While Virginia has numerous big concert halls, theaters, and outdoor arenas, there’s no denying the amount of great music you’ll hear at the state’s smaller venues, bars and clubs.
Note: Due to COVID-19, many venues may be closed or have delayed events; check with individual businesses for the latest details and COVID-19 safety measures.
[Photo Credit: The Southern Cafe & Music Hall]
The Southern Cafe and Music Hall – Charlottesville, Va.
Located on the Downtown Mall, the Southern is the place to go to see local, regional, & national artists of all genres perform. The venue also offers traditional Southern inspired food available during shows.
Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill – Roanoke, Va.
Located in the heart of Downtown Roanoke, Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill has been named the “Best Place to Hear Live Music.” The venue is widely known for hosting the best national, regional, and local bands and artists.
Jammin Java – Vienna, Va.
Run by musicians and music lovers, Jammin Java is an intimate concert venue, bar & cafe presenting the best local and nationally touring acts every night of the week and kids concerts almost every morning.
The Camel
The Camel – Richmond, Va.
Hosting music every night of the week, the Camel is the destination for all genres of music from punk to bluegrass to electronic. The intimate atmosphere brings in everything from local Richmond musicians to touring regional acts about to hit it big.
The Golden Pony
The Golden Pony – Harrisonburg, Va.
See some of the best up and coming acts in Downtown Harrisonburg. Along with live music Sunday-Thursday and DJs on the weekends, the venue also has pinball machines, an art gallery, an outdoor patio, and two full bars.
Dogtown Roadhouse – Floyd, Va.
Floyd is known as being a music destination and once you’re done at the Floyd Country Store or jamming in the street, head over to Dogtown Roadhouse and enjoy wood fried pizza and other assorted food & drinks and stay for live music Tuesdays through Sundays.
Photo credit: The Tin Pan
The Tin Pan – Richmond, Va.
A restaurant and Listening Room located in Richmond’s West End, the Tin Pan features live music every night of the week ranging from local and regional favorites to popular touring acts.
The Taphouse – Hampton, Va.
While it’s known for having the largest selection of craft beers in Hampton Roads, the Taphouse also hosts live music featuring many of the region’s popular bands.
Photo credit: Bob Blair/Bright Box
Bright Box Theater – Winchester, Va.
Bright Box is a performance and event venue located on the Pedestrian Mall. Besides showcasing a wide variety of live music acts in the area, the venue also hosts comedy, burlesque and other events.
Charley’s Waterfront Cafe – Farmville, Va.
A popular hangout in Farmville with a backdrop of the Appomattox River, Charley’s hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night with bands ranging from classic rock to folk to country.
Galaxy Hut – Arlington, Va.
Since the early 90s, Galaxy Hut has hosted local and national indie rock bands multiple nights a week and has become a major spot in the area’s musical history. Popular bands like the National, the Strokes, St. Vincent and the Dismemberment Plan all performed here in their early days. Today, the venue continues to bring in some of the best local and regional acts in the area.
Photo credit: Clementine
Clementine Cafe – Harrisonburg, Va.
Located in the historic district of downtown Harrisonburg, Clementine hosts live music of almost every genre while also operating as a restaurant and community space.
Country Cabin II – Norton, Va.
Built in 2002 as a successor to the original Country Cabin, Country Cabin II is a major venue on the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail and presents old time and bluegrass music every Saturday night, featuring local and regional musicians and plenty of fans to clog and line-dance along to the music.
Photo credit: Barns of Rose Hill
Barns of Rose Hill – Berryville, Va.
Housed in two early 20th century dairy barns, the Barns of Rose Hill offers live music of various genres to go along with the beautiful scenery. The venue also showcases other performing and visual arts, including exhibits, educational workshops, film screenings, and more.
What small Virginia live music venue is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. For more music in Virginia, visit virginia.org/music.
This list is so incomplete. What about the BIRCHMERE in Alexandria ?
3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke, VA is celebrating our 31st Anniversary as a live local music venue, featuring regional, national and occasionally international performers of acoustic folk, Americana, blues and jazz. The rustic old log cabin decor and footsteps on the ceiling (from a 1920-1960 Boy Scout Troop) give it a great vibe and really great acoustics. We don’t have a cover charge and pass the hat for performers.
Checkout Sinkland Farms Brewery in Christainsburg.
The Harvester in Rocky Mount! Wonderful venue with big names.
Barbecue by Froggies on Shore Drive in Virginia Beach. Live music 6 days a week!
JVs in falls church has great music. It is also the definition of small.
It used to be a lot smaller before they expanded!!!