone wallet and check current bag rules before you head over. With Baby Rose opening, aim to be in early.
Getting tickets and choosing your seats
With two Austin nights on a busy world tour, you have some flexibility — but demand is high, so it’s worth sorting tickets sooner rather than later. The Saturday (August 29) show tends to draw the bigger weekend crowd, while the Friday opener often has slightly better availability. Floor seats put you closest to the stage and the warmth of the performance but come at a premium. Lower-level seats are the sweet spot for most fans — a clear view without the floor price — while upper-level seats are the budget-friendly option and, thanks to Moody Center’s modern design, still keep you close to the action.
Wherever you sit, this is a show built on atmosphere as much as spectacle — so a seat you’re happy to settle into for the whole night, supports included, is the one to aim for.
Compare before you buy: Prices and availability shift as the dates approach, and can differ between the Friday and Saturday shows. Check the current listings on Ticombo above and grab your seats once you’ve found a night, section and price that work for your trip.
Where to stay in Austin
Moody Center’s location on the edge of downtown means you can stay central and walk or take a short ride to the show — but a few areas stand out depending on the trip you want.
Downtown Austin — The most convenient base, within walking distance or a short ride of the arena, and right by the bars, restaurants and live-music venues of Sixth Street and the Warehouse District.
South Congress (SoCo) — A short ride from the venue, this is Austin at its most characterful — boutiques, coffee shops, food trucks and some of the city’s best people-watching.
East Austin — A little further out and often better value, with a creative, local feel, great food and bars, and easy access back to the arena.
The map below shows live hotel rates across Austin for your dates — filter to find what fits your budget and preferred area.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you — it helps keep these guides going.
Building an Austin trip around the show
Late August in Austin is warm — often hot — so plan for sunshine and evenings out. A Friday show gives you the whole weekend to explore one of the most fun, food- and music-obsessed cities in the US.
Beyond the concert, the essentials are worth building in: live music on Sixth Street and at the city’s legendary venues, barbecue and Tex-Mex you’ll be thinking about for weeks, a dip or paddle at Barton Springs, the bats streaming out from under Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk, and the shops and murals of South Congress. If you want to get out of the city, the Hill Country and its wineries are an easy drive away.
Planning your trip around live music? Our concert travel hub rounds up more shows worth booking a trip for, with the same tickets-and-where-to-stay guidance.
Want to book a few experiences ahead of time? Here’s a selection of well-rated Austin tours and activities.
Frequently asked questions
When is Olivia Dean playing in Austin?
Olivia Dean plays two nights at Moody Center ATX in Austin — Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 2026 — both with an 8:00 PM start, on The Art of Loving Live tour.
Who is supporting Olivia Dean in Austin?
Soul singer Baby Rose is the opening act for the Austin show. She’s well worth arriving early for.
Where is Moody Center ATX?
Moody Center ATX is at 2001 Robert Dedman Drive on the University of Texas campus, just east of downtown Austin. It’s within walking distance of downtown and easily reached by rideshare or on foot.
How do I get tickets?
You can find resale listings for both Austin nights on Ticombo via the links in this post. Demand is high, so it’s worth booking early and comparing the two dates.
Where should I stay for the show?
Downtown Austin is the most convenient base, within walking distance or a short ride of the arena. South Congress offers Austin at its most characterful, and East Austin is a little further out with good value and a creative, local feel.
What else is worth doing in Austin?
Catch live music on Sixth Street, eat your way through the barbecue and Tex-Mex scenes, swim at Barton Springs, watch the bats emerge from Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk, and explore South Congress. The Hill Country wineries are an easy day trip.
Don’t miss it
Two nights in the Live Music Capital of the World. Pick your date and start planning your Austin trip.