Eight Virginia Music Towns

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.

— RICHMOND —

Virginia’s capital has long been known for its underground punk scene, but in the past decade, the city has blossomed into a city fit for all types of genres. Every night of the week in Richmond, some type of live music is going on – from the major artist coming to The National Theater to the up and coming act playing at small clubs like The Camel or The Broadberry.

The Camel

— CHARLOTTESVILLE —

Known as the home of the Dave Matthews Band, Charlottesville is a go-to destination for fans of the indie-rock scene. Numerous venues along the city’s Downtown Mall have live music most nights of the week. Venues like the Jefferson Theater, Paramount Theater and the nTelos Wireless Pavilion bring in the big name acts while places like the Southern Café and Music Hall hosts the bands you haven’t heard of yet – but surely will. Charlottesville is also home to the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena, which is known to host the major superstars from Rolling Stones to Justin Timberlake.

The Paramount Theater

— VIRGINIA BEACH —

Virginia Beach is home to 20,000 seat Farm Bureau Live, which hosts some of the biggest names in the music industry. The amphitheater has played host to many music festivals, including Crüe Fest, Lilith Fair, Lollapalooza, Ozzfest, and Vans Warped Tour. If smaller acts are your thing, check out Beach Street USA, which produces concerts and events at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, or Shaka’s Live, which hosts up and coming acts most nights.

Neptune’s Park Summer Concert

— BRISTOL —

Known as “The Birthplace of Country Music,” Bristol was the location of the first country music recordings made for national distribution. Today, country music murals and monuments line Bristol’s State Street. The new Birthplace of Country Music Museum provides a forum for live performances and also features collections of musical instruments and memorabilia from country music legends Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and Tennessee Ernie Ford, born on the Tennessee side of the street! Bristol is a major city along The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

— GALAX —

A visit to Galax offers everything from quaint downtown shops to hiking and Old Time Bluegrass Music festivals. It is also home to the largest Old Time Bluegrass Fiddler’s Convention, which brings in thousands of visitors to listen to old time country and bluegrass music.

The Rex Theater

— FLOYD —

Floyd is home to world-famous live music and is a popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The city is home to the famed Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store, with local and visiting musicians creating a wonderful venue for music, food, dancing and more. Every year, the FloydFest music festival brings in thousands of fans from across the state.

FloydFest

— ALEXANDRIA —

Alexandria draws in both locally-known musicians as well as the chart-toppers. The world-famous Birchmere Music Hall has housed top musicians Johnny Cash, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Ray Charles. And the bars up and down King Street in Old Town Alexandria come alive with music acts every weekend. With its proximity to Washington DC, Alexandria brings in crowds of people to experience a great night of music.

The Birchmere.

— HARRISONBURG —

Restaurants in Harrisonburg bring a vibrant nightlife scene to the city’s downtown and many host live local music each week. Places like the Clementine Café and the Little Grill Collective give a chance for Virginia artists to make their mark. Major acts will appear at the nearby James Madison University Convocation Center thanks to JMU’s University Program Board.