At Sofar, we’re all about music that leaves a mark on your memories, not on the planet. We bring people together in places that already exist, utilizing underused spaces and creating unforgettable shows.
Eco-friendly venues aren’t limited to upcycled spaces. Rooftop gardens, vertical farms, and a world of other spots are viable for inspiring and supporting sustainable initiatives.
To celebrate Earth Day, we’re highlighting five incredible (and incredibly different) venues across the globe that keep the conversation of conservation alive. Let’s hear it for good music and good choices!
1. Backyards & Gardens
There’s something special about live music under the open sky—no velvet ropes, just a few guitars, some good company, and maybe some string lights. Sofar started in a backyard (literally—our Sofar Founder Rafe’s backyard), and that backyard spirit has been with us ever since.
From patios in São Paulo to public gardens in Europe or cozy corners in Chicago, these green spaces are where community, nature, and music meet.
2. Farm.One, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Only in New York can you find a hydroponic haven growing leafy greens year-round. Farm.One in Brooklyn is all about rethinking how we grow food in cities, and we’re all about rethinking where live music can happen—so it’s kind of a perfect match.
The space is packed with sustainable innovation and, yep, there’s a brewery too (because why not?). Whether you’re sipping something local or enjoying a farm-to-table salad, the Sofar experience here feels fresh in every way.
3. Snowdonia, Wales – Sofar x Columbia Europe
Last year, we teamed up with Columbia Europe for an unforgettable #HikeFest. Columbia brought the gear, Mother Nature brought the views, and we brought the music. Over 250 hikers hit the trails, trekking up to 7 hours for a Sofar show like no other. The Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir of the Welsh mountains made for an epic stage, prooving that when community, adventure, and sustainability come together, amazing things can happen at 3,000 feet.
4. Maximilian Towers Linz, Austria, EU
Sofar Artists lit up (figuratively) one of the most unexpected venues yet: a 19th-century military tower in Austria. Local hip hop artist Mrs Seriouz, Vienna-based indie band Ernst die Band, and folk accordionist Jakob Steinkellner brought a distinctly “unplugged” energy (since there’s no electricity inside the tower).
Turm 20 is part of a chain of 32 towers built in the 1830s, which are now mostly abandoned. But one tower has been brought back to life by Turm 20 Theater, an arts nonprofit known for Shakespeare, flamenco, and tango nights. This was the first time the interior was used for a music show, and it was anything but ordinary.
5. A Temple in Chiba, Japan
Just outside Tokyo, a Sofar show at the historic Naritasan Shinshoji Temple brought a whole new meaning to sacred sound. Surrounded by centuries-old artifacts and quiet, echoing halls, artists performed in a space where every note felt reverent. Located in Narita City—just a stone’s throw from the airport—the temple dates back to the 10th century and offers a stunning, peaceful backdrop for an intimate show.
Want to see a show in a sustainable venue near you? Check out what’s coming up!
