At Sofar, discovering amazing spaces is kind of our thing. From Chicago to Harare, 2024 took us to some unforgettable venues. Here’s a look at a few of our team’s faves from the past year.
1. The RSA, London, UK
Nothing says “great venue” quite like a royal name. The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, better known as The RSA, has been steeped in elegance for over 250 years.
Sofar’s Marketing Director, Diana, has a particular soft spot for it: “I love the RSA! It’s not only a stunning space for performances, it’s also magical to simply wander around — with beautiful art, fun and winding staircases, and gorgeous ballrooms that just make me want to dance. So much so in fact, that I got to put on Sofar’s first ever Dance performance show there!”
2. World Ocean School, Boston, MA, USA
All aboard—Sofar has set sail! Well, kind of… Boston’s World Ocean School brought live music to the harbor, with the city skyline shimmering on the evening waves—no life jackets needed—just good vibes.
3. House shows around the world
There’s no place like home, right? Sofar’s founder, Rafe, puts it perfectly: “I love hosting shows in my house (or any house!). There’s something indescribable about stepping into someone else’s space, sitting down, being curious about who they are, and discovering the stories their home holds. Before long, you feel like part of a community.”
Could your home be the next Sofar venue?
4. Uber Boat By Thames Clippers, London, UK
Enjoy a Sofar show and sightseeing heavy hitters aboard the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this venue guarantees unbeatable views—see for yourself!
5. Red Horse Inn, Greenville, SC, USA
Magic is to be had at the Red Horse Inn. Nestled in upstate South Carolina, this venue showcases incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains—pure John Denver vibes. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, the wine bar is home to Finn, a friendly pet pig. While Finn might not be a Sofar artist, he’s sure to steal the show!
6. Bridgenorth Studios in Harare, Zimbabwe
Get comfortable at Bridgenorth Studios in Harare, Zimbabwe. This professional recording studio doubles as a dynamic space for live performances, complete with gorgeous outdoor landscaping perfect for relaxing between sets. What more could you ask for?
7. Central District Plovdiv Garden, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv’s Central Administration has cultivated a culture of artistic expression, perfectly aligning with the Sofar ethos. Known as “The Heart of the City,” the Central District Garden poses as a stunning backdrop for Sofar artists. We get why it’s so beloved.
8. Secret Walls, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Who isn’t delighted by a speakeasy style venue? This Downtown LA warehouse puts a modern twist on unsuspecting spaces, featuring a sprawling art yard, skylights, and floor-to-ceiling murals. Secret Walls is a spot we just can’t keep to ourselves.
9. Epiphany Hall, Chicago, IL, US
Once a church sanctuary, Epiphany Hall in Chicago has become a Sofar favorite. With its beautiful stained glass windows, soaring ceilings, and intricate architecture, this venue provides a breathtaking backdrop for any show and is one of Chicago’s top locations for memorable events.
10. PinkFrog Cafe, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Sofar’s NYC and Baltimore booker, Ross, declared PinkFrog Cafe one of his favorites, highlighting founder Lan’s journey to find co-working spaces while in art school. Ross shares, “It was during that time Lan committed to creating an open space for artists like herself and within the arts community to come together and celebrate cultural diversity through food, art, and performances.” Located in Williamsburg, this venue blends the cozy charm of a small-town coffeehouse with the energy of an open mic night, providing a space for artists to hone their craft.
pinkFROG cafe in NYC, photo by fashionFROG, Lan
11. Abney Park Chapel, London, UK
Located in a garden cemetery, Abney Park Chapel might sound eerie, but don’t let that scare you. With its soaring ceilings and thoughtful restoration, this venue has an unexpectedly warm and inviting charm.
12. Farm.One, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Leave it to New York to bring nature indoors. Farm.One in Brooklyn features a beautiful vertical garden that produces luxurious, farm-to-table salads. This unique space, which also houses a brewery, offers an incredible venue for the Sofar community to enjoy.
13. Archipelago, Denver, CO, USA
Intimate, cozy, and community-focused—look no further than the Archipelago in Denver, CO. This venue embodies the essence of Sofar, with a core philosophy of being “a social space where people work, gather, and grow.” Each room is designed to feel warm and natural, offering a retreat that transports you from the city straight into the acoustic performance of an emerging artist.
14. Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales, UK
The hills are alive with the sound of… Sofar artists. No, really. In May 2024, over 250 hikers took on epic trails—some as long as 7 hours—for a Sofar show like no other, with Snowdonia’s breathtaking peaks and the Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir as the backdrop. Thanks to Columbia’s #HikeFest, this off-grid gig turned “getting there” into half the adventure.
15. Rosenthal Wines, Malibu, CA, USA
Rosenthal Wines in Malibu is the rom-com of Sofar venues—cozy, chic, and just steps from the California Hwy 1. With its backyard vibes, exceptional wine selection, and the perfect setting for live music under the stars, it’s the ultimate date night.
