Catching a show doesn’t need to be a wild night out. At these Sofar peaceful spaces for live music around the world, the calm vibes set the scene for a great night of music and community. Here’s a look at some of our favorite peaceful spaces for live music, from verdant backyards and famous churchyards to beautiful bays.
1. Westminster Abbey, London
No big deal, it’s just a Sofar show at a World Heritage Site, one that’s played host to nearly a thousand years of queens, kings, coronations, and royal weddings. But mellow energy reigns at this sunset show on the grounds of London’s Westminster Abbey. This Cloisters concert invites people to grab a seat and enjoy some new music in a very old place, making new history one sweet note at a time.
2. San Francisco Bay, California
The gentle rocking of the waves, the beautiful San Francisco skyline in the distance, and the swirl of the cool sea air team up for maximum peaceful vibes at this Sofar performance aboard SF’s Red and White Fleet. A sail around the Bay + sets from three great acts = the ultimate meeting of artistic inspiration and environmental beauty. Cozy up (it’s chilly out on the Bay) then sit back and enjoy waves of this magical combo.
3. Rolling Greens, Los Angeles
Fairy lights, climbing vines, and heavy blooms set the secret garden meets music festival mood at Rolling Greens Nursery in L.A. Next-level landscaping and lush greenery frame the stage, and the audience nestles like little forest animals into the serene setting. It’s like seeing a show with a bonus side of forest bathing, and is the perfect way to oxygenate and connect with great music and backyard beauty.
4. Shift Workspaces, Denver
Bringing strong front porch energy, this shared workspace patio is the perfect place for a Sofar set in Denver. It’s just the spot to make yourself at home and let the songs take center stage while the Colorado twilight casts a gentle spotlight. As day turns to evening and musicians tell their stories in notes and words, your only job is to let the past melt away and make the future wait its turn because this moment, well, it’s too good to miss.
5. Hotel Zena, Washington, D.C.
Peaceful gets a swanky makeover at Hotel Zena in D.C. The hotel is part-art-gallery, part-hotel, and all celebration of inclusivity and women’s empowerment. That theme plays out on the walls of the lobby, where art pieces from D.C. artists celebrate women–including a mural of RBG and a sequined gown made from 8,000 protest buttons. And with the safety and belonging of inclusive spaces comes a deep peacefulness that makes room for everyone to sit back and enjoy the songs and sounds of a Sofar show.
6. Telluride Transfer Warehouse, Telluride, Colorado
Comfy couches, roaring fire pits, and the twinkle of string lights create a mellow mountain atmosphere at this Telluride Transfer Warehouse Sofar event. A gathering place for both the local community and the community that comes from far and wide to celebrate music, this spot wants you to cuddle up, kick back, and enjoy some live music under those dazzling mountain stars.
Ready for a peaceful night of live music? Explore shows near you.
Words by Christine Sarkis
